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Vermilion Curling Club Faces Devastating Loss Of Ice

In the early evening of Wednesday, January 4, a boring company struck the curling rink’s six inch brine line, and all the brine from the curling rink’s slab was lost. Though it was a horrible setback, they are trying to remain positive and see a glimmer of hope toward the end of the season as they aim to rebuild.

“Curling is one of those things that is a passion,” said Tim DeRoo.

going to happen, and by late Friday afternoon since the pipeline was not going to be fixed in time, he said the VCC made the “impossible” decision to take out the ice. So on Saturday January 7, a crew of approximately 20 members assisted in ripping out the ice.

“It was an extremely sad day, as we have never lost the ice part way through the season,” said DeRoo.

“Afterwards, it was determined we would try to reinstall the curling ice

within a few minutes. Because the brine has already been circulating a couple days, he said the first step is sealing the cement. They have to flood layers 10 feet at a time, creating partial floods to level the area. In the meantime he said Kitscoty and Islay offered their ice surfaces to use and so aside from the numerous volunteers, that throughout the whole process, it seemed like there was still a good spotlight on humanity.

“ VCC would like to thank our Ice

With plans now underway they are hoping to be done the ice by February 1, or even earlier. He noted that this wasn’t their first upset, that COVID had been really hard on the club as well, having lost a lot of interest within just a couple years. In the midst of that, he said President, Andrew McCrae, was a big inspiration in getting the Grow The Ice Plant fundraiser rolling as well.

DeRoo said, “Keeping this season running is important because of

Club members and volunteers beginning to put the ice back in the Vermilion Curling Rink on January 12. Photo Angela Mouly

Angela Mouly Reporter

Area Author Releases New Romance

Angela Mouly Reporter

Helen Row Toews, from Marshall, Saskatchewan has just released her first romance novel, “One Golden Summer.” Toews is

actually wrote back instructing her to get her daughter to write every day.

“I did write, but didn’t pursue it due to fear of failure. Then I had a family. When I started writing columns in 2015 I was led down another path,” said Toews. “I also

before being spurred on. She finds the columns the most challenging because she said it’s not always easy to find something humorous or interesting every week. Funny things always happen, but she said they may not always be worthy of a newspaper article, so she keeps a running list so she can compile them and create something worthy of being read.

The fantasies she said, people have likened to The Lord of the Rings” or “Chronicles of Narnia”. Of course she humbly acknowledged they may not be at that quality, but that’s the sort of fantasy they are - more about the epic journey into another land. She plans to continue on and said her romances are the escape, holiday destination type.

Toews has a love for France and has travelled there a few times. This story begins in Saskatchewan, but most of it takes place in France, and she said there is a bit of a mystery to it. Because there is some travel it’s an escapist sort of read, and she said that’s what drew her to the new genre; her love of describing destinations that she cherishes or dreams of going to.

For young writers or those that are thinking of starting the process, she suggested not only to write every day, but really to follow their

“I waited 50 years to take a stab at it. I wish to goodness I started earlier, but there is no time like the present. To improve, read a lot and write a lot. I don’t think you should let fear of failure or anything else hold you back. You can go the route of self-publishing. There are many routes to becoming an author these

Even though they are classified in the young adult category, she said 95 per cent of her readers are adults. At one time, her series was listed as number six on Amazon’s best seller epic fantasy list.

“I hope the romance will do as well or better. I want to achieve this dream. You have to be tenacious. I could have given up already, but you have to be determined, you have to stick with it to make it, and you get better,” said Toews.

To purchase her books, you can visit Coles Bookstore or Dawn’s Interiors in Lloydminster, or online by visiting Amazon.com. She is also looking for an outlet in Vermil ion.

children Shelly (Curtis) Chomlack, Ron (Des) Lamb, Dan (Tabetha) Lamb, Rick (Nicole) Lamb, Bill Lamb, and Bevan (Shawn) Kindt; stepdaughters Amber Pryor and Angela Kuenzl; 16 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; sister Diane (Darrel) Gudmundson; as well as numerous nieces,

Dawn Hames Columnist

Winter is the perfect time to cook up nourishing soups. If you are working outside of the home during the day, and don’t have a lot of time when you get home to get meals on the table, you can always cook a nice soup up in the evening, refrigerate it, and then simply reheat when you get home.

