Boissevain School Newsletter – February 2009

PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL

On March 9, PAC will sponsor the annual presentation on the High School Program (especially important for parents and students entering grade 9 next year). Please note the time of the meeting will be at 7:00 pm in the Band Room.

MAGAZINE SALES – FINAL REPORT

Thank you very much for ordering your Magazines through the campaign run at Boissevain School. If you have an inquiry regarding any of the magazines that you ordered, please phone the Toll Free Number 1-800-667-2536 with the following information and someone will assist you. This number can also be found on the back of your pink customer receipt.

1. Name of Magazine

2. Name & Address of Customer

3. Approximate Date of Purchase

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS – HOMESTAY FAMILIES

Study Manitoba School Divisions is a consortium of five school divisions in Southwestern Manitoba of which Turtle Mountain School Division is a member. The aim of the consortium is to attract International Students to our area high schools to study alongside Canadian students.

Part of the International Student program will be to match students with Homestay families. Students will come for one or two semesters and will become part of your family for the duration of their stay. Homestay families are required to provide the student with their own bedroom that must have a window, bed, desk and other daily necessities. Families are paid $600 per month to offset the cost of extra groceries, outings and activities. You do not need to have children the same age as incoming students to host a student.

To find out other information or if you are interested in starting an application, please contact Rhonda Simon: (204) 483– 6252 or contact the school.

VOLUNTEERS FOR OUR BASKETBALL PROGRAM

There are many school staff who volunteer their time to coach the various basketball teams. In addition, staff need to recruit help from the community. We want to thank the following community people for their time and effort in helping make our Basketball program a success. Jocelyn Epp continues her work as assistant coach with the Junior Varsity and Varsity Girls Basketball Team. Spending numerous hours coaching the Varsity Boys are Ben Heide (Head Coach) and Assistant Coaches, Sheldon Dyck and Randy Lilley. Orland Usick shares his knowledge of the game with the Junior Boys program and Steve Smith works wonders with the Grade 5 & 6 Girls team.

OAK HAMMOCK MARSH

by Mrs. L. Scott

On January 20, Kindergarten to grade 8  students enjoyed some very informative and fun sessions with representatives from Oak Hammock Marsh. We learned about spiders, owls, weather, plant ecology, surviving the freeze and radio telemetry .  A very special thank you to the Turtle Mountain Conservation District for sponsoring this very worthwhile day. The staff and students look forward to this presentation every year and are grateful for the  Conservation District's continued support.

I LOVE TO READ MONTH

by Mrs. C. Kentner

February has been designated “I Love To Read Month”. To kick-start the festivities, James Grant Productions of Winnipeg came to the big gym for grades K-6 with his Magic of Reading performance on February 2. Magic tricks and ventriloquism, along with encouraging the children to read many different kinds of materials such as maps, books, newspapers, advertisements, kept all the students and staff excited and entertained for the whole session. Connor Goerzen and Hannah Burke were the students selected to help with special magic. It was a great way to start this special month.

Keeping on the message of hearts and love; the one bulletin board is featuring Be Heart Smart with tips like eating properly and exercising. Thanks to Kelsey Saban, Jewel Stouffer, Ashley Harper, and Brett Batycki for their help.

Finally, have you looked at the recommendations for February reading on the School Library Site? It is found on the right hand side of the Boissevain School home page. Let me know if you found something interesting that you might like to borrow.

STUDENT GOVERNMENT NEWS

by Ms. Cindy Dyck

We are having a fabulous February! We kicked off the new semester with the Winter Formal dance. It was a fun dance, and everyone who attended had a great time. Our next event was the Mini Olympics. The advisory groups were put into teams and participated in a different event each day, on the front "lawn". What a great idea! Lots of snow, and good times. We are selling carnations, and "hugs&kisses" as a Valentine’s fund raiser. Speaking of which; we are continuing to raise funds for our fire fighters. Stay tuned for more details.

GUIDANCE AND COUNSELLING

by Mr. Bob Birch

Are you concerned that your child is struggling? If so, the Student Assistance Program can help. For more information, or if you have any other concerns, please contact Mr. Birch at 534-2494 or bbirch@tmsd.mb.ca.

