Bear Blast
For the Week of February 5, 2024
Working together; succeeding together.
What is Unity?
My students will tell you that I like etymolgy, the study of word origins. This is likely why I was drawn to the field of biology. Biological science is chalked full of words with interesting Latin and Greek origins.
Back to the task at hand. As I began to prepare I was interested in the roots of the words unity and community. Not surprisingly, they are very similar. The word unity comes from the Latin word unus which means one and the word community comes from the Latin communitus meaning "the same". Digging deeper, the word communitusactually derives from communis which means common. In a nutshell and at its root, Unity in the Community means one in common. This ties so very nicely with what I plan to base my speech on, "It takes a community to raise a child."
As an educator, the need for a strong community is glaringly evident. Even better if there is unity within that community, that is to say if that community all has the goal of doing what is best for our kids. That describes our community well. I have spoken often, with many different people, about how we have something special in our communities, the communities that make up our greater school community. We have kids that are (largely) respectful, hard working (most of the time), willing to help out (especially if it means stepping out of class once and a while). In short, we have really amazing kids in a world where these things are no longer common. As an administrator, I do not see many of the things my colleagues do, specifically around vandalism, violence, and blatant disrespect. This is not to say that we never deal with these things, but rather that there occurrence among our students is markedly less pronounced than other places.
So why do I think this is the case? Are we just luckily blessed with remarkable kids? Well yes, but it's not luck. This brings me back to Unity in the Community. We live in a community where every adult (well almost) is fully committed to our youth. I am part of the PP Minor Hockey Board and the PP Minor Ball Board. I also have a lot to do with the Porcupine Plain School of dance. In all three of these, I have seen first hand, how adults in the community will go to the ends of the Earth to do what is best for our kids, even at the expense of themselves.
Now, couple that with the cultural diversity and cultural pride within our community and we have lightning in a bottle. We live in a community of people who are very proud of who they are (rightfully so), very aware of who they are, very comfortable with who they are, and most importantly willing to share who they are with the youth of our community. That sharing is genuine and completely selfless. The net result is that anomaly that we call home. An anomaly that we need to viscously protect, and unabashedly celebrate. A great book says that with just a mustard seed of faith we can move mountains. I think that we have shown that, that coupled with unity and a great community we can truly accomplish miraculous things.
Can You Guess What I Am
Each week, Mr. Mielke will post a pic of a strange object. Submit your answers of what you think it is to ppcs@nesd.ca. All the correct answers will be put into a draw for a weekly prize.
Last weeks item an atari joystick, the winner was Terry Cooper.
Can you guess this weeks item?
Around PPCS
Junior Curlers Defeat Tisdale on Home Ice
Bear Bites Prepares 250 Meatballs for Tuesday's Lunch
Sci 7 Chocolate Lab - Learning About the Rock Cycle
Next Staff vs. Student is
Family Calendar
Looking for a Track Coach
PPCS is looking for a community volunteer to help with coaching our track and field team.
This is for grades 7-12 students.
The season runs from the end of April to mid June (at the latest).
We will provide training and all the reources.
Contact Mr. Bloski at the school if you are interested.
Volunteers and Athletes of the Month
Volunteer of the month.
Venice Llanes has started helping out with score table for just about every basketball game that goes down in our gym. She is always eager to volunteer and learn more about the game. She runs a tight ship at the table and seems to enjoy the best seat in the house. Thanks Venice for your help because without minor officials we would not be able to play.
Athletes of the Month
Brynlee Smith
Brynlee has taken on a big role this year playing both Jr and Sr girls basketball. She works tirelessly on the court, always trying to out-hustle the opposition. She plays with a lot of brawn, but just as importantly she plays with a lot of brain, out-thinking the opposition at every opportunity.
She has also taken the young pups on the Jr girls team under her wing, giving them pointers, showing them the ropes, and most importantly showing them how to be great team players. Good job Brynlee.
Kayden Wasylyk
Kayden is a skilled player because he is a hard worker. He is often found in the gym working on something individually in a meaningful way. He realizes the only way to get better is to practice what you aren’t good at whereas many times athletes like to come in the gym and rep strengths because its easy, that’s simply not Kayden. He has gone toe to toe with some large individuals on some of the bigger schools we have played and always steps up to the challenge. Looking forward to seeing what you will accomplish the rest of this season and a few more.
Community Events
Hot Lunches
Check Your Punch Card Balance
Please note, as we get used to this new system, please be aware that punch card balances may be up to 1 week behind.
Once you click the link below and find your child's account number, you will see a number to the left of their account number (i.e. 17). That number will not change, so you only have to remember that number going forward.
We hope that this will help our families.
Scan me to check your punch card balance.
Jigs and Carolines are Back
Wednesday - Jigs
Chicken and Cheese Quesadilla w/ Tater Tots
Served with Sour Cream
$7.00
Fridays - Carolines
Grilled Cheese and Fries
$6.00