Celery contains at least twelve different anti-oxidants that have shown to protect our cells, blood vessels and

Cream Of Celery Soup

organs. Celery is also anti- inflammatory, calming to the nervous system and hormone balancing. Celery is protective of the digestive system, and may help protect our digestive system from the damaging but flavorful compounds found on barbequed meat. Both onions and garlic are anti-inflammatory. Onions contain quercetin which is a potent antioxidant. The quercetin in onions does not degrade with heat in soups; it is only transferred into the broth. Onions are also a good source of chromium which is useful for a healthy blood sugar balance. Milk is a good source of calcium, magnesium, zinc, vitamin A, potassium and Vitamin D. During the

winter months vitamin D from the sun is lacking, so drinking milk that has been fortified with vitamin D can be helpful in getting this important nutrient. Other forms of milk include lactose free milk, and A2 milk, which is easier to digest and causes less inflammation. If you are intolerant to gluten or dairy, you can thicken the soup with cornstarch and substitute coconut milk or almond milk for the dairy. I hope you love this soup as much as I do.

Cream of

Celery Soup

1/4 cup butter

1 cup finely chopped onion

2 cloves garlic chopped finely 2 cups finely chopped celery

Prairie Wool

Helen Row Toews Columnist Constant need of improvement

As 2023 arrives, the entire world looks ahead with sincere hopes for better things to come. Amid it all, are we still worrying about New Year’s Resolutions? Roughly 45% of people make resolutions of one sort or another but only about 8% are successful in achieving their goals.

Many plans are for self-improvement, most notably weight reduction and fitness. According to the proprietors of gymnasiums and diet centers, we are in constant need of improvement, but it’s never more urgent than in January. This irritating query into our resolve, coupled with television ads mercilessly attacking

and quick.

I suppose this time of year is synonymous with over-indulgence. Advertisers know full well we’ve taken an extra slab of pie or pounded back enough cheesecake to tip a boat. They count on our guilt over past gluttony and our naive faith in their promise of quick and effortless weight loss. They’re good at it too!

In January of last year I received a letter from a weight-loss company which addressed me familiarly and expressed sincere regret over my unfortunate weight gain and unsightly muffin-top. It pointed out how friends have noticed my lack of confidence and mentioned how apparent it was my old sparkle was gone, due to this excess poundage.

Thankfully, their company kindly extended its hand of friendship as it assured me those days would be long gone once enrollment took effect and I received my first shipment of “fat burn

I secretly filmed hefting an extra-large salted caramel latte to my lips as I rolled out the drive-through?

Moreover, how can we chocoholics be expected to make responsible choices when so many goodies are promoted during the holidays? Last January, minding my own business, I strolled through a department store on my way to peruse their selection of reduced price mittens. (It made sense at the time, don’t give me any trouble.) Unexpectedly, a loud speaker announcement cut into my thoughts. If I could have but known, these fateful words would have a severe and negative impact on my immediate future.

“All holiday chocolates have been reduced to 70 per cent off.”

Several factors come into play here.

1/3 cup flour (regular unbleached) 4 cups of 2 or 3 percent milk

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

In a heavy bottomed pan, melt the butter, add the onion, garlic and celery and sauté. When thoroughly heated, but not yet browning, add the flour and stir, cooking and stirring for 1 minute. Add 1 cup of the milk, and stir, cooking and stirring as it thickens. Then add the remaining milk, one half cup at a time, cooking and stirring, allowing the soup to thicken before the next cup addition of milk is added. Add the salt and pepper to taste. Makes about 4 servings.

caustically remarks we own nothing if it didn’t first have either a red tag or a yellow label, but she’s young and foolish so we can disregard her bitter lament.

Nonetheless, it was poor judgement indeed which caused me to scurry towards the promised spoils with a gleam in my eye. Telling myself I was purchasing these items to share with deserving loved ones at home, I stuffed my basket and proudly lugged them into the house later that day.

I gained ten pounds before the month was out.

