Archive (2007/2008)

(2008/2009 | 2007/2008 | Older)

Counting Pennies for Charity

Hailey Marion poses in front of a stack of pennies raised on her behalf. Students at Highlands Elementary School held a penny drive recently with a goal of raising money for the Global TV Variety Show of Hearts Telethon. On February 17, Hailey appeared on TV and presented the Telethon with a cheque for $1,562.00, the money raised during the four-day penny drive. A big thank-you to the Highlands community, Mount Baker Secondary and Kotenay Orchards Elementary students for their support.

Leadership BC and SD#5 Green Ambassadors

Participants of Leadership BC 2008—Cranbrook pose with Premier Gordon Campbell at a community breakfast and unveiling of the provincial budget during BC Winter Games. Leadership BC is a provincial initiative run through the Chamber of Commerce aimed at developing new community leaders and partnerships. School District #5 is a sponsor of Leadership BC, sponsoring Scott Holt, Vice Principal at T.M. Roberts Elementary, contributing funds to the Community Project that participants must undertake, and supporting a Community Learning Day.

The new provincial budget is targeting more responsible environmental behavior towards lowering carbon emissions, which fit well with Leadership BC’s community project focused on greening the Kimberley-Cranbrook BC Winter Games. Participants and Premier Campbell pose with “Froggie-the Go Green Frog” and sporting Green Ambassador hoodies. Leadership Participants chose to Green the Games through an awareness media campaign, an ambassador program, and in writing a Post Implementation Environmental Report aimed at assessing the environmental initiatives of the games and recommending initiatives to future games and large event planners. The Green Ambassadors from School District’s 5 and 6 were on-sight at many of the games venues advocating for more responsible behavior and providing helpful “green” tips.

Winter Games Jacket Presented to Bill Graham

Al Davis presented Bill Graham with an official BC Winter Games jacket in recognition of the support SD#5 and the transportation department have given to the the 2008 BC winter Games. the gsmes take place in Cranbrook and Kimberley between Feb 21-23.

Local Vice-principal Serenaded by "Baker Street"

Sylvie deGrandpre was the recipient of a singing birthday card performed by the local "Baker Street Barbershop Quartet". The group provided a delightful musical interlude over the lunch hour to the team that was marking FSA tests at the Cranbrook Board Office.

Baker Street

Tenor Roy Proctor, Lead Gert deGroot, Sylvie deGrandpre, Bass Cliff Green, Baritone Joel Vinge

local Community Science Celebration

BC Science World was in the Cranbrook and Kimberley area the week of January 21st to 24th. Science World staff met about 2000 students in the four days. This journey to public education classrooms (K-6) provided students with unique hands on science activities and encouraged them to come to the daylong celebration on Saturday, January 26th at the College of the Rockies.

Some educators took the opportunity to take part in the science workshops presented by Science World on Friday and Saturday. The Science World staff also visited several early childhood education facilities in the community, getting young ones interested in science play.

Members of BC Science World, College of the Rockies, East Kootenay Science Fairs (School District #5), the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of BC and Destination Imagination assembled at the College of the Rockies on Saturday to celebrate science by engaging the public. This event allowed these three communities collaborate around science and plan future events.

Recent Legion Contest Winners

Several students at Mount Baker received awards for their entries into the Royal Canadian Legion Poster and Literary Contest. Each year the Legion asks students of all ages to submit posters, essays, and poems, all with the theme of Remembrance Day. For Black and White Senior Poster Bill Johnson won first prize, Merla Laidlaw won second, Calen Affleck won third and Honourable Mention went to Jennifer Frost. For a Coloured Senior Poster Johanna Rose Leinemann won third prize. For Senior Essay Avalon Marie Nascimento won first, Trey Taylor won second and Cari Postnikoff won third. For Senior Poem Devon McKinnan won first prize, Dan Halber won second, and Vedrana Fustar won third. Pictured from left: Les Radcliffe, Poppy Chairman, Bill Johnson, Devon McKinnan, Trey Taylor, Merla Laidlaw, Vedrana Fustar, Cari Postnikoff, and Bob Muir, President of local Royal Canadian Legion Branch 24.

