JUNE 2023

2800 Bradbury Drive

Prince Albert, SK S6V 7K8

Principal - Mrs. Jennie Green

Vice-Principal - Mr. Tyler Kuzma

Vice-Principal - M Jérémie Vogt

https://vk.srsd119.ca

Phone: (306) 922-6446

Fax: (306) 764-1766

June 2 - Walk-a-thon

June 5th - June 7th - P4A Track Day

June 7th- June 8th - Band trip to Regina

June 20th - School BBQ Lunch

June 23rd - Grade 5-8 Kinsmen Water Slides

June 15th - Grade 8 Farewell 6:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. ( Dance follows ceremony grade 5-8)

June 27th - LAST DAY OF SCHOOL

Dear Parents/Caregivers, Students, and Staff,

As we approach the end of another academic year, I find myself filled with a bittersweet mixture of emotions. June marks the time for farewells, as we say “goodbye” to some of our staff and our Grade 8 students and part ways for the summer break.

First and foremost, I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to our Grade 8’s. Your hard work, determination, and Vickers school spirit have led you to this milestone in your life. You have grown not only academically but also as individuals, ready to take on the challenges of high school. Remember, that even as you embark on new journeys and forge your own paths, you will always be welcome back at Vickers. I have full faith that you will continue to shine brightly wherever life takes you, and I urge you to remain committed to academic success, striving to always do your best!

I would also like to extend my sincere appreciation to the parents and guardians who have supported us throughout the year. Your involvement, guidance, and trust in our educational community have played an invaluable role in the success of our students. Your commitment to your child's education has not gone unnoticed, and I thank you for being our partners in this journey.

As we bid adieu for the summer break, let us take a moment to reflect on the accomplishments of our students. We are a dedicated math goal school but our teachers have also committed to incorporating high-impact literacy strategies as well as the many classes that focused on experiential play-based learning as a best practice in Early Years. We also explored our citizenship goal by focusing each month on the 7 Grandfather Teachings. I am immensely proud of the progress we have made as a school, and I look forward to the opportunities that the future holds for us. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every member of our Vickers staff. The dedication, enthusiasm, and support you have shown throughout this academic year have laid a strong foundation for our students to achieve success.

During this well-deserved break, I encourage everyone to engage in activities that foster a love for math and literacy. Read, read, and read some more! Encourage your child to explore math through games, puzzles, and real-life applications like measuring ingredients for cooking or calculating distances on family outings. Together, we can reinforce the knowledge gained this year and ensure a smooth transition into the next academic year.

Farewells are always bittersweet – I wish all of our departing staff the best of luck in your future endeavors! I want to also take this opportunity to congratulate one of our Vice-Principals, Mr. Tyler Kuzma, on his appointment as Principal of W.P. Sandin in Shellbrook for the 2023-24 school year. Working with you the past three years has been a tremendous gift and I will miss our daily chats, laughs, and your unwavering dedication to the staff and students at Vickers.

Je vous souhaite un bon été et bonne vacance à tout! May your summer be filled with joy, relaxation, and fun!

Warm regards,

Mrs. Jennie Green

Principal/Directrice

The process of placing students in classes for the upcoming school year is done with great care. Families often request teachers but as you can imagine, honoring all these requests would be impossible to balance classes. It is critical to ensure that each child is well-matched with a competent teacher and trust each class is balanced in terms of overall size, gender diversity, complex needs, and other factors.

We place great value on parent input about their child’s personality, preferences, and learning needs. However, we do not accept or honor requests for specific teachers. In order to ensure that each class is appropriately balanced, we have made class placement a staff decision, based on extensive discussion of each student. We also strive to ensure that each child is placed in a class with at least a few friends, while placing specific friends is appealing for a variety of reasons, it is not always possible.

In August, you may see your child’s class placement for 2023-24 on EDSBY, and we will not be making any changes to class lists after they are published on EDSBY, unless a change in enrollment or staffing makes it necessary to re-balance the classes.

Hello Vickers School Community!

As we prepare for our next school year, I am honored and excited to enter the role of vice-principal at École Vickers Public School. For the past 3 years, I have worked in this wonderful school community as a grade 8 teacher and the school Dreamcatcher Coach. Prior to joining the École Vickers Public School Community, I spent 14 years as a high school and middle years teacher at both Red Wing Public School and Meath Park Public School.

I am truly grateful for the opportunity to remain in the same school community, as it allows me to continue building upon the relationships and connections that have been established over the years. I have had the pleasure of witnessing firsthand the incredible potential and talent that thrives within our school. The dedication and commitment to education and personal growth that I have observed in our school community have inspired me greatly.