Based on this revealing information, I am hardly one to offer advice concerning New Year’s resolutions aimed at getting in shape. Perhaps it’s best to simply wish your health and happiness in the coming year and end on the insightful words of

The publication of letters to the editor is at the discretion of the editor and the publisher. Letters to the editor should be under 500 words and in good taste. They should also include your name and phone number for verification purposes. Letters that do not include a name, address and phone number will not be published, although we will respect requests for anonymity. Letters to the Editor may be edited for clarity. The opinions expressed in letters to the editor are not necessarily shared by the Vermilion Voice. The Vermilion Voice is copyrighted and may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written consent of the publisher.

Your only local independent newspaper. Proudly serving Vermilion and area since 2004.

Craig Baird Columnist

The school of agriculture was a major part of the early success of Vermilion.

Built thanks to the fact that Alberta premier Arthur Sifton represented Vermilion, it brought in students, jobs and money for the community.

In 1928, it received one of its biggest additions, a $200,000 dormitory. This structure was a beautiful building that had all the modern conveniences within it. Despite it being 1928, the building

Annual Malanka Event

The Dormitory Opens

had an electric dish washer, something that was quite new for the time. It also had an electric washer for the clothes.

The dormitory would house 200 students, and measured in at 200 feet wide in the front, with each wing extending back 115 feet, while being 35 feet wide. Within the building there was also a dining room that was 90 feet long and 40 feet wide.

There was also a beautiful library that was 65 feet by 30 feet, complete with tables, chairs and many, many books. Then there was the gymnasium, measuring 80 feet wide by 60 feet.

To keep things warm, the building contained 6,000 feet of wall radiation. The heating and plumbing was installed by an Edmonton company and automated valves ensured the same temperature throughout the building.

Next to the building, there was a 40,000 gallon steel tank that had been erected and it towered over the building. Rising to 60 feet, it provided water to the entire school.

Sod was first broken on the building in May 1927, and the last touch of paint was finished in October 1928. All the material was hauled from Vermilion and work

continued without a break.

The construction of the building was important. As soon as construction finished, the building was filled with students as enrolment had continued to increase. At the time, 236 students were housed in the building.

Contact Craig at craig@canadaehx. com Support Craig by donating at www. canadaehx.com (Click Donate)

Listen to his podcasts Canadian History Ehx, Canada’s Great War, From John to Justin, Pucks and Cups and Canada: A Yearly Journey on all podcast platforms.

Summer Village of Island Lake Request for Proposals Development Officer Position

The Summer Village of Island Lake, being Alberta’s largest Summer Village and located on the shores of Island Lake, approximately 20 minutes northwest of the Town of Athabasca, is looking for an outgoing and enthusiastic individual to fulfill a part time contract position for a Development Officer services within our community.

Please visit online for complete details and instructions: www.islandlake.ca

Summer Village of Island Lake, Box 8, Alberta Beach, T0E 0A0 svislandlake@wildwillowenterprises.com

Position will be open until January 12, 2023 or a suitable candidate is found

Summer Village of Island Lake Request for Proposals Development Officer Position

The Summer Village of Island Lake, being Alberta’s largest Summer Village and located on the shores of Island Lake, approximately 20 minutes northwest of the Town of Athabasca, is looking for an outgoing and enthusiastic individual to fulfill a part time contract position for a Development Officer services within our community.

Please visit online for complete details and instructions: www.islandlake.ca

Summer Village of Island Lake, Box 8, Alberta Beach, T0E 0A0 svislandlake@wildwillowenterprises.com

Position will be open until January 12, 2023 or a suitable candidate is found

The Vermilion Ukrainian Cultural Association held their annual Malanka event on Saturday evening. The assosiation would like to thank all who attended. With over 300 tickets sold they had

house.

Kristen Welker with Reeve, Brett, and Flynn Manyluk. They along with dozens of other families enjoyed a free public swim at Lakeland College Pool in Vermilion on January 14.

Aubrey, Emmy, and Jordan Thompson. Photos Angela Mouly

RRSP & TFSA – What You Need To Know

Lorna Hamilton Reporter

Have you ever thought about getting an Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) or Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA), but you’re not sure if you are old enough or how to go about it?

During tax season banks encourage you to set up a RRSP or a TFSA for tax purposes. The only age restriction to getting an RRSP is if you are over 71 years old. Here is some information to help you understand what these are and why you should get them.