Healthy Happenings at Pinewood Elementary School

Pinewood Elementary School is starting off each day with 15 minutes of cardiovascular exercise led by a fully qualified group fitness instructor. EVERY student, EVERY staff member and EVERY volunteer in the school participates from 8:45-9:00. Our school values daily physical activity and this is a ‘jump’ on the 2008 Ministry of Education mandate that every child receive at least 30 minutes of activity per day.

Students at Pinewood Elementary get moving with the help of Jane Nixon, School Secretary and a certified Group Fitness & Strength & Conditioning Instructor.

At PINEWOOD, making physical activity a part of the day is FUN and HEALTHY! Encouraging our students to build physical activity into their daily routine helps to create a pattern that may stay with them for the rest of their lives! For more information, contact Karen Giles, Acting Principal, at karen.giles@sd5.bc.ca.

Gordon Terrace Elementary Recipient of $20,000 Playground Grant

MLA Bill Bennett presented a $20,000 grant to the GTES Parent Advisory Committee recently to assist the PAC in completing the new playground and to improve access for all school and community users. Principal David Standing expressed appreciation for the support and thanked the MLA for his support. Mr. Standing also moderated a question and answer session with Mrs. Levang's grade 5 class. When asked what the best part of his job as an MLA was, Mr Bennett replied, "Meeting and talking with students like you".

Amy Woodland Students "Support the Troops"

Students from Mme Sylvie's Grade 5/6 class recently raised money to purchase treats to send to Canadian troops stationed in Afganistan. The Amy Woodland PAC donated $500 on behalf of all students in the school and the students were given the task of purchasing the treats and preparing the shipment. Safeway joined in the effort and donated an additional $100. In all 15 boxes of chips, licorice, hard candies and gum were prepared for shipment.

Use of 15 Passenger School Vans Discontinued
Effective immediately, the use of 15 passenger vans to transport students will be discontinued in School District No.5 in order to ensure the safety of all students and staff. This issue has been under discussion by the Board for considerable time, but the recent tragedy in New Brunswick brought the matter to a head. The Board passed a motion at the January 15th Public Board Meeting banning the use of these vans. The Board has requested that steps be taken to ensure that SD No.5 athletic teams and other user groups are able to continue their activities without interruption.

Superintendent Presented with Balloons

Superintendent of Schools, Ron Allen, received a present from district students in December to honour of his retirement. Hundreds of colorful ballons, many with personal messages, were placed in his office overnight and provided a pleasant surprise when he arrived at work in the morning. Mr Allen is retiring after 36 years as an educator.

Cranbrook Mass Choir

The popular Cranbrook Elementary School Mass Choir continued with another outstanding performance December 5th at the College of the Rockies. Parents, friends and community members were treated to a wonderful evening of Christmas music under the direction of SD#5 music and band teachers. Please visit our photogallery for images from the evening.

One to One Reading Volunteers Recognized

School District No. 5 recently took the opportunity to recognize and thank volunteers who have been part of the One-to-One Reading initiative in our district. This service to students struggling with reading has been a part of our district for the past 6 years and these volunteers have been there right from the beginning. Our thanks goes out to these great community volunteers who take the time each week to come into our schools and read with students.

Students are generous at Sparwood Secondary School

Sparwood Secondary school students, under the leadership of the SSS student council, have raised $2180.26 for World Vision Canada. This tremendous outpouring of support for those in need in Third World Countries is a reflection of the true meaning of Christmas.
Student council first approached the school’s administration with the idea of a class competition to see which class could raise the most money for charity. The school’s principal, Mr. Jason Tichauer gave his blessing to the four-week long endeavour and promised to pay for pizza for the students in the winning classroom. A bar graph chart prominently displayed in the hallway has tracked the weekly rise in the money collected. Monday, December 17 was the last day for contributions, and the grand total has astounded everyone here.
Kourtney Thibeault, student council prime minister, says, “I never dreamed that our little school of only 300 students could reach such a grand total. When we began this, we had hoped for $1000.00, so collecting more than double that amount is absolutely wonderful.” Adds Jusmele Heir, deputy prime minister, “The people in our school and in our community are generous, socially aware, and they deserve a huge thank you for donating to this cause.” A cheque in the amount of $2180.26 has been forwarded to World Vision to purchase school supplies, medical supplies, and numerous farm animals, including goats, chickens & roosters, and rabbits.

