Bear Blast
For the Week of Nov 14, 2022
Working together; succeeding together.
We acknowledge the harm of colonialism and the residential school system and commit to working together toward reconciliation and forging a better path forward.
Our Freedoms Are Not Free
On Friday at the community Remembrance Day service, George Wolf made a great speech. In his speech, he spoke of the sacrifice that was made by those who went to war for the sake of our freedom. George spoke of how we have not paid for our freedom, rather others have paid for us. George made a very insightful point and it got me thinking about freedom and all that we enjoy in Canada. What jumped out at me was that although we have not been called to pay for our freedom, that is not to say it is without cost.
Many (more than I would like to admit) years ago, I was an intern at Luther College High School in Regina. My cooperating teacher was Commanding Officer Randy Brooks, with the Royal Regina Rifles. We had many, many insightful conversations, but one sticks out as being very relevant. Mr. Brooks said that what should be written on the back of our Charter and Rights and Freedoms, is a list of our duties and responsibilities. He said that with every right by extension, freedom that has been secured for us there are responsibilities that we must fulfill. This has always stuck with me. I have never been called to do what so many have, to lay down my life for the freedom of others, for which I am eternally grateful.
The true beauty of the Charter is that it does not demand anything of us, other than perhaps to ensure they are upheld. However, what freedom provides us is an opportunity to do more. It is up to us, our responsibility, to temper how we exercise our personal freedoms. This is a delicate balance, to say the least, and will evolve as we get older. We have the freedom to say, almost, whatever we want, but it is up to us to use that freedom responsibly, to choose our words to build others up rather than tear them down. We are free to disagree and to hold true to our own beliefs, but must be very cautious when and if that comes at the expense of others.
It would be great if the back of the Charter contained instructions on how to wield our freedoms, but that in and of itself would limit them. No, instructions are not appropriate (although our courts do play a role in determining the limits of our freedoms). George was right, many of us have not been asked to pay for our freedoms in the same way that those who have, who do, and, who will go to war have and will pay. That being said, Mr. Brooks was right as well; we have not been handed these freedoms without responsibility. As the poem says, "from failing hands we throw the torch; be yours to hold it high", it is our job to not only ensure that our freedoms are upheld, but also to discern for ourselves how we use those freedoms. It is up to us to shoulder the responsibility that comes with freedom. It is true that freedom is not free, it was bought for us with the blood of others, and they had faith that we would wield those freedoms responsibly. In this task, we cannot fail. The torch is ours, let's hold it high.
Wear Blue on Monday
Remembrance Day 2022
(L to R) TB, DU, EY, former student WK.
Seen Around PPCS
Paper Report Card Request
Shout Out to Thomasgard Lumber
Hot Lunch Punch Cards
Please allow 2 school days to process punch card purchases.
Our Day
8:55 - class bell rings.
9:00 - Oh Canada and morning announcements.
12:10 - lunch bell rings - grades K-3 eat and go outside at 12:30, grades 4-6 go outside and eat at 12:30
12:50 - lunch warning bell rings - students come inside
12:55 - class bell rings
3:05 - high school dismissal bell rings
3:25 - elementary dismissal bell rings
GO Time
Name the Bear Contest
GO Time Readers
Next Staff vs. Student is Nov 25
Upcoming Events
Nov 14 - Blue Day (Diabetes Awareness Day)
Nov 15-17 - Stack Up 2022 (Speed Stacking)
Nov 18 - Report Cards Released
Nov 18 - Community Dance for students grade 7-12
Dec 7 - 12 Days of Christmas Begins
Dec 13 - Christmas Pageant
Dec 14 - New 2U Christmas Shopping (grades K-5)
Dec 21 - Skating and Sledding Day
Dec 22 - Christmas Dinner / Last Day of Classes
Paint Night a Success
Meet Your 2022 2023 SCC
President: Blaire Kirkland
Secretary: Stacey Irving
Treasurer: Alicia Curle
Members At Large: Melissa Christianson, Kendra Smith, Megan Hoffus, Jayme Musikov
Community Dance Rules
Thank you to Duane Thorpe and his organizing committee for putting on a youth dance. The dance committee asked us to share their expectations.
2. Doors close at 10 pm.
3. No fighting.
4. Grades 7-12 only, other communities welcome as long as they are a 7-12 student.
5. Please leave your cell phone in your pocket.
6. Have fun!!!
Athletes of the Month
Brynlee Smith
Brynlee is a dominant multisport grade 8. Her drive and effort level are infectious which her teammates cannot help but follow. She offers an honest and constructive insight as to what her and her team does well and what they need to improve. She displays great skills as her volleyball passing is second to none. She is one of many gym rats popping in frequent to snag a ball to go outside or joining in a game of half court with the Sr. Boys. Keep up the great work Brynlee.
Desirae Burghardt
Desirae is in her final year of Athletics at PPCS. She is a rounded athlete with a presence on and off the court. She is no stranger to the gym and is always up for intramurals or just a quick rally with the volleyball. Desiraeās strongest contribution is perhaps her mentorship and work with our younger teams. She officiates many of our Jr. games and volunteers to help out running drills when required. Great job Desirae.
Ms. Hoffus - Volunteer of the Month
Ms. Hoffus is a sure go to for anytime we require assistance with our Athletic events. She chips in with her canteen expertise and her legendary culinary skills. She has a keen eye and not afraid to make an appearance on the volleyball officials stand. She is always down to take teams for away games if coaches are committed elsewhere. Thank you. Ms. Hoffus for all that you do for Bears Athletics and PPCS.