Happy Holidays!

Wishing all a safe and happy holiday season.  Classes resume on Monday, January 5 - Day 1.

Social Media Fitness presentations

Mr. Chris Vollum presented to parents at NPC in Winkler on Wednesday evening and to our grade 7 to 12 students on Thursday morning.  He gave information on the privacy issues of the major social media sites, and shared information on how to protect you reputations and privacy when using these sites.  Very good sessions.  For access to the information documents, go to the Carman Collegiate homepage.  The documents for parents and for students are posted there.

Students on Ice Artic Expedition

Congratulations to Madi S for being accepted into the 2015 Students on Ice Arctic Expedition.  She will have the opportunity to explore the Canadian Artic and Western Greenland this summer along with other students and scientists from around the world.

New AFM Counsellor at Collegiate

Carman Collegiate is pleased to welcome Mrs. Tara Smoker as the newly hired Addictions Foundation of Manitoba (AFM) counsellor.  She is excited to become part of the team of staff at the Collegiate who educate and support students. 
In her role as AFM counsellor, she is available at Carman Collegiate on Tuesdays and Thursdays to provide information and personal support to students and parents in the community.  Students may consider meeting with her if they are recognizing concerns with their own use of alcohol, drugs or gambling, or if they have concerns about the alcohol, drug or gambling use of someone close to them.  Tara's goal is to provide a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental place for youth to identify their values and set goals for themselves.
Youth are faced with many challenges related to their decisions around alcohol and drug use in their increasingly independent social and recreational activities.  By providing education and early prevention through classroom presentations and open office hours, students are provided  an opportunity to consider the risks and impacts of their choices.
Parents who may be looking for information and support in understanding the ways alcohol or drugs
may be impacting their youth are also welcome to contact Tara.
Tara can be reached at 204-745-2810 (direct line and confidential voice mail).  She looks forward to becoming connected with our community.

Grow Canada Conference

Bailey next to Brian Mulroney

This week, Bailey G had the opportunity to attend the premiere agricultural conference "Grow Canada". She was 1 of 3 students across Canada who were chosen to attend the conference in Ottawa from Dec. 2 - 4. The conference featured notable speakers on the topics of optimism and opportunities in agriculture. For Bailey, the conference highlight was meeting former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney. She had the responsibility of summarizing and sharing the "youth perspective" following his presentation.  She attended the conference with Ms. Massinon and they also took the opportunity to visit Parliament Hill and observe a session in the House of Commons.

Social Media presentation this Wednesday and Thursday

Parents, book Wednesday, December 10 - 7:00 pm at the Northlands Parkway Collegiate in Winkler.  This is a must see presentation in this day and age of our children using social media sites on a daily basis.  The presenter, Chris Vollum, requests that parents bring and use their smartphones and tablets to gain new knowledge about the social apps and sites that their kids are using to define their identities, personalities and reputations. .  The presentations goals are to provide clear examples, significant benefits and also risks associated with social sites like Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, SnapChat, Tmblr, Vine, Pinterest, and others.  The takeaway is that parents will be educated with a deeper understanding on how to support and discuss benefits (of which there are many) and risks of these sites and apps with their children.
Mr. Vollum will be at Carman Collegiate on Thursday, December 11 at 11:00 am to present to our students.  Students are also invited to bring in their devices for the presentation.

Provincial Champions!!!

The Senior Varsity Cougar Boys capped off a great season with a Provincial title at home on Saturday night in front of a supportive crowd.  Carman Collegiate hosted the MHSAA AA Boys Volleyball provincial championship from November 27 to 29.  Nine teams from around the province gathered in Carman for round robin games and playoffs on Saturday. 
Our Cougars went through the round robin undefeated.  On Saturday, they defeated the Warren Wildcats in the quarter finals, then the Major Pratt Trojans in the semi finals.  The Cougars then faced the Niverville Panthers, defeating them in a very exciting three game match - 25 - 23, 21 - 25, and 15 - 13 to claim the title.  Tournament all-stars included Brett W and Dane N.  Congratulations to Mason M, tournament MVP.  This is Carman Collegiate's first provincial volleyball banner.  For more information and results, go to http://mhsaa.e-crew.ca/page.cfm?s=172&.

