IMPORTANT DATES
December 21st      Last Day before Christmas Break
January 3rd           School Re-opens

We acknowledge that we are in Mi’kma’ki, which is the traditional ancestral territory of the Mi’kmaq people.

BISSETT LAKE – THIN ICE
Students are not to walk on the extremely thin ice that is on Bissett Lake or any lake/pond/body of water!  Just because the weather is cold enough for there to be ice on ponds and lakes does not mean that ice is thick enough to safely skate or walk on. A lot of factors can impact ice thickness such as water depth, fluctuations in water levels, changing air temperature, docks and rocks absorbing heat from the sun and shock waves from vehicles travelling on the ice. Ice thickness can change as quickly as the weather does, so always be sure to check – with an adult - even if the ice was safe the day before. 

BEST BUDDIES
Best Buddies will meet today at lunch in the gym!  The gym will be closed today at lunch to all students except those who participate in Best Buddies.

GIRLS ONLY RECREATIONAL SPORTS
In the gym after school – playing Christmas themed games!

LIBRARY NEWS
Wednesday

The Library Book Sale starts today.  Bring your change and pick up a small gift or a good read for the holidays!  Sale continues throughout the week.

Today is also the last day to return borrowed items before the holidays.

The winner of the Christmas Mandala colouring contest in the library is.....Brayden Cross from 701!  Congratulations!  Please see Ms. Demers in the Library to pick up your prize!

HOLIDAY SPIRIT WEEK
It is Holiday Spirit Week!!!!!
• Wednesday December 19th is Holiday Accessory Day so wear your holiday gear for the day. Hot Chocolate will be on sale at lunch for $1.00 in the lobby.

There is a door decorating contest running this week, as well. Judging will take place after lunch tomorrow - Thursday.

COLDER WEATHER
The weather this time of year is unpredictable.  We have days that look like they are going to be warm, but turn out to be cool or damp.  We encourage students to be prepared for the colder weather because they will be outside unless the temperature drops well below freezing!  When you take your lunch out of your locker, please take your jacket at that time as well! 

GUIDANCE NEWS
The Guidance outer-office is open from Tuesdays to Thursdays at lunch.  20 people maximum.  Please bring your lunch as it is first come, first serve!
• Tuesdays - Wii day where we will play games on the Wii.
• Wednesdays - Board Game day
• Thursdays are Movie day

GARBAGE
Students are reminded to put their garbage in the garbage containers out and around the school grounds!  Please do not drop it on the ground!  Thank you!

CELL PHONES/HEADPHONES/EARBUDS
Reminder to students that cellphones/headphones and/or earbuds are not to be used during the school day except at break and lunch times.  If a staff member sees these items being used at inappropriate times, they will be taken and sent to the office.

AFTER SCHOOL BUS DUTY
Mrs. Banfield & Ms. Kelly

Reminder – Courtesy Bus is only available to those students whose parents registered with Stock Transportation over the summer.  The bus driver will have a list of students who are permitted to take the bus (if registered).

COMMUNITY NEWS

Join us on Friday, March 8, 2019, for the 2019 Girls Conference!
We are delighted to announce that registration is now open!
The Alexa McDonough Institute for Women, Gender, and Social Justice is pleased to announce that the eighth annual Girls Conference will be held on International Women’s Day, March 8, 2019, at Mount Saint Vincent University.
This year’s conference title is “GIRL emPOWERment”!
** Please share this information with students, teachers, school counsellors, principals, RCH Coordinators, and School Advisory Councils at your school.
Girls Conference Mission: To help this generation of Nova Scotian girls (ages 11 years and up) develop, appreciate and celebrate their own abilities and talents and those of other girls and women, to help them to empower themselves, build confidence, and be a positive influence in their communities.
Workshop Sessions We will have over 40 workshop presenters offering a wide array of important topics and expertise. Topics include self-esteem, body image, athletics/sports, mental health, career exploration, inspiring girls who share their stories and talents, Mi’kmaq history, social media and many more.
Registration: To register please visit: https://girlsconference2019.eventbrite.ca
Conference time: 9:00 am to 4:00pm (Doors open at 8:00 am)
Where: Rosaria Student Centre, Mount Saint Vincent University
Cost: $35.00 per delegate (includes buffet lunch, refreshments & confidence bags)
Contact Information: Website - www.msvu.ca/girls2019
                                     Email - girlsconference@msvu.ca