SOURIS SCHOOL NEWSLETTER


Number 1, September 9th, 2011

NEWS FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Hi everyone, welcome back to Souris School.  I am very excited about the opportunity the position of Principal at Souris School presents to me.  I am looking forward to a very exciting and challenging year at Souris School.  Many of you know me already, but if you do not please stop in for a visit some day.  I am even more excited about the 37 new kindergarten students who have officially begun their academic career.  I hope your first day at Souris School is exciting

We have been very busy these past few days finalizing timetables with students. I am hopeful that everybody has made his/her decisions for the year.  We have made, and are continuing to make, a couple of changes to the procedures to enter a course or to drop a course.  Students will be made aware of the changes as we progress.  The biggest change is that we want our students to be conversing with our teachers to make sure that they have the information they need to make an informed decision.  As well, we want to ensure that the parents of the student and the School Principal are all aware of the decision.  That way, I can be confident that the student and his/her family are making the best decision.

We have instituted a locker policy for the high school students.  All lockers must have locks by the end of Monday, September 12th.  All empty lockers will be locked after that date.  As well, any student lockers will be locked with a lock provided by the School.  I will guarantee the cost of the lock from the School will be more expensive than the cost of a lock from a store.  The primary reasons for this change are the safety and security of our students.

Thank you to all our coaches who have volunteered to work with our young student-athletes.  Many of lifeís most valuable lesson can be learned on the court or on the field.  It is great that our students get so many opportunities to participate in the various sports that we offer.  Our football team is the first to be tested as they host the Virden Golden Bears tonight at 4:30 PM at the School.  Come out and cheer them on.

We are looking for a couple of coaches to support some of our athletic programs.  We need someone to work with the JV Boys Volleyball team and the High School Hockey team.  If you are interested do not hesitate to contact me at 483-6230.

Congratulations to Tristen Couling, Grade 3 on winning the iPod from the Scavenger Hunt contest held at our Back to School BBQ.   It was nice to see so many people out to enjoy the BBQ.

Also all the best to Danny Peaslee who is representing Manitoba in the North American Invitational Golf Tournament for Special Olympics.  This takes place in Port St. Lucie, Florida from September 20th ñ 26th.  

Enjoy the weekend ñ youíve earned it.
        ïMr. Guy Williams


CAREER EXPLORATION NEWS                                              
September is shaping up to be a very busy month.  Please come and see me if you would like to make any changes to your timetable.

The date for the Discovery Day in Health Sciences in Winnipeg has been set for Friday, November 4th.  A limited 350 high school students from across Manitoba will have an opportunity to explore careers in medicine and the other health sciences.  Participants will hear an inspiring keynote lecture, take part in interactive workshops and join in discussion with a panel of health care professionals.  Grade 12 students who wish to apply should do so very soon as the sessions fill up very quickly.  Please stop into the Career Center for more information.

If students are unsure of what they would like to do after they graduate, job shadowing is a perfect opportunity to find out.  If they are interested in a particular career or perhaps a few different ones, please let me know and shadowing opportunities can be set up.  Spending a day or two in an area may be the deciding factor of whether students feel a career is right or wrong for them.

Within the next couple of weeks, I am going to start meeting with the Grade 12 students individually to do transcript and post-secondary checks.  At this point, all Grade 12ís should be actively searching scholarship web sites, checking our scholarship board and applying for scholarships.  Please see me for further information.
ïMrs. C. Delaurier

MICROWAVE PROGRAM
Everyone seems glad the program has started already.~ The workers for next week are Sept. 12 Jaycee Thexton, Sept. 13 Marie Peaslee, Sept. 14 Roxanne Scraba, Sept. 15 Roxanne Scraba, Sept. 16 Lana Gordon.

~Thank you to Jaycee Thexton, Marie Peaslee and Lana Gordon for getting it started this week.

~This year we are trying something new where the senior classes are doing the microwave.~ If this doesnít pan out weíll go back to parents, but so far it looks promising.

Any problems call Marie Peaslee at
483-1511.~~Thank you.

