Amazing Race Souris

On Wednesday, June 19th the Grade 5’s and 6’s from Souris School had the chance to participate in the 4th ever Amazing Race Souris. As always, we were blown away by how the community stepped up for our students and wow, did the businesses ever do an “AMAZING” job!

A huge thank you to 49 Degree’s, Avalon Theatre, Check Right First Aid – Stacy Martin, Dairy Bar, LT’s Corner Store, RCMP, Royal Lepage – Glen Tosh & Stacie Murphy, Souris Dental, Souris Hardware Co-Op, Souris Hotel, Tak Lee Café, and Western Financial for planning, organizing, and taking time out of their busy day to host such a fun event.

This year’s winners are:

1st – Team White: Willa, Paisley, Brantley, Kord, and Larissa

2nd – Team Pink: Skyler, Hanna, Aubree, Ethan, Nathan, Craver, and Mr. Filewich

3rd – Team Black: Makenzie, Taylor, Helayna, Cruz, Jack, Andrew, and Beth

Honorable Mention: Team Yellow!

The students were so excited to engage in an experience that was out and about in the community while gaining a unique understanding of some of our local businesses. We will see you all in 2025!

Cardboard Challenge 

This past week the Grade 5/6’s from Souris School had the chance to host the 3rd annual Cardboard Challenge at Souris School! Last year, the Cardboard Challenge idea was brought to the Grade 5/6 classrooms to take part in a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) challenge by Stacy Martin (Check Right First Aid). We had no clue what it was all about, but wow were we happy she introduced us to the global program!

In Cole’s Notes fashion, the Cardboard Challenge is a worldwide celebration of child creativity, and the role communities can play in fostering it. On Wednesday, June 12th we were able to go outside in our outdoor classroom and students were able to design and build something out of cardboard, recycled materials, and imagination. We were very excited to have some of the Early Year’s classes down to try them out as well!

We are already looking forward to the 4th annual Cardboard Challenge in the Spring of 2025!

This year’s award winners are (as voted by our future Cardboard Challengers – Grade 3/4’s at Souris School):

1st – Hockey (Carson, Colton, Steele, & Kord)

2nd – Claw Machine (Makenzie, Paisley, & Tia)

3rd – Arcade Extraordinaire (Jack, Michael, Kellan, Nathan, & Emmett)

Honorable Mentions: Taylor Swift Karaoke, Baseball, & Piano Player

Thank you to the community for their ongoing support of the outdoor classroom and its initiatives!

On June 5, the Wawanesa School Grade 7-12 Choral class travelled to Brandon and performed at Brandon Hillcrest Personal Care Home and Maryland Park School.  From there they travelled to Winnipeg to sing the National Anthem at the Winnipeg Goldeyes Game.

On Friday, May 3, Waskada School held a Red Dress Walk during lunch to build awareness to end violence against Indigenous women, girls, 2 spirit, and gender diverse people. 

Deloraine School also participated with walk.  Included are some pictures of the Grade 1/2 Red Dress activity.

​The Southwest Horizon Battle of the Books was held May 25th. Following Battles in Pierson, Melita, Deloraine, Waskada, Melita, Hartney and Souris, the top three teams from each school travelled to Hartney to compete at the Division level. Readers are split into three categories: grade 3/4 , grade 5/6 , grade 7/,8 answering questions on 12 common books chosen by the Division librarians. Each category hosted 18 teams minimum, congratulations first to all who qualified, and finally to all the winners:)

On behalf of the Board of Trustees and Senior Administration, congratulations to your students and school staff for ranking in the Top 50 fundraisers in Manitoba for the 2023 Terry Fox School Run. 

Under the Secondary School Category:

• Hartney School ranked #7

• Souris School ranked #8

• Wawanesa School ranked #10

• Melita School ranked #15

• Pierson School ranked #22

Excellent job!!

On Thursday,  February 15, the K-12 students and staff of Hartney School participated in a day of learning fun of the Metis culture.  The day began in the school gym with an opening ceremony and welcome to our elders and guests:  Ed and Delores Genaille (elders), Chris Leforte, Tim Inkster (Sr.), and Loretta Hollihan, along with Doug Pople were introduced, and Delores Genaille gave opening remarks and prayer.   The day’s 45-minute sessions were explained, and students then moved into their assigned rotations.  Sessions included were as follows:

Artifacts display and hands on learning:  Doug Pople

Fried Bannock and Maple Pop making:  Loretta Hollihan and Mrs. Waldner

Metis Jigging and Spoons Activity:  Mr. Wedgewood

Metis Dot Art:  Class teacher supporting

Outdoor activities and games: Paul Waldner and Clark Combs

Leather Medicine Pouch Making:  Mrs. Combs

Trapping and Tracking:  Chris Leforte, Ed Genaille, Tim Inkster (Sr.)

Residential School: Delores Genaille

At the lunch hour, all students received a “Bannock dog” lunch.  These tasty treats were well received and enjoyed by everyone.  The afternoon continued with the rotational sessions, and the day ended with a closing ceremony in the gym.  Delores Genaille gave closing remarks and ended with a closing prayer.   

This was the 3rd annual Metis Fest for Hartney school. In past years, the event was geared towards the K-6.  This year the goal was to extend to our 7-12 students, and an extended invitation was also sent out to families and the community.  Thank you to those who stopped in to observe and partake in the day of learning fun.  As the Honourable Justice Murray Sinclair once stated, education is the key to Reconciliation. 

Thank you to everyone for being, and taking part in this day of recognition and learning of the Metis culture.