Newsletter Contents:

Important Dates:

Page 2

Principal’s Message

December

Page 3

Christmas Break

Tue. 4th

Pita Lunch Last Day for Seniors Gift Baskets

Parent Council Wed. 5th

Advisory

Early Dismissal Dance & Activity Night

Page 4

Office News

Page 5

Cheerleading

Thu. 6th

Band Concert

Boat Races

Fri. 7th

Last Day for Food Bank Donations

Page 6

Leadership

Mon. 10th

Booster Juice

Page 7

Kindergarten Fair

Wed. 12th

Party Program

Music Notes

Thu. 13th

Advisory Guest Speaker

Ski Club

Thu. 20th

Movie Field Trip

Rec Academy

Fri. 21st

Early Dismissal

Page 8 Attachments:

Christmas Break

School Calendar

Mon. 24th December to Fri. 4th January

Cyber Bullying Info

January

Servus Place Christmas Activities

Mon. 7th

Classes Resume

Mayor’s Celebration of the Arts

Tue. 8th

Pita Lunch

Wed. 9th

Early Dismissal

WILLIAM D. CUTS JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL 149 LAROSE DRIVE, ST. ALBERT, ALBERTA T8N 2X7 TELEPHONE: 780-458-8585 FAX: 780-459-3688 SCHOOL WEBSITE: www.wdcuts.spschools.org ST. ALBERT PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Page 2

W. D. Cuts School

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE Seems like winter has been here for a while. A huge snow day started our month. Amazing that virtually every student made it to school during the week of the storm. They must like coming to school! On November 26th, we hosted the School Board and our District Leadership Team as Ms. Blachford and I presented our Education Plan. We usually present at District Office, but every three years they come to the school for the presentation and this year was our turn. We enjoyed the opportunity to showcase our great results, our building, our staff and our students! Report cards went out on November 16th, followed by parent teacher interviews on November 21st and 22nd. Interviews went very well, and we were very pleased with the great attendance by parents and students. If you could not make interviews, please feel free to contact your child’s teachers and discuss their progress to date. I enjoy interviews and sharing in the celebration of your child’s learning. We had a great turn out of staff and students who watched our Senior Girls Volleyball team participate in the City Championship hosted at Bellerose High School. It was a great game and our girls came second. I congratulate Sir George Simpson on a great game, and I am so very proud of our girls who played with determination and class. Great job by our girls and their coach’s Mr. Witschen and Mrs. Brown! A special thank you to Eric Boychuk and Laura Tod for helping me with the boys’ team! December is now upon us and the Christmas season is just around the corner, enjoy the final month of 2012.

Mike Tod Principal

CHRISTMAS BREAK Students will be dismissed at 12:00 pm on Friday,

December 21st. Christmas break this year will be December 24th to January 4th. Classes resume on Monday, January 7th. Please note early dismissal on Wednesday, January 9th

W. D. Cuts School

Page 3

MOVIE FIELD TRIP

PJ DAY AND GIFT EXCHANGE

Thursday, December 20th Grade 8 and 9 students will be going to see The Hobbit.. Grade 7 students will be seeing Rise of the Guardians. The fee for this field trip is $10, which must be turned into your homeroom teacher.

All students are welcome to participate in a Global Enrich Foundation Gift Exchange. Only $2.00 to join. (Money goes to Amanda Lindnovt at GEF) Bring an anonymous, wrapped, unisex gift (ranging in price from $9 to $11) Join the fun!

CHRISTMAS KETTLE VOLUNTEERING

PARENT COUNCIL

Are you able to give just two hours of your time (or perhaps more) this upcoming holiday season? The St. Albert Salvation Army is looking for volunteers to share in the holiday spirit and be bell ringers for its annual Christmas Kettle Campaign. Please Contact Bernice at: [email protected] or call 780-458-1937 for more information.

Our next parent council meeting will be on Monday, January 21 at 7:00 pm in our staff room. Meetings normally last an hour and are very informative. If you would simply like to sit and join us, please feel free to attend, no strings attached. Everyone is welcome!