MIDDLE YEARS NEWS
We would like to take this opportunity to welcome everyone back to a new year!  A special ìThank Youî to all parents and students who attended our Welcome Back BBQ on Wednesday.  Be sure to check out our website to identify the teachers within our building that will be part of your childís education this year.  Parents, please accept this as your invitation to contact any of our staff members if you have any questions or inquiries about events that may be occurring in your childís classroom or situations that may need clarification.  Open communication is so important between our parents and staff, as we share the same goals for your child ñ for them to succeed and be happy, respectful, and responsible young adolescents. Our Middle Years Staff is looking forward to a great year!

SOURIS SCHOOL PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL

PAC Executive:
Jaycee Thexton - President
Darryl Jackson - Vice President
Jackie Kirkup ñ Secretary
Heather Remillard - Treasurer
Rick Remillard - Early Years Rep
Shirlee Goldrich McFaul - Middle Years Rep
Debbie Eshpeter - Senior Years Rep

Welcome Back!!! What a great turnout at the Back-to-School BBQ on Wednesday. I am hoping that we have an equally great turnout at the first PAC meeting of the school year, which will take place this Monday, September 12th at 7pm. We meet at the school in Room 12.

The first 20 minutes of this meeting will be set aside for parents to bring up items that they would like to see parent council address in the upcoming school year. Please plan on attending this first meeting of the year and find out what PAC is all about.

I look forward to seeing you on Monday!

On behalf of the SSPAC executive,
ïJaycee Thexton
 SSPAC President

SSPAC Regular Meeting ñ Draft
Monday June 13, 2011
In attendance:~Shelley Elliott, Darryl Jackson, Scott Perkin,  Phil Dornian, Mary Lovatt, Pam Walker,  Debbie Eshpeter, Wendy Winters, Heather Remillard, Jaycee Thexton, Jackie Kirkup,  Leanne Rolfe, Glenn Wallmann, Bob Young, Karen Butterfield, Rick Remillard, Gill Robertson, Belinda West, Chris Page, Becky Logan, Melanie Matiowsky,  Guy Williams

Regrets: Trish Kyle, Brenda McKinny
~
Parental Round Table Discussion ñ Early Literacy Program ñ  Karen Butterfield, Early Years Resource Teacher and member of the Early Literacy Committee spoke about the program.  The goal of this program is to increase literacy achievement amongst students.  This year they had 24 students participate in the program.  See additional information in the newsletter separate from these minutes.   
Official meeting was called to order at 7:24 pm by President Jaycee Thexton.~

A motion to adopt the agenda and add under Business Arising - 5.2 Nutrition Committee Report and Canteen, 5.3 Senior Years Courses Committee Report and under Principals Report ñ move 7.6 Policy on communication between the home and school when a child is absent to 7.1. Seconded by Belinda.   
~
Secretary's Report:
A motion was made to adopt the minutes from the May 9th, 2011 meeting by Shelley, seconded by Heather.~

Jackie reported that no further correspondence had been received.

Treasurer's Report:~
Heather reported that SSPAC had an opening balance of $952.60.  Cheque for $10.77 was written to Minary Bakery for cookies for the MAPC seminar.  Cheque for $35.91 was written to Minary Bakery for cookies for the Career Night.  Closing Balance of $905.92.

Shelley moved that we accept the Treasurerís report as presented.  Seconded by Belinda.

Mr. Young asked if SSPAC wanted the school to continue to collect a $1 as part of the school fees.  It was agreed that SSPAC wanted the school to continue to collect this on our behalf.  These fees help SSPAC operate.  

Business Arising:
Jaycee presented correspondence that had been received from Brad Kyle ñ Superintendent in regards to the survey SSPAC executive had put together in regards to the current Early Years Concert.   Jaycee also presented the correspondence that SSPAC executive responded with. SSPAC executive was very disappointed in the response that was received from the School Division, and have advised the Superintendent, Board of Trustees, and current administration of Souris School what we are respectful and accepting of the decision and will not be pursing anything further on the EY concert format.    

Jaycee contacted MAPC in regards to handling the Early Years Concert Format at future meetings. MAPC suggested the following and SSPAC wishes to advise that this topic can only be put on the agenda if there is ìnewî information and it must be made in writing.  This subject has been monopolizing SSPACís time and priority needs to be raised on other issues.

A brief discussion followed.  Mr. Kyle advised that he was open to any further discussion, and to make an appointment to meet with him.  Mr. Young mentioned that if staff wanted to pursue this as an extracurricular concert, they may do so.

