Dear Parents/Guardians,

We had an amazing week celebrating Halloween! On Wednesday, Mrs. D and her students set up sensory boxes for a fun guessing game, where each class felt the mystery items inside and submitted guesses—the winning class will enjoy a fruit tray next week! Tom impressed us again with a spooky haunted house that had everyone on edge. Our costume parade was a blast, with so many creative costumes that it was tough for the judges to choose winners. Thank you to all the parents who joined us for the parade, and to everyone who made the elementary dance so much fun.

A huge thanks to the volunteers who came in early Friday to cook a delicious pancake breakfast, sponsored by McLeod Trading Post, for our Pajama Day. It was a cozy morning with a few picture retakes added in!

A quick reminder about the basketball reffing clinic this Sunday, November 3rd, at Pine Grove in Edson. We’re hoping someone from our community can attend, as we need local officials to host games at Niton as we cannot guarantee that referees from Edson are willing to come out here. Please email me at bailbens@gypsd.ca or Georges at geordavi@gypsd.ca if you have questions. More information is below in the athletes section.

Next week is short, with classes Monday through Wednesday before fall break. Parent-teacher interviews are scheduled for Monday and Tuesday from 4:00–7:00. Thanks to everyone who signed up!

On Wednesday, November 6, we’ll hold our school Remembrance Day Ceremony starting at 10:50 a.m., parents and community members are welcome to join, doors open at 10:35. This Wednesday is also Take Your Kid to Work Day for our grade 9 students.

Last Friday, some of our grade 8 and 9 students worked hard collecting bottles to fundraise for junior high dances—thank you for your efforts!

We’re also grateful to Vermillion Energy for their generous support of our breakfast program and to Peers Farm and Feed for supporting our hot lunch program. Your donations make a big difference!

Finally, Yellowhead Central Santa’s Anonymous applications are now available for those in need this holiday season. Forms are in the office and library, and applications are due by December 1st. Only two executive members will see the information provided.

Have a wonderful weekend,

Bailey Benson

"The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you." ~ B. B. King

Nov. 1 - Grade 6 - 9 Dance, 5:00 - 7:00 PM

Nov. 4 - Parent/ Teacher Interviews, 4:00 - 7:00

Nov. 5 - Parent/ Teacher Interviews, 4:00 - 7:00

Nov. 5 - Volleyball Zones - Boys & Girls

Nov. 6 - School Remembrance Day Ceremony @ 10:50, Parents and Community members welcome to attend

Nov. 6 - Take Our Kids to Work Day (Grade 9s)

Nov. 7 - Fall Break, No School

Nov. 8 - Fall Break, No School

Nov. 11 - Remembrance Day, No School

Nov. 13 - World Kindness Day

Nov. 13 - Hot Lunch: Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup FREE sponsored by Peers Farm & Feed (Moved to Wednesday due to GYACs)

Nov. 13 - Council of School Councils Virtual Meeting @ 7:00

Nov. 14 - GYAC Volleyball Tournament

Nov. 18 - School Council Meeting @ 3:30

Nov. 21 - Hot Lunch: Corn Dogs (FREE sponsored by Tymchuk Farms)

Nov. 28 - Hot Lunch: Quesadillas (FREE sponsored by Niton Esso & A&W)

In CTF class, the grade 6/7 students are diving into woodworking as they bring their boat designs to life. After spending time drafting their plans, they're now hard at work, carefully measuring, cutting, and assembling the pieces. Using a variety of tools—like the bandsaw for precise cuts, chisels to shape the wood, and sanders to smooth rough edges—they’re experiencing firsthand the skill and patience needed to turn raw materials into a finished product.

On their day off, a group of dedicated grade 8 and 9 students took the initiative to collect bottles to raise money for their junior high dances. Despite the hard work, they stayed motivated, knowing their efforts would contribute to making their school dances extra special.

In an exciting hands-on science lesson, the grade 4/5 class had the unique opportunity to dissect two wasp nests to explore their intricate inner structure. With curiosity and care, the students carefully opened up the nests, discovering the various chambers and cells where wasps once lived. They examined the delicate layers, marveling at the different parts that make up the nest’s complex architecture.

A group of inventive grade 4/5 students with the help of Mrs. D. organized sensory mystery boxes, creating an exciting experience for the entire school. Each box contained a hidden item with a different texture—some were cold, some slimy, and others wet—and students took turns sticking their hands inside to feel and guess what was inside. Laughter and curious expressions filled the room as classes tried to identify each mystery item by touch alone. After everyone had their turn, classes submitted their guesses, competing to see who could come closest to identifying each surprise. It was a memorable activity that brought fun, curiosity, and teamwork to the school day.

The grade 2/3 class enjoyed Halloween-themed stations, where they colored spooky scenes, created foam figures, and played Halloween tic-tac-toe. Each activity added to the festive fun, bringing excitement and creativity into the classroom.

The JKs brought Halloween spirit to our hallways with a spooky scavenger hunt, trick-or-treating at each classroom along the way. They played festive games, tasted some Witches’ Brew, and later joined the K1s to make glowing milk jug lanterns.

Halloween was a day full of fun and festivities for students from K–9! Everyone got to experience the thrills of a haunted house—special thanks to Tom for making this possible. Students showed off their costumes in a lively school-wide parade, followed by an energetic elementary dance. Classrooms hosted Halloween games and parties, with plenty of treats and food to enjoy. From spooky fun to creative costumes, it was a memorable celebration that brought the whole school together in the Halloween spirit.

"Strength and growth come only through continuous effort and struggle." ~ Napoleon Hill

Our Knight Awards theme for the month is to Grow! A few things we look for, promote, and model for our students,

• Perseverance: Continuing to work hard and not giving up, even when faced with challenges or setbacks.

• Respect: Valuing others’ opinions, treating people kindly, and following school rules and expectations.

• Curiosity: Showing a desire to learn more, asking questions, and exploring new ideas beyond what is taught.
• Responsibility: Taking ownership of actions, being accountable for schoolwork, and managing time and tasks effectively.
• Empathy: Understanding and caring about others’ feelings, and supporting peers in a compassionate way.

Volleyball

• Monday - Jr. Boys and Girls Volleyball Practice
• Tuesday - Volleyball Zones in Westlock, Boys and Girls
• Wednesday -
• Thursday -

Basketball Reffing

The officiating clinic will be held at Pine Grove School in Edson on Sunday, November 3, 2024 at 9:15 a.m. (remember there is a time change that weekend). The clinic will end before 5pm. We will have snacks and lunch brought in.

The cost of the clinic is $55 for all officials not officiating high school. The cost of the clinic for high school officials is $130. The difference relates to travel opportunities and fees paid to the national and provincial sporting organizations. Fees may be paid by cheque, cash, or etransfer.

Kerron Lewis, ABOA Director of Education is joining us this year to provide a humorous and light day of referee education. Kerron is an international 3x3 official, and a current member of the university and collegiate official; he is fresh off a national gold medal at the CCAA Women's Championships.

The registration link is here: https://forms.gle/DFcqEKwxaCRcEfd26