An RRSP is a registered retirement savings plan that you establish through a financial institution such as a bank, credit union, trust, or insurance company to which you, your spouse, or common-law partner contribute into. Deductible RRSP contributions can be used to reduce your tax. Income you earn in the RRSP is usually exempt from tax as long as the funds remain in the plan. You have to pay tax when you receive payments from the plan. The benefit of an RRSP is best if the higherincome spouse or partner contributes

to an RRSP for a lower-income spouse or partner, because the contributor will receive the benefit of a tax deduction. Setting up a self-directed RRSP is an option as well if you prefer to build and manage your own portfolio by buying and selling different types of investments. Your RRSP has a deduction limit that is often referred to as “contribution room”, and you can find your deduction limit from your previous years notice of assessment, My Account, or MyCRA mobile app. www.canada.ca provides more information on how to set up your own RRSP.

When deciding on participating in RRSP you will have to decide which way you will invest in an RRSP, here are a list of ways you can contribute.

An Individual RRSP- this account is registered in your name and the investments held in the RRSP and the tax advantages associated with them belong to you. Another way to contribute is through a group RRSP through your employer and do carry benefits, which are: your employer provides matching contributions (that’s free money for you). You may also have lower management fees on the investments you hold in your RRSP and you will have the ability to make automatic contributions straight from your paycheque. A third way is a self-directed RRSP in which you make buy-and-sell decisions yourself. You can invest in common types of qualified investments including GIC’s, bonds, mutual funds and more, however you will pay commissions on transactions you make-depending on the investments you hold. This is the same as you would in a non-registered brokerage account and there is usually and annual administration fee of about $125 annually, and lastly there are spousal RRSP’s – if you

have a spouse and one of you earns significantly more than the other the higher earner can make their RRSP contribution to a spousal RRSP. Then, you can claim the deduction to recover tax paid at a higher rate. In retirement, the spouse who earned the lower income can withdraw from the spousal RRSP, pay tax at lower rates, and have overal tax savings. There are various rules and exceptions though around withdrawing from spousal RRSP’s and calculating the taxable income you and your spouse or common-law partner must report.

The Tax-Free Savings Account was started in 2009 for individuals +18 years old who have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN) to set money aside tax free. There are multiple types of TFSAs; a deposit, an annuity contract, and an arrangement in trust. You can open a TFSA with banks, insurance companies, credit unions, and trust companies. Contributions to a TFSA are not deductible for income tax purposes. Any amount that is contributed is generally taxfree, including when it is withdrawn. An individual can have more than one TFSA, however the total amount you contribute to all TFSAs cannot be more than your available TFSA contribution for that year. Just like the RRSP, you can open a self-directed TFSA. To open a TFSA contact your financial institution, credit union, or insurance company and provide them with your SIN and date of birth to register your qualifying arrangement as a TFSA. You can also find your contribution room information through the same sources of the My Account or MyCRA mobile app.

For more information about these accounts visit www.canada.ca.

The BCRC Celebrates 25 Years Of Beef Industry Research

BCRC

Submitted

Since 1998, the Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) has operated as a division of the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA), and 2023 marks 25 years as Canada’s national industry-led funding agency for beef, cattle and forage research.

Directed by a committee of beef producers from across the country, the BCRC has played an important role in identifying the industry’s research and technology transfer priorities influencing public sector investment in beef, cattle and forage research.

“As a beef producer and past chair of the Beef Cattle Research Council, I have had a front-row seat to observe how applied research and extension is improving productivity and profitability for Canada’s beef producers,” said Matt Bowman , BCRC past chair. “By leveraging producer-paid Canadian Beef Cattle Check-Off dollars and listening to the industry’s needs, the BCRC has continued to develop practical resources to help farmers and ranchers make informed decisions that improve profitability, reduce risks and enhance consumer confidence in Canadian beef production.”

The 25 years of industry investment into Canadian beef industry research and extension has resulted in significant strides in

mitigating production issues and advancing management practices including pain control , extended grazing , feeding/finishing and the reduction of the contamination of E. coli O157:H7

“Change and growth takes time. As producers we put our heads down and get to work, often forgetting to look back and reflect at how our operation has changed over time,” said Craig Lehr, BCRC chair. “In the last 25 years the BCRC has grown into an indispensable organization for

Canadian beef producers. From advancements in the feed we grow to the way we feed it, genetics to animal health, pasture to the feed yard, there is no aspect of Canadian beef production that hasn’t been changed through research and extension. Leadership initiatives, such as the Beef Researcher

helped connect researchers with industry and producers.”

