SOURIS SCHOOL NEWSLETTER   www.shsd.mb. ca Volume 30, Number 8   November 13th, 2009   NEWS FROM THE OFFICE We had a very successful Post-Secondary Day on Monday.  We had about eighteen different colleges and universities in attendance.  Our grade 11 and 12 students had an opportunity to spend time and ask questions with at least two different schools.  Mrs. Delaurier did an excellent job of organizing the day and the Student Leadership team did a great job of making sure everyone got to the right place.   We would like to thank our local Legion members and veterans for attending our Remembrance Day Service this week.  Our guest speaker Peter Cottingham did an excellent job.  Mr. Cottingham also spent the afternoon talking to our students in several classes about his thoughts and experiences during World War II.   Just a reminder that report cards will be coming home on November 18th.   As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call me directly at 483-6230. Have a great weekend and we will see you on Monday.    ïMr. Bob Young   IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM MRS POPPLE Re:  Students Grade 10 Introduction to Applied & Pre-Calculus Mathematics, Applied Mathematics 11, Applied Mathematics 12 and Pre-Calculus Mathematics 12      Dear Parents/Guardians: Parent-Teacher conferences are fast approaching and I will not be present on the evenings of Wednesday, November 25, 2009 and Thursday, November 26, 2009.  During this time, I will be traveling with the Varsity Girls Volleyball team to compete at the AA Provincial in Lac du Bonnet, MB.  Since I will be away during our regularly scheduled interviews, I would like to provide you with the opportunity to meet with me about your child.   I will be at school during the following dates and times.  Please feel free to drop by or if these times are not convenient, send me an email or give me a call. aprilp@shmb.ca    Tuesday, November 17, 2009:  3:15 pm ñ 7:15 p.m.; Wednesday, November 18, 2009:  3:15 pm ñ 3:45 p.m.;Tuesday, November 24, 2009:   3:15 pm ñ 5:15 pm; Tuesday, December 1, 2009:  3:15 pm ñ 4:30 pm   Thank you for your cooperation.  Hope to see you soon.   Sincerely,   April Popple     THANK YOU JEREMY Thank you to Jeremy Carter for a very touching poem dedicated to our veterans on Remembrance Day.  There were many wonderful comments about it at the luncheon at the Legion after the Remembrance Day   Service.  Our veterans are proud of you Jeremy.  ïMrs. Darlene Bastian   NOTES FROM OUR MUSIC DEPARTMENT PCH/VPL Mrs. Thomsonís Grade 1/2 class went to the Personal Care Home and Victoria Park Lodge on October 30th to entertain the residents with some Halloween songs.  Thank you to the students for doing a wonderful job of singing and mingling with the Senior Citizens.  They thoroughly enjoyed your costumes and singing.   There were many smiling faces that day.   Fruit Sales This fundraiser for the Acoustic Panel Project is going till November 26th.  Fruit can be ordered in 10 lb bags and 20 or 40 lb boxes.   November 26th is the last date to order fresh grapefruit from Texas, Navel oranges from California and four different kinds of apples. Order forms are around town and in the school.  Orders can be placed by phoning the school office at 483-2161 and dial 0.  Personal donations can also be made to Southwest Horizon School Division for acoustic panels.   Tax receipts will be issued.   Thank you to the people who have ordered fruit so far.  The sound quality can be improved in our gym.      COME AND SUPPORT THE SOURIS SCHOOL BOOK FAIR November. 25th from 5:30-8:30 p.m. & November 26th from 5:30 - 8:00 p.m. Family Draw @ 8:00 p.m. Thursday evening Ballots to enter the family draw are on the Scholastic Book Fair flyer.   Once again the Scholastic Book Fair will be held at Souris School.  This year the dates are Wednesday, November 25th from 5:30-8:30 p.m. and Thursday, November 26th from 5:30- 8:00 p.m.  The BOOK FAIR will be set up in the LIBRARY.     Students will preview the books and other gift items on Wednesday with their classroom.   Purchases can be made DURING the BOOK FAIR using either cash or cheque.  The book fair is open to everyone!      The school library receives a portion of the proceeds, which will be used to purchase books.    Please come and support the Book Fair.       