SOURIS SCHOOL NEWSLETTER www.shsd.mb. ca Volume 30, Number 6 October 22nd, 2009 NEWS FROM THE OFFICE Important Notice Souris School is ìnotî doing fund raising for a computer for a blind child.  If you receive a call about this asking for your credit card number, please call your local RCMP detachment and report this incident. Bus Safety Week has come to an end.  We carried out bus evacuation on Thursday for all students K-12.  The purpose of this bus evacuation is to provide all students with the safety components while riding on a school bus in case of an accident.  W are very fortunate to have great bus drivers at Souris School.  They are dedicated to our childrenís safety.  We cannot thank them enough for the ìGreat Job They Doî.  If you see one of these people, please thank them for a great job. Our regular drivers are: Don Doherty, John Donogh, Norm Gruhn Diane May, Sean Murphy, Cliff Pomeroy Brett Roberts, Albert Swaenepoel Dave Swaenepoel, Richard Willman Delbert Winters  Our Spare Drivers: Val Anderson, Keven Bowie, Wayne Boyce Traci Ealing-Lobb, Karen Kennedy Garry Reid, Ed Vinck Thanks Bill and Louise! I would like to thank Bill and Louise Lawson for their outstanding work in making the Western Manitoba Youth Choir performance such a success in Souris.  Louise personally found billets for 65 people in our community and Bill was celebrating 30 years of involvement with the choir.  Once again ñ thank you for everything and thank you to community members for opening your homes to these young performers. Student Fees Letters were sent home this week to those families who have not paid their student fees.   Student fees were due by the end of September.  We realize it is an expensive time of year and we want you to know that fees can be paid in installments.  We have implemented a new policy this year where students will be exempt from extra curricular activities and field trips until partial payment and arrangement for full payment has been made.  Thank you to all the parents who made their payment so quickly after receiving the letter.  If you received a letter and the fees have already been paid, please contact the office to let us know and please accept our apologies for sending you this letter.   Please, if your son/daughter is ill, please keep them at home.  With the threat of H1N1 it is very important that ill students not be in class.  Thank you in advance for your cooperation in this matter. The following news release was received from Manitoba Education. Parents To Receive Enhanced Communications on H1N1: Bjornson Parents across Manitoba will have access to daily online updates about unusual absentee rates at their childrenís schools and in their school divisions, Education, Citizenship and Youth Minister Peter Bjornson announced today. ìWe are ensuring that parents have the information they need to make informed decisions regarding the health and safety of their children,î said Bjornson.  ìBeing aware of abnormal levels of absenteeism will also remind parents to take proper precautions, such as ensuring that children with flu-like symptoms remain home and that alternate arrangements for child care should be made.î Schools already report unusual rates of absenteeism to Manitoba Public Health.  When reports of unusual absenteeism are received, there is a public health assessment to ensure that appropriate advice and direction can be given to the school. ìWe have been working closely with divisions across Manitoba to ensure that plans are in place to deal with a potential H1N1 outbreak,î Bjornson said. The minister noted that all reports of unusual absenteeism will be posted on school division websites and will not be specific to flu-like illnesses.  Absenteeism may be related to other circulating viruses, even during flu season, or may be for non-medical reasons. Additionally, Manitoba Family Services and Housing is working with Manitobaís child-care centers to ensure there are communication protocols in place to report unusually high levels of absenteeism to parents. For additional information on H1N1 flu, school administrators, parents, teachers and students are welcome to visit the provincial website at www.manitoba.ca or the Manitoba Education, Citizenship and Youth site at www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/flu/index.html. If you have a school or community event, please email to sourisevents@gmail.com.  This will automatically get it on the Community calendar at the Town of Souris website.  This is a great opportunity to get your event advertised. Just a reminder that Friday is SAG Day across the province.  