ADVISORY December Advisory Guest Speaker: Mary Nielsen speaks to W.D. Cuts students about her 250 km run through the desert. St. Albert resident Mary Nielsen will join us December 13th during Advisory. Mary is going to share what she calls, “one of the best holidays of her life.” Incredibly running 250 kilometres over 6 days, would not be described as a holiday for most of us. Carrying food, a sleeping bag, toque, and mittens added an additional 25 pounds to Mary’s long haul. Nielsen finished 16th and has signed up for the next year’s event, which will take place in Iceland. We are looking forward to hearing about Mary’s experiences. If you would like to join us, we will be gathering in the gymnasium at 1:30 p.m. on December 13th.

Page 4

W. D. Cuts School

PEACE POSTER

SCHOOL WEBSITE

Congratulations to Georgia Daykin for her beautiful submission of her “Imagine Peace” poster! The Art 7 class took on the challenge of the Lions International Peace Poster Contest, to create a poster that emphasized what peace meant to them. Georgia’s was the winning poster from W.D. Cuts to go on and compete in the Lions Contest. Great job!

www.wdcuts.spschools.org Remember to check out our school website regularly. It is a valuable resource for finding field trip forms, newsletters, school calendar, school photos, upcoming events etc. You can also use it to view D. A. S. H. This tool helps you see what work is due and when. This is sorted by homeroom teacher. The Rec Academy calendar and School Calendar of events are also on the site for your reference and planning.

AUTISM CONFERENCE Jan. 31st to Feb. 2nd, 2013

STUDY ROOM

Childrens Autism Services of Edmonton invites you to join them for their 6th Annual Conference at the Edmonton Mariott River Cree.

Everyday from Monday to Friday, Ms. Jang’s room 135 will be open for students from 12:50 pm to 1:15 pm.

Register online at: www.childrensautism.ca

This is for students to work on unfinished homework, extra work, studying and just some time to read.

OFFICE NEWS Student Absences and Lates: If you are going to be away from school or if you know you are going to be late, please remember to have a parent call and leave a message on our voicemail. Students must sign in at the office and obtain a late slip if they are coming in late. Students must sign out at the office if they leave the school for an appointment, etc. Students must use the office phone when calling a parent for permission to go home if they are ill, injured, etc. Student Records: Have you moved? New telephone number? Have an Alberta Health Care Number? Do we have a Birth Certificate on file? Please remember to let the office know of any changes.

W. D. Cuts School

Page 5

CHEERRIFIC NEWS Cheer is not just a sport, it’s a passion of our cheerleaders here at W.D. Cuts! Cheerleading takes courage, determination, and practice. We have progressed so much as a team and are looking forward to getting stronger and stronger. One step towards our success has been our involvement in “Rise Up.” We gathered our talents and headed out to W.P. Wager School to learn new skills we hope to incorporate into our routine. We love cheerleading!

Teighan Benedict 9B & Desiree Gettis 9J

CARDBOARD BOAT RACE On November 5th, seven students from Advanced Science had a great time at the Skills Canada Cardboard Boat Races hosted by NAIT. Scott Hawkins, Josh De Ruiter, Matthew Jackson and Erik Kieser made up the boys’ team, while Genesis Alfaro, DeAsia Napesis and Bailey Fawcet were our fierce female team. Both teams built boats within the time limit to compete in the race across the NAIT pool along with 48 other junior high teams. While both “battleships” sunk just off the start line, it was a lot of fun to design and construct the boats, and then to actually watch and participate in the races.

W. D. Cuts School

Page 6

LEADERSHIP Please keep the food bank donations coming. The classes are in a friendly competition for Cuts Spirit Points. We will be collecting up to December 7th. Other items to consider donating are toiletries (shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, etc.) and gluten free options. Winter Wonderland Dance & Activity Night Leadership is hosting a Winter Dance and Activity Night on Wednesday, December 5th from 6:00 to 8:30 pm. Friends from other junior high schools are welcome, but must be registered by Tuesday, December 4th. Just pick up a permission form at the office. Parents must sign the form to vouch for the guest. Pick up time is 8:30 pm sharp!

4th Annual Seniors in Need Gift Basket We are once again partnering with the St. Albert Seniors Club to reach out to seniors in need during the holiday season. We have an anonymous donor who makes a homemade gift for each senior to put into a basket. We are asking that any parents or businesses that would like to donate a gift card of $20 from any local grocery store to please send it to the school by Tuesday, December 4th. Movember

Our Movember Mustache Drive is going strong. Thanks for all your support!

