PRINCIPAL'S CORNER
Hello Vickers Families! September was a real whirlwind this year with everyone settling into new routines at school. Our cross country and volleyball teams are up and running and I am proud of how well we are representing at the various meets and games. EDSBY is the primary platform for communication between school and home - if you are still having trouble with getting connected to EDSBY, please call the school.
We are literacy focused this year with our reading goal. We have already been delivering some of the high impact reading strategies prior to being a reading goal school so the transition has been seamless.
We are also focusing on building strong teacher-student relationships and our teachers have been doing Morning Meetings with students as one effective strategy.
We are a Forest School, so we are continually finding ways to connect our learning to the land and to the natural environment. Many of our classes are going to be participating in “Take Me Outside Day” on October 23rd. It is easy to catch up with all that is happening at Vickers both outside and around the school on social media (Facebook and Instagram.)
Have a wonderful October!
Mrs. J. Green
Principal
VICKERS VOICES
Staying safe online – Holly Cochrane- School Social Worker/Counselor
I think we all would agree that we live in an age where a lot of what we do on a daily basis involves going online and using social media for one reason or another- whether it’s to complete tasks at school or work, share important information, connect with friends and family, the list could go on and on. In many ways this has impacted our lives very positively, and we can do so many more things quickly and efficiently thanks to technology advancing. A personal example of this, is seeing how it has opened a whole new world to my almost 90-year-old grandmother! She has recently discovered how amazing facetime calls can be and how she can stay connected with loved ones in this way.
Although the advantages of being online are endless, we also know the flip side of this, and that there is a huge online world out there right at our fingertips, which can be a very scary, and unsafe place. This is especially true when it comes to our children and youth, and their ability to navigate safely through it. Many apps and platforms out there are geared towards older teens and young adults, and yet we see more and more young people using them when they maybe aren’t quite ready. We know that kids are spending a lot of time on devices, and for reasons unrelated to school work, and this can add up to a lot of time where kids may be exposed to many confusing, hurtful and sometimes harmful things. We can also see that time on devices will have a direct impact on student’s mental health, and their overall wellbeing.
As parents and guardians, we then have a big role to play in keeping our kids safe while they are online. In some recent discussions with a city police officer, he strongly encouraging parents to educate themselves on what’s out there and take the time to download and check out the apps their kids are using. He also spoke about not adding people/allowing people to follow you, who you do not actually know in real life, as we don’t always know who is behind the screen, and what their intentions may be. But most importantly, he advised to sit down with your children on a regular basis and engage in meaningful conversations with them about how they are using their device, and how to use it safely. It is my hope that these resources below will be good tools to help you do this important work.
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/
https://nationalonlinesafety.com/ (also a page on Facebook)
The Band Room is Alive with the Sound of Music!
Now that everybody has their instruments and the choir has started up, the beginner band is making their first sounds on their instruments, and we are starting to hear songs taking shape from the choir and Gr. 6-8 Band students. Just a reminder that choir rehearses every Tuesday and Thursday at lunch recess, so please plan to have a lunch packed on those days.
The Grade 5's took part in a Beginner Band Clinic at Plaza 88 on Sept. 23 where they learned from professionals on their specific instruments. They were even treated to a little concert by their clinicians so they could hear what is possible with years of experience and lots of practice!
The bus is full for our November 29th concert trip to Saskatoon to see the U of S Wind Ensemble in concert, but we have a waiting list. Stay tuned to Edsby if your child is in Choir, as we will be doing a similar trip for the choir on Sunday, November 24th to see the Greystone Singers & University Chorus concert in Saskatoon.
We have opportunities available to work bingos at Carnival Bingo to help offset the cost of your child’s band and/or choir trips in the spring. Each worker will receive a credit of $50 towards their student’s trip per bingo worked. The bingo dates for this term are October 11, November 8, December 13, and January 10. Please contact Ms. Lohneis if you are interested in this fundraising opportunity.
Don’t forget that the band room is open for your child to practice at school if they would prefer that to at-home practice. Please refer to the schedule that has been posted in Edsby and outside the band room door. We have the most fun in band when everybody feels confident that they can play their part, and I am always here to help!