All teachers will be in learning sessions this day.  Thus, we have no school on Friday, October 23rd.  When we return on Monday it will be Day 4 (K-8) and Day 2 (9-12). 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 UNICEF, 2009 This year the money that we collect for UNICEF on October 30 will go to build schools in Rwanda.  Fifteen years ago, the tribal conflicts there resulted in one million people being killed.  As a result, today 20% of Rwandan children are orphans.  According to the United Nations, there are over 100,000 child-headed households in Rwanda. Older children look after their siblings, often going without food so that younger ones can eat.  Paying school fees is impossible.  UNICEF and the churches are working to provide skill training for the youth who are the head of their families.  By receiving training, the cycle of poverty can be broken.  When students come to your door on the afternoon of October 30th, please help us to help children in Rwanda.         ïMrs. Carol Turner 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 MIDDLE YEARS NEWS Middle Yearís Drama The Middle Years Drama Club is proud to present  ì Way Out West in a Dress î a western comedy. You'll "dye" laughing at this wild western musical full of dynamic dialogue, double identities, criminal plots and a music score as wild as the Old West! With over 50 Souris Middle Years students involved in the production, you are sure to enjoy the performance. Two performance dates are set - Thurs. Oct. 29th and Fri. Oct. 30th at 7:00 p.m. in the Souris School gym.  Tickets will be available at the door, or if you want to pick some up early, stop by the school office.   Come out and enjoy the show! CAREER EXPLORATION NEWS Reminder to all Grade 11ís and 12ís.  November 9th is Post Secondary Day.  Universities and Colleges will be in attendance.  Students will have the choice of attending two post secondary informative sessions and access display booths.  Posters are up at the Career Center.  Everyone please sign up. Congratulations are going out to Josh Adams and Tanya Palson. These students have been accepted to attend The Canadian Medical Hall of Fame Discovery Day at the University Of Manitoba on November 6th. Many students are currently taking advantage of the ìSpend a Day Programsî at Post Secondary Institutions.  This program is for all Senior Yearís Students not just Grade 12ís. It is a great way to make sure this is the field of study you would like to pursue. Grade 12ísÖÖ.Scholarship deadlines pass very quickly. Please see me for further information. ïMrs. C. Delaurier SOURIS SCHOOL PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL SSPAC Meeting, Monday October 19, 2009 ~ SSPAC regular meeting was called to order October 19, 2009 at 7 pm. ~ Present: Andrea Boyechko, Heather Remillard, Jaycee Thexton, Bob Young, Glenn Wallmann, Mary Lovatt. Regrets: Shelley Elliott, Cheryl Roberts, Belinda West, Lara Bossert. ~ Heather moved, Andrea seconded adoption of the agenda.~ ~ Secretary's report: Heather moved, Bob seconded to adopt the minutes from the last meeting held Monday September 21, 2009. ~ Correspondence received: A MAPC (Manitoba Association of Parent Councils) newsletter has been received.~ The MAPC website is: www.mapc.mb.ca or email: mapc1@mts.net A training session for Volunteer Parent Advocates is being planned through MAPC for November 2009.~ For more information visit the website or call their office at 1-877-290-4702. MAPC Annual General Meeting and Conference will be held April 23 and 24, 2010 at the Victoria Inn in Winnipeg.~ This year's topic is Our Children: Their Challenges.~ How their Challenges become our Challenges.~ A letter of proclamation has been received from the Honourable Peter Bjornson (Minister of Education, Citzenship and Youth) announcing that November 2nd-6th, 2009 is designated as Paralympic School Week in Manitoba.~ ~ Treasurer's report: Present balance remains at $649.70. ~ Principal's report: Parent/Guardian handbooks of Rules and Regulations of Bus Ridership will be sent home with students this week.~ Included will be a letter of permission consenting to have family names and~numbers listed on a phone tree list.~ Without consent, names and numbers will not be listed and in the event of a school closure you will not be contacted by your bus driver.~ When an issue arises the bus driver has the option of filling out a bus conduct report, which outlines the 5 steps that will be taken to correct the issue.~ ~ Problems have been experienced in the Early Yearís teachers parking lot (too many people are still parking there). There is a proposal to place a new NO PARKING sign in this area.