W. D. Cuts School

Page 7

MUSIC NOTES The music program is well underway, and we have several concerts and activities already scheduled. Please mark the following on your calendar: Christmas Concert at the Arden Theatre Thursday December 6th at 7:00pm. Cost is $5.00 Spring Concert at the Arden Theatre Tuesday, June 4th Music Tour 2013 To be confirmed

SKI & SNOWBOARD CLUB The W.D Cuts Ski and Snowboard Club is an after school program offered by the school to any students interested in skiing or snowboarding, or with a desire to learn! The club travels to Rabbit Hill four times throughout the year starting in midDecember. We then end our year with a day trip to Marmot Basin. All trips to Rabbit Hill leave the school at 3 pm and return at 9 pm. If you are interested in the club, pay close attention to the announcements. Days of the trips/cost are to be determined.

- Mr. Witschen

W. D. Cuts School

Page 8

REC ACADEMY We are embracing winter with a combination of indoor and outdoor activities. Our group rocked the walls at Rock Jungle Fitness, climbing every route in sight. That, as well as core fitness training, cross country skiing and snowshoeing, Jui Jitsu and hot yoga kept us busy. Mr. Witschen, Mrs. Spychka and Mr. Mentz extend a thank you to parents for the flexibility in accommodating our schedules. This will be really put to the test with the upcoming Snow Valley trips - please see attached calendar. We are also in the planning stage of a three day Jasper trip scheduled for February 28, March 1, 2. Stay tuned for more information. Merry Christmas one and all!

Monday 3  St. Albert Jui Jitsu    (Group B)  Hot Yoga   (Group A)  10  St. Albert Jui Jitsu    (Group A)  Hot Yoga   (Group B)  17    Servus Place   Ac vi es 

Tuesday

Wednesday 4 

Thursday 6 

5  Staff Mee ng  Organiza onal  and Planning  Time at Cuts 

Friday

 

11 

12  X Country Skiing/   Snowshoeing at  Cuts 

18 

19    Sliding at Seven  Hills 

7 

Skiing/ Snowboarding at  Snow Valley  11:30‐5:00  13  14  X Country Skiing/ Snowshoeing at   Poundmaker  20 

21  Last Day of   Classes  Early Dismissal 

24  25  26  27  28  Christmas Break  Christmas Break  Christmas Break  Christmas Break  Christmas Break  31    Christmas Break 

 

 

 

WILLIAM D. CUTS COMMUNITY SCHOOL

2012 Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday 1

2

3

4 Pita Lunch

5 Early Dismissal

6 Band Concert @ Arden

7

8

Dance 6 – 8:30

Enviro Ed To Jasper 9

10 Booster Juice

11 Leadership Gift Drive & Caroling

12 P.A.R.T.Y. Program 9M

16

17

18

19 P J Day & Gift Exchange

13 Sr. B Ball Tournament Speaker 1:30-2:15 Leadership 9 Jang to Seniors Club 20 Movie Morning

14 15 Sr. B Ball Sr. B Ball Tournament Tournament

21 Early Dismissal

22

28 Christmas Break

29

Leadership Gift drive & Caroling

23

24 25 Christmas Christmas Break Day

30

31 Happy New Year!!

26 Christmas Break

Ski Club Rabbit Hill 27 Christmas Break

WILLIAM D. CUTS COMMUNITY SCHOOL

2013 Sunday

Monday

Tuesday 1 New Years Day

Wednesday 2 Christmas Break

Thursday 3 Christmas Break

Friday 4 Christmas Break

Saturday 5

6

7 Classes Resume

8 Pita Lunch

9 Early Dismissal

10 SAPEC B Ball Tournament

11 SAPEC B Ball Tournament

12 SAPEC B Ball Tournament

13

14 Booster Juice

16

17 Ski Rabbit Hill

18

19

20

21

23

24

25 26 Grade 9 Immunizations

27

28

15 Sr B Ball @ VJM B@4 G @ 5:30 22 Sr. B Ball @ Cuts G@4 B @ 5:30 29 Fitness 7/8/9 Servus Place

30 Sr. B Ball @ Lorne Akins B@4 G @ 5:30

31 Ski Rabbit Hill

St. Albert Family Working Group

Cyber Bullying DID YOU KNOW...

I believe that my child may be the victim of Cyber Bullying. How do I know for sure? What should I do? Alberta Education defines Cyber Bullying as using the internet or text messaging to intimidate, put down, or spread rumors about someone.

