AJS Weekly Bison Tracks
November 24, 2023
- November 24, 6:00 p.m. - Sr. High School Dance - A Night Above the Stars (Gr. 10-12)-all tickets were purchased in advanced
- November 25 - Grad Fundraiser - Heartland Bake Sale @ Moyer Rec Centre
- November 28, 11:37 a.m. - University of Calgary Info Booth
- November 28, 12:30-3:00 p.m. - University of Alberta 1:1 sessions
- December 1, 4:30 p.m. - Grad Wagon Rides and hot chocolate
- December 5, 5:30-7:30 p.m. - AJS Christmas Band Concert
- December 6, 2:16 p.m. - Early Dismissal
- December 12 - Sherwood Heights French Immersion Grade 8 Visit
Student Opportunity Board
Looking for a job? Interested in the RAP (Registered Apprenticeship Program)?
Click on the QR code and take a look at what's available on the Student Opportunity Board. If you have any questions, please see Mrs. Boake or Mrs. Marsh!
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Do you want to support our students at Ardrossan Jr. Sr. High?
We are looking to provide support to our graduating students in the form of scholarship awards, but we need your help! We rely on our community to sponsor these monetary awards for our students. If you or your business would like to sponsor an award this year, please contact our business manager, Suzanne Cleet, at suzanne.cleet@eips.ca or (780) 922-2228. We would love to work with you to determine the criteria for the award and then honour your contribution at our annual awards ceremony in the fall.
Math Resources
If you are missing concepts or wanting review for math 10-C, 20-1 or 30-1 please use the following website for videos, questions and worked out answers.
Diploma Exam Prep Sessions - Registration opens November 1
Courses are designed for preparing students to write their Grade 12 diploma exams. The material presented is based on a 12-hour schedule over a weekend. Courses will run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with a half hour break for lunch. Courses will be offered at Salisbury Composite High School (20 Festival Way) in Sherwood Park. Students can only register for one review course each weekend. Cost is $125 per course, $75 for Science 30. Registration will close on January 2 for English and Social Studies sessions, and on January 16 for Math and Sciences sessions. Register at www.eipscontinuinged.ca
January 6 and 7: ELA 30-1 and Social Studies 30-1
January 20 and 21: Math 30-1, 30-2, Biology 30, Chemistry 30, Physics 30
January 27: Science 30
If you have questions regarding Diploma Exam Prep sessions, please reach out to nextstep@eips.ca or 780-992-0101.
Looking for Christmas gifts? Check out some Ardrossan Jr. Sr. High Swag
We have some amazing items for sale that would make great Christmas gift ideas! Please log into your PowerSchool Parent Portal account to view these great items. When you log in, please go select Student Fees to find the forms for purchasing of some AJS Swag. The form will be available from November 27 to December 15, 2023. Payment must be made at the time of order. Orders will be filled the week of December 18, 2023.
Please note there are limited quantities available. Order soon so you don’t miss out.
YEARBOOKS - 2023/2024 - ORDER NOW!
Yearbooks for 2023-2024
You can purchase a yearbook for this school year through your Power School Parent Portal, then go to "Student Fees".
Cost of yearbooks are $43.00.
You must pre-order yearbooks as we only make what is ordered.
Yearbooks for 2022-2023
We have 9 additional 2022/2023 Yearbooks for sale in the office. If you forgot to order one last year, bring $43.00 to the office and pick one up today - first come, first served!
Pay School Fees Online! Fee Waiver Application Deadline is Dec. 15
School fee information for the 2023-24 school year is now posted on the PowerSchool Parent Portal. All fees are due within 30 days of being posted. To access your fee information, simply log in to the PowerSchool Parent Portal and go to “Student Fees.” There you can view your fees and pay them online.
Don’t forget to also log in to the PowerSchool Parent Portal regularly throughout the year. Fees are often added to your child’s account to cover the cost of various school activities such as field trips, class projects, extracurricular activities fees and more.
If circumstances exist where you’re unable to pay your fees, you can apply to have certain fees waived by submitting an Application for a Waiver of Fees. The application deadline is Dec. 15, 2023.
For more information about school fees, waivers and payment deadlines, visit www.eips.ca/schools/fees and www.ardrossan.ca/about/fees. Alternatively, contact Suzanne Cleet, Business Manager, at Ardrossan Jr. Sr. High School at 780-922-2228.
WHAT'S HAPPENING
Student Council Upcoming Events
Ardrossan Drama Club Audition Info
Ardrossan Band
Ardrossan Music Parents Society (AMPS) Update
AJS BAND APPAREL orders will be accepted until November 29th and we have opened the 2023 Holiday 50/50 draw.
Grad 2024 Information
Upcoming Events
- November 25 - Grade 12 students will be selling baked goods at the Christmas in the Heartland Bake Sale at the Moyer Rec Centre
- November 28 - Poinsettia fundraiser ends
- December 1 - Wagon ride and hot chocolate
- February 12-16 and March 4-6 - Grad photos will be taken in our theatre lobby. Appointment booking will take place in January. More information to follow.
