Dear Parents and Guardians,
It is amazing to think that the year is almost over. As I look over the calendar and see that exams are just around
the corner and that our grade 12 graduates will be leaving us, I want to take this moment to share with you a few
new items to close off this year and to begin next year with.
First, it is that time of the year that we have to say some goodbyes. Our grade 12 students have been an amazing
group of students and they will be sorely missed. Of course we welcome you back to visit us but we also know you
will be busy with your post high school plans and we wish you the best in achieving your dreams.
We also need to say some goodbyes to some teachers. Although we are still in the midst of finalizing some of our
staffing, we do know some teachers will be leaving us due to retirement or due to downsizing of our staff. Our
enrollment is down from last year and we are currently sitting at 698. We started this year at 741. Much of this
enrollment shift is due to demographics and we expect to see an increase in the years to come. I know some of you
may be wondering which teachers are leaving however, our staffing is not complete so I’m very hesitant to indicate
who will not be returning in case our staffing changes. I will have a follow-up message for you once we have our
complete 2016-2017 staff in place.
Second, with a downsizing does come some program changes which means we have had to cancel some sections
we had hoped to offer. We will follow-up with students to make sure that they have an opportunity to select alternative courses for their schedules. The following programs have been modified or cancelled due to low enrollment.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
German Language - Cancelled for 2016-2017. Students who are taking it for 30 level credit may continue in
the program through our InReach program.
Legal Studies and Psychology - Cancelled for 2016-2017. Low enrollment
Aboriginal Studies - Not enough enrolled to offer the course
Advanced Placement - Not enough enrolled in any section to offer it as a stand alone program. AP will be
absorbed into regular programming. If a student is interested in writing an AP exam, please have them contact
the office to discuss this with us.
Commercial Foods - Merged with Foods 10, 20,30. Students who have chosen Commercial Foods will still be
taking Foods in the Commercial Foods kitchen. This change is due to low enrollment in Commercial Foods.
Last, a quick update to our modernization. It is frustrating on my part to provide dates to our students and to you,
our community, only to have another discovery happen in the project that delays our construction. There have been
numerous structural delays that have pushed back dates throughout the year. The month of June brings us to a serious juncture in the project. At this point, our contractor is working very hard to make sure we can start to move
into Phase 1 and we expect to be in our new office space between June 9th and 13th. This is simply our reception
area, the office spaces in the main office and our Student Services space. The rest of Phase 1 and 2, which includes
our Library Common, some classrooms, the main gym and our Cosmetology area will be completed by the start of
the school year.
Over the summer however, many changes will take place. Our parking lot will be totally revamped as will our bus
loop. Expect some changes here which we will notify you on over the summer. The parking area will be completely off limits to all visitors while this is taking place. Some of our science rooms and our CTS trades areas will also
have much work done to them starting on June 16th and will be ready by the start of the school year.
By Friday of this week, I will go into the area and take photos to update our site. At that time you will see areas
that are tiled, drywall that is taped and possibly even painted, electrical and wiring that is pulled and flooring in
place.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at 780-973-3301 or via email at
[email protected]
Thank you,
John Baldassarre
Principal
Mark your CALENDARS!
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
MEETINGS
The Board meets publicly
twice a month - on the 2nd
Wednesday at 6:30 pm and
on the 4th Wednesday at
4:30 pm. Meetings are
held in the boardroom at
the division head office
SCHOOL COUNCIL
MEETINGS
Meetings are held the 1st
Tuesday of each month
in the SCHS Cafeteria.
The next meeting will be
held:
No Meeting in June
Sturgeon Spirit Newsletter—Our mission is to inspire the spirit of lifelong learning.
Page 2
WILL BE
EMAILED
AT THE
END OF
JUNE
Report Cards are no longer mailed
out or picked up at the school
Euclid Mathematics Contest
On Wednesday April 6th, eight of our grade 12
students competed in the “Euclid Contest,” a
national exam sponsored by The Centre for
Education in Mathematics and Computing at the
University of Waterloo. Our students competed
against approximately 15,000 other students
from 1200 schools. We would like to
congratulate our team as their combined scores
resulted in Sturgeon Composite High School
being declared Zone Champion for the 2016
Euclid Contest.