76% of Grades 7 -11 students reported that they NEVER discuss Cyber Bullying with their parents or adults they live with?

According to Cyberbullying.ca here are some signs that children might demonstrate if they are victims of Cyber Bullying:

In 2005, 48% of children aged 9-17 reported that they were NEVER with a parent or adult when they use the Internet?

Display a lack of interest at social events that include other students Visit the school office frequently complaining of feeling sick — wants to call Mom or Dad to come and get him

Having family rules for Internet use make a big difference in kids’ online behavior? Source: Young Canadians in a Wired World, Media Awareness Network, 2005.

Spend long hours on the computer Close windows on their computer when you enter the room Exhibit marked changes in behavior Suffer from sleeping difficulties Complain often of headaches or stomachaches

Do not complete school work, decreased success in class If a child confides in you that they have been cyber bullied, here is what you can do Tell the child to not respond to the message (s). Ensure that the child and his or her friends do not retaliate. Encourage the child to save the evidence by printing out email messages and Facebook pages and by saving text messages. Take the complaint seriously. Block the bully from your child’s account (i.e. email, Facebook, MSN, texting, etc) Contact the authorities. (Internet Service Provider, Mobile service provider, Facebook, school, and/or the police) For more information for adults about Cyber Bullying check out:: Alberta Eduation, www.education.alberta.ca/teachers/safeschools/bullying.aspx bullyfreealberta.ca Web AWARE, www.bewebaware.ca Media Awareness Network, www.media-awareness.ca/english/parents Cyberbullying.ca

201-8 Perron St. St. Albert AB T8N 1E4 [email protected]

Help your child learn about and deal with Cyber Bullying issues at: S-Team Heroes, www.teamheroes.ca b-free.ca

Fabulous Fun Days Ages 3 – 7 We know it can be difficult around the holiday season to keep little ones entertained. Register your child in one of our Fabulous Fun Days and let them be active while you finish your shopping or clean up after the holiday. Children in this program will make crafts, have snack time and enjoy activities in the gym. While they are participating in a safe, fun, holiday program you can finish your shopping, decorate the house, or just take a few minutes to catch your breath during the busy holiday seasons. All of these programs will be held at Servus Place.

AM classes run from 9:00 am to noon PM classes run from 1:00 to 4:00 pm

December 27

AM - Hero’s and Holidays Cost: $20.00 Code: 20130 PM - Feel the Beat Cost: $20.00 Code: 20131

December 28

AM- Color My World Cost: $20.00 Code: 20132 PM - Hero’s and Holidays Cost: $20.00 Code: 20133

January 2 January 3 January 4 January 2

AM - It’s a Jungle in Here! Cost: $20.00 Code:20135 PM - PM It’s a Jungle in Here! Cost: $20.00 Code: 20134

December 18

AM - Make Your Own Xmas Cards Cost: $20.00 Code: 20119 PM - Make Your Own Xmas Cards Cost: $20.00 Code: 20120

January 3

AM - Where the Wild Things Are Cost: $20.00 Code:20136 PM - Where the Wild Things Are Cost: $20.00 Code:20137

December 19

AM - Make an Ornament for the Tree Cost: $20.00 Code: 20121 PM - Make an Ornament for the Tree Cost: $20.00 Code: 20122

January 4

AM - Color My World Cost: $20.00 Code: 20138 PM - Feel the Beat Cost: $20.00 Code: 20139

December 20

AM - Make Christmas Cookies Cost: $20.00 Code: 20123 PM - Make Christmas Cookies Cost: $20.00 Code: 20124

Starting this December, check out our new drop in stick and puck time for preschoolers and school aged kids. Information is available at servusplace.ca on the drop in schedule.

servusplace.ca

Holiday Howlers FULL DAY CAMPS FOR AGES 6 - 12 Fit Kids What does it mean to be healthy? Kids will learn basic nutrition information in the kitchen and will participate in a wide variety of activities to keep them moving. Thursday, December 27 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Cost: $42.00. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Code: 20013 Multi-Sport How many sports can we squeeze into one day? We will be playing some of the traditional sports and some that are not so traditional, and will keep the kids active and engaged. Friday, December 28 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Cost: $42.00. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Code: 20014 Kidskourt Sports! Sports you play on courts! Be prepared to have fun spiking a ball, smashing with your racket or clearing a bird. See you on the court! Wednesday, January 2 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Cost: $42.00. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Code: 20015 Awesome Olympics Is your kid inspiring to be an Olympian? Focusing on playing a variety of team and individual sports, kids will have fun experiencing different sports from the Olympics.

