Stonybrook Middle School
Knightly News - January 2021
Ready to Learn Be Responsible Be Respectful Be Safe

Christmas at SMS
As with everything else this year, Christmas at SMS was very different - very quiet! We missed the sounds of the Band and Choir practicing for the Christmas concert. However, we made things as "jolly" as possible! Teachers decorated their classrooms, the office was decked out, and we put up a Christmas tree in the foyer - not something we do every year!
Ms. Gomes (Music Teacher) prepared a fun "Guess the Singer" contest for students and staff. An email was sent out every day for the last week of school, with small audio clips of two staff members singing a Christmas tune, and students could vote on who they thought it was! We had a lot of fun with that. Congratulations to Dean F (6T) for winning the contest - guessing 9/10 singers correctly!
Thank you to the students who also sent in a video clip of them performing a favorite Christmas song. We enjoyed the "Virtual Christmas Concert" that you performed for us.
SMS Christmas in Pictures
We found a Christmas Elf hanging around our Christmas tree! | Christmas Spirit These teachers had it! | Ms. Claus and one of her reindeers Ms. Claus even has her Christmas slippers on... |
December 18th Christmas Deliveries
We want to thank Bakeworld Bakery in Steinbach for donating all the cookies that went into the Grade 5 gift bags! Thank you so much!!
T-Shirts for all!
IF YOU HAVE NOT YET RECEIVED A T-SHIRT:
Grade 5/6's who are on remote learning, you can make arrangements with your teacher to come and pick your shirt up from school.
Grade 7/8's, you will get your t-shirts when you return to school on the 18th or 19th. If you wish to have it before that time, please talk to your teacher, and see what arrangements can be made!
Merry Belated Christmas!

Important Dates to Remember
Monday, January 18th First day back for Grade 7/8's (students with last names L-Z)
Tuesday, January 19th First day back for Grade 7/8s (students with last names A-K)
January and February calendars below - Grade 7/8 A-K will come Days 1, 3 and 5. Grade 7/8 L-Z will come Days 2, 4 and 6.
Grade 5/6 will come every day.
Friday, February 5th PD/Administration Day (No Classes)
Monday, February 15th Louis Riel Day (No Classes)
Friday, February 26th Administration/PD 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.


Reminders
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!
January Newsletter
Eating Well on a Budget. Enjoy a yummy soup recipe!