A special congrats goes to Drake Ottacher on
receiving a medal for highest score!
Well done!
Sturgeon Spirit Newsletter—Our mission is to inspire the spirit of lifelong learning.
Page 4
School Fees - Online Payments!!!
Please note we now accept online student and transportation payments via
the PowerSchool Parent Portal! Student fees will still be accepted in person at
our office, but transportation fees need to be paid at the Sturgeon School Division office in Morinville. For any inquiries, or payment arrangements, please
contact the Finance office at 780-973-3301.
YAMATE JAPANESE EXCHANGE
The Flight tickets are printed!
This memorable experience will be reciprocated in July, when the Canadian hosts
will travel to Japan as guests. They will stay there for two weeks, and have many
events planned to take part in during their trip. Staying in Yokohama, the Albertan
travelers look forward to trips to Tokyo, tours in Yokohama and a visit to Tokyo
Disney, among other exciting events. Now the students involved are busily
organizing and preparing for their trip, ensuring all is ready before they depart on
July 20th. They are all anxiously awaiting to hear from their Japanese hosts!
Hopefully, our Sturgeon travelers will have amazing and unforgettable stay in Japan
and make lasting friendships and amazing memories!!
Sturgeon Spirit Newsletter—Our mission is to inspire the spirit of lifelong learning.
Page 6
SCHS Music News
Another fantastic year is coming to an end, our students did very well representing our school
during the festival season. A workshop in Calgary taught many new skills and students enjoyed the
Musical Annie as well as a trip to the Zoo. Our final concert “Bright & Ugly” will be held June 6 as
part of the Fine Arts awards on June 6th in the school gym. All are welcome to attend, it will be
great evening of music.
Have a wonderful summer.
Come out and Join us in
Honoring the Best in Music,
Drama and Art!
Monday June 6th
@ 7pm in the North Gym
Free Event
Sturgeon Spirit Newsletter—Our mission is to inspire the spirit of lifelong learning.
Page 7
All schedules can be found on the Metro Edmonton High School Athletics Page:
http://www.telusplanet.net/public/metroedm/
Ours Girls Rugby team had a great season going undefeated, but unfortunately the girls had an
off game and lost in the semifinals.
The Boys Rugby team lost a hard fought Championship game 7-5 against Edmonton Christian
The boys are off to provincials June 3-4 in Lethbridge.
Thank you to all the fans for your support at both the
girls and boys games this season.
Boys Soccer season ended with a close battle in the quarter finals losing to J Percy Page.
Girls Soccer lost to Holy Trinity in the quarter finals but all in all players worked hard and
learned a lot this year.
:
Boys: Mike Roberts & Mike Lang
Girls: Sarah Day, Lalenya Gasse and Cassidy Lemoine
Sturgeon Spirit Newsletter—Our mission is to inspire the spirit of lifelong learning.
Page 8
The senior boys basketball team competed hard every game and showed that they are fighters,
sadly that didn't always show on the scoreboard. The biggest highlight of the season, after
finishing 8th in league playoffs, was when the boys were able to knock off the undefeated first
place team, J Percy Page, in their first playoff game. Along with their hard compete level, the
boys received a provincial ranking of 9th in the province, but struggled in the zone play downs.
“Remember Hard Work Beats Talent
When Talent Doesn’t Work Hard”
Thank you to all the young men in an exciting season of basketball.
Mr. Spenrath
HURRY HARD!!!
Has your child ever considered curling as a sport? If
so, check out Morinville’s Junior Curling Program!
October until March, Sunday afternoons 11am to
12:30pm, the program is open to children 8 years and
up. The cost is only $30 for the season and
equipment is provided for free! Registration will take
place at the MCCC during the Morinville Active Living
Fair, on September 16th at Morinville Curling Club’s
general registration,
or contact Lisa St-Onge 780-939-5185.
Sturgeon Spirit Newsletter—Our mission is to inspire the spirit of lifelong learning.
Page 9
Congratulations to Lauren Halldorson who will represent our school at provincials after winning
two silvers at Zone finals for Long jump & triple jump.
Congratulations to Cooper Kenda won finished first at zones in Javelin and will also be going to
Provincals
And so as another year winds down we would like to THANK all of our Athletes for a great year!
