Bear Blast
For the Week of June 5, 2023
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.
The Valedictorian
The word Valedictorian comes from the Latin valedīcere, which means "to say goodbye". The valedictorian has the astute privilege of having the last words, the departing words, on behalf of the graduating class. Typically, the Valedictorian is selected by an academic formula and represents a student of the highest academic standing. At PPCS we use the General Proficiency formula to select our valedictorian.
25 years ago, I was lucky enough to be selected as the Valedictorian for my graduating class. I know how hard I worked and can't imagine the focus, discipline, and hard work it would take to earn such an honor in the modern age which is filled with distractions and busy schedules. Our students are heavily involved with a variety of activities, sports, and events. On top of that, they balance social lives which are far more complex than anything I could have imagined. Many of our students also juggle work schedules and commitments. We are aware that, for almost all of our students, school is only one facet of very complex lives. With this in mind, I think that the honor of Valedictorian has only grown in its prestige.
I was explaining Valedictorian to some students in the foyer the other day. I told them that being a Valedictorian is a lifetime achievement. Many people who apply for jobs at the school include high school Valedictorian on their resume. Why, one might ask, would someone include something from high school on their resume? The answer is that Valedictorian, to some degree, is a character statement. It does not necessarily mean that they will be a perfect citizen; but it means that they know how to work hard, show self-discipline, and can balance the complexities of life. In the modern age, this is a tall order indeed and worthy of mention.
All that being said, I am very pleased to introduce the PPCS Class of 2023 Valedictorian, Kamryn Stegemann. Anyone who knows Kamryn knows that she embodies all of the characteristics I have mentioned above. Kamryn serves as a wonderful role model for all or our students, especially our female athletes. Kamryn is a quiet leader, who is more than happy to be out of the limelight. That being said, many of her fellow students look up to Kamryn, and rightfully so. Kamryn is the epitome of humility and grace and will be greatly missed by her school community. We wish her all the best in her future endeavors.
Hot Lunch Punch Cards
Please allow 2 school days to process punch card purchases.
Bear Bites Punch Card Draw
The winner for the month of May is the Kirkland Family
Seen Around PPCS
Bike Rodeo 2023
Bio 30 Perch Dissection
Huge Thanks to the PP Wildlife Club
PE 20 30 Camping Trip
The weather was damp most days but the crew was very well prepared for the conditions making it still very enjoyable.
Canoeing, photography, cooking, a hike through flin flon, camp games, and yes plenty of fish.
A ton of new skills and knowledge gained along with laughs and memories.
Thank you to the students who attended for making this an awesome trip.
Next Staff vs. Student is
Upcoming Events
Greenwater Days
Tuesday, June 20 - Grades 5 and 6
Wednesday, June 21 - Grades 3 and 4
Thursday, June 22 - Grades 10-12
Friday, June 23 - Grades 7-9. Grades 1 and 2
Friday, June 16, 2023
-Celebration of Learning
Thursday, June 22, 2023
-Awards Night
Monday, June 26, 2023
- Grade 4-6 Track Day
June 26-27
- Final Exams
Thursday, June 29, 2023
Grad 2023
Volunteers and Athletes of the Month
This month the spotlight is on Gavin Henry. A student by day and a gym rat by night, Gavin is found playing just about any sport possible 24/7. He has evolved into a confident basketballer who is a sure go-to for a needed 3pt. He has participated in Badminton and will be joining the crew headed to for Provincial track in Saskatoon where Gavin also specializes in escape rooms, bird watching, and traffic crossings. Good job Gavin.
Volunteer of the Month
Jamie Santiago is the second half of the basketball score table dynamic duo. Jamie has been always willing to pitch in working basketball table and although she once made a mistake I really don’t remember when. She has a cheerful attitude and her volunteerism will be missed. Good luck in your future, be nice to Earl, and thank you for all you have done for Bears Athletics.
Volunteer of the Month
Autum Mansuy has done a pile of work behind the scenes this year with her Athletic Rep partner JB. She is responsible for those sometimes cute smiling faces printed out on our Athletics board highlighting our student-athletes. Autumn does several other athletic tasks and is a dominant player in her sports and provides positive leadership to the teams she is involved with. Thank you for all of your work Autum.
Team Practices
Home Games
** Games may start earlier if teams arrive, our goal is to get them home as early as possible.
Hot Lunches
There are 12 lunches left after this week.
Jigs and Carolines are Back
ALL JIGS ORDERS MUST BE PLACED THROUGH THE GOOGLE FORM BELOW.
CAROLINES ORDERS MUST NOW BE PLACED ONLINE AS WELL.
Wednesday - Jigs
Chicken Tenders w/ Wedges
$6.00
Friday - Carolines
Poutine $6.00