MMS Newsletter
December 2024
Season’s Greetings
The staff and students at MacKenzie Middle School are in the holiday spirit! Everyone is engaged with learning in the classroom, and we are also preparing for our special activities before the winter break. The excitement of the season is all around us and I feel fortunate to be working in a school full of kids. On behalf of the staff and students at MacKenzie Middle School, we wish you and your family a joyous holiday season!
Dressing for the Weather and Outdoor Recess
Please ensure that your child(ren) is/are dressed appropriately for cold temperatures. Students will go outside for breaks even if it is cold. We will have indoor recess if the temperature and wind chill reach – 27. Students do need to get out, get exercise and fresh air to help them be prepared for learning. Research shows that students need to get exercise to improve mood, and get fit, but exercise can also improve academic performance! Being outside when not dressed for the weather is no fun and uncomfortable as we all know. Please make sure your child has a snow jacket, snow pants, winter boots, toque, and warm mitts. An interesting article on the benefits of outdoor play can be found at the address below. The article was written during the Covid pandemic but is still relevant. For further reading about how exercise can benefit your child go to: https://www.outdoorplaycanada.ca/2022/01/17/why-children-need-to-play-outside-now-more-than-ever/
Attendance Matters!
Parents and Guardians please speak with your student(s) about the importance of attending school. Parents and Guardians are welcome to reach out to the school if you require support in helping your child understand how frequent absence impacts them. Our Provincial Department of Education and Early Childhood Learning provide the follow information on the Government of Manitoba Website.
School Attendance
Information for Parents
Why Is It Important to Encourage Attendance Everyday?
Regular school attendance helps children to maximise the educational opportunities available to them, and prepares them to reach their full potential ensuring they acquire the skills to prepare them for their individual path beyond graduation.
Building good habits as early as pre-school, parents must take all measures to ensure their child/ren attend(s) school regularly.
Parents, caregivers, and students are all responsible for making sure students are on time and ready to learn.
Types of Absences
- Excused Absence: refers to any time both the parent/caregiver and the school approves an absence. In some cases, documentation from the parent/caregiver may be required so that the school can excuse an absence. Examples include a note from a parent/caregiver or health care provider.
- Unexcused Absence: refers to any time a student is not in class or participating in a school activity without approval by the parent/caregiver.
- Chronically Absent or Chronic Absenteeism: refers to excessive absences of a student for any reason, whether excused or unexcused.
What Parents Can Do to Support Presence and Engagement at School
- Talk to your child about the importance of going to school everyday.
- Set an example of what good attendance looks like.
- Help your child get organized for school the night before; encourage your child to keep a daily to-do list.
- Have regular bed time and morning routines.
- Follow personal health practices that reduce the risk of your child becoming ill and promote healthy lifestyle practices such as regular exercise.
- Connect with your child's school early in the school year; establish a collaborative relationship with your child's teacher(s).
- Get involved; join your child's school council and participate in school community events during and after school.
- Be interested in your child's learning; ask questions, celebrate accomplishments.
- Ensure the school has current contact information.
- Avoid scheduling medical appointments and vacation when school is in session.
Parent Committee
Our December meeting will be postponed to Wednesday, January 8 at 7pm. We will be reviewing our fundraising plans for field trips. See you there!
Grade 6/7/8 Skiing/Tubing Trips to Assessippi
Our students will have an opportunity to go skiing and/or tubing in February. We will be sending out the cost and permission forms after the holiday break. The dates selected are as follows:
Grade 6s – Tuesday, February 11
Grade 7s – Wednesday, February 12
Grade 8s – Friday, February 14
Winter Feast
We will be having a feast for students and staff on Thursday, December 19 from 12 - 1pm. We will all eat at the same time in the gym and have the same time for indoor recess on this date. Our Student Committee is also meeting to plan activities for this date.
Clipper Classic Hockey Game
MMS students and staff will be attending the Clipper Classic Hockey game on Friday, December 20. Lunch will occur earlier that day. Students will leave the school to walk to the CUP at 12pm and return in time for buses and dismissal. The Dauphin Clippers will be playing Neepawa. Go Clippers Go!
MMS Curling Club
Our curling students have been learning and practicing our curling skills in our last few sessions. We will start our games next Tuesday. A draw will be made for next week. Please note that curling will be cancelled on the days when buses are cancelled.
Well-Being Groups
We are happy to welcome back and resume student well-being groups. This year will have two sessions, one for Grade 6 &7 and one for Grade 8 – all students are welcome. All Well-Being Groups will run on Mondays bi-weekly throughout the academic year. The Grade 8 group will be scheduled from 12:05 to 12:40, Grade 6 & 7 from 12:40 to 1:35. Dates will be announced in morning announcements.
These groups are for students to learn about holistic well-being, relationship building, respect inside and outside the classroom, generosity, values, and many other important topics. Sessions begin each session with a Smudge & Sharing circle and lunch is provided.
Mr. Liwiski’s Grade 6 Class
Au champ d'honneur/In Flanders Fields
Mr. Liwiski's Grade 6 class studied and presented the above poem in French at the school Remembrance Day ceremony. They also studied the life of its author Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae. Here are some illustrations of him.
MMS BASKETBALL:
Tryouts and practices are underway, and the Gr 8 boys and girls will host Grandview on December 11th then travel to Grandview on December 17th . The MACKENZIE MAGIC BASKETBALL CLASSIC 17 will take place on January 25th for boys and February 1st for girls. Each tournament will see 8 teams battling for the championship. Stay tuned for February/March tournament dates.
Book Fair at MMS
Marsi to everyone for your continued support of our Book Fair. Funds raised go directly back to support our library collections. A huge shout out to Mrs. Cindy Eiffert and her student team in preparing and hosting an amazing event.
Important Dates at MMS
December 2 – Well-Being Groups
December 4 – Grade 6 Girls Volleyball Wind-up at lunch hour
December 11 – Gr. 8 Basketball Teams vs. Grandview @MMS
December 16 – Well-Being Groups
December 17 – Gr. 8 Basketball Teams @ Grandview
December 19 – Winter Feast at noon
December 20 – MMS walking to Clipper Classic Hockey Game
December 20 – Last day of school before winter break
January 6 – Return to classes from winter break
January 8 – Parent Committee meeting 7pm
January 13 – Well-Being Groups
January 23 – Grade 7 Field Trip to AgVenture in Brandon
January 25 – MacKenzie Classic 17 Basketball Tournament Boys Teams
January 27 – Well-Being Groups
January – 31 – PD Day – No classes