As well as a Big THANK YOU to all the coaches, staff sponsors and trainers. With the
modernization we have had our challenges! Thanks to Namao School for allowing us the use of
your gym. We are all looking forward to having our Gym back in September.
Come on out and
encourage all our
athletes, for all their
hard work this year.
June 7, 2016
At
6:00pm
Sturgeon Spirit Newsletter—Our mission is to inspire the spirit of lifelong learning.
Page 10
Student Services – June 2016
STUDY TIPS FOR FINAL EXAMS
 Take time to organize your notes and highlight
important study points.
 Organize your returned assignments in order to read
them over and gain valuable factual knowledge.
 Go to existing websites – including EXAM BANK
to do practice exams.
 If the course has THE KEY resource and study guide consider purchasing it from the office.
 Participate actively in classroom review sessions.
 Find a study buddy in your class / course and arrange to meet to ask each other questions.
 Set up your study area at home to avoid unnecessary distractions.
 Post your exam schedule and rules at home and share it with your family so they can support you.
 Remember eating regularly, with a balanced diet, will keep you healthy and gives you the energy you need
for studying at school and at home.
 Ask your teacher for help. Take advantage of noon hour tutorial opportunities such as the Math HEINZ
room on Wednesdays.
 Keep a positive attitude. Reflect on what you already do and what you already know.
 Get plenty of rest and exercise as both will increase your concentration and your attitude to learning.
Remember to have two sharpened HB pencils, two blue or black pens, a good non-smudge eraser, a calculator (if
applicable) with spare batteries and photo ID (if you do not have photo ID please see the office).
Final Exam Accommodations
Students who qualify for exam accommodations, and have used them continuously all
semester, will receive a letter outlining the details for exam locations and times in the next
week or so. Please read them carefully and contact Mrs. McKeever in Student Services if you
have any questions or concerns.
Sturgeon
Scholarships
Students interested in applying for the:
√ Lilian Schick Scholarship – focus on students pursuing Education
√ Gerry Schick Scholarship – focus on students pursuing the Sciences
√ Sturgeon School Division Bursary – open to all grade 12 students
If you would like to be considered for the above scholarships, you need to
come to Student Services and pick up an application package.
Complete applications need to be submitted to Student Services by
June 30th!
Scholarship Meeting
Mrs. Anderson will be hosting a scholarship meeting for all Grade 12 students Thursday, June 2nd at lunch in Rm 417.
She will be discussing procedures for applying for the:
√ Sturgeon School Division Scholarship
√ Alexander Rutherford Scholarship
√ Lilian Schick Scholarship
√ Gerry Schick Scholarship
√ Sturgeon School Division Bursary
Plan to attend and learn how to earn money for post-secondary!
Volunteering Opportunities
Sturgeon County's JET (Job Experience Training) Program and the Gibbons FLY
(Fostering Leadership in Youth) Program are looking for students who live in Cardiff, Calahoo, Namao, Coronado, Rivere Qui Barre or Gibbon areas and are interested in volunteering over the summer months. Students will have fun supporting
children's day camps and going on some field trips such as WEM, the zoo etc. In
addition you may earn credits and gain valuable leadership work experience.
Application forms available online at sturgeoncounty.ca, Student Services and at
the Sturgeon County Community Services office.
Apply before June 10 – only 20 spots available!
Be Outside
Wellness Workshop Series
Sturgeon County is hosting this informative series of five free workshops, aimed at
helping you find a more balanced life.
Brian Keating, Re-Connecting With the Outdoors
Brian is a weekly a weekly guest on both Calgary and Edmonton CBC Radio, and
was a regular on the Discovery Channel, using his own wilderness adventure and
wildlife filming.
Explore the importance of the natural experience, the effects on health and psychological well-being, and the basic need to stay connected with the very substance that
makes us human.
When: June 8
Time: 7-8:30 pm
Where: Gibbons Cultural Centre
R.S.V.P: email [email protected] by June 3rd
Sturgeon Spirit Newsletter—Our mission is to inspire the spirit of lifelong learning.
June – August Scholarship Deadlines
Thiessen Foundation Broadcast Scholarship - To support and recognize an individual who has completed
high school in Alberta with exemplary academics and to assist the individual in the pursuit of post-secondary
studies at Canadian broadcast schools.
