Bear Blast
Week of June 27, 2022
Working together; succeeding together.
We are priviledged to share Treaty 6 Territory traditional lands of the Cree, Dene, Saulteux, Ojibway and the Metis Nation.
Slava Ukraini! Слава Україні! Героям слава!
A Herd of Elk and Reflections at the End.
As I sat down, to write the final Bear Blast of the 2021 2022 school year I used that experience to reflect. This year has been a journey, to say the least, and it has not always been smooth. The pandemic continued to create bumps in the road as we marched on. But march on, like that herd of elk we did. Like that herd, occasionally things interrupted our journey, things that we were unsure of, things we did not fully understand. Like that cow elk, occasionally we had to send messages and signals to change course in an effort to keep the herd safe. Some of us, like some of the herd, then continued on, largely unaffected and undeterred. Others, were more cautious and held back or changed course entirely. Like us, I hope the herd eventually came back together and continued their journey together.
As the year comes to a close, I want to take a moment to acknowledge my herd. Miss Irving,, Mrs. Steiestol, Mrs. Patchin, Ms. Palaniuk, Mr. Hamelin, Mrs. Brezinski, Mrs. Mielke, Miss Wallen, Miss Hoffus, Mr. Harbor, Mr. Bloski, Mr. Riley, Mrs. Siwak, Mrs. Binkley, Mrs. Henry, Mrs. Altouse, Mrs. Christianson, Mrs. Leichert, Miss Boutin, Mr. Rye, Mrs. Samalla, Mrs. Antazo are my herd and I would not want to journey with any other herd. We looked out for each other, we supported each other. When we were ready to quit, to fall down, the rest of the herd held each other up until we were ready to go again. It is my sincerest hope that we never experience another pandemic, but if we ever do ( and I really, really hope we don't), I know we can get through it as long as we have our herd.
I purposely left two names off my initial list. Firstly, Mrs. Smith. Mrs. Smith joined the herd part way through the journey and had to hit the ground running. I am so grateful for all that she has done for us this year and look forward to having her in the office going forward. On several occasions, she asked if she was doing ok and every time I assured her that she was rocking it. Thank you to Mrs. Smith for jumping in with both feet and for keeping the office running smoothly. I have been teaching 4 periods a day this term and Mrs. Smith has stepped up in a big way, taking on more than her share and doing it all with a smile. Thank you for being so understanding, so flexible and so amazing. Last, but certainly not least is Mrs. Irving. There are simply no words to express my gratitude for Mrs. Irving this year. It is without any hyperbole to say that I could not have; would not have survived this year without Mrs. Irving. She stepped up in every way possible and went so far above and beyond. With every new protocol, initiative policy, challenge, and tribulation, she was always there beside me and occasionally out in front when I could no longer be in the lead. To say that this year was exhausting would be an understatement an there were times when my constitution and resolve failed. In those moments, Mrs. Irving was always there to step up and step in front allowing me to catch my breath and reset my resolve. This year more than ever, I feel that coprincipal is a far more fitting title than vice-principal (although it has really always been that way). I learned so much from Mrs. Irving this year, whether it was a quiet appreciation for the viewpoint of others or a bold and loud voice of advocacy for those who needed it. Late in the year, we were discussing our personal goals (we called them innovation sprints) and she was commenting that she was feeling that her goal had come to completion and she wasn't sure what to do next. I suggested that she could pivot (I do love buzz words) and try something new. Mrs. Irving, not so quietly, advocated for everyone, including herself when she made it clear that no one would be pivoting this late in the game. That is what I appreciate most about Mrs. Irving; she is an advocate for all those who need advocacy.
In closing, thank you to all of our families. I am so glad that each and every one of you is part of our herd. As much as we relied on each other, we also relied on you to get us through the tough times. Thank you for being amazing, understanding, compassionate and supportive as we all navigated this journey. From Leslie, Amanda, Noah, and myself I hope that everyone has a truly relaxing, rejuvenating, and normal summer. As always, please know and respect your stupid line, we want to see everyone back bright-eyed and bushy-tailed first thing Sept 1.
Seen Around PPCS (and Beyond)
High School Greenwater Day
Celebration of Learning
Kindergartens - Sang.
Grade 1 - Performed Robert Munsch's "Angela's Airplane".
Grade 2 - Sang.
Grade 3 - Showed off their learning in a learning fair format.
It was an awesome afternoon. Huge shout out to the teachers and EAs for organizing the event and to our kids for making it awesome!!
Upcoming Events
June 23-27 - Final Exams (see the schedule)
June 27 - Elementary Field Day (Grades 4-6)
June 27 - Free Community BBQ
June 28 - Last Day of Classes
June 28 - Slip Into Slay Queen Summer (High School Activities)
June 29 - Grad 2022 - Doors will open to the public at 6:45 pm.
Sept 1 - First Day of Classes for the 2022 2023 school year
Final Exam Schedule
June 27 AM - History 20
We Want Fans in the Stands
- You only come if you are feeling well.
- Sanitize your hands upon entering and frequently while in the building
- Show our Bears how awesome they are by cheering loudly (albeit through a mask).
- Be considerate of the choices of others.
Lost and Found
Hot Lunches are Back!!
Jigs Corner Stop Cafe
Thank you for another year of amazing lunches.
Carolines
Thank you for another year of amazing lunches.
Youth Group (Beyond Discovery)
Awana Kids Club
Awana has wrapped up for the season. See you next fall!
Call Heidi at 306-278-7883 or Desi at 306-865-6350 if you have any questions!
Welcome back to #bestyearever
Porcupine Plain Comprehensive School
Email: ppcs@nesd.ca
Website: ppcs.nesd.ca
Location: 403 3rd Avenue East, Porcupine Plain, SK, Canada
Phone: 306 278 2288
Facebook: facebook.com/PPCS2011
Twitter: @Porcupine_BEARS