Throughout the coming year, articles, videos and other media will be released to celebrate 25 years of check-off dollars advancing research in the beef sector. Be sure to subscribe and follow us on Facebook and Twitter to stay up to date on the 25th anniversary celebrations!

Thank you to the BCRC for allowing the reprinting of this article, for more articles and information you can visit www.BeefResearch.ca

Mentorship Program , have also

Vermilion 4-H Sheep Club Report

Nora Newman

Submitted

We have had a busy year so far! On September 23, we invited any new members interested in joining our club to a tour at The Cheesiry near Kitscoty. Rhonda ZukHeadon showed us how she makes a variety of sheep cheeses and let us all taste test her cheese and sheep jerky. We then went to the Newman’s for a wiener roast and games to get to know new members.

Our first official meeting was on October 21, 2022. This year we have 12 regular members and 3 Cleaver members. The first meeting is always long, as we elect all of the executives. Our executive for the 2022/23 year is:

President - Avery Corbiere

Vice President - Emery Zayac

Secretary - Mercedes Tobin

Treasurer - Katie Sargeant

Club Reporter - Nora Newman

Club Historian - Jase Mudryk and Lane Arnold Social Convenor - Ryan Sargeant

Club Leader - Jessica Flanders

Assistant Leaders - Mariette Sargeant and Becky Newman

Our next monthly meeting was on Sunday, November 13, 2022 at the Flander’s farm. Dr. Becky Newman demonstrated how to use ultrasound to check for pregnancy in sheep. It was quite interesting to see the ribs and the heart beats. All of our members were pretty good at telling which ewes were pregnant by the end. We then went around the farm identifying different breeds of sheep and looked at the llamas and donkeys that are used to help protect the sheep from predators like coyotes.

On December 3rd, our club held its annual Awards Night and Potluck Supper. We handed out the engraved plaques to the winners of our 2022 Achievement Day and invited all of our market lamb buyers to attend.

We also had several members who earned their ATB Awards of Excellence. To earn these, members keep track in their Yearly Diary of all their 4-H activities, volunteering and community service and earn points each year. Bronze medals went to Nora Newman and Madison Flanders. A silver medal went to Katie Sargeant. Emery Zayac earned a gold medal. We also handed out a club T-shirt and halter to all of our new members. I was club historian last year, and I made a slideshow to play showing all of our events from last year.

We had our Christmas party at Striker Lanes on December 16,2022. We had a brief meeting followed by a fun night of glow bowling! The music was great and we even broke into a club Texas Line Dance to Cadillac Ranch! We enjoyed snacks and had lots of fun trading gifts at our gift exchange.

The first half of the year has been a lot of fun and we are looking forward to public speaking coming up soon.

Emery Zayac receiving her Gold Medallion 4-H Award of Excellence from Brett Flanders of ATB. Photos submitted

AUCTIONS

COMMERCIAL AUDIO/ VIDEO D.J. EQUIP. DISPERSAL Online Timed Auction, Blackfalds, Alberta. January 19-24, 2023. Selling large selection of Audio/ Video D.J. Equip., Shop Equip., Exercise Equip., Insulated Work Wear & more. See www.montgomeryauctions.com; 1-800-371-6963.

TIMED ONLINE RETIREMENT AUCTION: IDEAL TILE. Closes February 8. 10821 - 214 Street, Edmonton. Ph: 780-447-4777. Equipment, HUGE Amount of Slab Inventory. Prodaniuk Auctions - View on Global Auction.

COMING EVENTS

BLANKET THE PROVINCE with a classified ad. Only $269/wk (based on 25 words or less). Reach almost 90 weekly newspapers. Call NOW for details. 1-800282-6903 Ext 225; www.awna.com.

Employment Opportunities

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FEED AND SEED

ALBERTA FEED GRAIN: Buying Oats, Barley, Wheat, Canola, Peas, Screenings, Mixed Grains. Dry, Wet, Heated, or Spring Thresh. Prompt Payment. In House Trucks, In House Excreta Cleaning. Vac Rental. 1-888-483-8789.

WE BUY DAMAGED GRAIN - Heated, Mixed, Tough, Light, Bugs, Spring Thrashed....Barley, Wheat, Oats, Peas, Flax, Canola. “On Farm Pickup”. Westcan Feed & Grain 1-877-250-5252.

