The first week of November is one to remember. With the weather dishing us some slippery conditions our buses were not running for the whole week, but schools were open and continued business as usual.
We had the pleasure of having members of the Erickson Royal Canadian Legion Branch #143 attend our service on Wednesday, November 8th. Some members from the legion could not make our service so we had three of our Gr. 7/8 students, Paxton, Kalla, and Flora, assist the color party during the beginning and end of the service. Sgt Dave Porter was the representative from the RCMP detachment leading the Color Party.
We honored those who by sea, by land, and in the air, gave their lives in defence of those things we cherish with a minute of silence to remember them for their sacrifices.
Following the minute of silence, Mr. Porter, Jayden, and Meadow took part in the Wreath Laying.
As everyone in attendance was asked to be seated, Mrs. Ryznar spoke about November 8th which is recognized as Indigenous Veterans Day and the important roles they played were and recognition of their sacrifices. Indigenous soldiers earned at least 50 decorations for bravery during the war. A video from Veterans Affairs Canada-Indigenous Veterans was shared.
Acknowledgements were also made to our local veterans, women of war, and those currently defending our county. We recognized the many wars, past to current, that are forevermore heavy set in our hearts and carry forward the appreciation for their sacrifice and dedication.
The service then continued with poems shared by Dylan-In Flanders Fields, and another by Jayden, Meadow and Cai who read In Flanders Now. Then the Grade K to 4 sang a beautiful song, We Can Make a Difference, led by Mrs. Ryznar. After the lovely choir performance, a ribbon dance choreographed by Miss Krahn was performed by Meadow, Jayden, and Dylan to the song Soldiers Cry by Roland Majeau.
After the dance students all took part in the poppy procession, and then the color party closed the service. We thank everyone who were able to attend our service on this day.
In the weeks to follow, we celebrated World Kindness Day and students and staff shared kind thoughts and messages on sticky notes which were posted in our hallway. Teachers were busy completing report cards for the upcoming Parent Teacher/Family Meeting Interviews in the week to follow.
In addition to this, we had our BOOKFAIR which we were able to raise over $700 in rewards for our classrooms. Congratulations to our door prize winner Deb Carlson, who came in on the public shopping night with her grandson Mason. Ms. Robinson would like to take this opportunity to thank the following people for helping her out to make this fair the success it was. Gwen Smid, Alison Hay, and Marg Tarleton thank you for volunteering to work the public and family event nights and to Mr. Stephenson, Miss Nadia Krahn, Ms. Silverthorn, and Mrs. Sansom for helping with either the set up or tear down of the fair. It takes many hands and every one of them are appreciated.
The month ended with a few exciting exhibition games which our Jr. High Volleyball team were taking part in with Rapid City and Erickson Collegiate. They were fun to watch and are collaborating well as a team. The Jr High Triple Ball Tournament is being held on December 6th and we wished them all the best. GO WILD!
Update on Tournament Results: Congratulations to the Jr High Volleyball team on their 1st place finish in the B side bracket. Wonderful job representing Onanole Wild!!!
Pictures on this month's activities will be shared soon.