Submitted by Principal Sharon Fischer
The students at Stettler Elementary School have been busy with a number of initiatives over the past few weeks. We have had presentations, clubs, activities, and field trips. The Grade 3 classes have been learning about rocks and minerals, and on Friday, January 26, they enjoyed a presentation called “Every Rock Has a Story” by geologist John L. J. Duhault from Calgary. Mr. Duhault shared his large rock collection with the students. They learned where different rocks came from, how they were formed, and their myriad uses. The presentation was very informative and was enjoyed by both students and teachers. A special thanks to Mr. Duhault for coming to our school and sharing his extensive rock knowledge with us!
Our Grade 3 and 4 students also took part in a very educational presentation from a group of therapy dogs. They learned about therapy dog training and how they become certified. As well, they learned of the various ways in which these dogs help people with anxiety, stress, etc..
Our students have also had the opportunity to create, sign-up for, and participate in the latest round of student led clubs. We had 32 new clubs approved and most of our student body is participating in at least one of these clubs. Our Grade one students celebrated Groundhog Day in an interesting manner this year. Students in 1AM brought flashlights to school and explored shadows, made shadow puppets, and made predictions about the groundhog. They learned a great deal about shadows, but also had a great deal of fun.
Also fun for our students was the winter walk day on Wednesday, February 7. The teachers at SES took turns taking their classes outside to participate in the winter walk. The students in 5SN had a twist on the annual walk and chose to participate on skis. These grade five students went on a cross-country ski in school yard.
As part of the social and science curriculums, our Grade 2 students traveled to the Smith residence on Thursday, February 8, to enjoy the annual field trip to see the igloo that Mr. Smith built in his back yard. The students learned about the building of the igloo and also had the opportunity to sit inside it and experience its warmth. The Grade 2’s were also given the chance to ask questions and learned something completely new and different right here in Stettler.
The annual Used Book Swap N Sale is happening in our library this week with over 2,500 books brought in for swapping! Caitlyn King donated the most books at 134 and earned herself the right to have her name displayed on our SUPER SWAPPER Trophy for a year. Swapping began Monday and runs until Thursday with swapper names being drawn daily for prizes throughout the sale. Shoppers can purchase books on Wednesday and Thursday this week for 25 cents each. This is a coveted annual event for many of our enthusiastic readers, and proceeds will be going toward a local community need.
Also on Wednesday we will be celebrating Valentine’s Day in a variety of ways. As well, DNOW and TKS are teaming up to donate and cook hot dogs for all of our students on this day. We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the gentlemen from these companies for thinking of our students and for their very generous donation of both their time and the hot dogs. Wednesday is a very busy day at the school, as it is also the day that our Grade 4, 5, and 6 students will be participating in the second of three ski dates. Students choosing to participate in the ski day are leaving the school at 2:30 p.m. to spend the remainder of the afternoon and evening skiing at Canyon Ski Hill.
And on that Grade 4 note, we wish to welcome Ms. Joeleana Duarte to Stettler Elementary School. Ms. Duarte is our new Grade 4 teacher who was hired so that those classes could be reduced to 19 students each. She has been with us for just over a week and has already had a very positive impact on our school and her students. We are thrilled to have her as a part of our fabulous staff.