~ For safety reasons, students are not allowed to walk through the parking lot.~ There have also been problems in the handicap space in front of the school where there is NO PARKING. ~ Parent Council was given a copy of the Pandemic Preparedness Guidelines Manual.~ This document is available on the MB Public Health Pandemic Page at http://www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/pandemic.html Starting October 30th the school will be posting weekly updates with regards to absenteeism: No unusual absenteeism reported or higher than usual absenteeism reported as of (Date/Time). Greater than 5 % of the student population is considered higher than average and is reported to the Public Health Dept.~ Thus far there have been no positive cases of HINI in the school.~ Each class has hand sanitizer which is currently alcohol based.~ When the new dispensers arrive, all will be non alcohol based.~ Questions and concerns can be directed to the school office.~ ~ Next year's ëMeet and Greetí event will be held the first day of school and will return to the barbecue format during the supper hour.~ Introduction of teachers, staff and PAC executive will continue as in other years.~ ~ Glenn Wallmann has checked with Mike in regards to the food served in the canteen: 1. There is no mayonaise used. 2. There has been no problem with the macaroni and cheese. 3. There are trace amounts of egg in the baking. 4. There is no egg in the breads or buns.~ ~ Jaycee will contact Leanne Rolfe to discuss childcare during Parent/Teacher interviews in November.~~Both students and parent volunteers will be needed~in order to provide this service.~ More information to follow.~ ~ Evening interviews will be held Wednesday November 25th and Thursday November 26th.~ Interview times will be sent home 2 weeks in advance.~ If unable to attend, parents may contact individual teachers to make arrangements for interviews.~ ~ The school will be making a decision as to what its participation will be in the Paralympic School Week Program.~ ~Thursday October 22nd the school will be going through bus evacuations, involving all students K-12. ~ The school has received 2 reports from Brandon University: 1. Student's Success and Satisfaction with Online Learning: an Examination of Online Learning Systems for Secondary~Schools in a Rural School Division in Southwest Manitoba.~ This report will be passed on to Pam Walker who is the Senior Yearís rep.~ 2. Report on small schools: our preference.~ ~ Business arising: Andrea will contact Bob Young in regards to the local contact person for ordering school~wear (eg. T shirts, hoodies, toques). Further information to follow regarding same.~ ~ Fundraising in the school: Grade 4's will be selling fruit for the Camp Koinonia trip in the spring.~ Fundraising for additional components for the Early Years Playground to be announced.~ Middle Years will be doing Mom's Pantry in April for the grade 8 trip to Kenosee, Grade 6-8 ski trip to Minnedosa and Grade 6-8 swimming at the end of March at the Sportsplex.~ Magazine fundraiser is currently going on (grades 6-12) to cover student council based events.~ ~ SSPAC minutes will be sent to Darcy as she is willing to print them in the Souris Plaindealer.~ Thank you Plaindealer! ~ The SSPAC bulletin board has been bought and is ready to be installed between the doors at the Early Years end.~ Room rep signs and~SSPAC brochures are ready and will be posted this week.~ ~ Sub-committee needed to put together information for the school website: the town website and an immigration package~is being put together by the Souris CDC.~ Also required to put together a Communication Report that lists all places that SSPAC information can be found.~ Jaycee will send an email to exec members and room reps to find 2-3 people who can get this information together.~~ ~ New~business: Glenda McConnell spoke on the sound issues in the big gym.~ The sound issues began when renovations were done in the gym and because the project was over budget, things were cut from the project and a sound issue was created.~ Glenda has been investigating the possibility of installing acoustic panels.~The school board has given $2000 toward the project.~ Total cost to purchase the panels would be $10,000 - $12,000.~ Installation of the panels would be arranged by the school division. Early in November the Souris Arts Council will be applying to the Manitoba Community Services Council Inc. for a grant to~go to this project.~ SSPAC will send a letter to the MCSC Inc~in support of the Arts Council grant application.