Cindy Turner

Each year in the Louis Riel School Division, staff and students plan to commemorate Nov. 11 in a meaningful way.

When I reached out to school administrators to find out what their plans were, there was a focus on remembering the sacrifices made by those who have served our country in battle. The schools carefully planned their events and projects with care and respect for the brave men and women who sacrificed so much.

Some schools’ commemorations, such as that at Glenwood School, followed a traditional style of programming with a reading of In Flanders Fields, the playing of the Last Post, and closing remarks; all while honouring the incredible sacrifices made by others for our freedom.

To pay tribute to those who have answered the call of duty, Nordale School planned a virtual assembly for students on Nov. 10 with a link provided to parents/guardians so they could observe the ceremony the following day.

Louis Riel School Division was the first Manitoba school division to transition to single track French immersion schools and French immersion has proven to be a benefit to children wishing to become multilingual.

When my own children started school, my husband and I decided to have them attend École Howden. It was not an easy decision for us. We constantly asked ourselves “how can we help our children with their homework if we can’t speak French?”

However, with the assistance of their teachers, and a French vocabulary dictionary, our children did very well.

The LRSD French immersion program is designed for children whose first language is English and is available to any student registering for kindergarten, Grade 1 or Frade 4.  Students learn all courses in French except for English language arts.

As I write this, the first week of school has just concluded and it has been, beyond a shadow of a doubt, one of the most unusual starts to a school year.

Not only were many of the students separated from several of their classmates but some primary students have to attend alternate schools.Face masks and social distancing is the new normal, at least for the foreseeable future.

Thankfully the leadership group at Louis Riel School Division, both in the schools and in the board office, have successfully redesigned school spaces to attain the two metres (six feet) required to help keep staff and students safe.

The classroom is not the only place where social distancing is required. The question of busing has been another hurdle the leadership team has had to leap. They have successfully arranged transportation requirements  for 2,800 students, including all students who require transportation due to school rearrangements.

As I write this, the first week of school has just concluded and it has been, beyond a shadow of a doubt, one of the most unusual starts to a school year.

Not only were many of the students separated from several of their classmates but some primary students have to attend alternate schools.

Face masks and social distancing is the new normal, at least for the foreseeable future. Thankfully the leadership group at Louis Riel School Division, both in the schools and in the board office, have successfully redesigned school spaces to attain the two metres (six feet) required to help keep staff and students safe.

The classroom is not the only place where social distancing is required. The question of busing has been another hurdle the leadership team has had to leap. They have successfully arranged transportation requirements  for 2,800 students, including all students who require transportation due to school rearrangements.

Last year ended with a bang in the Louis Riel School Division (LRSD).

The month of December showcased the immensely talented and compassionate students in our schools. So many milestones to celebrate, but where to start?  

Well, I could mention the Dakota Lancers AAAA varsity volleyball teams. Both the girls and boys teams won the provincial championships. Way to go Lancers! The girls triumphed over Brandon’s Vincent Massey Vikings three games to zero, while the boys prevailed over the Westwood Warriors three games to one. To add icing to the cake, this event was broadcasted by our very own Louis Riel Arts & Technology Centre (ATC) broadcast media students.

I could also mention the human ecology sewing class at Windsor Park Collegiate which made 60 toques and presented them to Mitch Bourbonniere of the Mama Bear Clan to be distributed to Winnipeg’s homeless — our students’ way of showing they care.