The Nutrition Committee - no report.  Shirlee has been gathering information in regards to this.  Pam Walker offered to put the committee in touch with a Community Nutritionist.  

There was some concern about the prices increasing at the canteen without notice.  Bob advised that the school was handling this.

Senior Years Committee Report ñ Debbie reported that she met with her committee on Tuesday June 7th.   This committee will be meeting over the summer and bringing a scope of their goals to the September meeting.  There was some discussion about IITV courses and how they were offered and delivered.  Mr. Youngís new position involves IITV courses and will assist the committee with answers to their questions.  Mr. Young did report that there will be a new course offered this fall at Souris School.  A certified Industrial Arts teacher has been hired, and with that Construction 40S will be offered.  This course includes electrical, plumbing etc.   


New Business:
Mr. Kyle welcomed Mr. Guy Williams as the new Principal at Souris School and gave a brief introduction of his experiences.  SSPAC welcomed Mr. Williams.  Mr. Williams is excited about this opportunity and looks forward to working with SSPAC.  SSPAC executive will meet with Mr. Williams

Jaycee reported that she and Trish Kyle attended the MPAC Conference that was held in Winnipeg in May of this year.  Friday night of the Conference featured many MPAC constitutional changes.  The guest speaker on Saturday was Barry MacDonald; he spoke about how boys learn.  More information about Barry can be found at www.MentoringBoys.com.  Jaycee also has two of his books if anyone is interested in looking at them.    There was also a question/answer session with Education Minister Nancy Allen.  She spoke about Child in Arts Education and Standardized Report Cards.  Jaycee and Trish came away with a very good experience as well as some great information that will be given to the appropriate teachers that was picked up at various booths.  SSPAC will also look at some of the suggestions and ideas that were presented at the conference as well.   

Principalís Report:
SSPAC wanted clarification on the communication policy between the home and the school when a child is absent.   

Mr. Young reported that in high school, which is grades 9-12, that it is a class by class attendance.  Teachers are not responsible to record attendance in their daily reports.   Communications to parents occur after 3, 5, 8 and 10 absences.  

Mrs. Rolfe reported that in Middle Years, the homeroom teacher records the attendance.  If the student is absent the teacher contacts the office, in turn, the office contacts a parent.   If you are absent you are absent regardless of the reason. Attendance equals achievement!

Mr. Wallmann reported that in Early Years that the same process occurs as it does in Middle Years.  Mr. Wallmann also commented that there is a fair number of parents that do not call in if their child is going to be absent.  

After some discussion about the policies, Mr. Young mentioned that the current policy in place is out-dated and now would be the time to meet with Mr. Williams to discuss the policies.  The studentís safety is very important.    

Mr. Young gave the staffing report for the 2011-2012 school year.  Daniel Dyer has been hired as the new music teacher for Grades 1 ñ 6.  Tara Sveistrup will teach Grade 3/4.  She will be covering Mrs. Kempthorneís maternity leave.  Phil Dyck will be the new Industrial Arts teacher.  Phil brings his expertise in wood, sheet metal and electronics.   Carla Cooke will be teaching Early Yearís Phys. Ed.  She will be covering Barb Birchís 1 year education leave.   

Classes will be made up of the following

2 ñ Kindergarten classes
1 ñ Grade 1 class
1 ñ Grade ? class
1 ñ Grade 2 class
1 ñGrade 3 class
1 ñ Grade æ class
1 ñ Grade 4 class
2 ñ Grade 5 classes
2 ñ Grade 6 classes
2 ñ Grade 7 classes
2 ñ Grade 8 classes
1 ñ Grade 9 class
2 ñ Grade 10 classes
2 ñ Grade 11 classes
2 - Grade 12 classes

Mrs. Rolfe reported on the Bullying Survey results.  She surveyed all Grades 4 to 8 students.  Bullying certainly exists in our school and the greatest amount occurs on the playground.  There are five areas of how bullying occurs:  Verbal, Social, Physical, Facebook/MSN/Texting, and Racial.  Out of her report, the majority of the students told their parents.  What Souris School is doing is good, with the programs that exist, however, we need to keep the support systems available and give the students access to them.  The more that we can share, the stronger we can become.  Mrs. Rolfe will continue to work is this area.   Something more for the parents may be planned for the Fall of 2011.  

