Bear Blast
Week of Feb 14, 2022
Working together; succeeding together.
We are priviledged to share Treaty 6 Territory traditional lands of the Cree, Dene, Saulteux, Ojibwaya and the Metis Nation.
Casual Custodians Needed
The End is Nigh
As I look back at my Bear Blast ramblings I see a fairly constant theme throughout the pandemic of hope. Specifically I reference coming out of the pandemic, coming back into the light, and when it is all over. I have to admit that I was starting to wonder if that would ever happen, would we ever actually see the end of COVID-19. I have come to terms with the fact that the answer is most likely no. We will likely never see an end to COVID-19. Instead, I have focused my hope on when we would see changes or (hope of all hopes) an end to the restrictions. That day appears to be on the horizon.
This last Friday, we rescinded policy 309, requiring all staff and visitors to be fully vaccinated or to provide proof of a negative test. regardless of where you stand on the debate, I can assure you that our enforcement of this policy was only ever done with the safety and wellness of your students and our staff in mind. That being said, we have reached a time where due to the number of vaccinated people and due to the changing nature of the virus (the omicron variant) I do believe that it is safe to lift this requirement. Thank you to all of our staff and especially our families who were so understanding and cooperative during the implementation of this policy. It was something that no one enjoyed but felt the greater good outweighed our own discomfort or trepidations.
At the end of the month, it is our understanding that our Premier will not renew the public health order which includes the mask mandate. At this time, it is our intent to also remove the masking policy at PPCS when the mandate is lifted. As it was in the fall, we will return to a mask-friendly environment in which students are welcome to wear a mask if they feel more comfortable doing so. We will fully support the choices that our families make for their students regarding masking, whatever those choices may be. This obviously may change between now and the end of February, but it is our intent to follow the public health order, as we always have from the beginning of the pandemic. We are unsure of what will happen with other enhanced measures such as enhanced cleaning,, class cohorting, etc. Stay tuned for updates. We also remain committed to being responsive to the current environment in which we find ourselves, whatever that may be.
Thank you again to our staff and especially to our families who have been so wonderful throughout these trying times. I have enjoyed the respectful dialogue which has occurred when opinions differed and appreciate all of the members of our school community who have raised any concerns they had with us and entered into respectful and open dialogue. From the beginning, I attested to the fact that it was together and only together that we would get through this. When the pandemic first broke I had no idea that our community had the strength and perseverance that we do. I have never been prouder to be a member of the PPCS school community than I am today. We have done what was asked, like it or not, we have done what was needed, sacrificing our own comforts along the way and we have done it together like we do all things. We stand closer to the end than we ever have been before and I think we need to look back with a great sense of pride and humility, proud that we did it, but humble enough to know we could not have done it alone. Thank you.
Supporting Students Who Must Isolate
- The teacher will reach out to let you know the format of delivery (paper copies or digital).
- The work provided may not match the work done in class, especially if the classwork is discussion-based.
- TO avoid overwhelming you and your child, we will only send new work when completed work is sent back to the teacher.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact the school. It is very important that students learning continues during periods of mandatory isolation.
New Website
Healthy Snack Ideas
Citrus Fundraiser Feb 7-17
Online ordering is available (click the button below). The site will be down Wednesday for the day. Sorry for the inconvenience.
School Clothing Error
Seen Around PPCS (and Beyond)
The 100th Day of School
Upcoming Events
Feb 14 - Pink, White and Red Day
Feb 14 and 15 - Grades K-6 are going skating.
Feb 16 - Pink Shirt Day
Feb 17 - CITRUS ORDERS DUE!!
Feb 21-25 - February Break (No School)
March 4 - Jump Rope For Heart
Pink Shirt Day
Male and Female Athletes of the Week
The male athlete of the week is Ferdiande (Fergie) Francisco. Beside dedication in the dictionary is Fergie. He gives 100% at every practice and game. As a long-term member of our basketball team, Fergie has worked very hard to improve his skill and understanding of the game.
Thank you to our athletes for all that you do for our school and school community.
Our volunteer of the week is Mr. Harborb. Mr. Harbor does many, many things around PPCS including being very instrumental in officiating. Mr. Harbor lends his talents to us as well as many other schools for football and basketball. Thank you Mr. Harbor for sharing your expertise and impartiality with us.
Jr. NBA Basketball
Tuesdays practice will be from 3:30-4:45
Thursdays practice will be from 12:10-12:45
Participants need a pair of shoes and a water bottle.
Our Tournaments will be in Melfort on March 26 and 27. Stay tuned for more details.
We Want Fans in the Stands
- You only come if you are feeling well.
- Provide proof of vaccination or a negative test (48h).
- You wear a mask at all times when in the building
- 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).
Hot Lunches are Back!!
Jigs Corner Stop Cafe (Please order by Tuesday)
Carolines (Please order by Friday)
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!
New COVID Protocols
- Students who are positive (PCR or Rapid Test) must isolate for 5 days or 48h after symptoms, whichever is longer.
- Students who are exposed DO NOT have to isolate regardless of vaccination status unless they are symptomatic.
- We continue to encourage families to use the rapid tests (we have lots), but you are no longer required to report the results to us.
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