Central Region Honour Band

March 26 saw over 120 music students from around the region gathered at Carman Collegiate for a day of workshops.  Students gathered in their sectional groups and practiced with band directors from the region.  After being fed supper from our Canteen, the Bands gave an evening performance.  The Grade 7 and 8 Honour Band, directed by Finn Johnson, played three pieces.  This was followed by the Grade 9 to 12 Honour Band playing four pieces.  The Senior Band was directed by Edward Bach who is a professonal trumpet player, and presented the sold out theatre to a trumpet solo.  The sound from two 60 plus member bands was fantastic.

Agroecology Day

Our Agroecology Day will take place on Thurday, April 9 for all our grade 10 students, plus grade 10 students from Miami and Elm Creek.  This indoor/outdoor field event will include workshops which focus on Agroecology topics including soils, entomology, riparian zones, weeds and meteorology.  All events take place at the Ian N. Morrison Research Farm in Carman.

Report Card Time!

Grade 7 and 8 report cards were sent home on Thursday.  Both a paper version was sent with students and an email version sent to parents.  Grade 9 to 12 "request for interview" reports were emailed home on Friday, March 20, with the grade 9 to 12 official report cards to be sent home on Thursday, April 16.

Student conferences take place for all grade 7 to 12 students on Tuesday, March 24 from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm and Wednesday, March 25 from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm.  Grade 7 and 8 teachers will meet with students and parents in the library, while grade 9 to 12 meetings will take place in the gymnasium.  Grade 9 to 12 meetings are not pre-scheduled, but are conducted as you arrive (we have a "now meeting with number ... " system).

RCMP Sexting Presentation

Send this Instead sample response.

On Tuesday, March 17, RCMP members Constable Gord Olson and Constable Tracy Santo from the ICE (Internet Child Exploitation) Unit presented to our students on Sexting.  The presentations were done in grade groups and gave a description of what Sexting is, how it can occur, how it can go viral, and the legal implications.  Sexting is a common issue with teenagers, and photos meant to be private can go viral in a matter of seconds.  The example was given of a picture file that was tracked to 90 computers in 21 countries in 90 seconds.  The officers also gave students advice such as turning in their devices to parents for the evening (allow parents to charge the devices over night), and to check out the apps "send this instead" which give alternatives for students who are asked for inappropriate pictures of themselves.
Carman Elementary School and Carman Collegiate have the two Constables returning to Carman on April 28 at 6:30 pm to give a parent presentation in the theatre.  A very good presentation with information every parent of teenagers, and future teenagers, should have.

Blue Bombers Visit

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers Winter Caravan came through Carman on Thursday.  Three Blue Bomber players joined Buzz and Boomer at an assembly with our grade 7 to 9 students.  The three players were #31 - Maurice (Moe) Leggett – Safety, #66 - Stanley Bryant – Offensive Tackle, and #64 - Chris Greaves – Guard.  All three players shared stories of making positive choices in life and achieving their goals & dreams.  The Bombers are hoping to participate in the 103 Grey Cup that will be hosted in Winnipeg this November.

Players signing team pictures and meeting students.

Mr. Shindle and his favorite mascots!

Arctic Science Day

On Friday, March 6, Madi S, Katie T, Kara M, Quinton G and Chelsey G participated in the Arctic Science Day at Fort Whyte. 
Arctic Science Day is all about connecting students with scientists conducting current scientific research in the Arctic by engaging in hands-on learning experiences. This year, collection of data on the ice mimicked an "Ice
Camp" research facility commonly used in the Arctic.

Message from our AFM School Based Counselor

Setting limits with your child can play an important role in influencing their choices and behavior with regard to alcohol and other drug use. The following provides helpful tips when it comes to setting limits: 

• Set clear rules around drug use – ensure the message is consistent over time, and both parents communicate the same message. Have your child participate in setting limits and ask them to tell you in their own words what the limit means.

• Make sure limits are appropriate. Some things to consider when setting limits include the age of your child (older children may be involved in the limit setting process), trust (if past behaviors have diminished trust there is often less freedom), basic needs (we all have needs for privacy, and to socialize with friends).

• Make sure limits are not too restrictive, as this may lead to arguments and anger.

• Limits must be enforceable. Once a limit is set, it is important to follow through and monitor that the limit is followed. A consequence should follow when limits are broken. Limits and consequences must be enforced consistently in order to be effective.

• Following through with limits and consequences can teach your child to be responsible when it comes to alcohol and other drug use, and promote healthy choices in the future.

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If you suspect that your young person is using alcohol or drugs and would like further support or information, please contact Tara Smoker AFM Counsellor at Carman Collegiate at 204-745-2810 (private line). I am available at the school on Tuesday and Thursday of each week. All calls are confidential. Parents and youth can refer for services.

Source: Adapted from “A Job Description for Parents” David J. Wilmes, Johnson Institute (1991).

Another Great Performance!

The production of Larceny and Old Lace offered another great example of the fantastic talent we have within our school.  Our Carman Collegiate students enjoyed the dress rehearsal on Friday afternoon, before the production was presented to the public on Friday night and Sunday afternoon.  The actors and actresses' hard work preparing was evident in their presentation, the lighting and sound crew had all elements of the show working well, and director Jacquie Metcalf managed to get everyone on cue at the right times.  Well done!
This week the Carman Collegiate Community Theatre is hosting the DCS production of "Little Women" on Friday, March 6 and Saturday, March 7 at 7:30 pm.