Bear Blast
For the Week of March 11, 2024
Working together; succeeding together.
Jr. NBA is Not Actually a School Sport and Why That Matters
Jr. NBA or Steve Nash basketball as it was formally known is a community based basketball program for grades 1-6 students. It is a great program that teachers fundamental skills and culminates with a tournament for the students to practice their skills. It was introduced by Miss Jocelyn Boyle many years ago and has been carried on by Mr. Mielke. As it is community based, it does not fall under the SHSAA umbrella and as such is not considered a school sport. This is why there is a fee to participate in Jr. NBA, while other school sports have no such fees.
Why does this matter?
We find ourselves in unprecedented times, with the teachers and the government unable to reach an agreement that assures long term stability for our students. This has led to sanctions being imposed by the STF, including the withdrawal of extra curricular for Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of this coming week. This would sadly mean that Jr. NBA would once again have to be cancelled. I have had several parents reach out concerned about what would happen if Jr. NBA continues to be cancelled; would there be refunds? I share this concern as a parent who has paid the fee for my child to play as well.
To deal with this, I have come up with what I hope is a solution and also comes with me asking the community for help. To ensure stability of the program, I have brought Blake Bratton on as a community member to support the program. I will continue to support the program in whatever capacity I can (depending on sanctions).
This seems like you are just trying to avoid sanctions?
This is why it is important to recognize that Jr. NBA is not a school sport, but rather has been supported by the school and volunteers have been provided by the school, making it a bit awkward in our current situation. This is why I am handing the reigns to Blake Bratton. As a community member, Blake can coach the program (as is the case in many communities). The school will support as much as we can, but in order to show the clear distinction, practices for the grades 3-6 students will be moved to Quilly's Community Place (old school). We will continue to allow the 1/2 group to use the gym as that was set up prior to sanctions. Please do not think that this is some kind of work around. As Jr. NBA is a community initiative (much like minor hockey or ball) it is not necessarily covered by sanctions. However, the close relationship between our school and the program has blurred this line, making it critical for us to clarify it at this time. We will continue to support the program in any way we can.
Thank you for your understanding, if you have any questions, please contact the school.
You Said You Needed to Ask a Favor
Coaching is a big job, we would love to have 1-2 community members/parents who would be willing to help Blake out (especially when I can't). If you are willing, you simply need a criminal record check and vulnerable sector check (let Alicia at the RCMP know that you are volunteering with the school and she has the forms you need). Bring these to the school and we can help you register as a coach. You do not need to be available every Monday and Wednesday, but every day that you can help would be great.
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 was school glue, the winner was Terry Cooper.
Can you guess this week's item? Specifically why it has holes down both sides.
Around PPCS
PAA 8/9 Making Patterns and Sewing
CR and EA sewing their Teddy Bear's pants.
LS and MC threading the machine.
MC sews, while PA checks out the action.
New Equipment in the Home Ec Lab
Thanks to your support, Bear Bites has been very successful this year. Not only have we learned a lot about cooking and running a business, we have made a reasonable profit. We reinvested some of that profit into equipment for the lab. We outfitted the lab with 3 Ninja Air Fryers, 4 Ninja Blenders, 4 new griddles, and 4 Ninja food processors. These have been used during meal prep and have helped to make us more efficient.
On Friday, the Bear Bites crew finally got to make something for themselves. They used the new blenders to make themselves fruit smoothies. They were delicious. They found the bells and whistles on the Ninja equipment made the process very smooth (haha) and easy.
Hometown Heroes and Homework
The grade 4 class writes biographies and famous Canadians every year. This year, two familiar names showed up in the students choices. Two students decided to do local celebrities Nathan Lutz and Tarin Smith. Both were very happy to find out that they were, in fact, grade 4 bulletin board famous.
Leap Year Learning
Next Staff vs. Student is
Family Calendar
PPCS is Looking for a Track and Field Coach
PPCS is looking for a community member to coach our track and field team this spring. Contact the school for more information. (306) 278 2288.
PPCS Jr. NBA 2024
Monday, March 11- Grades 3-6 Boys @ QCP Gym (old school) (3:30-5:00)
Tuesday, March 12 - Grades 1 and 2 @ PPCS Gymnasium (3:30-4:30)
Wednesday, March 13 - Grades 3-6 Girls @ QCP Gym (old school) (3:30-5:00)
Volunteers and Athletes of the Month
Faye Pascual
Faye has been a part of the score table at all of our Sr. Boys games to handle the duties of shot clock. She is dependable, willing to learn and has an accurate thumb on the switch. Thanks Faye for all of your help with Bears Athletics.
Athletes of the Month
JR Antazo
JR stepped up at our home tournament playing some great defense and pushing the pace of the game. He is back in full form to slicing and dicing through the defense attacking the rim or popping out to knock down an open 3. Great month JR and good luck down the stretch.
Venna Kiehn
Venna has emerged as a very skilled player on the curling ice. She executes great shots yet always seems to be having fun and encouraging others. She has been a huge help with new players and being a role model for her team and the sport. You rock Venna.
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
Wednesdays - Carolines
Perogies
$7
Fridays - Carolines
TBD - Contact Caroline's for Details
$6.00