Bear Blast
Week of May 9, 2022
Working together; succeeding together.
We are priviledged to share Treaty 6 Territory traditional lands of the Cree, Dene, Saulteux, Ojibway and the Metis Nation.
Slava Ukraini! Слава Україні! Героям слава!
Casual Custodians Needed
We Need to Find our Energizer
I always consider myself lucky that I absolutely love my job. There has never been a day that I was not excited to get to work. I also know that I am lucky to get to do what I do; work with some of the best kids in the world.
However, not every part of my job is my favorite. Occasionally I have to do things that are both mentally and physically taxing. When we are working with the world's most valuable resources (your kids) we know that the stakes are high and that the work that we do can potentially have very long-lasting effects (both positive or negative). This is especially true as we help students and families navigate the world of mental wellness. As school is often a place where there is a high degree of trust (often second only to the home) students are more likely to reveal mental wellness concerns to us and our staff. When this occurs, we know that the stakes are extremely high and that our reaction and follow-up is critical in ensuring that the student can get in touch with the support they need and return to a state of balance. Although the NESD has a great team of professionals to help us help the students navigate the world of mental wellness, it is often the frontline staff who are the first point of contact. One of the pieces that we are very cognizant of is ensuring that our staff, especially those dealing directly with student wellness look after themselves throughout the process. Only if we are in a good place can we help the students get back to a better place when needed.
Last week, I had to do a great deal of work, along with our divisional and school staff to help students navigate mental wellness, both in school and through outside agencies. I am so happy that the students chose to reach out and ask for help and that we have the talent that we do in NESD to be able to support them. However, by Friday, I realized that my tank was starting to run low and that I needed to do something to ensure that I would have the continued stamina to be able to see the work that needed to be done to the end. I immediately knew what I needed to do, I needed to immerse myself in my favorite part of the job, the students. So, I went into the classrooms throughout the day on Friday (when I could) and spent time with students. I visited with our K students about their Mothers' Day plants (spoiler alert), I chatted with LH in grade 1 about his dinosaur book, I got a hug from a grade 4 student and I made jokes with some of our high school students. A few high fives, a couple of hugs, and many excited conversations later, my batteries were charged enough to continue the harder work.
I share this for two reasons. One, I want our families to know that we do have students who are hurting, whether it be due to the pandemic or other reasons. Some of them are hurting in silence. I share this not to alarm, but to inform; keep an eye on them. Two, I wanted to share the importance of finding your energizer. What energizes you, is as individual as we are. Find your energizer, be aware of if, and do not feel bad when you need to go to your energizer to refill your batteries. As I said, our kids are hurting, but more importantly, they are starting to ask for help. Our job, as caregivers, is to make sure that our batteries are charged enough to recognize when to reach out and to be ready when they reach out.
Paper Report Cards
In Search of Old Hockey Sticks
PAA Seeking Projects
Seen Around PPCS (and Beyond)
PE 5/6
The students have also begun playing Q-Tip baseball as the ball season begins to ramp up. Q-tip baseball is a fun, low-stakes way for students to learn some of the basic strategies of the game.
PE 7 Snow Sculptures (When We Had Snow)
Upcoming Events
May 20 - Bike Rodeo
May 26 - PPCS Paint Night
June 3 - Bike Rodeo (Alternate Date)
June 16-17 - Greenwater Days (tentatively)
June 22 - Celebration of Learning (tentatively)
June 23 - Awards Night (tentatively)
June 28 - Last Day of Classes
June 29 - Grad 2022
Congrats to the Winner of the Mothers' Day Grad Raffle
Athletes of the Week
This week's male athlete is Blake Bratton. We are happy to have Blake back as he was in Moose Jaw playing hockey for most of the year. Blake is a very talented athlete who brings a lot of wisdom and experience to his teams and to individual sports as well. Blake is a great example of how hard work and dedication can help you to meet your personal goals, no matter what they may be.
Thank you to both athletes for their contribution to our school community.
We Want Fans in the Stands
- You only come if you are feeling well.
- Sanitize your hands upon entering and frequently while in the building
- Show our Bears how awesome they are by cheering loudly (albeit through a mask).
- Be considerate of the choices of others.
Hot Lunches are Back!!
Jigs Corner Stop Cafe
(Please order by Tuesday)
Sliders and Fries ($6)
Carolines
(Please order by Thursday)
Pancakes and Sausage ($6)
Youth Group (Beyond Discovery)
Awana Kids Club
For Kindergarten-Grade 6!
It’ll run each Thursday from right after school gets out until 5:10pm.
Kids can come to the old elementary school (QCP) and enter through the back double doors!
Games, live music, and learning time every week!
Free to register!
Call Heidi at 306-278-7883 or Desi at 306-865-6350 if you have any questions!
Welcome back to #bestyearever
Porcupine Plain Comprehensive School
Email: ppcs@nesd.ca
Website: ppcs.nesd.ca
Location: 403 3rd Avenue East, Porcupine Plain, SK, Canada
Phone: 306 278 2288
Facebook: facebook.com/PPCS2011
Twitter: @Porcupine_BEARS