ïMs. Kontzie, Souris School Librarian   OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD Our school will again be taking part in Operation Christmas Child.  Families or groups may fill shoeboxes with items for needy children in Mexico and Central America.  If you would prefer to give one or two items, we will gladly make up the boxes here at school.   You may wish to give $7.00 to aid in shipping the boxes overseas.  Last year, our community sent about 200 boxes.  Items to include are: small, new toys, school supplies, hygiene items such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, combs, and soap; hard, wrapped candy, sunglasses, T- shirts, ball caps, hair clips, socks. Your box may be marked Girl or Boy, and may be for a 2-4 year old, a  5-9 year old, or a 10- 14 year old.   Please do not include any war toys, liquids, playing cards, used items, or anything that will melt in tropical heat.   Contributions are to be at the school by November 18th.  Thank you for your help in bringing joy and hope to very needy children.     MICROWAVE DUTY Please arrive at the school at 11:45 a.m.   Parents you will have to use main office doors as all other doors will be locked. You can go to Room 7 in the Early Year's end.  The microwaves are stored on a cart in this room.   Someone could be taking a lesson, so PLEASE enter quietly.  The instructions are on the side of the top microwave.  The monthly calendar is on the top.  The workers for next week are: 16 - Carol Graham, Nov. 17 - Sharon Kreusch, Nov. 18 - Heather Remillard, Nov. 19 - Crystal Page and Nov. 20 -Lara Bossert.   Thank you to Vanessa Ross, Lana Gordon and Wendy Fergusson for doing microwave this week.   If there are any problems please phone me at 483-1511.  Thank you.  ïMarie Peaslee   BAND NEWS Parent-Teacher Interviews Being an itinerant teacher, I will be between two schools for parent-teacher interviews.   Please note that I will be available at Souris School for parent-teacher interviews on Thursday, November 26th, from 5:30pm- 8:00pm in the band room.  Feel free to contact me at paulc@shmb.ca should you have any questions or comments.    ïMr. Paul Cwir   SCRABBLE If anyone has an old Scrabble game they are not using, Mrs. McGregor would love to have it for her classroom. COATS FOR KIDS If you have gently used coats or ski-pants that you do not need anymore, you can drop them off in the collection box at the main office at Souris School.  We appreciate your donation.  ïAllison Brigden   CAREER EXPLORATION NEWS ìThank Youî goes out to the Post Secondary Institutions who presented on our Post Secondary Day.  We are very fortunate that they take the time to travel here and provide our students with information on educational choices.      Assiniboine Community College will give a presentation on their Media and Web Design Programs on Monday, November 16. On November 17, the University of Saskatchewan will be attendance to speak about their post secondary institution. Sign-up sheets to attend these sessions are posted at the Career Center.    As many of our Grade 12 students are now receiving their acceptance letters to post secondary institutions, the focus turns to scholarships and preparation.  Information on program requirements, volunteering, spend a day programs, student loans, financial aid and deadlines are all necessary topics to consider.   Stop in at the career center for more details. ïMrs. C. Delaurier   SOURIS SCHOOL PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL   Souris School Parent Advisory Council Meeting Monday, November 16th @ 7pm at the School   Items to be discussed: -School Plan   -Engaged Learner -Information on ordering School Wear -Staff Appreciation Breakfast   Discuss Nominations for MBís Celebration of Excellence in Teaching ñ Ministerís Awards in the following categories:   ?         Teaching Excellence   ?         Outstanding New Teacher ?         Team Collaboration ?         Outstanding School Leader   Please consider attending the next Parent Council meeting. Your thoughts and opinions on issues involving the school are important! If you have any questions or an item for the agenda, please contact me prior to Mondayís meeting.                                                                                      