~ ~Fundraising will not be done through the school for this project, so Glenda asked if PAC would be interested in helping with the fundraising.~ This is not something that PAC can take on because of the small size of our council, however there were individual parents at this meeting who would be interested in assisting Band Boosters with their fundraising efforts towards this project.~ ~ Parent forms were returned from 55 families.~ A very favorable response to volunteering at the staff appreciation breakfast and family fun night was received.~ Jaycee has created email distribution lists for those parents~that wished to receive agendas, minutes and E-Bulletins from SSPAC. ~ Marie Peaslee is in charge of microwave duty again this year.~ Below are the classes responsible for each month: November: Puhach and Farmer December: Thomson January: Hicks/Fordyce February: Falloon March:~Both grade 3 classes: McGregor and Kempthorne ~ Comment, compliment or pass: PAC thanks the school division for paying the yearly membership to MAPC. ~ Meeting adjourned by Heather. ~ Minutes submitted by Mary Lovatt. ~ 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 Thank you, Jaycee Thexton ìA community organization dedicated to the education and well being of children.î VOLLEYBALL Varsity Girls Congratulations to the Varsity Girls Volleyball Team who continued their winning ways with a dominant 3 sets to 0 win over Wawanesa on Tuesday. On Wednesday the girls traveled to Killarney for league play.  In an exciting five set match, the girls put in a tremendous effort.  Shandie finished with 14 kills, Brynna had 11 kills and 3 stuff blocks, Alyssa had 10 kills and 8 ace serves, Delaney had 10 kills, Morgan added 5 while Khloe added 3. The girls once again face Killarney tonight.  Come out and cheer them on. ïMrs. Rhonda Young Jr. Varsity Girls The Junior Varsity Girls had a fantastic tournament last weekend.   The girls finished third in their pool then proceeded to win the quarters vs. Boissevain, the semis vs Neelin before dropping two close games to Minnedosa in the final. The girls played well defeating Virden three straight on Tuesday The JV girls then traveled to Boissevain last night where they defeated the Broncos first and second teams winning both sets. Nice work ladies! Grade 9 Girls The Grade 9 Girls were great Wednesday night in volleyball action.  The girls took Virden to 3 games before losing the set. The girls traveled to Boissevain last night and had some exciting rallies but ended up losing their matches.           ïMs. Lori Gohl/Ms. Barb Birch FOOTBALL The Southwest Sabres have been busy lately playing Friday in Virden and Monday in Shoal Lake.  The Sabres have also had a lot of success beating Virden 38-12 and Parkwest 26-14 clinching first place in the West Division that means a home playoff game October 31st at 2:00 p.m.  The next game is October 26th in Neepawa.  Good job guys and remember the playoff game is October 31st at 2:00 p.m. here in Souris at the Bowl. SCHOOL COMING EVENTS October 23      SAG ñ No Classes 26      K-8 Day 4, Gr. 9-12 Day 2         Picture Re-take Day         Mrs. Puhach K Picture Day 29 & 30 Middle Years Drama         Performance 7:00 ñ 9:00 p.m.         ìWay Out West in a Dressî November 2       Gr. 12 Meeting         7:00 p.m., Rm. 12-14 4       Take Our Kids to Work Day         Grade 9 Students 11      Remembrance Day-NO Classes 12      Admin Day         No Classes 25 &    Parent/Student/Teacher 26      Evening Interviews 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 &          Grad Pictures 17 REVISED FOOTBALL SCHEDULE West            East Birtle          Dauphin Souris          Neepawa Virden          Stonewall October 25      Virden at Parkwest         Stonewall at Dauphin 26      Southwest at Neepawa 31      East 2 at West 1         West 2 at East 1         West 3 vs East 3 @ Wpg. Stad. November 7       Championship Game COMMUNITY EVENTS If you have any messages for Community Events please email it directly to: conniem@shmb.ca FREE KIDíS HALLOWEEN FUN Everyone Welcome Carroll Memorial Hall October 27th Games:  6:30 ñ 7:30 p.m. Costume Parade:  7:30 p.m. Dance:  till 9:00 p.m. Any community members wanting to see the parade and give out candy are welcome to do so, BOY SCOUTS CANVAS FOR POPCORN fundraiser will be October 26th ñ November 10th .~ Sales will close November 11th~ .~ If you are missed or would like to support the boy scouts check with a local scout member or call 483-3256.