I try and brag as much as I can about the amazing students that we have, but I do not often brag about the staff we have. I have worked with many staffs over the 20 years I have been in education. I have always been lucky to work with amazing professionals. That being said, I have never in my career encountered a group pf educators that are as committed, professional, community-minded, and caring as the staff at PPCS. When we have subs in the building or when we have had teachers on temporary or replacement contracts or when we have support staff on a casual basis, they all comment on the amazing culture of our school and that is 100% the amazing staff that we have. This week is staff appreciation week and the theme is "Champions of Learning" I wanted to take an opportunity to talk about the PPCS Champions; our staff.

Mrs. Stacey Irving (Grade 1/VP)

I am beyond appreciative of all that Mrs. Irving does for our school and students. She creates a warm and welcoming environment for her students that honors their distinct personalities, makes them feel safe and loved, and helps them to blossom as the wonderful little humans they are. On top of that, she teaches them the skills, strategies, and ultimately the joy of reading. As if that were not enough, she also puts up with me on the administration team and does an amazing job of making sure that our staff also feels safe, supported, and valued. Mrs. Irving also helps coach our junior girl's volleyball team as well as helps to organize and run canteens for our school's sporting events.

Mrs. Kendra Smith (Administrative Assistant)

Grateful does not even begin to explain what I feel for Mrs. Smith. My job, as with all educators and educational administrators, is very complex and organic. I always tell my students that I cannot control my schedule. Things come up and schedules change. Mrs. Smith does an amazing job of keeping me on top of what needs to be done to keep the building running. Some jobs are not so fun, but critical to the operation of the school and Mrs. Smith supports me and Mrs. Irving in making sure they get done. She is organized beyond my mortal understanding and is the face of the school. Very often I get compliments on how much our families enjoy interacting with Mrs. Smith to ensure that the proper flow of information occurs. Mrs. Smith is the keystone of our operation, without her our circus would quickly fall apart.

Miss Ashley Irving (Kindergarten/Art, Science, and PE)

I greatly appreciate the work that Miss Irving does with our Ks. She has double the work to do in terms of helping the students to learn to be members of our Bears family while at the same time teaching them the initial skills and knowledge they will need to be lifelong learners. To make it even harder, she only gets half the amount of time to do it. Miss Irving also teaches some elementary science, art, and phys ed. Miss Irving coaches little rockers curling, cross-country running, and track and field.

Mrs. Helen Siwak (Education Associate)

I am so grateful for Mrs. Siwak, without the work that she does, we have students that would be unable to attend PPCS on a regular basis. Mrs. Siwak works with some of our most vulnerable students to ensure that their needs are met and that they feel safe and supported. The work is often very challenging, but so essential to the success of our students.

Mrs. Angela Althouse

I am also very grateful for the work that Mrs. Althouse does to ensure that our students are able to attend PPCS and be supported in their needs. Mrs. Althouse has an amazing level of patience with her students and ensures that they are always supported in a firm, yet loving manner. The families of the students Mrs. Althouse works with always know that their children will get the best support possible, which makes it easier for them to trust us with their children.

Mrs. Lorelle Steiestol (Grade 2)

I am very grateful for the work that Mrs. Steiestol does for our school both in and out of the classroom. Mrs. Steiestol works with our grade 2s to continue their development as young members of our Bears family and as lifelong learners. She often has the students doing creative projects and/or reflecting on and sharing their family traditions and adventures. Beyond her classroom, Mrs. Steiestol is the first to volunteer and the last to ask for recognition. There are very few events that Mrs. Steiestol does not help out with, but you would seldom know it. She does a tremendous amount of work behind the scenes to make sure that our student events run as smoothly as possible. If a last-minute driver is ever needed, Mrs. Steiestol is quick to volunteer and provide her services.

Mrs. Paulette Patchin (Grade 3)

I am very grateful for Mrs. Patchin and her calm, solution-based approach to her students. Although she may work with one of our largest groups of students, Mrs. Patchin makes sure each and every one of her grade 3 students feels appreciated and supported in their learning. Her classroom is full of vibrant learning noises and actions as students learn, often through hands-on experiences, about the work around them. Most recently, they have been working diligently on their "Froggy Went a Courtin" and "Spiderella" plays, something families and staff alike look forward to every year.

Mrs. Kara Zeleny (Educational Associate)

Mrs. Zeleny joined our Bears family this year to work with a student in grade 3 needing some extra support. It has been a challenge to both get to know they new student and to develop programming that meets her needs. Kara has been pivotal in helping us to achieve both tasks. She provides firm and caring expectations for the student and supports her as she settles into our Bears family.

Ms. Carrie Palaniuk (Grade 4)

I am very grateful for the work that Miss Palniuk does with our grade 4 students, specifically around building the routines, skills, and habits that they will need to be lifelong learners. Miss Palaniuk shows her students that how they learn and the learning habits that they develop are as important as what they are learning. Miss Palaniuk often shares her many artistic talents with her class and the whole school showing what you can do when you put your mind to it and pay attention to detail.