Mr. Young reported that garbage bins have been placed in the MY areas.  Watch for some upgrades to the Middle Years playground over the summer!

Souris School is looking to have the newsletter published online.  The technicians are looking into this.  The school will continue with the paper newsletter, as approximately 10-15% donít have computer access.  

Mr. Wallmann reported that they are still waiting on Jump Rope for Heart prizes to arrive.  Once they do they will get them distributed to the students.


Trustees Report:
Mr. Kyle spoke on behalf of the trustees.  Souris School is in the last phase of a 3 year program to replace computers.  Both the Middle Years and Early Yearís labs are outdated.  Both need to be looked at for the New Phase.  A committee has been established to review these labs.   Smart Boards were also included in the first phase, and are now completed in all classrooms.    

Mr. Young thanked SSPAC and the parents for the last 23 years he has had at Souris School.  He has been involved in many aspects of the school over the years.   

Jaycee thanked Mr. Young for his 23 years at Souris School.  He has been very helpful with SSPAC.  

Meeting adjourned at 9:04 pm by Shelley, seconded by Scott.  ~
~
Notes submitted by Jackie Kirkup.

*These minutes are written as a DRAFT and will not be approved until the next general SPPAC meeting to be held on Monday September 12th, 2011 at 7:00 pm.  

SUNFLOWER TEA HOUSE
Lorraineís Lunches

Daily soup & 1 pkg.crackers     2.50
Hot Dog                         2.50
Hamburger                               3.25
Cheeseburger                    3.50
Pizza Pops                              2.00            
Sandwiches ñ
Ham, Beef, Chicken, Cheese      3.00
Salads ñ with 1 dressing
Caesar, Garden                  3.00
Wraps ñ with 1 dressing         50
Ind. salad dressings              .25
Extra crackers                    .25

Specials ñ Daily specials are 4.00
Changes will be made throughout the year

Monday - Chicken Caesar Salad & 1 dressing      
Tuesday - Taco in a Bag & side dressing         
Wednesday - 6 Peroghies & side sour cream       
Thursday - Pulled Beef on a Bun         
Friday ñ Pizza & small salad

Snacks
Veggie bag & dip                1.50
Yogurt cups                     1.25
Pudding cups                    1.00
Rice Krispie cake               1.00
Puffed Wheat cake       1.00
Cookies                  .75
Cinnamon Buns            .75
Donuts                  1.00
Chips                           1.25
Hot Rod                 1.25
Beef Jerky                      1.75
Cheese & Crackers               1.00

Drinks
Apple Juice, Orange Juice 300ml  1.00
White or Chocolate Milk ñ
small 1.25, large 1.75

We are endeavoring to provide nutritious and healthy choices for your children.  
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to talk to us.


9:00    Arrive & start prep
10:00   Check the office for Pre-orders
10:45   Put out microwaves & write up special
11:00   Canteen opens
11:05   First break
11:40   Deliver lunches to K & Grade 1  
11:45   Kindergarten & Grade 1  
11:50   Elementary & Middle years
12:20   Senior Years


Soups:
Broccoli Cheddar                
Vegetable
Hamburger
Potato Bacon
Chicken Rice



2011 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE


SEPTEMBER  
FRI  9
VIRDEN
at
SOUTHWEST
DAUPHIN
at
NEEPAWA
WEST
PARKWEST
at
EAST PARK.
PARKWEST
SOUTHWEST
FRI  16
PARKWEST
at
VIRDEN
VIRDEN
EAST PARK.
at
DAUPHIN
SOUTHWEST
at
NEEPAWA
EAST
DAUPHIN
FRI  23
VIRDEN
at
DAUPHIN
NEEPAWA
SOUTHWEST
at
PARKWEST
EAST PARKLAND
NEEPAWA
at
EAST PARK.
FRI  30
EAST PARK.
at
VIRDEN
DAUPHIN
at
SOUTHWEST
PARKWEST
at
NEEPAWA