Building strong relationships with students, parents, and the wider school community is of utmost importance to me. I believe in the power of collaboration and open communication and encourage you to reach out with your thoughts or concerns. Together, we can create a positive, welcoming environment that empowers our students to reach their full potential and prepares them for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

I wish all of you a fun-filled summer break and I look forward to beginning this new chapter with all of you in the fall!

Mrs. Chelsie Bergen

The last day of the canteen will be FRIDAY, JUNE 23rd

First we would like to say farewell to Mr. Kuzma as he embarks on a new chapter in his life. it is with a mixture of gratitude and sadness that we express our appreciation for the incredible impact you have made on our school community during your tenure as Vice Principal.

Throughout your time here, you have exhibited unwavering dedication, leadership, and a genuine passion for education. Your commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment has left an indelible mark on both the staff and students alike.

On behalf of the entire school community, I extend my heartfelt thanks for your invaluable contributions and wish you the very best in all your future endeavors. May this new chapter in your life bring you immense joy, fulfillment, and continued success.

Farewell, Vice Principal, and thank you for everything.

We also have some staff embarking on new journeys . . . farewell and best of luck in your new adventures as well:

Ms. Hattum

Mrs. Elise Hoey-Seto

Mrs. Jamie Meyers

Mrs. Jamie Beaulac

Mrs. Corky Rudderham

As the start of the next school year approaches, one important event that can alleviate some of the back-to-school stress is the backpack drop-off. This convenient initiative allows students to bring their school supplies and essential materials to school before the academic year officially begins.

Thursday August 31st @ 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

The library will be closed for inventory on Monday June 12th until the end of the school year. Students must have all library books returned by June 16th.

Are you interesting in purchasing Vickers gear? We have an online store with loads of options!

Check out Entripy at https://evs.entripyshops.com/

If you have not paid your child’s School Activity Fees please sign up using the link below for School Cash Online.

This fee is collected to assist in covering the costs of optional activities or events that would enhance the regular school programming and would enrich the education of participating students. Some examples of these are out of school educational experiences, activities, presentations and/or speakers.

The fee is $10.75 for Kindergarten and $21.00 for Gr 1-8 & Dev Ed.

Make online payments with

SchoolCashOnline

• Field Trips
• Sports Events
• Activity Fees

KEVGROUP

School Cash Simplified

Registration for School Cash Online is now Available!! Please Visit

www.srsd119.ca/school-cash-online/ for instructions.

Our school has been working on reaching our Math goals as well as incorporating the Seven Grandfather Teachings into our lives. We want to celebrate the achievements of our students by welcoming our school community to a BBQ lunch. On Tuesday, June 20, we will invite families to join us at 12:00. We are asking that you preorder your lunch so that we know how many people will be joining us. You may also order online using School Cash Online. Please return orders to classroom teachers by Tuesday, June 6.

Total Orders

Total

Cost

Hot Dog, Bag of Chips, Bottle of Water ($5/meal)

Hamburger, Bag of Chips, Bottle of Water ($5/meal)

Calling all Hunger Heroes!

It’s time to lend a helping hand and make a difference in our community! Our Grade 3 French Classes are excited to announce our upcoming Food Drive, where we can work together to fight hunger and help those in need.

From June 5th to June 16th, we will be collecting non-perishable food items.

Remember, every donation counts, no matter how big or small. Let's work together to fill those shelves!

Thank you for your support!

June 23rd the grade 5-8 will be going to the Kinsmen Water park!! All details to follow with the homeroom teachers.

What a year in the Vickers Music Department! We went from not knowing each other at the beginning of September to celebrating a vibrant year in band, choir, and music in June as we look back on all we have done this year. Here are a few of the highlights of our first year together (Mrs. Lohneis is feeling like one lucky teacher to work with such incredible students)!