~ Delivery will be the beginning of December. Thank you for supporting Boy Scouts. Public Skating: Friday, October 23rd ,5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Saturday, October 24th, 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. For all events happening at the Murray Arena visit www.sourismanitoba.com/complex ìRINK CALENDARî Thanks, Sven Kreusch, Manager Souris Glenwood Memorial Complex AVALON THEATRE Oct 23-25 7:30 P.M. ALIENS IN ATTIC Starring: Carter Jenkins, Ashley Tisdale, Rated:  General  1hr.26mins A small group of children at home in Maine battles alien invaders. Artyís World:  Souris District Arts Council Souris District Arts Council is celebrating its first 5 years with a season of great entertainment planned right here in our own community.   Everything Fitz                                         Wednesday, November 4th  The Fitzgerald family band, from Bancroft Ontario, features some of the finest young fiddlers and dancers in the country.  With roots in the Canadian old-time fiddle tradition, their unique stage show combines a variety of music styles ñ everything from Celtic, bluegrass, western swing to entertaining novelty tunes and choreographed step dance routines.  These spirited young performers are noted for their polished heartwarming performances, and provide wholesome, captivating entertainment for a diverse audience. Heather Bishop                                          Thursday, January 14th   Heatherís concerts are chock-full of quirky, upbeat, sing-along songs to stimulate the imagination and tickle the funny bone.  Heather combines stories and songs that celebrate the beauty and value of us all.  People of all ages get swept up by her exuberance.  A singer of considerable power and warmth, her repertoire includes songs in many musical styles, from folk to rap, country western to rock ëní roll.   From her home in rural Manitoba, Heather tours far and wide.  She has performed with almost every major symphony orchestra in Canada, as well as a few in the USA.   Heather Bishop has spent over 30 years touring around the world, giving concerts for adult, family, and childrenís audiences.  Heather has released 13 folk and childrenís recordings, winning JUNO nominations, a WCMA Award, and two Parentsí Choice Gold Awards.  Heather Bishop has been awarded the Order of Canada in 2005, and the Order of Manitoba in 2001. Also a talented visual artist, Heather will be showcasing her paintings at the evening concert. Chuck and Albert                                                Sunday, February  28th   Canadian Comedy Award and East Coast Music Award nominees, Chuck & Albert are no strangers to the art of total entertainment. Multi-instrumentalists, great physical comics, and fluently bilingual, this Acadian duo has played to standing ovations both at home, across Canada, and overseas. Their performances bring to life an energetic blend of visual humor and quick wit combined with the upbeat foot-stomping music and dance of their indigenous PEI Acadian roots. Theatre Performance TBA                                 March/April 2010 Souris District Arts Council is still unable to announce which play will be performed in Souris, but members are in discussion with several groups.  News on this should be available soon. Admission at the door ñ Adults - $20.00; students - $10.00.   A better deal:  buy your tickets at least a week early and pay $16.00.  The Best Deal ñ Seasons tickets ñ 1 four concert package - $55.00 Seasons tickets are available by calling Sharon Dunn at 483-2001.  Early bird tickets for individual performances are available from any board member or at Plaza Petals.  Chase the winter blues away and join us for a wonderful season of first-class entertainment right here in Souris. What Every Babysitter Should Know Saturday, October 24th Saturday, November 7th 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. 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. ALLERGY ALERT Please do not bring or send products containing nuts, kiwi, fish or seafood.  We would also appreciate if you can avoid sending egg products such as egg sandwiches, boiled eggs or meringues.  Thank you so much for helping us to keep everyone safe and healthy. HYGIENE REMINDER Washing of hands and face before coming to school helps stop the spread of germs as well as materials that could cause anaphylaxis (allergic) reactions.  Please help to monitor and encourage your childís healthy cleanliness routine. HANDICAPPED PARKING Just a reminder that the area designated as handicapped parking in front of the Early Years main doors is reserved for parents of children with special needs.  Please do not park in these spots. 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!