Bear Blast
For the Week of April 8, 2024
Working together; succeeding together.
3 Way Conferences
All families should have received an Edsby message about 3 way conferences. Please make sure you sign up as soon as possible. 3 way conferences are mandatory for each of our students.
Work To Rule
Unfortunately, the negotiations between the teachers of Saskatchewan and the Government of Saskatchewan continue to be stalled. As a result the Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation has imposed "Work to Rule" job sanctions. We are very aware that this will be very inconvenient for our families and we apologize that you are caught in the middle. It continues to be our hope that the two sides will reach an agreement and all of this can end. In the mean time, I wanted to take some time to explain what work to rule means for operations at PPCS.
Essentially work to rule means that the teachers will adhere to their contract in the strictest sense. All teachers will continue to teach and assess curriculum and support students in their learning journey. We are committed to delivering the highest possible level of instruction and assessment and remain completely committed to our vision "Working Together; Succeeding Together." The greatest difference that will be experienced by staff and families is that teachers will strictly adhere to their contracted work day, arriving at school 15 minutes prior to the beginning of the instructional day (8:50) and leaving 15 minutes following the end of the instructional day (3:20). This means that teachers will not be at the school prior to 8:35 or after 3:35. Outside of the work day there will be no supervision occurring at the school. Please ensure, for safety, that students are not arriving prior to 8:35 in the morning.
As noon hour us not part of the instructional day, teachers will not work during the noon hour. This means that they cannot perform supervision duties or help students during this time. The NESD has made the decision to alter the day and dismiss the students at 2:20, allowing teachers to have their duty free noon hour from 2:20-3:20. This means that for now, the instructional day at PPCS is from 8:50-2:20. Teachers will not be at the school prior to or after these times.
In some schools in other communities and divisions, parents and community members have volunteered or agreed to perform noon supervision duties for a given rate. This remains an option for PPCS. All parents or community members who may be interested must have a criminal record and vulnerable sector check done. If you would like more information, please contact the school at 306 278 2288 or the NESD at 306 752 5741.
Extra curricular are a critical component of the learning experience at PPCS, but are not formally part of the duties of teachers as laid out in the Education Act. This means that, under work to rule, teachers are not permitted to carry out extra curricular activities. As a result, SHSAA has cancelled all extra curricular activities until the work to rule sanctions are lifted.
Once again, we apologize for the inconvenience this may cause our families. We greatly appreciate your continued support in these unprecedented times. It is our hope that we can return to normal as soon as possible.
Can You Guess What I Am
Each week, Mr. Mielke will post a pic of a strange object. Submit your answers of what you think it is to ppcs@nesd.ca. All the correct answers will be put into a draw for a weekly prize.
Last weeks item was an 8-track, the winner was Andrea Genaille.
Can you guess this week's item?
Around PPCS
Brain Cancer Fundraiser
Huge shout out to our Senior Boys Basketball team as they decided to use their regional playoff tournament as a fundraiser for brain cancer research and awareness. Through the tournament and a Bear Bites sale the following week, we were able to raise $700. Thank you to everyone who supported the fundraiser.
Grade 2: How Can We Slow Down the Speed of Something in Motion?
Around the Community
Next Staff vs. Student is
Family Calendar
PPCS is Looking for a Track and Field Coach
PPCS is looking for a community member to coach our track and field team this spring. Contact the school for more information. (306) 278 2288.
PPCS Jr. NBA 2024
Monday, April 8- Grades 3-6 Boys @ PPCS Gym (2:30-4:00)
Tuesday, April 9 - Grades 1 and 2 @ PPCS Gymnasium (2:30-3:15)
Wednesday, April 10- Grades 3-6 Girls @PPCS Gym (2:30-4:00)
Tournament schedules were sent out via Edsby on Sunday.
Volunteers and Athletes of the Month
Volunteer of the Month
Kylee Lupuliak has been part of the basketball table trio that has held down the fort at almost all the basketball games at our school. Her becoming a minor official is a boost to our school and is greatly appreciated. Kylee was a quick and eager to learn individual who strives to do her job right all the time. Thanks for helping out Kylee.
Athlete of the Month
Logan Smith has been honing his craft on the badminton court and is eager to see some competitions. Logan is a smart player who is obviously strong but his quickness will surprise you. He has been working in practice to get better and be ready for games. Good work Logan.
Athlete of the Month
We will mix it up a bit here and mention 2 grade 12s who have not been athlete of the month this year but have played their last HS basketball. We would like to send off Trayce Mathieu and Jeremy Konchakowski and thank them for their years of dedication to our program. They brought leadership and selflessness to our team by doing what is best for the group even if that means getting thrown into a new position on the fly. The boys gave a great deal of time to Bears Basketball but as a result they leave with an impressive resume of a few league championships and 2 Provincial silver medals that would not have been possible without them. Best of luck in your future guys and thanks for being a part of Bears Athletics.
Hot Lunches
Check Your Punch Card Balance
Please note, as we get used to this new system, please be aware that punch card balances may be up to 1 week behind.
Once you click the link below and find your child's account number, you will see a number to the left of their account number (i.e. 17). That number will not change, so you only have to remember that number going forward.
We hope that this will help our families.
Scan me to check your punch card balance.
Jigs and Carolines are Back
Wednesdays - Jigs
Popcorn Chicken and Fries
$7.00
Fridays - Carolines
TBD - Contact Caroline's for Details
$6.00