The last 4 weeks have been full of learning reflecting our goal on School Connectedness.  The goal is to develop a school culture and climate where staff, students, and parents feel inter-connected, in the service of student learning. What a joy it has been to see big buddy classes partner with their little buddy classes going skating at our local arena. Mr. Fertey’s Gr. 5/6 class went with the K/1’s and Mr. Ellis’ Gr. 6/7 class went with Ms G-J’s Gr. 1/2/3 class. The Gr. 9-12 Active Living class partnered up with Ms Okros’ Gr. 3/4/5 class. 

During the last week in January, we saw great costumes throughout the JVH Spirit Week which added lots of excitement! On the Monday, each grade in the school worked together to write a collaborative story explaining the origins of how Talon the Eagle became the JVH mascot, and on the Friday, students paired up with other classes to teach each other new skills/facts! It was so great to see different grades connecting! The Gr.1/2/3 class paired with Ms Lunn’s Grade 8 Socials Studies class and demonstrated science experiments with light! In turn, the Gr. 1/2/3’s learned about cryptography from the older students. 

Today we hosted our monthly school TAG House teams event focusing on Kindness followed by the Human Knot and other team challenges. Later this week the Primary classes will celebrate 100 Days in school partnering with home to bring in collections of 100 items. The children (staff and parents too of course) are invited to dress up as their future 100-year-old self!

Sports and Physical Education

Our JVH Intermediate Basketball team practices weekly with Gr. 12 student coach Tomakin Provencher and parent coach Stefan Weaver. Last week the team travelled to Redfish School where they competed in two very close games! The team showed excellent team play and sportsmanship! We are looking forward to Redfish School travelling to JVH soon for another set of games! Secondary students will go skiing and snowboarding at Whitewater weekly over the next three weeks while the Intermediate program starts the following week. 

Black History Month

Last week, teachers started units teaching about Black History. Teacher Librarian and Prep teacher Mr. McKay shared that he has started a Black History & Black Futures unit with the Intermediate Social Studies classes. In Gr. 3/4/5 class they are learning about the history of Black Fur Traders. He will also be covering Black History and Black Futures with all elementary classes during their library times through picture books. Our excellent selection of books on diversity will be on display all month in the library.

Outdoor Learning 

Each week the K/1 class ventures into the great outdoors and last week went out with their very special Private Eye magnifying glasses. They looked at nature close up and noticed the beautiful shape of snowflakes, the age rings on tree stumps, the shape of pine needles, holes made by woodpeckers and much more!

The Grade 9-12 Outdoor Adventures class has participated in three days of skiing and snowboarding at Whitewater Ski Hill, Avalanche training at Moose Meadows, and most recently First Aid training. 

Announcements for Parents:

1. Kindergarten registration is open. Please go to the Sd8 website for the link to the registration page and bring in your registration and documentation to the office as soon as possible.
2. The deadline for Student Transfer is March 31, 2025. Please find the NEW registration and transfer forms on the district website. 
3. Reminder – Friday, February 14^th is a School-Based Pro D Day. No school for students next Friday. 

Upcoming Events:

February 11               Intermediate 1,2,3 Classes Valentine’s Dance 6:00-7:30 in the Lighthouse

February 12               100’s Day for Primary Classes         

February 12               Movie Night “ Despicable Me 4"  Doors open at 6:30 and movie starts at 7:00

February 14               School Based Pro D Day (no school for students)

February 17               BC Family Day Holiday 

February 11,18,25      Secondary Whitewater program dates

February 15, 26         Intermediate Whitewater program dates

February 28               Pink Shirt Day K-12 Assembly 11:15

February 28               Intermediate 2 Skating 1:00-2:35 

March 5                     Final day of Intermediate Whitewater program 

March 13                   Second term Learning Updates go home 

March 14                   Last day of school before Spring Break

Have a great week,

Monica Doyle 

Interim Principal, JV Humphries School