HEALTH

tions causing TROUBLE WALKING or DRESSING? The Disability Tax Credit allows for $3,000 yearly tax credit and $30,000 lump sum refund. Take advantage of this offer. Apply NOW; quickest refund Nationwide: Expert help. 1-844-453-5372.

PASTURE

GET YOUR MESSAGE SEEN ACROSS Alberta. The Blanket Classifieds or Value Ads reach over 600,000 Alberta readers weekly. Two options starting at $269 or $995 to get your message out! Business changes, hiring, items for sale, cancellations, tenders, etc. People are increasingly staying home and rely on their local newspapers for information. KEEP people in the loop with our 90 Weekly Community Newspapers. Call THIS NEWSPAPER now or email classifieds@ awna.com for details. 1-800-282-6903, 780-434-8746 X225. www.awna.com.

Services

CRIMINAL RECORD? Why suffer employment/licensing loss? Travel/business opportunities? Be embarrassed? Think: Criminal Pardon. US entry waiver. Record purge. File destruction. Free consultation. 1-800-347-2540. www.accesslegalmjf.com. GET BACK ON TRACK! Bad credit? Bills? Unem-

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WANTED

Hi there! My name is Pepper, I am a young female rabbit who has been spayed and microchipped and I am so ready to find my forever home!

I would do great in a home where I can have my own space away from cats and dogs as they seem to stress me out. I am looking for a home that either has experience with proper rabbit care or is willing to learn about all my needs. I am almost fully litter trained with the occasional accident! If you do not want to let me free roam then I require a minimum of a 8 sq feet enclosure along with an exercise space of a minimum of 12 sq I also need a good diet of fresh leafy greens, pellets, fresh timothy hay along with other fruits and veggies to keep me

I am a quirky rabbit who would get along great with kids, I do not so much enjoy being held but I like to present with people and if you sit on the ground I love to hop up

The County of Minburn No. 27 invites contractors to submit a quotation for the provision of Parks and Recreation Mowing Services.

The scope of work will include providing Mowing and Weed Eating Services at the following locations:

• Hamlet of Lavoy

• Wapasu Lake Campground

• Hamlet of Ranfurly • Lavoy Sewer Lagoon Access Road • Hamlet of Minburn • Ranfurly Water Truck Fill Station • Minburn Water Truck Fill Station • Highway 16 County Gateway Signs

Request for Quotations closing date is February 10, 2023 at 2:00 pm RFQ packages can be found on our website, picked up from the County of Minburn No. 27 Operations Office, or requested by email. For further information please contact: Darwin Ullery Agriculture and Utilities Foreman dullery@minburncounty.ab.ca 4105 51 Avenue Vegreville, Alberta www.minburncounty.ab.ca

HOROSCOPE/SUDOKU AND SOLUTIONS

LEO

Make love, not war, and all will be fine.

Positive changes regarding your personal status are evident. You can expect to have a problem with your lover. Don't put off the things that they have asked you to do.

VIRGO

Unexpected events may be upsetting. You should get into some of those creative hobbies that you always said you wanted to do. You will inspire confidence in others.

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

out. Your outgoing nature will surprise others today.

AQUARIUS

You should get involved in competitive sports today. You will find that uncertain individuals will want to draw you into joint ventures. You must try to help.

PISCES

You may find that your quick wit and charm will help you in obtaining allies. Work quietly on your own. Changes in your home may be disruptive and upsetting.

St. Jerome’s Catholic School News

Anna Svenungard

Submitted

Staff and students at St. Jerome’s are sliding into the new year with gratitude for all the blessings we received last year. We welcome 2023 with open arms, faith-filled hearts, and hardworking hands that are ready to serve others. We start this with questions, with curiosities, with minds filled with wonder and anticipation for what we will write in the next chapter of St. Jerome’s history. No matter what, we know that our faith in God and our strong Spartan family will make our school an amazing place to learn and grow this year.