Gordon Terrace Students Bring Energy Conservation Message to Trustees

Stewart Wilson and six students from Gordon Terrace Elementary School recently made a presentation to school trustees on energy conservation in schools and a program to improve air quality through the introduction of "No Idling Zones".  Ingrid Liepa from Wild Sight and Sharon Cross, President, East Kootenay Citizen’s for Clean Air were also present.  Mr. Wilson and his students shared information and ideas about the many things we can do in our school district to save money, and to help the environment.  There are currently several schools in the district who have already posted the No Idling Signs.  Trustee Casey thanked the students for their presentation and informed them that this information would be shared with the Board of Education at its next meeting.

Learning in Action – Celebrating Innovation in BC Schools

Paul Knipe and Teresa Luxton, teachers at Mt. Baker Secondary School and Christine Larson, an Educational Assistant also at Mt. Baker represented our School District at the recent Learning in Action Showcase of Innovative Practices held in conjunction with the BCSTA Academy in Vancouver. Paul, Teresa and Christine are involved in a unique and highly successful hands-on program with a focus on engaging all learners. Trustees Pat Casey, Roberta Rogers and Bev Belina and Assistant Superintendent Bill Gook were most fortunate to be able to see the group’s presentation and the fine innovative work that the students have produced. Thank you and congratulations to Paul, Teresa and Christine. Plese contact Paul Knipe or Teresa Luxton for more information and visit our Photogallery.

Second StrongStart Centre Opens

Steeples Elementary School in Cranbrook, celebrated the opening of SD#5’s second StrongStart Early Learning Centre on Friday, October 26, 2007. Superintendent Ron Allen, along with Cranbrook Mayor Ross Priest, Coordinator Rhonda Kyle and two young children helped cut the ribbon that marked the official opening.

The Steeples StrongStart Centre offers a free drop-in program for parents or caregivers and their children. Qualified early childhood educators provide pre-literacy activities including stories, music, art and puzzles to help children become comfortable in a school setting.

School Principal Steve Rogers said, “This program is an asset to our school and is really helping young children develop their literacy skills. That’s what it’s all about. Getting kids ready to come to school and showing that school is a fun place to be”.

TM Roberts students tour the Cranbrook SD #5  bus shop.

Kindergarten and Grade 1 classes from TM Roberts Elementary School were taken on a guided tour of the Cranbrook bus shop to see where the busses are repaired and kept so clean. Students were also shown a short bus   safety video. Thank you to Ray White, one of the District's bus drivers and Bill Graham, Transportation Foreman as well as Gerry Whitlock, Mechanic for coordinating this very worthwhile activity.

Paarlauf Tradition Continues

For the past 35 years Cranbrook elementary school students have competed in an exciting team event called Paarlauf. This popular school event takes place each May at the Muriel Baxter Site and is hosted by Amy Woodland Elementary School.

Paarlauf is a fun, participation focused event consisting of an interval run with 9 stations. Schools enter mixed teams from each grade level and compete against other Cranbrook schools. The race is finished when each runner on a team has completed running to each of the 9 stations.

This popular event attracts over 300 participants along with an enthusiastic group of parent supporters.

For more information on Paarlauf please contact Jason Ludwar.

StrongStart Centre To Help Cranbrook Early Learners

East Kootenay MLA Bill Bennett joined Southeast Kootenay school board chair Keith Nielson, district and school staff, parents and caregivers to officially open the Province's StrongStart BC early learning centre at Amy Woodland Elementary.

"As a district we are very pleased to be opening our first early learning centre at Amy Woodland elementary," said Nielson. "This centre offers a great opportunity for our early learners and parents to come together and learn from the centre's early educators and is one component of the district's overall commitment to supporting early learners and their parents in all our communities."

The StrongStart BC centre offers a free drop-in program for parents or caregivers and their children. Qualified early childhood educators will lead activities to help children grow linguistically, physically and socially, and become comfortable in a school-like setting.

The district has partnered with the Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy and the East Kootenay Early Childhood Coalition to provide a range of early childhood services. The Amy Woodland Elementary StrongStart BC centre will make use of underutilized space at the school.

For more information on the StrongStart BC and the Early Learning Centre at Amy Woodland Elementary please contact Glenn Dobie.

Drafting and Design a Huge Success at Mount Baker Secondary

With the rapid rise of computer technology, the content of the Drafting and Design program at Mount Baker Secondary School has changed dramatically over the past 10 years. But some things have stayed the same. Students are still fascinated with the program and they continue to make career decisions based on their positive experiences with it.