CTS Young Women in the Trades

On Tuesday, November 25, 2014, the Career and Technology Studies Coordinators in Prairie Rose School Division hosted a Young Women in the Trades - Apprenticeship Expo that highlighted several trade opportunities found in our local community. All Grade 10 girls from Prairie Rose School Division were informed about the benefits of apprenticeship and the opportunities that exist while still a high school student, and in the future. Some presentation highlights of the morning sessions were by Ms. Bloodsworth, an instructor of welding at RRC, who shared some of her “dirty”, but rewarding experiences of being a woman welder on a pipeline crew. Her hard work, long hours, and well-paying positions have allowed her financial security, and opportunities to move up in the field, and become an educator.  Ms. Phaneuf-Ahi of Apprenticeship Manitoba told the girls how one career leads to another when you are determined, dedicated to life-long learning, and love what you do. A Ford employee, Darielle, shared how sometimes a female face, who is very knowledgeable, and empathetic to your situation is sometimes exactly what is needed in a business. All the employers encouraged young women to take trade positions because they are more precise, intelligent, and quality-oriented.
In the afternoon of the event, all the girls chose various trades to explore by visiting local business owners in the area to gain hands-on insight into trades including a wide variety of non-traditional female careers ranging from:  Crane Equipment Operation, Electrical and Hydro careers, Agricultural and Automotive occupations and so much more.
We would like to thank our hosts for helping us out: Sperling Industries, Vanderveen Greenhouses, Carman Golf Club, Carman Ford, Diane’s Hairstyling, Carman Collision Centre, Walinga, John Deere, Campfire Union, MB Infrastructure and Transportation, and MB Hydro. Young Women in the Trades is definitely an option for the next generation of graduates!

MPI Friends for Life Presentation

One bad choice that forever changed a family

Our grade 7 to 12 students had the opportunity this morning to hear the important reasons for making positive and safe choices in life, especially when behind the wheel.

 

Greg Drew has lived through a parent’s worst nightmare, the loss of his 17-year-old son. Greg had a long career in fire services, but nothing could have prepared him for arriving at the scene of an accident, where his own son was trapped inside a car after a high speed crash.  Greg wants high school students to know their decisions affect everyone around them. His unforgettable presentation highlights the importance of making safe driving choices and staying alive.

 

The Friends for Life speaker series uses an eye-opening, real life stories to educate high school students about the consequences of dangerous driving behaviors, including speeding, impaired driving, and distracted driving.  Youth aged 16 to 19 have much higher rates of serious collisions compared to more experienced drivers.  But these crashes can be avoided. Bring Friends For Life to your school and encourage students to make good decisions when they are behind the wheel or when accepting rides from friends.

 

Young Women in the Trades Expo

On Tuesday, November 25, 2014, Prairie Rose School Division is hosting a Young Women in the Trades - Apprenticeship Expo that will highlight the various trades in our local community. In the morning all grade 10 girls from Prairie Rose School Division will meet at Carman Collegiate. Students will learn about apprenticeship and the opportunities that exist. Nick Verras, the Career and Technology Studies Division Coordinator, will discuss with students the benefits apprenticeship has to offer and explain the process of becoming a high school apprentice.

Apprenticeship Manitoba will make a presentation and discuss the transition from high to adult apprenticeship. Other guest speakers will also present and provide additional information on women in the trades.

Lunch will be provided for students. After lunch, students will board buses and get dropped off various sites. The various sites will provide an introduction to a particular trade. Students will be shown demonstrations that highlight a variety of careers in specific trade areas. Students will also participate in hands-on-activities.

Student Council Fundraisers underway

Carman Collegiate Student Council is currently selling Bothwell Cheese and Mom's Pantry products. A letter and forms were initially sent home on November 7, and more forms are available at the office if needed. The deadline for submitting orders is as follows:

• Bothwell Cheese - due Monday, November 24 by noon
• Mom's Pantry - due Tuesday, November 25 by 3:40

Thank you in advance for your support.