Teachers, students, parents, dogs, everyone really, I think, is appreciating the beautiful weather that we are coming back to following Christmas break. Leading up to the holidays, the wickedly cold -40°C and below temperatures caused bus cancellations, field trip cancellations, and a marathon stretch of

inside recesses! We are happy to be back outside and enjoying the great outdoors. Students love taking turns sliding down our small hill on crazy carpets. They are very good at walking up the side of the hill (not the middle), waiting until the path is clear, and scooting quickly out of the way. The big race is always over the colour of your crazy carpet! Are you stuck with a dime a dozen blue one, or did you manage to score a cool black one? There is also the ultra-rare pink and purple carpets. You must be well organized with your outerwear, and extra lucky, to score one of those beauties! Over the next couple of weeks, elementary classes are taking turns going skating at the outdoor rink near our school. Mrs. Martin and Ms. Svenungard’s grade one classes started off the fun last Thursday. Students had the choice of skating on the rink or sliding down the hill for some outdoor fitness and fun! All

our elementary students have enjoyed playing outside at recesses too! Recess hockey matches have turned into lacrosse matches. They boys love it when they shoot the ball and the snow sprays back at them from the baskets of their sticks. There is also, the everpopular, snow fort building competitions. I call them competitions because there are many complicated negotiations about who’s snow blocks belong to whom. They look at me with baffled expressions, during recess supervision, when I try to reason with them and explain that you can’t “own” snow and there is so much more all around us!!! All kidding aside, the kids play wonderfully together outside in winter. This free play offers them countless opportunities to learn important

friendship and social skills at school. Not all learning happens in the classroom, and not all lessons are found in the curriculum. That’s part of the beauty of Catholic Education at St. Jerome’s; we educate the whole child in a faith-filled, fun, and caring environment. Happy 2023 from STJ!

Up & Coming

-Gr. 7-12 Exam schedules are posted on our website and Facebook page

-Jan. 30 & 31 – No School for students, semester turn around.

-February 1- First Day of Semester 2.

St. Jerome’s elementary students, Billie and Averie Danilkewich and Haley Dieser are swinging into the new year with fun and fresh air! Photo submitted

Karen King

Submitted

Happy New Year. We hope everyone had an enjoyable Christmas break, with lots of opportunity to relax and recharge. We hope that 2023 brings you much happiness and that many New Year’s resolutions are achieved.

Our first 2023 assembly took place the first day back at school on January 9. We started the assembly with O Canada and the Land Acknowledgement read by Sophia Maier and Madison Flanders. In AR, we have a total of 5700.5 points so far this year. In the month of December, we earned 1302.8 points, which is 2281 books and 5,882,519 words. The Grade 2-3 highest points were achieved by Kyler Wight (2A) with 22.4 points and in Grades 4-6, Sophia Maier (5/6) had 107.6 points, making her the student who

read the most points in December. At the end of January, we will have a beach day to celebrate the halfway point of our AR program. Mrs. McLaughlin took us through Lesson 4 of Indigenous Teachings by showing us a video of Rowan and Quinn Pickering teaching the Red River Jig, which is a Metis dance that has been around for about 200 years and has been influenced by the Indigenous Chicken Dance, the Scottish Highland dance and the European step dancing. Students and staff got to try three easy steps and two sections of Red River Jigging. Mrs. Joa thanked the Leadership Group who made and delivered hot chocolate on the last day of December.

Basketball Club started on January 9 with Mr. Beecroft coaching a large group of Grade 4-6 students. Thirty students showed up at the first practice with another six expected

at the next practice. Practices will happen every Monday and Wednesday after school for the next couple of months. Their season will culminate with a game against the staff.

The 24th VES Science Fair will take place on February 3. Projects may be viewed by the public from 12 p.m. -2 p.m. that day. Grade 1-3 students can do a research project (demonstrations, collections or book research) or an experiment (all classical experiments in which they answer a scientifically testable question). Grades 4-6 must perform

an experiment based project. Students are already getting excited about this awesome opportunity. Dates to Remember: Jan 17 –School Council Meeting at 6:30; Jan 27 – Beach Wear/Sunglasses Day; Jan 27 – Shared Breakfast for VES Students and Staff Only; Jan 30 – No School – School Based PL Day; Jan 31 – No School – Teacher Directed Day; Feb 3 – Science Fair; Feb 14 – 100th Day of School; Feb 16 and 17 – No School – Teachers’ Convention; Feb 20 – No School –Family Day; Feb 22 – Pink Shirt Day.

Basketball Club. Photo submitted