Miss Courtnee Zenner (Grade 5)

I am so very grateful that Miss Zenner decided to join our Bears family. In Miss Zenner's classroom, each student feels that they are the only students in the room, while at the same time learning that they are not. Mrs. Zenner works with every student from where they are at and develops their sense of independence. I look forward to working with Miss Zenner to coach the 3456 basketball as we help them develop a love of the game and some skills along the way.

Mrs. Chantel Brezinski (Grade 6/Financial Literacy)

I am so grateful for all of the work that Mrs. Brezinski does in helping our students transition from elementary to high school. Mrs. Brezinski has very high standards and supports her students as she slowly encourages them to take more and more responsibility for their own learning and their actions in general. Mrs. Brezinski also works with our grade 10 students to help them develop skills and knowledge around their own financial situation. Mrs. Brezinski also coaches our curling team, helping to keep a small-town tradition alive.

Mrs. Leslie Mielke (ELA/Home Ec/Diveristy Education)

I am very grateful for the high standard that Mrs. Mielke holds all of her students to. She has very high expectations for them and provides support as they work toward those expectations. In the home ec room, she encourages and celebrates mistakes and errors as stages in learning and encourages students to stretch beyond their comfort zones to make mistakes and grow. Mrs. Mielke is an advocate for our most vulnerable students and works with the teachers to create an inclusive, respectful learning experience that highlights the strengths of our students. Outside the classroom, Mrs. Mielke helps to lead and organize our SRC.

Miss Keshia Hoffus (ELA 9-12)

I am so grateful for all that Miss Hoffus gives to our school and students both in the classroom and beyond. Miss Hoffus took on the huge task of teaching English from grades 7-12. She always creates learning environments that engage and celebrate her students. She often posts her students' work around the school as art installations and tries to make our school a better place for staff and students alike. Miss Hoffus is willing to help out with anything that needs to be done and specifically took the lead as part of our "hangout" group which focused on building the student's confidence and peer relationships.

Miss Kaylyn Wallen (Math 7-10/Art)

I am so grateful for the tremendous amount of time and energy that Miss Wallen gives to our school community. In the classroom, Miss Wallen teaches math from grades 7-10. She always tries to make learning fun and engaging, specifically March Mathness, a competition in which the students vie for the coveted March Mathness cup. Outside the classroom, Miss Wallen puts in countless hours into our volleyball program, coaching both junior and senior girls. Miss Wallen also works with our SRC and the activities they plan.

Mrs. CJ Binkley (Administrative Assistant)

I am so very grateful that Mrs. Binkley joined our Bears family. Mrs. Binkley works with many high school students that require extra support. This can be challenging when students are reluctant learners. Mrs. Binley meets the challenge with calm patience but tempers it with high expectations. She has many tricks up her sleeve that she uses to support the students and convince them to do the work they need to. Mrs. Binkley also works with Brandon to meet his needs and make his time at PPCS as safe and comfortable as possible.

Mr. Jason Harbor (Sr. Math and Science/Guid)

I am very grateful for all of the talents that Mr. Harbor shares with the school community. Mr. Harbor teaches mainly senior math and science. In his classes, he ensures that students feel well supported and encourages them to reach beyond what they think is possible. Mr. Harbor also works with our senior students to plan their futures as our guidance counselor. Mr. Harbor puts in many hours to try and make sure that their transition is as smooth as possible for the students and their families. Outside the classroom and the guidance office, Mr. Harbor coaches junior boys basketball as well as serves as an official for a variety of sports across the division.

Mr. Dan Bloski (Phys Ed 5-12/Outdoor Ed/Health)

Athletics at PPCS is synonymous with Mr. Bloski and I am so grateful for all of the time and thought he puts into athletics at PPCS. Both in the classroom, through PE classes, and in extracurricular, Mr. Bloski demands the best of his athletes and coaches. Mr. Bloski recognizes that athletics is important for academic success and as such puts a tremendous amount of time into ensuring that students can access high-quality, competitive, and supportive athletics experiences at PPCS. Through outdoor ed, Mr. Bloski exposes students to a variety of real-world experiences that provide them with real-world employability skills. Mr. Bloski coaches a variety of sports and activities, including Sr. Boys Bball, Jr. Girls Bball and 3on3 Bball.

Mrs. Lisa Henry (Educational Associate)

I am so grateful for all that Mrs. Henry gives to our school community. Mrs. Henry primarily works with Brandon where she ensures that his needs are met while providing respectful and inclusive learning experiences. She is a great advocate for Brandon and ensures that he has the best experience possible at PPCS. Mrs. Henry works with other students as well and is seen as a trusted adult whom they can confide in and seek advice.

