Submitted by Emily Cameron
Panthers are off and running this September, as we welcome in the new school year.
Elementary Cross Country happened on September 21 and 26. Many Panthers recorded excellent times and everyone who participated gave it their all. Our friends from St. Edmunds came to join us too! The top 10 runners in each division will attend the OEC on Monday, October 2.
Elementary soccer is in full swing, and practices are happening a few times a week.
Secondary Athletics are also off to a good start. Varsity Boys Volleyball are looking sharp and had their first games last week. Good luck boys!
The Secondary Panthers Golf Team spent September 19 at Stone Tree Golf and Fitness club. The team spent the day golfing in beautiful conditions. Both Blake Hellyer and Cooper Love qualified for CWOSSA on October 4 at Saugeen Golf Club for the Individual Division. Rylan Cameron and James Wheeler also had great scores; however, competition was stiff, and they came up just shy. Coach Urbshott said, “Congrats to the Qualifiers, Go Panthers Go!”
Players interested in Junior Girls Basketball have formed an exhibition team and will be playing some games with nearby schools in the coming weeks.
There is an upcoming Secondary Cross-Country meet to be held on October 19, as well as the BAA Tennis match. There is something for everyone at BPDS!
There have been many clubs and school initiatives started this month. Elementary Choir is starting, as well as a Bucket Drumming Club. Returning from her second maternity leave, Mrs. Jordan Collins is excited to share her talents with the school. With a Bachelor of Music Education and an ARCT in Piano Performance from the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, Mrs. Collins comes with a skill set that she is ready to share with students and staff at BPDS. It will be an exciting experience for our school! Mrs. Collins says, “Stay tuned for local performances – we are planning to carol around the community in the winter and put on a winter and spring concert!”
Secondary students have been attending a Drama Academy and Archeology club – all new this year!
Secondary student government held their first fun Friday event on September 15, inviting all of the secondary students out to the field for house colour challenges and a fun game of ultimate frisbee.
The annual Meet The Teacher BBQ was held on Thursday September 21 and was well attended. Elementary Students’ Council would like to thank all those who attended the BBQ. BPDS secondary student government held a silent auction at the BBQ to raise money for secondary athletics, student government, trips, clubs and more. The night was an incredible success, exceeding all expectations. Rowan McKellar, a member of the government’s executive, said, “We are so grateful for each business and individual that donated to support the school and everyone who bid on an item.”
BPDS is extremely fortunate to have such a supportive community which helps make our extracurricular events possible. A special thank you to Ms. Melissa Rosenburg’s Grade Eight class for providing a delicious menu and enthusiastically welcoming our guests.
The Outers swim test happened in Georgian Bay on September 12. It is a BPDS tradition that has been happening for many years. Students braved the cold to prove they can swim like fish and pave the way for future trips like ORCKA training and the Fall Hike – all on the horizon. The Outers class will happen in the second semester. Stay tuned for more exciting adventures!
As always, literacy, diversity, equality and eco-schools are always on our minds here at BPDS. Mrs. Kelly Burgess – our new 5/6 teacher – noted, “The Grade 5/6 class has been learning about the Seven Sacred Teachings through the wonderful short stories of author Katya Ferguson. They are putting together presentations to educate the class about the teaching that they are learning about. Students are also sharing what they have learned about the Anishinaabe culture and language.”
This year, our administration would like to stay connected to our parents and guardians by including a Principal’s Corner section in the monthly article.
Report from the Principal’s Office
Submitted by Brenda Brewer, Principal, and Breanna Heels, Vice-Principal
Here we are into October already! We blinked and it went from the beginning of September to the end just like that. They say time flies when you are having fun, and I’d say that has proven to be true.
Breanna Heels has returned from her maternity leave and has resumed her role as Vice Principal. Thanks to Jodi Naves for doing an amazing job last year – she is now Vice Principal at Saugeen District Secondary School. Breanna will be part-time for the Fall, sharing the role with Matt Pickett. You may remember Matt as Principal and although he is (or was) enjoying retirement, we are happy to have him back a couple days a week!
We would like to introduce our new and returning staff this year!
In Elementary:
• JK/SK – Jordan Collins and Connie Clark, ECE
• SK/1 – Penny Phillips (Ali Mielhausen will be covering SK/1 on Fridays)
• Grade 1-2 – Connie Radbourne
• Grade 2-3 – Trish Preston
• Grade 3-4 – Robina Franko
• Grade 4-5 – Chantelle King
• Grade 5-6 – Kelly Burgess
• Grade 6 – Terri McIver
• Grade 7 – Sarah Peacock
• Grade 8 – Melissa Rosenburg
• Learning Resource Teacher – Ashley Earle
• Prep Coverage – Ali Mielhausen
• Prep Coverage – Bonita Myles
• French and Prep Coverage – Rachel Cutfield
In Secondary, this semester:
• Mike Laing – Chemistry
• Jen Cameron – Student Success, Art, English
• Tara Stanton – Learning Resource, English, History
• Jessica Rice – French, Alternative Learning
• Oliver Clark – Math, Tech
• Kristina Sweatman – English, Civics/Careers
• Josh Urbshott – Phys. Ed, Co-op, Foods
• Emily Cameron – History, Guidance
• Cameron Stryker – Environmental Resource Management
• Dorina Liipere – Math
We also have our wonderful EAs – Tammie Mielhausen, Shawna McLay and Rhonda Lawrence. If you call or visit the office at BPDS, you will be greeted by Shona or Nancy! At St. Edmunds, Mary Mclean is our new Office Manager. And during the day, we have our custodian Mr. Kinch at BPDS and Lisa Bass at St. Eds! We also have Ron, Mark and Jeff helping keep our schools clean and well maintained.
St. Edmunds Public School:
• JK/SK – Melissa Stewart
• Grade 1/2/3 – Amanda Quist
• Prep Coverage – Bonita Myles
We know the success of our schools is intricately connected with the support of the community! It is humbling and an honour to serve the communities on the Bruce Peninsula, and we look forward to an exciting school year! If you don’t already follow our Facebook page, you can follow us at Bruce Peninsula DS to see all of the amazing things happening at the school.
If you ever have questions or concerns, give us a call at (519) 793-3211 or by email: Brenda_Brewer@bwdsb.on.ca and Breanna_Heels@bwdsb.on.ca
