Stonybrook Middle School

Knightly News - January 2022

Ready to Learn Be Responsible Be Respectful Be Safe

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Christmas at SMS

Once again, Christmas was a little different at SMS, however, this year we did enjoy the students being in the school, unlike last year! Although we didn't have a Christmas Concert, we were amazed at the talent that was shown in our wonderful "Holiday Christmas Show" video, prepared by Ms. Gomes Fast (music teacher) and Mr. Markus Goertzen (band instructor). Thank you to the students who sent in a video clip of themselves performing a favorite Christmas song for this video! Thank you also to the Grade 5 and 6 music classes and Grade 7 and 8 bands that contributed something to the show as well. Great job!


Classes had Christmas parties on the last day of school and everyone was in a festive spirit.

Thank you for supporting our Virtual Book Fair in November!

We had a great response to the Book Fair this year, reaching the highest amount in sales in our school's history! The students were able to browse and buy during their assigned class time, and parents were able to purchase through the Scholastic link. Thank you to all those who ordered books from our Book Fair! The SMS Library will receive a percentage of the sales to buy books for our library!


We hope that you enjoyed reading your books!

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Staff Changes

Over the Christmas break, we said "goodbye" to a couple of staff members, and "hello/welcome back" to a couple more.


Mr. Ed Neufeld was the Interim Principal here from August to December. We appreciated his steering the ship while Mrs. Rebizant was away. He returned to retirement on December 22nd at 5:00 p.m. - but we know he probably won't stay that way for long! Thank you Mr. Neufeld!


But...we are so happy to welcome Mrs. Rebizant back from her leave! It is nice to hear her infectious laugh and we know that when the students see her when they come back next week there will be many excited "elbow" greetings.


We also say goodbye to Mr. Anders Rempel. Over the years at Steinbach Junior High and Stonybrook Middle School he taught Grade 7 and Grade 6, Digital Art, and was Vice-Principal for one year. We were sad to see him go to pursue other ventures, and wish him well in his future endeavors.


But...again we are happy to say hello and welcome to the staff team Ms. Yasmeen Bouseri (6YB-from 6AR). Ms. Bouseri also has a past at Steinbach Junior High - being a student! Now she returns as a teacher. Welcome here and good luck!! We're glad to have you join us!

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Important Dates to Remember

Monday, January 17th First day back after remote learning week


Wednesday, February 2nd Covid Vaccine Clinic for 5-11 yr olds (more information below)

Friday, February 4th Administration Day/PD Day (No Classes)

Monday, February 21st Louis Riel Day (No Classes)

Friday, February 25th Professional Development Day (No Classes)


February is also I Love To Read Month! Stay tuned for information on some fun activities that will be planned for that month.

Covid Vaccine Clinic February 2nd

As you may know, the Government of Manitoba is committed to running vaccine clinics in schools to make it easier for children ages 5-11 to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Please read the notice from Manitoba Health (letter below).


Vaccines are available for students who have a consent form completed by a parent. Paper copies of the consent form and fact sheet are available at school. You may contact the school and we can send them home with your child. An E-Consent form is included in the letter to parents below.

The date for the clinic at Stonybrook Middle School is February 2nd, 2022.

In order to plan effectively for the clinic, Public Health requires that Vaccination Consent Forms are returned to the school office by Wednesday, January 26th, 2022.

Thanks for your attention to this matter, and for your continued support in these challenging times.

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School Closures

Extreme Hazardous Weather

Schools will close when weather and road conditions in Hanover School Division are such that it is not advisable to transport students via school buses. If weather deteriorates after the school day has started, creating unsafe driving conditions that necessitate cancelling bus service for the return trip home, students will remain in school until other arrangements can be made. Buses will not be sent out early.


Extreme Cold Weather

Schools will be closed for cold weather reasons when it’s too cold for students to be exposed to the elements for even a short period of time.

The division will close for cold weather reasons when the temperature at the Environment Canada weather station in Kleefeld at 6:00 AM is at minus 35 degrees Celsius or colder OR is experiencing a wind chill of minus 45 degrees Celsius or colder.

Consideration to close schools may also be given if either the temperature or the wind chill significantly surpasses these levels, or there are other extenuating circumstances as determined by the Superintendent and Director of Transportation.


Parent Choice
If concerned about child safety during periods of extreme weather, parents/guardians may (at their discretion) choose to keep their children at home. Those choosing to exercise this option should inform the school on that day as per regular absence procedures.


Parent Notification
When schools are closed due to extreme weather, parents/guardians will receive an automated phone message between the hours of 6:00 am-8:00 am. Notice will be posted on www.HSD.ca and Twitter @HanoverSD.

Closure announcements are also distributed to local media outlets (AM 1250, Mix 96.7, CJOB, SteinbachOnline.com, and TheCarillon.com.

Please Dress Warm!

Remember to wear warm outer clothing to school so that you can enjoy some outdoor recess time during morning, lunch and afternoon break! If weather is cooperative, Mr. Thiessen sometimes goes outside for PE as well. Dress warmly so that you can enjoy the fresh air!
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Knights and Penguins Celebrate by winning the Championship Cups for their Cohorts

Team 5TN Knights downed the 5MK Canadiens to win the Cohort A Championship on Wednesday, December 15th. The Knights were led by sharp shooter Mattias N who scored all three goals.


Team 5DD Penguins played solid team defense as they stymied the 5LL Krakens on Friday, December 17th. The Penguins had goals from Cohen B and Jacob L.


Special Mention to Cohort All-Stars!

Cohort A - Yulian, Micah, Adrian, Grace, Mattias, Miles

Cohort B - Mason, Carter, Oliver, Cohen, Taryn, Jeremy

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Interested in an Art Competition?

Please submit an application to the upcoming Southeast Open Judged Exhibit. This would be a great opportunity for you to show your art in the Centre, and receive some professional critique. There will also be a non-competitive category for those who would simply like to exhibit their piece in the gallery. As always, it is free for ages 17 and under.

For more information go to https://steinbacharts.ca/soje/.

Or How About Football?

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Eastman Raiders Football Club assists youth in South East Manitoba communities in remaining physically active while developing leadership skills both on and off the field. Through our various football programs, we aim to make a positive difference in the lives of youth and families in the South East Manitoba area.

http://www.eastmanraiders.com/

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January Newsletter