Stonybrook Middle School
Knightly News - December 2021
Ready to Learn Be Responsible Be Respectful Be Safe
December is here!
I want to begin this newsletter with some great news. Ms. Rebizant will be returning to SMS in January to resume the role of Principal here. I know the school and community have missed her energy and leadership, and will be thrilled to have her return.
Since this will likely be my last message to the SMS community, I want to reflect a little on some of the wonderful characteristics of this school and the SMS community.
First of all, I want to acknowledge the willingness of the school community to engage with the school to solve problems. Schools, like all communities, have problems that need to be addressed and resolved. I have been impressed with parents, students and teachers as they have engaged in the process of talking about the problems, and looking for the best solutions to help students learn and thrive.
Secondly, I have been impressed with the children of this school. The great majority of students arrive at school with a great learning attitude, they are friendly to their peers, and they are willing learners.
And finally, I would like to mention the dedicated staff of Stonybrook Middle School. In any interaction with staff members, it is always apparent that they are motivated to help students learn and thrive. Working in education is both challenging and incredibly rewarding, especially when we keep in mind that we are privileged to help children grow to being the best versions of themselves.
And in mentioning staff - you may notice there is another friendly face when you walk into the SMS school office. We are happy to welcome Ms. Shannon Pettinger as an Assistant Secretary.
On behalf of the entire staff of SMS, best wishes for the Christmas holiday season, and a happy New Year.
Book Fair Countdown!
December 3-10
Your investment in your reader also helps our whole school. All purchases earn Rewards that can be redeemed for books and Education Resources for our school's classrooms and library.
For parents, family and friends that cannot enter our school, don't forget to visit our Virtual Book Fair Extension! Orders will ship to our school for free, and more information will follow regarding the pick up of your order.
When it's time to shop, visit our school's Virtual Book Fair Extension site using tis link (the virtual link will not be active until December 6th):
https://virtualbookfairs.scholastic.ca/pages/5162729
Before our Fair begins, click the link to:
- SAVE it to your browser
- WATCH videos of popular new titles
- PREVIEW our Featured Books
Watch for news leading up to our Scholastic Book Fair!
Happy Reading!!
Wednesday, December 8th
Report cards will be available to parents/guardians on Friday, December 3rd at 3:00 through the Parent Portal.
Wednesday, December 8th, from 4:30-7:00 has been set aside to meet with parents virtually. Starting December 3rd at 4:00 p.m., you can book your appointments to see your teachers through the Parent Teacher Scheduler in the Parent Portal. You can also schedule appointments by phoning the school office at 204-326-6481 or emailing hfriesen@hsd.ca.
Appointments are 10 minutes in length and will be by zoom or by phone. You can choose the type of appointment you want when you are booking on the Parent Portal. If you choose a zoom appointment, the meeting invitation will be sent to you prior to Wednesday and you can join the meeting at the appropriate time. If you choose a phone call, the teacher will call you at your appointment time.
We look forward to connecting with our families as a way to support our students and hope that you're able to have those conversations with us.
Thank you!
Wednesday, December 8th Virtual Parent Teacher Interviews, 4:30-7:00
Wednesday, December 22nd Last Day of School for 2021
Thursday, December 23rd to Wednesday, January 5th CHRISTMAS BREAK
Thursday, January 6th, 2022 Return to Learning
Virtual Christmas Concert!
More details about video recording dates to be shared with families in advance!
Also, if you are interested in being part of our "Holiday Solos" video - see information below!
From the Students and Staff of Stonybrook Middle School!
“Christmas is forever, not for just one day. For loving, sharing, giving, are not to put away.” — Norman Wesley Brooks
We hope you have a wonderful restful break with your family.
Looking Back on November
Volleyball News
Congrats on a fantastic season girls!
Approximately 80 SMS students have been busy since early September, developing their volleyball skills as part of our grade 7 and 8 volleyball teams. Those efforts culminated with grade 8 play-offs in mid November. All of our teams showed tremendous improvement throughout the season and the players seem ready to compete at the next level next year.
The grade 7 teams did not have play-offs but were very successful in the regular season. Coaches noticed huge progress throughout the season in individual skills as well as team play. One of the noticeable characteristics of this year’s group was the team camaraderie and team spirit, at least if cheering volume was any indication.
Our grade 8 teams unfortunately didn’t advance beyond the semi finals but each team’s play-off loss was a thrilling 5 set marathon affair. Each team could easily have advanced to the finals with a few bounces going their way (or a few more serves making it over the net). It was disappointing in a way but every player can take pride in their effort, improvement and compete levels. Well done, grade 8s!
A big thank you to our volleyball coaches:
Grade 8 boys- Trevor Lecalir, Jessica Beltz, Mike Dueck
Grade 8 girls- Kayla Warkentin, Janine Lavallee
Grade 7 boys- Meagan Klippenstein, Karleen Unger
Grade 7 girls- Larae Driedger, Lauren Laninga, Jessica McLure
The SMS basketball teams are already practicing for their January season start. We are still looking for a grade 7 girls coach- nudge, nudge.
Picking Up and Dropping Off Students
Picking up or Dropping Off Students:
Students who are regularly picked up by their parents are dismissed at 3:38. Students will exit out their Cohort Door.
For students in Cohort Groups A and B - you can pick up/drop off your child from either Lumber Avenue or 4th Street.
For students in Cohort Group C and D - you can park on 4th Street or use the Bus Loop for pick up/drop off.
For students in Cohort Groups E, F, G and H - you can use the Bus Loop or Lumber Street for pick up/drop off.
Please remind your child not to run across the road to your vehicle, and to look both ways before crossing the street. We want to keep our students safe inside and outside of the school!
If your plans for transportation change for your child, please contact the school to inform.
If you wish to have your child picked up by another friend or relative for an occasion, you must make arrangements with the office prior to that pick up.
Students may not make alternative arrangements with friends at the end of the day. They are expected to follow the prearranged plans as indicated by parents. We encourage parents to ensure their child returns directly home at the end of the day and then make arrangements with friends at that point.
Picking Up a Student during the School Day:
Please call or email the school office or your child's homeroom teacher if you will be picking up your child before the end of the day.
We ask that parents and caregivers remain OUTSIDE to drop off and pick up their child. Please call the office at 204 326 6481 upon arrival when picking up your child, and they will be escorted to your vehicle.
If your child should arrive late at school in the morning, they should still report to the office so that we can update their attendance. They should still use their Cohort entrance, sanitize upon entry, and then proceed to the office.
Nutrition Bits and Bites
Learn about raising intuitive eaters!
Stonybrook Middle School
Email: hfriesen@hsd.ca
Website: sms.hsd.ca
Location: 77 Lumber Avenue, Steinbach, MB, Canada
Phone: 204-326-6481
Twitter: @StonybrookHSD