More information can be found on our Grad 2024 website or by emailing any of the staff members on our graduation committee:
Trudi Williamson - trudi.williamson@eips.ca
Nadine Stefiuk - nadine.stefuik@eips.ca
Chrissy Parker-Young - christine.parker-young@eips.ca
Ray Basaraba - raymond.basaraba@eips.ca
Join the Canadian Parents for French committee
Have a French Immersion student at Ardrossan? Become a member of the Canadian Parents for French (CPF) Alberta chapter, furthering bilingualism by promoting and creating opportunities for students to learn and use French.
CPF meet just before all AJS School Council meetings at 6:00 p.m. Next meeting will be on January 22, 2024.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from the Board of Trustees
I want to extend warm holiday wishes to all students, staff and families on behalf of the Elk Island Public Schools Board of Trustees.
We’re grateful to have school communities full of hard-working families committed to the success of their children. Education doesn’t just happen in school, it happens at home too—in every homework assignment completed, every textbook chapter read and every test reviewed. Thank you for taking the time out of your day to cultivate learning at home, so that students are eager to strive for their best at school the next day. We also appreciate the countless hours school councils put into planning events and appreciate all the people who volunteer at and attend them. Your support is invaluable.
We hope you enjoy all the holiday concerts and festivities happening at your schools, and that you get some well-deserved rest during the break. To each and every person, have a wonderful holiday season and a healthy and happy New Year.
We look forward to seeing everyone back at school on Jan. 8, 2024.
Merry Christmas and happy holidays,
Cathy Allen
EIPS Board Chair
Spread the Word: EIPS is Hiring Substitute Educational Assistants
Do you know someone who may be interested in part-time, flexible work as a substitute educational assistant (EA)? Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) is hiring—spread the word!
EAs are integral to the school team, assisting teachers with instructional and non-instructional tasks in the classroom and other school activities. Whether it’s working one-on-one with individual students or with a small group of students in a class or special program, EAs provide support and assistance to help students achieve success.
Substitutes are needed to fill positions at all school locations until the end of the school year. The application deadline is December 8. If you know someone who’d be great in this role, encourage them to apply today.
Has your contact information recently changed?
Have you recently moved or has your contact information changed? Ardrossan Jr Sr High encourages families to review the information the Division has on file to ensure it’s up to date. Using the Student Information Update available through the PowerSchool Parent Portal, families can review the current information on file for each student—including addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, parent and guardian information, emergency contacts, medical details and other related information—and submit any updates needed.
Reviewing and updating the form ensures the school and Division have the most up-to-date information regarding your child. Your review is especially important as the Division prepares for 2024-25 registration processes beginning in the new year.
NOTE: Only submit updates for the changes that have already taken place. If you’re moving later this school year, you’ll submit the necessary updates to your information through the Student Information Update after you’ve moved.
If you have questions about the form or any trouble with your Parent Portal account, contact the school office at 780-922-2228
Bison Memories
Spirit Week - PJ Day!
Employee Recognition
Esthetic Make up
Paityn G. is showing her skills in theatrical make up in her Esthetics class this week!
ATHLETICS
Check out the new and improved athletics website here or click the button above. All information regarding teams, including schedules, tryout dates, games, and forms will be located here.
Athletic Dates
Basketball
- November 28, 5:30 p.m. - SV Mens Basketball vs Sturgeon
- November 29, 5:30 p.m. - SV Mens Basketball vs LSL
- November 29, 7:00 a.m. - Jr. Sr. Girls and Boys Basketball Tryouts
- November 30, 7:00 a.m. - Jr. Sr. Girls and Boys Basketball Tryouts
- November 30, 5:30 p.m. - SV Mens @ PICS
- November 30 to December 3 - Sr. Varsity Mens and Womens - Sturgeon Rise Up Tournament
- December 1, 7:00 a.m. - Jr. Sr. Girls and Boys Basketball Tryouts
- December 1 to 2 - Jr. Varsity Mens Basketball Stampede Classic Tournament
- December 14-16 - Sr. Varsity Mens and Womens Basketball - Bert Church Airdrie Tournament
- December 15 & 16 - Jr. Varsity Mens Basketball - Dr. Anne Anderson Tournament
- December 15 & 16 - Jr. Sr. Basketball - Bison Ball Tournament
Football
- December 7, 6:30 p.m. - Bisons Football Banquet
Navigating ADHD: Understanding, Managing, and Thriving
Join us for a Parent session at Sherwood Heights Junior High on WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 29TH at 6:30pm.
We will be hosting ADHD Edmonton’s President Rachel Rogers who is a psychologist that specializes in supporting families with children managing ADHD.
Rachel has worked with Edmonton Public Schools as a teacher, counselor, and Psychologist on multidisciplinary teams and is a wealth of knowledge to parents.
