January 6, 2016

Happy New Year Everyone!!

We are into the swing of a great 2016 at St. Elias Community School. As we begin a New Year, I would like to extend a very special thank you to our parents and our community for the continued support and assistance with school programs and initiatives.

A Successful Silversmithing Workshop:

SECS staff and students would like to thank instructor Shelly MacDonald, and CAFN staff Tracy Kane and Brenda Jackson, and the Shawkwunlee Dunena Sports Society for their support for the silversmithing course delivered to the Gr. 11/12 Shop students before Christmas. The course was a great success.

The St. Elias School Cross Country Ski Club:

Ski Club is back for the 2016 season for students in Grades 1-6, permission forms have been sent home.

  • No Equipment? No problem. The school will provide all equipment for any students interested in skiing.
  • No Experience Required! Learn to ski in a social and fun atmosphere.

We will be skiing at the Community Forestry Ski Trails on Mondays from January 11th until February 29th. Parents/Guardians are welcome to join us!

Personal staff vehicles will provide transportation to the Forestry Ski Trails. We will leave the school at 3:15 and return by 4:45 p.m. Snacks will be provided. If the temperature is -20 C or below we will remain at the school for indoor ski related activities. Please feel free to contact Ms. Cooper, Ms. Buck, Ms. Burton or Mr. Allaway at the school if you have any questions.

Semester One Exams:

The last day of Semester One at St. Elias Community School is Friday January 22nd, 2016. Our Semester Two classes begin on Monday January 25th, 2016. High School exams will take place Tuesday January 19th – Thursday January 21st, 2016. (See attached Schedule of Exams).

During SECS Exam days, students in Gr. 8-12 are required to attend all scheduled Tutorials and Study Hall Sessions to ensure they have studied for their upcoming exams, and that their course workis fully completed by January 22nd, 2016.

continued on next page…

Soccer Update:

Here is an updated busy schedule for the next 2 months ahead for the Haines Junction Soccer Teams!! The Northwestel Championships will be held in Whitehorse on February 19th, 20th and 21st, 2016. I’m hoping to bring in 4 teams for this annual tournament! Of course we’ll need lots parents on call for that weekend. Please mark this date down on your calendars.

Practices for January 11th through to March 4th, 2016.

Grade1/2

  • Monday at lunchtime – kids are to bring easy, no cook, lunches to school
  • Tuesday at lunch time games – kids are to bring lunch

Grade 3/4

  • Thursdays at lunchtime games – kids are to bring easy, no cook, lunch to school

(I’ve put two times for Grade 7 as some players may not want to play with the older players.)

Grade 5/6/7

  • Tuesday nights from 7pm to 8:30pm
  • Thursday 6:15pm to 7:30pm

Grade 7- Grade 12 New coaches Martin Jahr and Dave Weir for Wednesday nights!

  • Monday after school until 4:30
  • Wednesday from 5pm to 6:30pm

If there are days that don’t work for your children please have the kids check in with Cindi Cowie as they can always join a different group.

Archery Demonstrations:

On Friday January 8th, students from grades 1 to 12 will have the opportunity to either watch Archery demonstrations or participate in guided Archery lessons during their regular PE classes.

SECS Science Fair:

The grade 5, 6, and 7 classes are participating in the St. Elias Community School Science Fair on WednesdayJanuary 27, 2016from 1:00 - 3:00pm in the school gym. As middle school students they will be using scientific thought, originality, and skill to create a project that they will present to their schoolmates and the general public. The top three finalists from the S.E.C.S. Science Fair will go on the Yukon Regional Science Fair, in Whitehorse, on February 20th.

A Message From School Council:

The Breakfast Club needs you! We are looking for volunteers to assist with Breakfast Club. With the arrival of a new baby near the end of February, Jeannine St. Marie will soon require some assistance in covering the morning breakfasts. If you are able to come in to assist, please contact Jeannine at 634-2151 or 332-5220.

100’s Club Begins at SECS:

In anticipation of 100’s Day in early February, a new noonhour club involving stories and math games with numbers to 100 will begin. 100’s Club meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:30pm to 12:55pm in the school library. Starting Tuesday January 12th Gr. 3 and up will meet, and starting Thursday January 14th Gr. 1/2’s will meet.

Student Council Update:

St. Elias now has a high school student council. Students meet twice a month to discuss ways to create a welcoming environment for all students. Their goal is to not only foster and encourage students to show school spirit, but also to get involved and be an integral part of our school and community! Go Eagles Go!

continued on next page…

Grade 8 to 12 Exam Schedule – January 2016

Tuesday, January 19th

9:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m.

French 8/9 English 10 BCP Tutorial

Southern Tutchone 8/9 Foods 11/12

Study Hall Carpentry 11/12

Study Hall

Wednesday, January 20th

9:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m.

Science 8/9Social Studies 10

Math 10 -12 English 12 BCP Tutorial

Study Hall Automotive 11/12 Acting 11

Study Hall

Thursday, January 21st

9:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m.

Math 8Math 10 BCP Tutorial

English 9 and 10English 12 BCP Tutorial

Biology 11 Study Hall

Biology 12

Study Hall

Friday - January 22nd

9:00 a.m.

Make Up Exams

BC Provincial Exam Schedule:

Please be in the Computer Room at 8:45 am.

Monday January 25th- 9:00am

  • English 12,
  • A&W Math 10,
  • Foundations Math 10,

Tuesday January 26th - 9:00am

  • English 10

continued on next page…

Silent Auction a Great Success!

continued on next page…

If you would like to receive our Newsletters by email, please send a message to