OCTOBER
FRI  7
VIRDEN
at
PARKWEST
EAST PARK.
at
SOUTHWEST
NEEPAWA
at
DAUPHIN
FRI  14
PARKWEST
at
SOUTHWEST
NEEPAWA
at
VIRDEN
DAUPHIN
at
EAST PARK.
THUR  20
SOUTHWEST
at
VIRDEN
DAUPHIN
at
PARKWEST
EAST PARK.
at
NEEPAWA
PLAY-OFFS
SUNDAY OCTOBER 30
2nd in EAST
at
1st in WEST
2nd in WEST
at
1st in EAST
3rd in East vs 3rd
in WEST
( at Head-to-Head winner )
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 6
CHAMPIONSHIP  GAME at HIGHEST PLACED FINALIST
WEEKDAY GAMES at 4:30 at Souris School  
WEEKEND GAMES  at 2:00 at Souris School
                                
COMING EVENTS
September
9       Southwest Sabres vs
        Virden Golden Bears Football
        4:30  at the school
26      PD Day ñ NO CLASSES

October
7       School Pictures
10      Thanksgiving Day ñ NO CLASSES
21      SAG ñ NO CLASSES

November
10      Administration Day ñ NO CLASSES
11      Remembrance Day ñ NO CLASSES
25      Administration Day ñ NO CLASSES

December
23      First day of holidays

January
9       First day back after holidays
        
COMMUNITY NEWS
If you have any community news, please email the informationca ]conniem@shmb.ca and room permitting, we will put it in the newsletter.  Note:  Community News will only be put in once, so choose the week you would like it advertised.

GIRL GUIDES
Join us for a great year in Guiding!!!

Girl Guides registration (age 9-11) will be held on Tuesday September 13t,h 2011 from 6:30 ñ 7:30pm at St. Paulís United Church in the multipurpose room. Regular meetings will be running Tuesdays from 6:30-8:00 starting on Sept 27t.h.  If you have any questions please contact Jennifer Campbell at 483-3230 or by emailet ]jencampj@mymts.net ~Hope to see you there!!!

SOURIS DISTRICT ARTS COUNCIL PROUDLY PRESENTS
FIVE PERFORMANCES IN OUR 2011-2012 SEASON CONCERT SERIES.


Dr. Zoo Sunday, September 18th, 2011 at 7:30 pm
RANDALL ARSENAULTY AND HIS CULTURALLY DIVERSE 6-PIECE BAND SHARE THEIR ENTHUSIASTIC LOVE OF AFRICA AND NEWFOUNDLAND IN SONG, RHYTHM, AND STORY.

Brandon Community Orchestra             
Sunday, December 11th, 2011/ evening
THIS MADE-IN-WESTMAN ORCHESTRA, WITH CHRIS MCCONNELL AS CONDUCTOR, SHARES THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS AND THEIR LOVE OF MUSIC WITH OUR COMMUNITY.

Manitoba Theatre Centre presents The Melville Boys      January 27th, 2012 at 7:30 pm   
CANADIAN PLAYWRIGHT NORM FOSTER SHOW WHY HEíS SO OFTEN COMPARED TO NEIL SIMON WITH THIS FUNNY, TENDER PLAY ABOUT FOUR PEOPLE CAST ADRIFT WHO HELP EACH OTHER FIND THEIR WAY.

Brad Johner                             
Thursday, March 22nd, 2012 at 7:30 pm
THIS CANADIAN COUNTRY MUSIC SINGER/SONGWRITER BRINGS A SHOW THAT BOASTS BOTH TRUE MUSICIANSHIP AND A SENSE OF HUMOUR THAT KEEPS HIS AUDIENCE IN STITCHES.

Janelle Nadeau                          
Friday, April 20th, 2012 at 7:30 pm     
THIS CONTEMPORARY HARPIST BRINGS MUSIC FROM DIFFERENT AGES AS WELL AS MULTIPLE CULTURES ADDING STORIES THAT VARY FROM ANCIENT HARPERS TO PERSONAL TALES.