CAREER EDUCATION

On Tuesday, March 3, the Grades 10 and 11 students will be touring Assiniboine Community College and attending the Brandon Career Symposium at the Keystone Centre. The purpose is to expose students to the large variety of educational and career opportunities that are available. As the world of work is constantly changing, it is evident that continued training and learning are a prerequisite to many areas of employment. As well, there is an increased demand for skilled workers in several sectors of the labour industry, and it is important for students to examine career areas and to be aware of their options. Information on exhibitors and speakers can be accessed at www.career-symposium.ca.

PEER HELPERS

The Peer Helpers continue to meet, with the purpose of addressing the needs and concerns of high school students. It is the belief of Peer Helping that peers are more understanding, accessible, and easier to approach than adults. Therefore, any students having problems, or needing to talk, can connect with a Peer Helper for assistance. So if you are looking for help, the Peer Helpers are available.

SERC Conference – On Thursday, February 12, the Peer Helpers attended a workshop hosted by The Sexuality Education Resource Centre (SERC). The focus of the sessions was on relationships, safer sex, diversity, alcohol, drugs, and decision making. A huge thank you to Amanda for inviting us!

TIPS FOR DEALING WITH STRESS

Feeling like there are too many pressures and demands on you? Losing sleep worrying about tests and schoolwork? Eating on the run because your schedule is just too busy? You're not alone. Everyone experiences stress at times - adults, teens, and even kids. The following are things you can do to minimize stress and manage the stress that’s unavoidable.

1. Recognize your symptoms of stress.

2. Look at your life and see what can be changed (in your work situation, your family situation, or your schedule).

3. Use relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, deep breathing, or massage.

4. Exercise. Physical activity is one of the most effective stress remedies around!

5. Time management. Do essential tasks and prioritize the others. Use a check list so you will receive satisfaction as you check off each job as it is done.

6. Watch your diet. A diet with a balance of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and foods high in protein and low in fat will help create optimum health.

7. Get enough rest and sleep.

8. Talk with others. Talk with friends, relatives, support groups, or counsellors about what is bothering you.

9. Help others. Volunteering can be an effective and satisfying stress reducer.

10. Get away for awhile. Read a book, watch a movie, play a game, or listen to music. Leave yourself some time that's just for you.

11. Work off your anger. Get physically active (clean your room, start a project, etc.).

12. Give in occasionally. Avoid quarrels whenever possible.

13. Tackle one thing at a time. Don't try to do too much at once.

14. Be realistic. Don't try to be perfect, no one is.

15. Ease up on criticism of others.

16. Don't be too competitive.

17. Make the first move to be friendly.

18. Have some fun! Laugh and be with people you enjoy!

Source: Canadian Mental Health Association

CTS (CAREER AND TECHNOLOGY STUDIES) News

by Mrs. Patty White

Work Site ~ CJRB

Co-operating Employer ~ Barry Lamb

Interns ~ Mike Lamb & Branden Crowe

What motivated you to pursue this particular career pathway?

Branden: There is always something happening that the world needs to know about and I want to be the person to deliver it.

Mike: It wasn’t so much the communications aspect as the behind-the-scenes work that motivated me. The elements of this work that attracted me to this area were: editing, producing and recording sound.

What have you learned at your worksite that you previously did not know?

Mike: I learned how to conduct an interview in a professional manner.

Branden: That one method radio broadcasters use is the Burli Network. From this network, they can gather news stories relevant to their areas.

Work Site ~ Boissevain Hand Crafter

Co-operating Employer ~ Jason Dyck

Intern ~ Laina Boyd

What process did you to take to determine this particular career pathway?

I worked through Career Cruising and found working with physically and mentally handicapped individuals was on my top 3 list of career choices. I thought an Internship would be a great opportunity to explore my suitability for work in this area.

What personal skill do you think is most important when working with physically and mentally challenged individuals?

I think patience is very important. Speech clarity is often weak with individuals working at the Hand Crafter, and it is necessary to give them time to be understood.

DATES TO REMEMBER

(for important dates throughout the year, see the school calendar on the web site!)

February 13 – Bronco Hockey – Home vs Killarney – 8:00

February 16 – Louis Riel Day – no school

February 20 – Gr. 1 & 2 – Friendship Day – Minto

February 25 – Lake Adam Day – K to 4

February 27 – P.D. day, no classes.

February 28 – Junior Bonspiel - Boissevain