Report Cards Sent Home

Grade 7 to 12 report cards were sent home on Thursday by both paper version with students and by email.  Some technical difficulties were experienced with some report cards resulting in a second batch of reports having to be sent out for some students. 
Student Conferences take place on Monday, November 24 from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm and Wednesday, November 26 from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm.  A majority of teachers will be set up in the theatre as our gym floor is prepared for the Provincial Volleyball Championships. 
As in previous years, we ask that students be part of the conferences, as they are the most important element of these meetings.
Please note that Mrs. Ens will not be available for student conferences on Wednesday afternoon.

Carman Collegiate Cougar Pride Wear

Carman Collegiate Cougar Pride Wear is available to order once again until November 26.  Order forms are available in the office.  Delivery is scheduled to be in time for Christmas.  Choices include:

• Track Jacket (black) - $65
• Track Pants (black) - $50
• Stormtech 3 in 1 Jacket (black) - $160
• Pull Over Hoodie (black or royal) - $40
• Long Sleeve T-Shirt (black or royal) - $20
• Toque (black or royal) - $15
• Hat (black) - $15

Provincial Volleyball Coming to Carman

Carman will be the host site of the 2014 AA Senior Boys Volleyball Provincials from November 27 thru to November 29.  Carman will be welcoming nine teams from around the province plus our own Cougars. 
Games will start on Thursday morning, with the opening ceremonies scheduled for Thursday at 1:00 pm.  Games will then continue throughout Thursday, ending in the late afternoon as we prepare for the players banquet.  Games then continue throughout Friday.  Playoffs will take place on Saturday.  All games are open to the public, with entrance fees set at $3 per day or $7 for a tournament pass.
Our own Cougar boys are currently ranked number one in the province.

First Aid

Our grade 11 students completed their Emergency First Aid Training on Thursday and Friday of this week.  This course is mandatory for all students in the school division. 

Rangeland Adventure

On Thursday, Ms. Massinon's Agriculture 30S class participated in the Amazing Rangeland Adventure at the Westoba Agricultural Centre in Brandon.  Students learned about Manitoba agriculture through hands on experiences at various interactive stations staffed by farmers and ag-industry professionals.

2014 DISCOVERY DAYS AT U OF M

Discovery Days is a highly successful and sought after health sciences program for high school students, comprised of a dynamic and inspiring keynote lecture and interactive workshops at the University of Manitoba’s Basic Medical Services located at the Health Sciences Centre, in Winnipeg.  In addition, the participants attended a panel discussion  exploring careers in medicine as high school students were in dialogue with researchers, clinicians and educators as they share the evolution of their academic and professional careers.  Approximately 200 high school students from across Manitoba had the opportunity to attend this one day event.   Future aspiring medical professionals Allen C. and Bailey G.  grade 11 and grade 12 students from Carman Collegiate attended this excellent day on November 7th as they explored and discovered a wide spectrum of areas, as well as gained a clear picture of what it would be like to be a health professional in medical and health sciences to educate, inspire and encourage careers in the medical field.  Former Carman Collegiate Grad Jack Heard is in his first year of Medicine at the U of M, pictured here with Allan and Bailey.       

Giving Voice

On Tuesday, our grade 7, 8, and 9 students attended a presentation by Giving Voice theatre group.  Our students were given the opportunity to look into the lives of two youths living in care and see the different issues youths in care may face.  Our students were then given the opportunity to rewind certain scenes and become actively involved in changing the way certain characters behaved, and therefore changing the long term outcomes.

Spirit Week

Grade Wars

Batman and the villians

This was spirit week at Carman Collegiate.  Thank you to all the students and staff who dressed up and showed their school spirit.  Thursday was grade wars where the grade had to compete to make clothes out of newspapers.  Thursday night saw over 110 students dance the night away.  Halloween was costume day. 

"See how they run..."

Carman Student 1 of 3 in Canada off to Ottawa

Bailey G. has been selected as 1 of 3 students from across Canada to be feature at Canada's premier Agricultural Conference: Grow Canada in Ottawa (Dec. 2-4).  Students will have the opportunity to express their opinions and views to an audience of 500 conference delegates.

She was selected for her agricultural background, submitting a well written essay, and for her enthusiasm and speaking ability during a telephone interview