Application Deadline: June 1 annually
More information: http://studentaid.alberta.ca/scholarships/alberta-scholarships/?SK=1909
Nelson Civic Leadership Scholarship - Nelson Civic Leadership Scholarships support community-minded student leaders in achieving their educational goals. Three $5000 scholarships will be awarded to students who
have demonstrated academic success, personal strength, and determination in their commitment to civic engagement and leadership.
Application Deadline: June 1, 2016
More information: http://www.nelson.com/scholarship/
Advancing Futures Bursary - Advancing Futures is a post-secondary bursary program for youth aged 18 to 24 who have
been in government care. Youth are invited to apply for the Advancing Futures bursary if they are interested in:
obtaining their high school equivalency through adult education if it is a requirement for entry into a postsecondary program, earning a license or certificate, learning a trade, earning a diploma or degree from a postsecondary school.
Application Deadline: June 1 for studies beginning in the fall, October 1 for studies beginning between
January and August the following year.
More information: http://www.humanservices.alberta.ca/family-community/15616.html
Indspire Bursaries and Scholarships - Indspire is an Indigenous-led registered charity that invests in the education of Indigenous people for the long term benefit of these individuals, their families and communities, and
Canada. A number of different scholarships and bursaries are offered so check out their website for further details.
Application Deadline: June 1, 2016 – November 1, 2016 and February 1, 2017
More information: http://indspire.ca/for-students/bursaries-scholarships/
Edmonton Foundation Community Scholarships – Provided to help students achieve their educational
dreams. Students must have financial need, be a permanent resident of Canada, reside in the greater Edmonton
area, and pursuing a program of study leading to a license, certificate, and diploma, undergraduate or professional degree.
Application Deadline: June 15, 2016
More information: http://ecf.getopenfield.com/community-scholarships/
RAP Scholarship - To recognize the accomplishments of Alberta high school students participating in the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) or who have completed a Career and Technology Studies (CTS) apprenticeship pathway and to encourage students to continue apprenticeship training after high school.
Application Deadline: June 30 annually
More information: http://studentaid.alberta.ca/scholarships/alberta-scholarships/?SK=223
Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board Family of Scholarship – Fifteen $1000 scholar ships
are available to candidates of Aboriginal descent pursuing apprenticeship training.
Application Deadline: June 30 annually
More information: http://www.aadncaandc.gc.ca/eng/4078514441072/4078514441072?
BBG Communications Award - The BBG Communications scholarship is designed for students between the
ages of 16 and 21 who are currently in or will be attending an institution of higher education in the Fall of 2016.
Students will be required to answer to essay questions, which can be found on their website.
Application Deadline: June 30, 2016
More information: http://www.breylancommunications.com/bbgcommunications/132/scholarships.php
Sturgeon Spirit Newsletter—Our mission is to inspire the spirit of lifelong learning.
June – August Scholarship Deadlines
Anna & John Kolesar Memorial Scholarship – One $1500 scholarship is awarded to a student entering the
Faculty of Education. Applicants must be from families where neither parent obtained a university degree.
Application Deadline: July 1, 2016
More information: http://studentaid.alberta.ca/scholarships/alberta-scholarships/?SK=203
Alliance Pipeline Inc. Aboriginal Student Awards Program - Applications will be accepted from active
members of an aboriginal community (band or settlement) who are residents of British Columbia, Alberta, or
Saskatchewan and are enrolled in, or have applied to, a technical school, college, or university program relevant to becoming employed in the oil and gas industry.
Application Deadline: July 1, 2016
More information: http://www.alliancepipeline.com/Community/AboriginalRelations/Pages/ASA.aspx
ATCO Indigenous Education Awards Program – The program is aimed at supporting Indigenous students
from First Nations and Metis communities in close proximity to ATCO facilities. Successful applicants will
demonstrate a balanced lifestyle and commitment to the pursuit of education. Students should also demonstrate leadership capabilities and strive to be role models in their schools and communities.
