Lester B Pearson Newsletter – December 18 - 2022
Dear Students, Parents, Guardians and Caregivers:
Just a few more days till a welcomed and well-earned winter break.
Our first ever Maker's Fair.  Students had their creative and entrepreneurial skills on display all last week.  We had many student vendors including JA set up shop!!!  Thanks for Students Council.
A line up and standing room only for “Teacher's Pet" a wellness event sponsored by Youth Volunteer Central.  The puppies and the students enjoyed each other's company.  You could feel the stress levels drop after a few moments in the room.  Food Bank Donations were also taken at the door.  Thanks to Mr. Benard and his student leaders on YVC
Coach Bakos and the Junior Girls' Basketball Team were in fine form in their home game vs Robert Thirsk.  They were neck and neck for the first half and began to pull away in the second.  Juniors won 54 – 34.
Not to be outdone the Seniors took to the court and applied their full court press.  It was a fast paced game and a nail biter. We won 39-37.  Congratulations to Coach Witt and his Seniors.
High School High - The Musical – opened last week to large and appreciative crowds.  Our tech students cued the lights, Izzy – a former grad and assistant Director - ran the front of the house and our student sang, danced and acted their way through many familiar and funny moments about life in high school. Witty and comical and a little scary.  So many staff ( and their families ) in the audience to support our students. Congratulations to Director and choreographer, Ms Nottell, Tech Director and playright, Mr. Mason, Ms. Riben and the backstage Band, Mr. Toy and the FA department and – of curse the cast and crew.Pearson Odyssey – our Robotics Team competed in their second of three major meets at William Aberhart.  They mitigated a static problem to earn one ofthe highest point totals of the day.  They are now 15 out of 35 in the league – up three spots.  Here is the high scoring match on video: https://share.icloud.com/photos/0e0j9WfGLN1Z_471dcdA9H-Bg
Empowering Minds Student Leadership Camp – Feb 9, 10 and 11  2023
Empowering Minds, The Werklund Foundation and Lester B Pearson High School are working together to off the Empowering Minds Leadership Camp.  We held our first camp after many years just before Covid.  With the financial support of the Werklund Foundation we are able to host this leadership opportunity again for 44 Pearson student leaders at little cost.   Please see the attach information sheet.  The first 44 completed applications will be invited to attend.  Applications will be sent to all interested students.  Interested applicants please click on this Google to express your interest:
https://forms.gle/a7AR8PWWyHB1dC8L9
This week's Schedule:   Please let your student(s) know:
Mon Dec 19 | Boys BBall Home vs BM  Jrs 5:30 and Srs 7:30
                     | Ugly Sweater Day
Tue Dec 20  | Girls BBall Away at RT  Srs at 5:30 and Jrs at 7:30
                     | Winter Music Concert at 7:00 – Tickets at the Door
Thu Dec 22  | Last day of school before Winter break. 
Important |  Thursday is a regular day ending at 3:30.  No Connect this week
    
Important | Please Note:
Always wear your Student ID visibly around your neck at all times.
What to do in case of Absence |
We have a new procedure. On the school website is an attendance form that can be filled out and submitted to us by a parent only. We encourage using the online form as it is convenient and will be accurate in the spelling of names, contact numbers and reasons for absences and lates. Please be aware that the information must match what we have in PowerSchool otherwise we will not accept the form. Our school website:
https://school.cbe.ab.ca/school/lesterbpearson/Pages/default.aspx 
then go to QuickLinks and under 'Our Community' is absence form.  In event of an absence please complete the form as soon as possible before or on the day of the absence.
The Importance of Being Present in School and on Time!
If a student continually skips classes or a student is persistently late, this student will be removed from Pearson.  As a school we are very full this year and we need to focus our energy on the students who are in class and engaging in school.  Of course we have many supports that we can provide students and families who may struggle with getting their kids to school.  We can help to remove some of those barriers that are getting in the way of a student's success.  Please reach out if you are in need of support.  We will be here for you.
School Fees | Please pay your School Fees
The majority of school fees can be accessed and paid online.  However, parents/guardians/students may also pay by cash or cheque at the school's business office.  You can see and pay for school fees through your MyCBE account.  Please refer to and pay your school fees.  Arrangements can be made for payment plans and should there be a need for a waiver please refer to this document to see if you qualify.  Waiver documents can be obtained through your MyCBE account.
https://www.cbe.ab.ca/registration/fees-and-waivers/Pages/default.aspx
Save the Dates
Dec 20 |  Winter Music Concert at 7:00
Dec 22 | Last day of classes before Winter Break (Regular Thursday)
Dec 23-Jan 9 | Winter Break
Jan 9 | Classes Resume​
​Friday was our Christmas Movie Night.  Popcorn and hot chocolate for all.  Congrats
This will be the second last school newletter for 2022.
Christmas is a joyous time but it can also be stressful for some.  I have attached the contacts for Support agencies should you find yourself in need over the holidays.
Take Care – until next time – stay warm.
Kenneth Chee
Principal