Bear Blast
Week of Jan 17, 2022
Working together; succeeding together.
We are priviledged to share Treaty 6 Territory traditional lands of the Cree, Dene, Saulteux, Ojibwaya and the Metis Nation.
Casual Custodians Needed
A Different Persepective on An Old Enemy
It's hard to believe that COVID-19 became a very real part of our world almost 2 years ago. Even harder to believe is that it is still very much front and center. I remember shortly after the school closed, I told a parent that I thought it would be 6-8 weeks at most. Man, was I wrong! As we find ourselves deep in this newest wave of Omicron I think that it is critical that we look at how our perspective has shifted.
2 years ago we found ourselves battling an unknown enemy without any weapons. Now we find ourselves much more knowledgeable about the virus and armed with a largely vaccinated population. Our fear of the virus has changed from life and death to the inconvenience of ever-changing isolation rules and flow charts. Although there still remains the lingering unknown of health impacts and the stress on our heavily burdened healthcare system, largely now, we are now battling a far milder virus that moves with break-kneck speed through our homes and communities. I have had so many phone calls in the last week of families who had found positives in their homes (thanks largely to the use of rapid testing) and have great feelings of guilt. This is the last thing that our families need as they battle the virus in their homes. Omicron is far more contagious and finds ways to get past even the most vigilant precautions. None of our families should ever feel shame or guilt as we battle this virus. We know that you are doing what you can (and more) to live a normal life while still safeguarding our kids and families members and there is no shame in that.
In closing, I want to thank our community for the tremendous level of understanding and grace you have shown us as we navigate these, still, tumultuous waters. From the beginning, I have attested, and remain committed to my conviction that together, we got this!
Unified Sport
Supporting Students Who Must Isolate
- The teacher will reach out to let you know the format of delivery (paper copies or digital).
- The work provided may not match the work done in class, especially if the classwork is discussion-based.
- TO avoid overwhelming you and your child, we will only send new work when completed work is sent back to the teacher.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact the school. It is very important that students learning continues during periods of mandatory isolation.
New Website
Please check out our Partners page. It highlights all of our community partnerships, which we could not operate without.
Healthy Snack Ideas
I am sure like me, you have trouble convincing your kids to make veggies a regular part of their meal plan. One trick that we have found that ended up having a double win was putting carrots into our pasta sauce. Anytime we cook a meat sauce or even a tomato sauce, we include finely minced carrots. At first, our kids didn't even notice them and now they ask for them. The taste blends seamlessly into the sauce and adds a great thick texture which our kids love. When we forget to add them they will tell us that the sauce seems too watery.
With the absence of microwaves, we invested in some thermoses and our kids love them.. No more having to wait in line at the microwave. We find that we actually have to let the food cool before putting it in the thermos or it is still too hot to eat even by lunchtime. Check out Slobodians and the Co-op for selections of thermoses.
Vaccine Requirement
Incidental visits, such as dropping off or picking up students, dropping off lunches, etc do not require proof of vaccine or negative test. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact the school.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation and understanding.
SRC Corner
Make it Sow Fundraiser
PPCS is partnering with Make It Sow Inc. to provide an opportunity for our families to get the jump on spring and buy their garden and flower seeds.
All proceeds from this fundraiser will help to support extracurricular travel and field trips.
Visit https://makeitsow.com/shop/#code-submission (or click the button below).
The group code is porcupine_plain_comprehensive_2022
It can be a little bit glitchy. If it doesn't work at first, try closing your browser and try again.
Thank you in advance for your support.
Orders are due Jan 24th.
Citrus Fundraiser is Coming
Seen Around PPCS (and Beyond)
Anything But a Backpack Day
Grade 5/6 Sledding
Foyer Furniture is Back
Mr. Riley's History Classroom
Upcoming Events
Jan 28 - Term 2 ends
Jan 31 and Feb 1 - No School (SIP DAY)
Feb 2 - Term 3 Begins
Feb 11 - Jump Rope for Heart Event
Extra Curr Travel
Athletes of the Week
We Want Fans in the Stands
- You only come if you are feeling well.
- Provide proof of vaccination or a negative test (48h).
- You wear a mask at all times when in the building
- Sanitize your hands upon entering and frequently while in the building
- Complete our contact tracing list upon entry
- Show our Bears how awesome they are by cheering loudly (albeit through a mask).
Hot Lunches are Back!!
Youth Group (Beyond Discovery)
Awana Kids Club
For Kindergarten-Grade 6!
It’ll run each Thursday from right after school gets out until 5:10pm.
Kids can come to the old elementary school (QCP) and enter through the back double doors!
Games, live music, and learning time every week!
Free to register!
Call Heidi at 306-278-7883 or Desi at 306-865-6350 if you have any questions!
New COVID Protocols
If you receive a letter from the school or health explaining that your child has been close contact...
- If your child is fully vaccinated (at least 2 weeks from their 2nd dose). They can attend school and all activities as long as they are symptom-free.
- If your child is not or is unable to be fully vaccinated, they can attend school as long as they are symptom-free but must isolate from all extracurricular (school and non) activities for a period of 10 days from exposure.
- We strongly recommend using rapid testing to monitor status, regardless of symptoms.
- If your child becomes symptomatic, regardless fo vaccine status, you should contact 811 and follow their instructions.
A Letter From NESD
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