Welcome Back and Happy New Year!
I hope everyone had a wonderful break and had a chance to rest and recharge. It’s going to be a great year! We have a lot of wonderful learning opportunities planned for our students.
MMS Band Concert
Our students are preparing to share their musical talent at our band concert. Mr. Cormier and students will be running full band rehearsals this month. Please remind your band student to bring their instrument. Our concert dates are as follows:
Grade 6 - January 20th @7pm in the MMS Gym.
Call time for students is 6:30pm.
Grade 7/8 & Jazz - January 21st @ 7pm in the MMS Gym.
Call time for students is 6:30pm.
Please come out to support our students! Silver collection at the door.
Parent Committee
Our next meeting will be Wednesday, February 5 at 7pm. We will be reviewing our fundraising plans for field trips. See you there!
Grade 6/7/8 Skiing/Boarding/Tubing Trips to Asessippi
Our students will have an opportunity to go skiing, boarding, or tubing in February. Forms have been sent home with students. Forms and money are due by Thursday, January 16. Late forms will not be accepted. The dates selected are as follows:
Grade 6s – Monday, February 10
Grade 7s – Tuesday, February 11
Grade 8s – Friday, February 14
Drum Awakening Ceremony
Our Drum students will take part in a Drum Awakening Ceremony on January 16. Drum Keeper Jeff Houle and Elder Phyllis Racette will be at MMS to lead our drum students through this ceremony. The purpose is to honour the new drum we have been gifted and share the protocol with our students.
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 following 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 maximize 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.
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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.
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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.
MMS Curling Club
Students have made their teams and a draw has been made. We are halfway through our curling season. The last on-ice date will be February 18. Please note that curling will be cancelled on the days when buses are cancelled.
MMS BASKETBALL:
Basketball season in underway and teams have been selected. Please note the following upcoming games and tournaments hosted at MMS:
January 15th GR 7/8 MAGIC CHALLENGE 4-8pm
January 25th MAGIC CLASSIC BOYS Tournament 8:30- 8pm
February 1st MAGIC CLASSIC GIRLS Tournament 8:30-8pm
February 12th GR 6/7 MAGIC CHALLENGE 4-8pm
Beading Club
Elder Phyllis Racette will be giving an Intro to Beading class to interested students on January 30 from 12:30 – 1:30pm. Grade 8s will have 12:30 – 1:00pm and Grade 6/7s will have from 1:00 – 1:30pm. The Beading Club will meet on Tuesday and Thursdays in the Cultural Room.
Improv is Coming in February!
We are looking forward to Improv with Martijn van Luijn! Students will eat lunch in the Cultural Room so that they can start the session promptly. Sign-up for the class is now closed. The first session is Wednesday, February 5.
Important Dates at MMS
January 13 – Well-Being Groups
January 16 – Anishinaabemowin language classes
January 16 – Drum Awakening Ceremony for Drum students
January 20 – Grade 6 Band Concert
January 21 – Grade 7/8 and Jazz Band Concert
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 30 - Anishinaabemowin language classes
January 30 – Beading Club at lunch
January – 31 – PD Day – No classes
February 1 – MacKenzie Classic Basketball Tournament Girls Teams
February 5 – Improv at Lunch!
February 5 – Parent Committee meeting 7pm