Application Deadline: August 1, 2016
More information:
http://www.atcopipelines.com/Community/Indigenous-Education-AwardsProgram
Aboriginal Education Partnership Program - The Abor iginal Education Par tner ship Pr ogr am offer s
an innovative approach for corporate support of Aboriginal students. Alberta-Pacific enters into a partnership
agreement with a successful applicant each year to provide mentorship and support. Consideration is given to
those candidates who meet the necessary criteria and demonstrate a positive attitude, indication of performance, financial need and potential in their educational goal.
Application Deadline: August 15, 2016
More information: https://alpac.ca/corporate-responsibility/community-investment/scholarships
Alexander Rutherford Scholarship – Students ar e to apply once they have been accepted in full-time
post-secondary studies. Award value up to $2500 based on grade 10, 11 and 12 marks for select courses.
Application Deadline: Ongoing
More information: http://studentaid.alberta.ca/
Sturgeon Spirit Newsletter—Our mission is to inspire the spirit of lifelong learning.
Page 16
Grads
The class of 2016 was the 39th Grad class at SCHS and it was a wonderful day! Thank
you to all those who helped make this day a huge success.
A Grad Parent Meeting for the class of 2017 will be held at the school September 21st
at 7:00p.m. mark your calendar and plan to attend if you have a child graduating in
2017.
The cost break down for 2016 was as follows to give parents/students an idea of costs that
go with grad:
Grad Ceremony fee per student $100.00 Due with school fees
Banquet & Dance student fee $100.00 Due Before end of Jan
Ceremony Tickets $10.00 each (grad does not need) go on sale sometime in April
Banquet & Dance tickets $75.00 each Go on sale sometime in April
Other Optional: Grad photo sitting fee $20.00 ( photos extra, check lifetouch website)
Grad Clothing: Hoodies $55.00, Shirts $20
The M.I.X.E.D club is a new opportunity for all students at SCHS to
embrace, encourage and facilitate culturally enriched activities and events within our building
that would help our students excel in academic endeavors, provide cultural awareness to all
students as well as create social development opportunities for all involved. The M.I.X.E.D
club encourages participation of every student at SCHS and we strongly believe that learning
about a myriad of cultures will help bridge the gap between societies and our student body.
For more information or to get involved come see Mrs. Meadows.
Sturgeon Composite is proud to support the Gay/Straight Alliance
student group; G.L.O.W. ALL students are welcome to attend - gay, lesbian, bisexual,
transgendered, transsexual, two-spirited, pansexual, asexual, questioning, straight, etc. Come
and hang out, meet new friends, share stories, and plan events. G.L.O.W. will be hosting
events throughout the year including but not limited to Pink Shirt Day, Day of Silence, Bake
Sales, and Sturgeon Summer Spirit Day. Come and show your support for equal treatment of
all. Rainbow Pride! G.L.O.W meets Fridays at lunch in room 702. For more information please
come see Mrs. Meadows.
Sturgeon Spirit Newsletter—Our mission is to inspire the spirit of lifelong learning.
Page 18
SCHS hosted its first ever Aboriginal Awareness week from May 24 th – 27th. The week was a huge success, we started off with an
opening ceremony with our Elder, Tony Arcand. Many staff members and students attended before classes began and took part in a
Cree prayer and traditional Sweetgrass Smudge. Throughout the week we had many career sessions, speakers and scholarship
sessions for students that are registered as First nations or Metis. Feedback on the events was fantastic and many of our Metis
students learned about the scholarship and trade opportunities available to them.
Throughout the week we also celebrated our school’s diversity through various assembly style presentations. The first being a sit in
with the Running Thunder Native Dancers that educated our students on the wellness and healing power of aboriginal dance. Lastly
we had a mini round dance to close out the week in which students were invited to listen to live Aboriginal performers drumming
and singing traditional round dance music. The students had a great time and were all laughing, smiling and all around engaging in
the activities with an open mind and acceptance of other cultures. Our staff were truly touched and surprised by the participation of
our students as 90 % of the students that came to the round dance all got up and danced alongside their peers and school staff.
It was a fantastic week, and the staff at SCHS could not be happier with how accepting and understanding
our diverse student population is!
Sturgeon Spirit Newsletter—Our mission is to inspire the spirit of lifelong learning.
Calendar of Events
Page 19
Sturgeon Spirit Newsletter—Our mission is to inspire the spirit of lifelong learning.
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