HOW MUCH?
A GOOD DEAL: ADMISSION AT THE DOOR   
ADULTS - $20.00       
STUDENTS - $10.00               FAMILY - $35.00
A BETTER DEAL: BUY YOUR TICKETS EARLY AND PAY $16.00
THE BEST DEAL:  SEASON TICKET ñ A 5-CONCERT PACKAGE - $70-ADULT/$45-STUDENT

HOW TO GET TICKETS?  
CONTACT:  SHARON DUNN  483-2001                         

ENGLISH CLASSES FOR ADULTS IN SOURIS
The Manitoba Government, through the department of Citizenship and Immigration, is funding English courses for adults who have English as their second language.  Classes will be held in the Multi-Purpose Room of the Personal Care Home in Souris ,two nights a week from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. each night.   For more information about these classes, call Carol at 483-2297.  Please register at this number before September 25th, 2011.  Classes will only proceed if there are enough students to warrant the class.  If you know of anyone who would benefit from these classes, please pass the information on to them!  The only requirement for these classes is attendance!  Admission is FREE!


AVALON THEATRE
Sept 09-11 7:30 P.M.
HARRY POTTER (Deadly Hollows Part 11)
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe/Emma Watson Rated: PG 13  2 hr. 5mins
The final adventure in the Harry Potter film series  prepares for the final battle with Lord Voldemort, who is determined to destroy Harry once and for all. In order to defeat the powerful wizard, they must find and destroy Voldemort's last and most elusive Horcrux -- that is, the enchanted piece of soul allowing him to remain immortal -- before his nefarious plans come to fruition



Coming to SourisÖ.
Live the Thrills, Develop the Skills
If you are between the ages of 8 and 21,
join us at the 4-H registration night,
Sept. 19, 2011 at Souris School from 6-7 pm.  
You can choose from more than 60 interesting projects like photography, crafts, machines, technology, outdoor living & many more.  Contact Heather Remillard at 483-7383 for more information.


4 on 4 Hockey
Get a jump on your hockey season! Souris Minor Hockey is hosting~ 4 on 4~ hockey.  Starts September 13th, ages 11 and under and 14 and under,~ $80.
To register or for information~emailca ]sourisminorhockey@live.ca or phone 483-2782.
~
SOURIS MINOR HOCKEY REGISTRATION
Sept 12th and 13th~ 6:00 ñ 8:00 at the~Souris Glenwood Memorial Complex.
New players will require a birth certificate, and all families~must provide a booth cheque of $100.

Registrations received after Sept 18th will~be subject to a late fee.
Anyone interested in~coaching may apply at~minor hockey registration.

For further information please call 741-0075.

St. John Ambulance Youth Cadet Program ñ Volunteer Program Leaders
They are currently planning their free community service First Aid Youth Cadet Program for next fall and winter.  

These opportunities will commence Monday, September 12, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. weekly during the school term at the St Johnís offices.
 
16-18 years olds:  We currently require Junior Youth Leaders to work with our Youth Superintendent and Youth Cadetsí ages 10 to 15 years old.  Training will be provided as well as first aid certification to thank leaders for volunteering.  Additionally this is an excellent opportunity for youth to complete their volunteer hours for a school credit.

10-15 years:  Weekly fun filled activities on Monday evenings commencing September 12th, 2011 at 7:00 p.m at St. John House.  First Aid skills and certification for older youth and opportunities to mentor alongside Advanced Medical First Responder at community events such as the Royal Winter and Summer Fair.

For further information contact the Brandon Officeca ]Christina.Armstrong@mb.sj.ca

FREE CANSKATE LESSON
Wednesday, September 28   3:45 ñ 4:45
Souris-Glenwood Memorial Complex.
Souris Skating Club invites you to join us, whether you are new to the
CanSkate program, or have been a part of it in the past.  Come and check it out!


  • Souris Skating Club will be offering Canskate lessons on Mondays and Wednesdays from November 2 ñ February 22.  
  • Lessons will run from 3:40 ñ 4:25 at the Souris-Glenwood Memorial Complex.  
  • If you are interested in registering your child for lessons, registration will also take place on Wednesday, September 28 from 3:30 ñ 5:00.
For more information, or if you would like to register and are unable to attend on September 28, contact Jane at 483-3419et ]farmerz@mts.net

Hope to see you all tonight on
The Crescent at the
Thank You for Helping
with the Flood Party.

The fun & excitement starts at 7:00p.m.

There will be live entertainment,
kids entertainment, free pork on a bun
and  Fireworks at Dusk

Souvenir T-shirts for sale!
Bring the family!  Bring a Lawn Chair!
Everyone Welcome!