HALF DAY CAMPS FOR AGES 8 - 12 Rafting Reindeers Design and build a raft and see how it floats! Kids will have the opportunity to design and build a raft with the goal to make it float. They will get to try their new creation out in the pool to see how it works. Bon voyage! Wednesday, January 2 9:00 am – noon Cost: $30.00. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Code: 20007 Birdhouse Building Workshop Come build a birdhouse for our feathered friends! Bring your hammer and we will supply the rest. Build a wooden birdhouse and decorate it to attract your favourite local birds! Wednesday, January 2 1:00 – 4:00 pm Cost: $40.00. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Code: 20008 Time to Win It! Check out the variety of mini challenges and activities your kids will be participating in while moving and jumping around. Thursday, January 3 9:00 am – noon Cost: $30.00. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Code: 20009 Snowshoe Stars Kids will learn basic snowshoeing technique by participating in games and activities. Make sure you dress appropriately to be outside.

Thursday, January 3 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Cost: $42.00. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Code: 20016

Thursday, January 3 1:00 – 4:00 pm Cost: $25.00. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Code: 20010

Fit Kids What does it mean to be healthy? Kids will learn basic nutrition information in the kitchen, and will participate in a wide variety of activities to keep them moving.

Outdoor Adventures What do the outdoors have in store for us this winter? With orienteering, winter survival games and adventure, kids will have fun in the fresh air. Dress warm for this adventure!

Friday, January 4 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Cost: $42.00. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Code: 20017

Friday, January 4 9:00 am – noon Cost: $25.00. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Code: 20011 Mission Adrenaline

To register or for more information please go to servusplace.ca or call 780.418.6088.

Get ready for an action fuelled afternoon at camp. There will be plenty of opportunity to experience many adrenalin pumping camp activities whilst being challenged to step out of your comfort zone. Pack old clothes - things get messy on this mission! Friday, January 4 1:00 – 4:00 pm Cost: $25.00. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Code: 20012

The Mayor’s Celebration of the Arts Gala Committee  Seeks Nominations for Arts Awards  Submissions will be accepted from October 4, 2012 – January 18, 2013  The Mayor’s Celebration of the Arts Gala Committee is accepting nominations of individuals  and businesses within St. Albert that have made a significant contribution to the arts  community.    The Fourth Annual Arts Awards will be presented at the Mayor’s Celebration of the Arts Gala on  March 19, 2013. These awards honour a wide range of people, groups and organizations that  helped put St. Albert on the artistic map of Canada.    Awards will be presented in eight different categories: Lifetime Achievement, Youth Artist,  Emerging Artist, Excellence in Arts Teaching, Established Artist, Corporate Patrons of the Arts,  Arts Leadership and Community Arts Group.    Nancy Watt, chair of the Mayor’s Celebration of the Arts Gala Committee says the awards were  designed to recognize both professional and emerging artists.    “The Arts are the soul of any community. They make a significant contribution to the social,  physical and economic well being of the city and as such it is important to support and  encourage those who are instrumental in ensuring the Arts survive and thrive in St. Albert. It is  an honour to take a moment to recognize those who drive our incredible and diverse artistic  community.”    Lifetime Achievement, Youth Artist, Emerging Artist, Excellence in Arts Teaching, Established  Artist, Arts Leadership and Community Arts Group will receive a $1,000 cash prize while all  recipients will receive an original piece of art by a St. Albert artist.    A panel of independent jurors will be responsible for evaluating the nominees and determining  the award recipients.    For full details, rules and regulations of the Mayor’s Celebration of the Arts Awards visit  www.sta‐culture.com. Nominations can also be e‐mailed to tbrooks@st‐albert.net or submitted  to Community Services in St. Albert Place, 5 St. Anne Street, St. Albert, Alberta T8N 3Z9.     Nomination Packages and forms can be downloaded from www.sta‐culture.com or picked up  from Community Services in St. Albert Place, 5 St. Anne Street, St. Albert, Alberta.   

Nominations close January 18, 2013 at 5 p.m.