• Vickers choir won the City of PA U-Turns contest in October with their Backstreet Boys music video parody “Quit Makin’ U-Turns at School.” They used the money they won to subsidize a trip to Saskatoon to see the U of S Greystone Singers and University Chorus spring concert in March (complete with supper at Boston Pizza afterwards!).
• The Grade 8 Band traveled to Saskatoon to see the U of S Wind Ensemble fall concert in November, and the Grade 7 Band traveled to see their spring concert in March.
• The choir sang O Canada and Christmas carols at the Raider game on December 7th.
• We got brand new uniforms in February, so our students were looking sharp in their new polo shirts at festivals and concerts in the spring!
• Our choir, all grade levels of band, our Gr. 4 music class, and several individual students performed at the PA Music Festival in March. All of our ensembles won scholarship awards (the Grade 5s won the award for the highest achieving beginner band!), and several of our solo and duet students received scholarships as well (Sophia Lavoie, Harnoor Saini, Leahcim Adona, Kazeha Crowe, Shawn Manuel, Kai Twyver, and Maryann Odogwu). Kai, Maryann, and the Gr. 4 Northern Spirit Flute ensemble were all selected by the adjudicators to perform at the “Best of the Best” 75th Anniversary Gala concert at the EA Rawlinson Centre! The choir qualified and was recommended to the provincial music festival, so they sent in their recording for adjudication and a further level of competition. What an honour!
• Big Noise Youth Choir, a group formed and directed by Mrs. Lohneis and featuring Vickers alumni Avari Coleman, Alex Rensberry, and Chord Fehr, was recommended to the provincial level of music festival competition. They were recently informed that they were awarded first place in their provincial choral class! Congrats to these Vickers musicians who are keeping up their skills and staying involved in music!
• The Grade 5 Band traveled to Camp Kinasao May 3rd-4th with the Arthur Pechey Grade 5 Band, where they took part in sectional lessons, full band rehearsals, t-shirt tie dyeing, social activities, a night camping out in the cabins, and a big final concert at Arthur Pechey. What a great trip!
• All grade levels of band as well as instrumental soloists performed at ExtravaBANDza from May 10th-12th at Carlton and were able to receive adjudication from Dr. Glen Gillis from the University of Saskatchewan.
• The Choir and the Grade 8 Band traveled to Moose Jaw on May 15th-16th where they performed at the Moose Jaw Band & Choral Festival, took in a jazz evening concert, tours at the Tunnels of Moose Jaw, a spa pool visit at the Temple Gardens Mineral Spa, and performed at “Moosic in the Park,” an outdoor performance at the Crescent Park Amphitheatre. Another great trip with many memories made!
• The Grade 6 Band traveled to Saskatoon on May 31st-June 1st where they had a clinic with Dr. Darrin Oehlerking at the University of Saskatchewan. They tested their climbing abilities at Clip n Climb the night before and Mrs. Lohneis had fun racing them up the timed walls!
• The Grade 7 Band is traveling to Regina on June 7th-8th where they will have a clinic with Brent Ghiglione from the University of Regina Music Department in addition to taking in a session of laser tag that is sure to be lots of fun!
• The Grade 4 Music class is currently working on a parody music video of a familiar Queen song, only theirs is being played on northern spirit flutes and is entitled "Another One Plays With Us." Stay tuned!

What an amazing year of memories, hard work, and successes. The students helped with the “summer scrub” in May/June, with the band room containing several wading pools of warm soapy water full of trumpets, French horns, trombones, baritones, and tubas on several days. They polished slides, oiled valves, and made sure everything was ready to go for the fall. We are now finishing up with guitar and ukulele in June, and will all be looking forward to the end of the school year with all of these great memories in the bank! I’m looking forward to working with everyone again next year, and welcoming this year’s Grade 4s into the band in September! Best wishes to our graduating Grade 8s. I know you will do great things and will use your talents to make the world a better place. Thank you for all you have given me this year and for sharing your talents and your heart with me every week. To quote the musical Wicked, "Because I knew you, I have been changed for good."

Our staff parking lots are a “no drop off zone” as they are out of bounds for students.

We urge parents to support us in this safety endeavor by dropping off your children on the west side of the school on Olive Diefenbaker Drive; on Bradbury Drive, east of the Special Needs bus zone and between Gisi Road and Olive Diefenbaker Drive.

We encourage the children to cross all streets in a safe manner by crossing at the corner or at cross walks. Teacher supervision is also provided at our major crosswalks.

The Community Club rink parking lot is the bus pick up zone after school for our parents to meet their children for pick up. Please refrain from turning around in the driveways, as this is disruptive to the homeowners.

DRINKS:

• Flavored water................................$1.50
• Chocolate milk...............................$1.50
• Large apple/orange/fruit juice......$1.50
• Juice box........................................$1.50

SMALL SNACKS: (all pre-packaged)..........$1.00

• variety of small items such as Rice Krispie squares, goldfish crackers, cookies, baked chips,
• hot rods, fruit snacks, wagon wheels, and/or seasonal snacks.

LARGE SNACKS: (all pre-packaged)...........$1.50

• Sun chips, crispers, cookies

Pizza ............................................................$3.00

For the most part, we want our students to enjoy playing outdoors before school, during both recesses, and the noon hour. On rainy days, we allow students to come into the school upon their arrival and remain indoors during all breaks. In the winter, we use -30 degrees Celsius as our cut off to remain indoors. If the temperature and/or wind-chill in combination with the temperature exceed -30, then all students are permitted in the school in the morning and during break times. We do expect that all students be dressed appropriately for the weather, as there are many cold days that students are expected to be outdoors.

On behalf of École Vickers Public School I would like to extend a warm welcome to our team! We are thrilled to have you on board and look forward to the school year ahead!

Rachel Lavigne

Brandi Cournoyer

Lauriane Hudon

Alanna Banman

Tara Wiberg

Ginelle Olson

Katelyn Dupuis

Jordanna Albers