Submitted by Emily Cameron
December was our Community Conditions month at BPDS and many lessons and initiatives focused on physical and mental health, outdoor education, and connections to the larger community which help to promote sustainable practices and positive relationships.
Our first community connection was the famous Remembrance Day Contest Assembly which happened on December 9, 2022. This was the first ‘real’ assembly we had held in two years – and the kids were excited! Students and staff from all grades gathered in the gym to hear Mr. White of Branch 202 present awards to the various winners.
One teacher noted, “It was so nice to see all the kids together and feel the buzz in the room. That sense of pride and community is so important and is what makes BPDS special.”
Staff would like to give a big shout out to Educational Assistant Connie Clark who has helped organize the contest for many years. The winners in the various categories are listed below:
Junior Essay
-Mabel Cameron, Emerie Cameron
Junior Poem
Isabella Vanderkooy, Mabel Cameron, -Owen Cameron
Intermediate Essay
-Ruby Belanger, Aria Thomas, Morgan Kerton-Moir
Intermediate Poem
-Bronwyn Stanton, Mady Raney, Eva Lewkowicz
Primary Black and White poster
-Lucy Collins , Jace Brown, Sawyer Wilkinson
Primary Colour poster
-Jordyn Liverance, Maximus Moffet, Evy Pace
Junior Black and White poster
-Avery Sachs, Pierce Lott , Emerie Cameron
Junior Colour
-Adalyn Cullen, Piper Finger, Avery Sachs
Intermediate Black and White
-Terra Chayer, Carly Burbridge, Suria Campigotto
Intermediate Colour
-Lena Hofstrand, Mady Raney, Ellie Robbins
Mrs. Clark said, “Congratulations to all of the winners and thank you to each and every student who took the time to commemorate Remembrance Day by entering a poster or poem.”
Several students also won at the Zone level. Congratulations to Isabella Vanderkooy who won first in Junior Poem division, and Avery Sachs, Junior Black and White. They will go on to the District level.
Second place winners were Ruby Belanger in Intermediate Poem; Terra Chayer, Intermediate Black and White; and Lena Hofstrand, Intermediate Colour.
Third place winners were Lucy Collins in Primary Black and White; and Ruby Belanger, Intermediate Essay.
Drama Club Announces Cast For Upcoming “Into The Woods, Jr”
Our second big community connection was the announcement of the cast of this year’s play. Ms. Stanton said, “The cast has been chosen, and rehearsals are underway! The BPDS Drama Club will be putting on another performance this spring!”
The students were able to convince Ms. Stanton not to wait the usual year before putting on another show, and so readers are reminded to look for our production of ‘Into The Woods, Jr.’ to be presented April 20 – 22, 2023. This musical is the ultimate fairytale and will put our singers and actors to the test as they enter a magical world full of hilarious and mischievous characters.
Therapy Dogs Visit BPDS
Several academic and extra-curricular initiatives have focused on mental and physical health. For example, we have been fortunate over the past couple of months to have some welcome visitors to BPDS! Lola and Daisy, the therapy dogs, have been in for a few lunch hour sessions for our secondary students.
The dogs have been trained through a program provided by St. John’s Ambulance and have been certified to work with secondary-aged students. Daisy is also ‘qualified’ to work with younger students, though Lola still has more training to do to reach that stage. Therapy dogs are one of the strategies that we have incorporated at the school to help students who are struggling with stress and anxiety; it’s been shown that spending time with an animal is one way to lower blood pressure and manage other symptoms of stress. Lola will be back at the school just before exams, and she and some other dogs will also be present for an upcoming immunization clinic at the school. We’re happy to have them help us get through some of the difficult challenges that come with being in high school!
Food Drive Collects 700 Items
Just before the Christmas holidays, students worked together to collect items for the food drive. 700 food items were collected and donated to the local food bank. Lillie Dowd, a grade 10 student, researched the topic of food banks for her Careers Final Project. During our Celebrate Success assembly, she told staff and students, “In 2022, over 1.5 million people visited food banks across Canada.” We are proud of our students for contributing to this great initiative.
Secondary Athletics Update
In Secondary Athletics, five members of the secondary Nordic ski team traveled with coach Jen Cameron to Highlands Nordic in Duntroon to compete at the Holiday Hustle ski race on Tuesday December 20, 2022.
Our senior girls’ team (Grace Wheeler, Elizabeth Davies and Chloe Cameron) placed 2nd in the Senior girls’ relay. Luke Belanger and James Wheeler placed third in the boys’ Mixed Exhibition relay. Coach Cameron said, “Way to go team!”
Josh Hall and James Wheeler, students in the Careers class, planned a fun 3×3 intermural basketball tournament during lunch hour. Six teams signed up to battle it out for the title of 3×3 basketball champions. Many elementary students came to watch and cheer on their big brothers and sisters, and friends.
Platinum Eco-School Recognition
BPDS students also continue to work towards their goal of being recognized as a Platinum Eco-School for another year. Ms. Stanton has been working with classroom teachers and students to complete a series of projects that examine a wide range of environmental issues.
For example, the Careers class has been learning about UNESCO’s Sustainable Goals and related jobs sectors such as Green Technologies. On January 23, they were joined by former BPDS teacher, Terri Munn, who took them on a walk to the Bruce Trail to discuss Eco-Tourism jobs in our own backyard.
January’s Eco-School theme is on projects that aim to reduce textile waste and promote responsible production and consumption. There will be a Clothing and Toy Swap activity at the school sometime in the next month, in collaboration with Mrs. Rosenburg’s grade 7/8 class. It’s a great opportunity to find new life for those items at home that aren’t being worn or played with anymore! Keep your eye on the school’s Facebook and Instagram page for more information.
Celebrating Success
On January 20, Secondary students attended a Celebrate Success Assembly in order to reflect on the past semester and our many accomplishments. Several Secondary students were nominated by their peers and recognized for acts of kindness. There was also a musical performance by Ms. Stanton’s Music class, as well as a Pinata smash hosted by one of the Math classes. It was a great way to recognize many community connections.
Grade 8 Parent Night – Feb 15
Another upcoming event is the grade 8 parent night to discuss transitioning to high school, pathways, and course selections. Parents and Guardians of grade 8 students – as well as the grade 8 students themselves – are invited to attend a meeting on February 15 at 6:30 pm in the school library. The Guidance and Administration team will be happy to answer any questions and concerns you have about this exciting time in your child’s life.
First Semester Wrap-up
Secondary students have been working hard to finalize their projects and get ready for exams. For example, Gracey Williamson, Elise Stewart, and Chloe Cameron (pictured below right) with their 3-models of Synovial joints for their kinesiology final projects: shoulder, elbow and knee.
This time of year can be stressful for some students, and the guidance and student success team would like to remind everyone to reach out to someone on staff if you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed. We love to help at BPDS and we will try and find a way to support you.
We are looking forward to semester-two start up in the secondary end, as well as more spring athletics and legion competitions in the elementary end.
The grade 7/8 classes continue to fundraise for their year end trip and thank you for your ongoing support.
Go Panthers!
