By K. Smawley
The month of February had flown by.
Between five snow days, multiple indoor recesses, two ski trips, Valentines Day, Hundredth Day, and many other fun activities, the short month was about as jammed packed as it could be.
On Thursday, Feb. 21st, the Jr. ATB crew helped 21 customers deposits their funds. There were seven students who were working as the bank staff and they did a great job providing quick and friendly service. The winners of the monthly draws were Temperance Pockett, Wesley Pocket, and Murry Bicknell.
Thanks to the ATB workers for their efforts in such a positive program for the school!
On Friday, February 22nd, the Grade 3/4 class were super lucky as they had visitors to their classroom for a special presentation about Tunisia, a country they have been studying as part of their social studies curriculum. Melissa Nichols and her husband Marouan Chaibi, who is originally from Tunisia, brought in original artifacts, beautiful clothing they wore in the country, an informative slideshow, and some delicious Tunisian desserts. The students enjoyed trying on the clothing and sampling the sweets. The generous guests even presented the students with gifts at the end of the presentation. Mrs. Kneller and the Grade 3/4 class are very grateful to Melissa and Marouan for taking the time to educate them about the beautiful country of Tunisia. The presentation was such a great way for the students to experience parts of Tunisia and enhance the things they have learned about the country while in class. Thank you to Melissa and Marouan for sharing their time and knowledge!
In basketball news, the junior girls team hosted their home tournament on Saturday, Feb. 23rd. Teams from William E. Hay, Gus Wetter, and Sedgwick came out for the competition. It was a fast paced tournament as the teams all had to win their first game in order to move onto the final. The Knights had a good first game against Sedgwick. The girls played hard and were able to win by a handful of baskets, which allowed them to advance to the final against Gus Wetter, who also won their first game against William E. Hay. The final game was a nail biter! Parents commented that it was hard to watch such a close game. The score was tight for the whole second half of the game as the two teams took turns scoring baskets with the Knight ultimately winning the game. The final score was 51-50 for the Knights who were excited to keep the 1st place trophy in the building. Good work girls!
The junior high classes, accompanied by many parents, left town at 2pm and travelled to Canmore on Sunday, Feb. 24th to start their annual Ski Trip in the mountains. The group travelled by charter bus and enjoyed some game of Uno and Crib to pass the time before arriving at their hotel for some water sliding and a good night’s sleep before the first full day of skiing. The group skied for two days, both days at Lake Louise Ski Resort and they reported good conditions even though the mornings were a little chilly. After their second full day of skiing, the tired group loaded up the bus around 4pm for the trek home. After a stop for supper, the group arrived back to Castor late in the evening all smiles and with another successful ski trip under their belts. All involved reported it was a fun time and many happy memories were made amongst the group.
Pink Shirt Day was on Wednesday, Feb. 27th. This is anti-bullying initiative started years ago by two high school boys from Nova Scotia who encouraged all their classmates to wear a pink shirt in support of a grade 9 boy who was being bullied by some other students for the exact same wardrobe choice. As Theresetta donned their best and brightest pink tones, the school talked a lot about being kind, including everyone, and thinkg “pro-kindness”! Standing up to bullies is everyone’s responsibility and the more voices that send the message of celebrating people’s differences, the harder it is to ignore. Choose kindness!
The Theresetta elementary classes also went on a ski trip recently. The group headed out to the Valley Ski Club on Thursday, Feb. 28th for their day on the slopes. The group arrived nice and early to grab their gear and while some started skiing right away, others spent a bit of time in lessons freshening up their skills. Even though the day started chilly and cloudy, the group lucked out in the weather department as the cold wind lessened and the clouds vanished as the day went on. All the students and teachers reported another good day of skiing and the group had so much fun enjoying a day outside together after a month of so many snow days and indoor recesses.
Abbigale Fuller on a break away during the gold medal match at the Knights home tournament on Saturday, Feb. 23rd.
The Theresetta Knights after winning the 1st place trophy at their home tournament on Saturday, February 23rd. Back: Coach Richard Ries. Back Row (LtoR): Sydney Renschler, Abbigale Fuller, Grace Roland, Gracie Bagshaw, Nola Fuller, and Ashley Renschler. Middle Kneeling: Veronica Virgo and Addison Charbonneau. Front: Josie Kneller and Alyssa Kuefler.
Theresetta dressed up for Pink Shirt Day, February 27th.
Ausha Diewert, Elizabeth Virgo, Tierra Ulrich, Gracie Bagshaw, and Kiali Blumhagen on the Jr. High Ski Trip at Lake Louise on February 25th.
Kaitlyn Heidecker and Harlyn Bunbury testing out their snowboards on the elementary ski trip on February 28th at the Valley Ski Club.
Tessa Beaumont, Hailey Rowland, and Danica Boger taking a break at the top of the hill on the elementary ski trip on February 28th at the Valley Ski Club.
Addison Charbonneau and Kyla Beaumont enjoying their time at the hill during the elementary ski trip on February 28th at the Valley Ski Club