Thank you for your continued support of your child’s music education!
Mrs. Lauren Lohneis
Band/Music
Teacher
HALLOWEEN COSTUME DAY!
This year Halloween will fall on a Thursday!! You are welcome to wear a costume or orange and black. We ask that you guide their selection of costumes and accessories in a manner that will allow them to comfortably work and learn throughout the day, as well as be able to independently use the restroom. In addition, any items that encourage violence are inappropriate for students at school. Also, students shouldn't bring toy guns, swords, pitchforks, or other toy weapons.
CROSS COUNTRY SEASON!
Cross Country Season Wrapping Up
We’ve had a fantastic cross country season! All three mini-meets are now complete. The first run of the season at Murray Point (Emma Lake) offered stunning scenery, making it a great backdrop for the race. We hope to return next year. The second meet was a busy one at W.J. Berezowsky School, followed quickly by the final mini-meet at Mair Park. Despite some tough winds, our runners powered through with smiles. Now, we look forward to the grand finale—the “Extravaganza Race” at Spruce Home on October 1st. Fingers crossed for good weather, as this is always a fun way to close out the season. Bussing will be provided during school hours, with races running from 12:23 PM to 1:36 PM. We’ll arrive in plenty of time for a warm-up and walkthrough. Feel free to come out and cheer on the students!
Volleyball in Full Swing
Volleyball season is in full gear! With nine teams from grades 5-8, participation is at an all-time high, which is exciting to see. Our gym is buzzing with activity—clinics, morning practices, and after-school games fill the schedule. As we head into October, we’re especially looking forward to our Gr. 7/8 home tournament, "THE ROCK," which promises to be both highly competitive and a lot of fun. Keep an eye on social media for more details on this event.
Our coaches are always on the lookout for volunteer scorekeepers and referees. If any students or parents are interested in helping out, please let me or another coach know!
Grade 5 volleyball registrations are in, and practices will start soon, with games beginning in early October. Coaches will continue to use EDSBY for updates, so please make sure you’re checking it regularly.
Mr. R.Whitrow
SCHOOL CASH ONLINE
SchoolCashOnline
- Field Trips
- Sports Events
- Activity Fees
KEVGROUP
School Cash Simplified
Registration for School Cash Online is now Available!! Please Visit
www.srsd119.ca/school-cash-online/ for instructions.
SCHOOL ACTIVITY FEE
If you have not paid your child’s School Activity Fees please sign up using the link below for School Cash Online.
This fee is collected to assist in covering the costs of optional activities or events that would enhance the regular school programming and would enrich the education of participating students. Some examples of these are out of school educational experiences, activities, presentations and/or speakers.
The fee is $10.75 for Kindergarten and $21.00 for Gr 1-8 & Dev Ed.
PEDESTRIAN SAFETY
Our staff parking lots are a “no drop off zone” as they are out of bounds for students.
We urge parents to support us in this safety endeavor by dropping off your children on the west side of the school on Olive Diefenbaker Drive; on Bradbury Drive, east of the Special Needs bus zone and between Gisi Road and Olive Diefenbaker Drive.
We encourage the children to cross all streets in a safe manner by crossing at the corner or at cross walks. Teacher supervision is also provided at our major crosswalks.
The Community Club rink parking lot is the bus pick up zone after school for our parents to meet their children for pick up. Please refrain from turning around in the driveways, as this is disruptive to the homeowners.
ÉCOLE VICKERS CANTEEN
- Flavored water................................$1.50
- Chocolate milk...............................$1.50
- Large apple/orange/fruit juice......$2.00
- Juice box........................................$1.00
SMALL SNACKS: (all pre-packaged)..........$1.00
- variety of small items such as Rice Krispie squares, goldfish crackers, cookies, baked chips,
- hot rods, fruit snacks, wagon wheels, and/or seasonal snacks.
LARGE SNACKS: (all pre-packaged)...........$2.00
- Sun chips, crispers, cookies
Pizza .............................................................$3.00