Thank-you,  Jaycee Thexton   Executive for 2009-2010 President ñ Jaycee Thexton 483-3065 Vice-President ñ Shelley Elliot 726-1888 Secretary ñ Mary Lovatt 483-2717 Treasurer ñ Heather Remillard 483-7383 Early Years Representative ñ Cheryl Roberts 483-3034 Middle Years Representative ñ Cheryl Roberts 483-3034 Senior Years Representative ñ Pam Walker 483-3710   Next SSPAC meeting November 16th @ 7pm    ìA community organization dedicated to the education and well being of children.î   SCHOOL CURLING There will be a change in the program this year, which hopefully will accommodate more curlers.  The curling will begin Monday, November 16th.    Mondays (except first Monday of every month) 3:30 ñ 4:00 ñ grades K-2 students 4:00 ñ 4:45 ñ grades 3-5 students   Tuesdays, 3:3O ñ 4:30 Open to all students above grade 5.   Fees: Grades K-5 - $25 per curler Grades 6-12 - $35 per curler   This is open to students whether they are beginner or have curled before.  All participants must have clean runners and wear pants that will stretch.  Please note that all K- 2 curlers will be required to have a helmet.  A bike helmet would be fine.  Older curlers may also do so as well.  This is a good idea especially for new curlers.   We are very short of supervisors, so if any parents or grandparents are able to help, it would be greatly appreciated.   For further details contact Karen Dunbar at 483-3534.  See you on the 16th and 17th.      VOLLEYBALL Varsity Boys Last weekend, at Elton Collegiate, the Varsity Boys came out as runners-up.  This is the third tournament they left with the same results.   After defeating Elton, Rivers, MCA Gretna and Neepawa twice, the boys advanced to the final.  There they met Major Pratt and lost with cores of 25-23, 20-25, 11-15.        On Monday the boys won the provincial playoff tournament.  They went undefeated in the round robin, beating Wawanesa, Virden, Reston and Boissevain.  In the final they defeated Boissevain 2-0 in an exciting match.   They advance to provincials in Neepawa November 20th and 21st.   Last night the boys defeated Killarney in three straight sets to earn the opportunity to represent our zone at provincials.  Way to go guys!  ïMr. Mike Kindle   Junior Varsity Girls The Junior Varsity Girlsí Volleyball team played in the Zone 9 finals Monday in Virden.   The ladies finished third in the one behind Virden and Killarney.  Be proud of your performance.  ïMs. Barb Birch   Middle Years Grade 8 Volleyball This volleyball season has gotten off to a good start.  The grade 8 team has entered the Brandon league and is doing well. As the girls progress through the season, their skill level and confidence has drastically improved!  On Monday the girls travelled to Deloraine for a Zone 16 team tournament. The girls finished first in their pool defeating Virden, Deloraine 1 and Pierson. They went on to the semi-finals to play Killarney and won in a tightly played match. In the finals the girls met Deloraine 2. They played a great game but ended up   losing to a more experienced team. All in all it the girls played consistently well all day and should be proud of their accomplishment. Team members: Bailey Radcliffe, Sarah Palson, Alissa Swaenepoel, Stacey Sherritt, Emma Boisvert, Emma Weadge, Kyla Harding, Gina Williams, Cassie Rekken, Hannah Cooke, Jessie Robbins.   SOURIS SABRES HOCKEY The Sabres were in action last Sunday afternoon in Brand and they beat the Vincent Massey Vikings.   The Sabres met up with Dauphin on Wednesday night in the Murray Arena and they lost this game 2-1 in a shoot out.        SCHOOL COMING EVENTS November 16 SPAC Meeting, 7:00 p.m. (put in as Nov. 2 last week by mistake, sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused)   25 & Parent/Student/Teacher 26 Evening Interviews  25th - 5:30 ñ 8:30 p.m.  26th - 5:30-8:00 p.m. 27 Admin Dayíí  No Classes December 1 Winter Band Concert in Hartney 3 Winter Band Concert in Souris   18 Last Day of Classes  before Christmas Break January 4 First Day of Classes ñ Day1   February 16 & 17 Grad Pictures                   WHO: ALL BOYS AND GIRLS HOOPSTERS GRADE 4-8 WHEN: FRIDAY NOVEMBER 27 9:00 am -12:00 noon & 1:00-3:15 pm WHAT:   • Students will receive instruction from Coach Penner and the Varsity Girls Basketball team on all facets of the game. They will learn, practice and develop both offensive and defensive skills through individual and group drills, competitions and game play.    • Instruction will be given using the FUNdamentals approach o Offensive skills include: shooting, passing, dribbling, footwork and 1 on 1 game play o Defensive skills include: stance, closeouts, footwork, rebounding, as well as team man-to-man defense principles.    • Students will receive their own basketball to keep! • Students will have from noon until 1:00 pm to have lunch.  They can go home or bring a bag lunch (supervision will be provided)    FEE: $35 (cheque, payable to Souris School)    If you are interested please get a registration form from Mr.Penner or use the one below and return it and $35 fee to Mr. Penner before Wednesday, November 18th ----------------------------------------------------------------- Registration Info Hoopsterís Name: ________________________   Hoopsterís Grade: __________   Parent/Guardian Consent: I give my son/daughter permission to participate in the Mini Sabres Basketball Camp.   Signature: ________________________   COMMUNITY EVENTS If you have any messages for Community Events please email it directly to: conniem@shmb.ca  The Philippine Community of Souris is hosting a Philippine Fiesta on Saturday, November 28th at St. Maryís Church and you are invited.   Along with the traditional food there will be entertainment. Tickets, $12.00 in advance and $15.00 at the door, may be purchased at Kirkup Agencies, from Donni Zuk and by calling Emerson at 483- 7332.   The Souris Ministerial Association is inviting anyone who is suffering from any type of loss to join them at the annual Blue Christmas Ecumenical Service to be held at St. Maryís Church on Friday, December 4th at 7:00 p.m.  A reception will follow.   Souris Elks vs. Winnipeg Jets A charity hockey game is slated for the Murray Arena on Sunday November 22nd at 3:00 p.m. The game features former Winnipeg Jets (NHL/WHA) and Pro players from Manitoba including Souris School Grade 7 teacher Brian Elder (a former Jets draft pick). Tickets are $10 and 12 and under are $5, and can be purchased at the school office or the Murray Arena.  Proceeds from this event will help to restore the Souris Middle Years School Playground. For more information, contact; Linda McRae at 726- 3206.     Souris Skating Clubs 35th Annual Craft Sale Saturday, Nov 21st, 2009 10 am to 3:30 pm Souris Community Hall    Souris Skating Clubs Karaokee /Dance Saturday Nov. 21st, 2009 6:30 to 10:30pm grade 4 to Grade 8 cost $10 snacks and drinks provided Kids must be signed in and signed out....   A reorganizational meeting for the Souris 4-H Beef Club will be held Wednesday, November 18th at 3:30 p.m. at the IITV Room at Souris School. For more information contact Gloria Turner @ 483-3234 or Gerry Williams @ 483-3622.   Two Person Curling:  The Souris Curling Centre is holding a " Sturling Day" on Saturday, December 12th. Any age (preferably old enough to be able to throw a rock the length of the ice )can play. To see the rules go to www.sturling.net. People can sign up as a team of 2, or individually, at the rink. Teams can be 2 students, 2 adults, or a student and an adult. Games last about an hour,  so we hope everyone can get in 2 or more games, depending on the number of entries. For more information, please contact Colin Dunbar at 483 - 3669, or Don Kowalchuk at 483 - 2023.     Christmas Home and Gift Sale                  Sat, Nov 14th   11:00am -3:00 pm                    Deloraine/Winchester Town Hall                        Sponsored by the Deloraine Border Festival      Lunch Available, Everyone     Souris District Donor's Choice Annual General Meeting Thursday, November 19, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. Multi-purpose room of St. Paul's United Church    Everyone Welcome   Adult Curling Classes Thursday nights 7:00-8:00 pm starting Thursday November 5/09 at the Souris Curling Club.   Souris Elkís Lodge and Brandon Wheat Kings For $10.00 you can purchase a ticket that gives you two chances to win a pair of tickets for every remaining Wheat Kings Home Game.   Your name will also be entered for a chance to purchase a Memorial Cup package.  Proceeds to Elkís Community Projects.  For tickets call Brian 483-3015 or Bert at 483-1511.   