We live in a very different world today. Recently two wonderful young ladies left our Bears family to continue their journey. These young ladies had been like the youth I spoke to many years ago, or at least I hope they were like those youth, blissfully ignorant of the many horrors or war and conflict. However, their world had been torn apart by the invasion of their country, Ukraine, by Russia. Almost overnight they had gone from largely carefree youth to refugees fleeing the horrors of war. Even with these girls as part of our Bears family, many of Bears remain sheltered from war and conflict, living a life where war is something we see on the news, not in our cities and towns. This is a privilege that, as we are now starkly aware, is not enjoyed by all youth in the world. The ongoing war in Gaza further highlights the privilege of where we live and the life we enjoy.

This privilege has not come without cost and is not maintained without cost. Many young men and women still heed the call to serve in defense of their country and in defense of their freedom. With no draft or required military service in Canada, these men and women truly choose to make the sacrifices they do including giving up time with family and friends, as well as the ultimate risk of life and limb, to ensure that others can enjoy peace and freedom. It is a truly selfless act as, in defending and ensuring our peace and freedom, they must, at times, put themselves into places and situations that are far from peaceful. They shoulder what is awful so that we don't have to. They stand guard between our youth and the horrors of war, oftentimes youth themselves. For such an act, thankyou hardly seems enough and one day of remembrance is far from adequate. That is why this month we have been highlighting members of our Bears family who have or are currently serving. As one person put it in a Facebook comment, "The Bears have a brave heart." This is true, but for those bears who choose to serve their nation, it is especially true as they have gone above and beyond and for that, we are truly grateful.

To Clinton, David, Tyler, Christopher, William, Jaron, and any others who have served; thank you for your service, thank you for your sacrifice, thank you for ensuring that our youth never need to experience the fear, the terror, that comes with the uncertainties and horrors of war.

Thursday, Nov 9, 6:00-8:00pm

Friday Nov 10, 3:30-5:30pm

Congratulations to the Sr Girls Volleyball team on a great season and performance at Conference Volleyball. The girls travelled to Wadena for Conference playoffs on Saturday.

After facing adversity with injuries and missing players, the girls started slow in the first set getting used to the new rotation. They quickly recovered and completed the round robin undefeated making them first in their pool.

This put them in a semi-final match up against St Brieux. The girls played hard and battled back but were defeated 24-26 and 19-25 ending their season. They represented our school and community well and should be very proud.

Just a heads up Bears backpacks and long-sleeve warm-ups will be ordered soon. This will be open to anyone to purchase.

Backback black Under Armor hustle backpack with bear logo and opportunity to add a player number. $65

Long sleeve t-shirt under armor, grey with yellow text. Front says Bears Basketball, back says Back in the lab!

Basketball style shorts.

Payment can be made through online. Please email Mr. Bloski (bloski.daniel@nesd.ca) with your order (Shirt size, Shorts Size, and Backpack number)

Volunteer of the month.

Ms. Fendelet is new to Bears Athletics but has been quick to pick up the ball. She been adding her experience with volleyball by helping out coaching as well as officiating. She demonstrates the benefits of what extra curricular activities can bring to students, school and the building of lifelong relationships. Thank you for your help and good luck in your future in teaching and athletics.

Athletes of the Month

Amanda Mielke is one of our athletes of the month through her outstanding work in volleyball. Amanda is a skilled player but her biggest asset is her attitude, work ethic, refusal to quit, and motivation she brings to her squad. She is the type of player others respect her craft and listen to. Good work Amanda.

Ava Tiedjens is a very hard-working athlete. She always gives her full effort both at practice and during games. She is a positive leader on her team and helps build her teammates up to help them play better. She is always working to improve her play and takes feedback well. Nice job Ava.

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.