Mr. Brock Riley (PAA/History)

I am so grateful for the innovation that Mr. Riley has brought to our school. Mr. Riley looks after all things PAA (dirty shop) at PPCS and has introduced welding, residential wiring, and 3D printing to our students. He always encourages students to reach beyond their comfort zone and to think outside the box. He has facilitated several community partnerships, not the least of which has been the outdoor rink boards project this year. Mr. Riley works with a group of students on our Applied Engineering team and is set to compete in a go-kart race this year.

Mrs. Morgan Christianson (Library Clerk)

I am so grateful to have Mrs. Christianson as a part of our Bears family. She is the newest member of the family, starting in the library after Christmas. Already she has had to coordinate the transfer of our laptops from our old carts to the new ones (not a small task). Mrs. Christian has lots of awesome ideas to keep our library relevant and useful to our students and staff including contests and looking at getting comic books into our collection.

Mr. Pat Rye and Mrs. Analisa Samalla (custodians)

I am so grateful for the time and energy that Mr. Rye and Mrs. Samalla put into creating such an amazing learning environment. A building of our size and complexity is not easy to keep in working order. Mr. Rye and Mrs. Samalla do an amazing job cleaning and keeping up with the day-to-day maintenance needed to keep our building in tip-top shape. 250 people using a space every day makes this a not-so-easy task. Mr. Rye and Mrs. Samalla do it every day, with a smile on their face.

Mr. Bob Haight, Mr. Dave Simpson, Mrs. Linda Haight, Mrs. Marlene Tessmer, Mrs. Jylene Newberry (Bus Drivers)

I am so grateful for the work that our fearless bus drivers do to transport our most precious cargo. Living in Sask, especially where we do comes with very unique challenges when it comes to our roads. We have 5 of the best drivers anyone could ask for. They get our kids to and from school every day with very few if any problems. They look after our littles and make sure that they get where they need to be at the end of the day. They know all their kids and their families and make sure that our families feel safe knowing that their children are in good hands.

I cannot even begin to express my gratitude in the limited space I have here. I know that we have the best team in the world, which is fitting as we have the best kids and families in the world. Thank you to the staff of PPCS, I hope you know how wonderful and appreciated you are.

February 13 - Jump Rope For Heart

February 14 - Steal a Heart Day

February 15 - Pink Shirt Day

The Sr. Boys had a great weekend in Saskatoon, bringing home silver at the Legacy Christian Academy tournament. The lost out to the host team in the final.

Volunteer of the Month

Earl Santiago

To be blunt Earl Santiago is a beauty. He can be found on days that end in Y loitering in the gym shooting a ball and looking for ways to help. Earl is a huge component of his Jr boys team but also is at most all home games working the table duties. Although still a year too young to play with the big dogs Earl attends Sr boys practice to give us 10 guys so we can roll with 5 on 5 concepts. Earl makes our teams better by bringing his positive energy to the court, score table and school. Thanks for all your work Earl.

Athletes of the Month

Luis Sabayton is well known across the province as perhaps one of the best outside shooters in high school basketball. His defensive capabilities have improved immensely this year and are also known to go end to end on a fast break and slice through a defense while making it look effortless. He usually ends up bleeding from the mouth at some point in the game but if he’s on, we’re on. Good job Luis.

Harleigh Pohl just added basketball to her schedule this year but has shown no rust or inexperience on the defensive side of the ball. She defines the motto everyone can work hard and play great defense. I have seen very few players learn and execute new to them man and rebounding concepts this quickly. Hopefully her successes on D and transfer some confidence to her O game and she will be a great complete player to watch coming up. Way to keep learning Harleigh.

Senior Boys Bball

Feb 13 vs. Charlabois

3 on 3

Feb 14 (Layups and Love)

Junior Girls Bball

Feb 15 Playoff Game

** Games may start earlier if teams arrive, our goal is to get them home as early as possible.

With the new semester starting on Wednesday, Bear Bites says goodbye to JR, Marek, Carter, Jace, Dysen, Jacob, Lexi, and Macey. These students have done an amazing job of getting Bear Bites back up and running and have grown so much in their understanding of food prep and working as a team to run a business. Marcus and Natasha will remain on board to complete Foods credits and to ensure that the new management gets off to the best start. We will do our best to continue serving as the new crew is brought up to speed in terms of their safe food handling and preparing food for large crowds. Natasha and myself are certified in safe food handling and will ensure that our meals continue to be safe and of the highest quality. I look forward to working with the new crew but want to extend a note of extreme gratitude to the outgoing students. They helped to rebuild Bear Bites and should be very proud of what they have achieved. If you see them out and about, please thank them for their service to the school community.

Once again, Jigs and Carolines will be offering hot lunches on Wednesday and Friday. Please order directly from them. Please note: ALL JIGS ORDERS MUST BE PLACED THROUGH THE GOOGLE FORM BELOW.