Rachel will be talking about the history of neurodivergences, what is ADHD and the brain, will briefly talk about the role of medication, multimodal treatment, strategies, and self-regulation. She will also talk about ADHD Edmonton and the supports available (there’s a lot!) and finish with Q&A to address questions.
This session is open to caregivers and professionals and will be held in person at Sherwood Heights Junior High as well as a virtual option.
To help us gage numbers:
https://forms.gle/yRTvsps2GpYuBoVS7
Please click on the google form link above ^ to RSVP to this parent night.
Inclement Weather
With the winter season almost here, we want to remind families to dress children appropriately for the weather when getting ready for school or the bus. The weather often changes unexpectedly throughout the day, so please select suitable outerwear and ensure your child is prepared for changing conditions.
If inclement weather conditions occur, Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) advises families of any bus cancellations using various communications tools—automated-telephone messages, email, SMS, alerts posted on eips.ca and school websites, Twitter, Facebook, local radio stations, and notification through both the Bus Status and the Ride 360 apps. Morning bus cancellations are posted on eips.ca by 6:30 a.m.
Decisions regarding bus cancellations are guided by EIPS administrative procedures that state, “school bus service may be suspended…when there is a forecast or current temperature of -40 C, including wind chill factor, in one or more regions.” Other reasons for suspending or delaying school bus services include adverse weather and poor road conditions. When school bus services are suspended, schools remain open to students. EIPS believes families have the right and responsibility to make choices for their children based on their beliefs and perceptions of safety during times of inclement weather.
For more information, contact EIPS Student Transportation at 780-417-8151.
Respiratory Illness Guidance
The health and safety of staff, students and visitors is a top priority. Continue to reinforce the following hygiene habits to protect staff and students from spreading respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19.
- Stay home if you’re feeling sick.
- Wash or sanitize your hands often.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes.
- Avoid touching your face.
- Clean and disinfect high touch surfaces regularly.
- Wear a mask if you get sick or develop symptoms while at school or work.
As per Alberta Health guidelines, staff, students, contractors and visitors who have symptoms of respiratory Illness or test positive for COVID, should stay home until:
- symptoms have improved,
- they feel well enough to resume normal activities, and
- they have been fever-free for 24 hours without using fever-reducing medications.
For anyone who has a respiratory illness or has tested positive for COVID, it is recommended that they wear a mask for a total of 10 days from the onset of symptoms—even if the symptoms have resolved or improved—when in indoor settings with other individuals.
Student Parking
Please scan the QR code to fill in the online form to receive your parking pass. Passes will be available during lunch in the office.
• Traffic flow is one way entering and exiting the student parking lot.
• Grade 12's can park in any of the parking stalls available. This will be enforced.
Grade 10/11 students may park in any of the areas highlighted in orange.
Counsellor's Corner
Strathcona Next Gen is hosting a Career Panel conversation with a number of professionals joining them for an interactive presentation on their careers.
Please join us for a dynamic and informative afternoon at our free event! Attendees will have the unique opportunity to engage with a diverse panel of experts, including:
- Enyninnah Okere: Chief Operations Officer of Well-being, Edmonton Police Services
- Patrick Etokudo: Mechanical Engineer
- Dr. DeJager: Family Doctor and Blogger
- Andriko Lozowy: U of A Criminology Professor
- Alain Intwali: Music Engineer
- Micah Pelster: Real Estate Agent
- Candice Fox: Mortgage broker
- Faizal Jiwani: Entrepreneur
- Dietmar Schultz: Trades Professional
This event is a chance to directly engage with the panelists and get personal insight on your career questions. Whether you're seeking advice on resume building, networking strategies, or exploring unconventional career options, our panelists have you covered. Refreshments will be provided.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to expand your knowledge and connect with professionals from different fields!
Date: Saturday, November 25th
Time: 2:00 pm-3:30 pm
Place: Strathcona Community Centre, Meeting Room 2
Cafeteria Menu
*NEW* - Cafeteria payment methods - Debit Cards
We are excited to announce that you can now use your debit card to pay for your delicious lunches in our cafeteria!
Community News
Caregiver Education Sessions
Alberta Health Services hosts a variety of virtual caregiver information sessions throughout the year focused on ways to support students’ mental health. The sessions are free and geared toward parents, caregivers, teachers and community members who want to learn more about challenges impacting children and adolescents. Session topics include anxiety, ADHD, depression, self-harm, technology, teens and teaching leadership skills, communication, resiliency and more. Visit Caregiver Education to see the monthly caregiver sessions.
Ardrossan Junior Senior High
Email: general.ajs@eips.ca
Website: https://www.ardrossan.ca/
Location: Ardrossan Junior Senior High School, Range Road 222, Ardrossan, AB, Canada
Phone: 780-922-2228
Twitter: @ArdrossanJrSr