AVALON THEATRE NOV. 13-15 7:30 P.M. ALL ABOUT STEVE Starring:  Sandra Bulloch/Bradley Cooper Rated:  PG 13 1hr 38mins   This is a hilarious tale of a woman who, after falling hard for a guy, thinks theyíre an item; unfortunately, the guy thinks sheís stalking him! Bullock is eccentric crossword puzzle constructor Mary Horowitz who, after one short blind date, falls for handsome cable news cameraman Steve. Convinced they are soul mates, Mary follows Steve across the country, encouraged by the self-serving actions of news reporter Hartman Hughes   What Every Babysitter Should Know Saturday, December 5th 9:00 ñ 4:00 p.m. @ Training & Community Services Centre in the Brandon Shoppers Mall.   Course is designed for kids aged 11-14.  Cost is $45.00.  Pre-registration is required.  For more info or to register call 727-4466.   Acoustic Panel Project When the gym renovation was completed about five years ago, there was never a replacement of acoustic panels put on the walls.  This has resulted in a facility for school & community performances, presentations and events to be very loud and echoey (bare cinder block walls and metal ceiling).  This makes it very difficult for any audience to hear properly.   Some research has been done and an acoustic specialist came in to analyze and assess the need for proper acoustic considerations.  The reverberation rate calculated out to be 5.29 seconds.  The acceptable range is 1.20 ñ 1.75 seconds.  Last June he quoted a cost of about $10,000 - $12,000 to bring the facility up to an acceptable standard.  This company from Winnipeg has installed these acoustic panels in many schools, concert halls, auditoriums and yes, even in the MTS Centre.   A group of people representing the Souris District Arts Council, Parent Council, Band Boosters and Drama are all very concerned and willing to work towards this project.   There are many people in our community that find the acoustics in the gym horrible.  A survey taken with a Band Concert audience had an overwhelming response in favour of getting something done to improve the acoustics in the gymnasium. Have you ever attended a presentation or performance in the last few years and found it difficult to hear things clearly?  When one struggles to hear with clarity, the result is usually that individuals will stop attending events.  Sad, when the acoustic problem could be fixed.   The School Board has given $2000.00 for this project.  A grant is being applied for as well.   A fundraising project has been initiated for the month of November ñ Fruit Sales of Navel California Oranges, Texas Red Grapefruit and four varieties of Apples.  Attached is an order form with all the information.  Last date to order is November 26th.   We hope everyone will support this much needed project so the acoustics can be improved soon.  If anyone would like to make a personal donation to this project the school division will issue tax receipts  (Cheques payable to Southwest Horizon School Division).  For any other information, please contact Glenda McConnell.  Thank you in advance for your support. ïSouris District Arts Council ïBand Boosters ïSouris School Band Boosters     UPCOMING RECREATION HAPPENINGS Souris Valley Recreation Commission 483-5214, 483-2538 fax    Yoga Come join us for a night of relaxation and exercise Tuesdays September 15 ñ December 15th Cost:  $10.00 per evening 7:30pm ñ 8:30pm Souris & Glenwood Memorial Complex     SOURIS HARVEST FOOD BANK Open first and third Thursdays of each month from 5:00 p.m. ñ 7:00 p.m.     It is located at St. Paulís United Church and please use the NE entrance.           FORBIDDEN FLAVOURS New Menu Items and Price List HamburgerÖ$2.75 CheeseburgerÖ$3.00 Hot dogsÖ$2.00 SoupÖ$2.50 SandwichesÖ$3.00 WrapÖ$3.50 Mini SubsÖ$2.25 Pizza PopsÖ$2.00 Kraft Dinner CupÖ$2.00 Daily SpecialÖ$3.75 Pizza PretzelÖ$2.00 OreoÖ$1.75 CookiesÖ$.75 MuffinsÖ$1.75 BagelsÖ$1.50 Fruit CupÖ$1.50 Sm. Choc MilkÖ$1.25 Lg. Choc MilkÖ$1.75 ChipsÖ$1.25 Hot RodÖ $1.25 Beef JerkyÖ$1.75 Cheese StringÖ$1.00 Cheeseín CrackersÖ$1.00 VeggiesÖ$2.00 Juice BoxesÖ$1.00 SlushyÖ$2.00 HallsÖ$1.50 Jello - $0.75 Yogurt - $1.50   Daily Specials - $3.75 Monday...Perogies Tuesday...Potato Skins Wednesday...Chicken Bacon Cheese Melt Thursday...Taco in a Bag Friday...Pizza ñ (Cheese or Pepperoni/Salami)   As always, bag lunches will be delivered to Kindergarten and grade 1 students.  Please make sure orders have names, grade and room numbers on them.   Have A   Great Week End.     See You Monday!