Bear Blast

As we are all Treaty people, we take time to honor the land of Treaty 4 and all that it offers for us and our families through many generations. This land has served as a traditional meeting ground, gathering place, and traveling route for the Cree, Dene, Nakota, Saulteaux, and Ojibway People since time immemorial. We recognize this land as the homeland of Metis Nation Eastern Region II. We honor the ancestors and footsteps that have fallen in these lands. We also acknowledge that our use of this land has come at a cost, the cost of colonialism and the residential school system. We commit to working together toward reconciliation and forging a better path forward.

I am not sure if you have been following the news, currently school districts in Ontario have launched a multi-billion dollar lawsuit against social media giants. Their claim is that social media and all of the ploys that they use to entice users has actually robbed students of their right to an education. I am not sure what the outcome of the lawsuit will be, but no matter the outcome, I think it shines a light on something that we do need to think about, the effect of technology on student learning.

The NESD Board of Education is actively looking at policies and consider policies f their own regarding student use of technology, specifically their personal devices. Currently they are in a data gathering phase. Eventually they will develop some policies and then seek feedback from principals, teachers, and students. I am certain that the policy will balance both student needs and prevalence of communication technology in our lives.

Along with this PPCS is looking at making changes to how we use devices in the classroom, ensuring that we balance screen time with the benefits of technology as a teaching and learning tool. We will also be looking at making some minor changes to our current device policy to ensure that our students are less distracted by their personal device.

Together we can help our students navigate this new world of technology, while at the same time ensuring that they all have access to a quality education.

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 week's answer was Kim Possible - the winner was Lexi Mackin

This week, who remember the 3 rules for owning this pet, made famous by an 80s classic.

Larwood Shaw Memorial Pool is very happy to be able to offer swimming lessons this summer. Several local youth have completed the needed training to be instructors and are ready to get going. To register visit https://forms.gle/g8BkbjUfjPFLryPXA.

Each month, we will be putting out a family calendar which will include major events for the month. We will do our best to be as comprehensive as possible, but please continue to check the Bear Blast for updates. This will include our home games and our practice times, as well as special events. We encourage families to print a copy (click the pdf file to download) of the calendar and keep it handy.

Volunteer of the Month

Mrs. Lechler has taken on a crew of Jr. Badminton players. We appreciate her knowledge and the time she spends with our younger students as they learn the game. It was a rocky season with all that was going on but hats off to her for making the best of it and getting some players to Nessac. Thank you for all that you do for Bears Athletics.

Athletes of the Month

Hana Teale

Hana Teale is a pick for this months athlete. Coming off a strong Nessac Badminton performance Hana has leapt right into the track season. Hana is a hard worker and asks questions on where to improve. Good luck in your Track and Ball season Hana.

Caden Brezinski and Nick Patchin finished off High School Badminton playing with a run to the Nessac Playoffs. The quick , agile duo did some damage in boys double play but unfortunately did not advance to the regional playoff. Best of luck in your future guys and thanks for being a part of Bears Athletics.

Please note, as we get used to this new system, please be aware that punch card balances may be up to 1 week behind.

You can click the button below to check on how much your child has left on his/her punch card. To help support privacy, we have developed account numbers for each student. The account number is their grade followed by the last 4 digits of the phone number we have on file. For example, my son Noah is in grade 5. His account number would be 059017.

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.

Once again, Jigs and Carolines will be offering hot lunches on Wednesday and Friday. Please order directly from them. Stay tuned.