The Drafting and Design program at Mount Baker drew grade 12 student, Chantel Campsall, to Cranbrook from Slave Lake, Alberta. “My plan is to study architecture at the University of Calgary, but without any drafting courses available in Slave Lake, I had no way to find out what drafting and design was all about,” says Campsall. “This program persuaded my parents to let me come to Cranbrook, and I’m really glad I did!”

Paul Knipe has taught drafting at Mount Baker for 17 years and was part of the team that wrote the provincial curriculum for Drafting and Design 11/12. The core of the program is drafting, which is the language of communication used in engineering, land surveying, mapping and architecture. “Part of the appeal of drafting is that it allows students to dream,” explains Knipe. “Students love to design things from scratch, and drafting is the magical first step toward making a design a reality.”

Read the complete Press Release.

Elk Valley Schools 26th Annual “Kikomun Cross Country Run"

The Elk Valley Athletic Association held its 26th Annual Cross Country Run event at Kikomun Park on Friday, May 18, 2007. All six elementary schools from the Elk Valley were represented with 277 student-athletes participating. This event has a long tradition in School District #5 and many of the adults present had themselves participated as students in this spectacular event. A special thanks to all the volunteers who made this event possible and helped keep this event so successful. Congratulations to all.

For complete results of this event please click here.

For more photos, click on this slideshow.

Network of Performance Based Schools "Celebration"

Twelve school teacher teams from SD 5 and SD 6 met to share results of their year long research into specific practices designed to improve student learning in reading, writing and numeracy. Utlizing financial grants from the Network of Performance Based Schools teacher teams developed and validated classroom based performance standards and presented their findings. Final School "Reports" will be published and made available to all public schools in BC. The group was very fortunate to have in attendance the two co-leaders of the Network, Dr. Linda Kaser and Dr. Judy Halbert.

For more information on the Network of Performance Based Schools and our District's role please contact Glenn Dobie, Director of Student Learning.

Congratulations Tyler and Justin!

Tyler Morrison and Justin Smits both students of Mt. Baker Secondary School recently won the Kootenay Regional Skills Canada competitions in Cabinet Making and Welding respectively. Their fine showing qualified them to represent the Kootenay region at the Provincial competitions in Abbotsford. Tyler won third place at the provincials in Cabinet making! Both students represented Mount Baker Secondary School and their community very well.

For more information about the Skills Canada and programs available at Mt. Baker please contact Paul Knipe Tel: (250) 426-5241 Extension: 640 Voice Mail: 657.

Concours d’Art Oratoire.
Danielle Nicholson who attends Parkland Middle School in the French Immersion Program finished 3rd in the Provincial Finals for Concours.

Just recently, some very talented students, from School District #5, took part in the Canadian Parents For French “Concours d’Art Oratoire”. Concours is a public speaking event for students in grades six through twelve enrolled in various French programs throughout B.C. and the rest of Canada. This yearly competition provides thousands of students with the opportunity to use the language in a meaningful way outside of the classroom. Students compete in public speaking against other students in their grade level and are judged on specific performance criteria. It’s a great way for students to develop their creative and public speaking abilities, as well as self-discipline. Winners travel to the provincial finals, which took place on May 5th, 2007 in Vancouver. There students competed in a one-day event in their particular categories. First place winners in grade twelve go on to compete at the national finals in Ottawa.

Our School District offers both early and late French Immersion in both Cranbrook and Fernie. Both are excellent programs and well worth looking into and beginning September, 2007 Late French Immersion will now start at Grade 4 in both Cranbrook and Fernie. If your child has an interest in enrolling in the Late French Immersion Program or you would just like to know more about the program please call the Cranbrook School Board Office (250-417-2063) for additional information. The T.M. Roberts web site has more information about our French Immersion Programs. You can register your child at T. M. Roberts Elementary School in Cranbrook (250-489-4575) or Isabella Dicken Elementary School in Fernie (250-423-4651).

Raising Phonological Awareness

Annette Rogers, one of our District Speech Language Pathologists, spends much of her time working with primary students developing their phonological awareness using the Sound Connections Programme that she and her husband Richard have created. Here she is using Super Frog, as she works with an enthusiastic group of morning kindergarten students from Ms. McKenzie's class at Gordon Terrace to teach them to have fun with sounds.