Eagles' Extra

This past week was quite a week! It felt like full throttle from start to finish, with so many things happening around Donalda School.

It was a busy week for our volleyball teams, with both the boys’ and girls’ teams playing games in Erskine on Wednesday. It was great to see both teams in action! One of my favourite things about school sports is the way they bring students together, cheering one another on, supporting their teammates, and having a whole lot of fun along the way. Our girls’ volleyball team also had a neat opportunity this weekend to enter both an A team and a B team in the Stettler tournament. Our A team battled hard and played some great sets against several strong junior high teams. They split sets with a very powerful Delburne team and won their quarter-final match against a strong David Thompson team before coming up just short against Wm. E. Hay in the semifinal and Gus Wetter in the third-place game. Overall, it was a great tournament for our girls! The B team gave our younger players a chance to get some serious time on the hardwood, and it was exciting to watch them improve with every set. They finished second in their pool during round-robin play before heading into three playoff matches, all of which went to three sets! In the end, they earned a third-place finish. What a great experience for these players, and a wonderful opportunity to build their skills and confidence!

This week also brought our annual Awards Night, a wonderful evening to celebrate the many accomplishments of our students from last year. Thank you to all the families, friends, and community members who joined us, as well as everyone who took the time to present awards. It was a special evening and a great reminder of all the wonderful things happening at Donalda School.

Of course, volleyball and Awards Night weren't the only things keeping us busy! Our students spent the week piecing together clues in a school-wide mystery game, working together to figure out what suspicious activity had taken place at Donalda School one night. It was fun to see them putting their heads together, sharing ideas, and trying to solve the case!

We also had a visit from Constable Sterling John, who stopped by to say hello to our students. Little did he know that a quick visit would turn into an invitation to return the very next day to share his story and sing some songs with us!

And, of course, we wrapped up the week with Halloween festivities! Costumes, pumpkin carving, games and of course some candy.

Like I said, it was quite a week! But through all the busy days, games, celebrations, mysteries, and Halloween fun, there were countless moments that put a smile on my face as I watched our students learning, laughing, supporting one another, and simply enjoying being at school. As busy as school life can get, those are the moments that make it all worthwhile.

Grace demonstrates such kindness and throughtfulness towards her classmates. She took time at home to create little note taking books for each of her classmates to use during our Clue game. Going out of her way to do something special for her peers shows just how caring and generous she is. We appreciate the loving nature she brings to our classroom. Keep it up, Grace!

Bart noticed that his elbow partner was having trouble copying off the board. He started saying the letters he was writing down aloud so his partner could also write them down without looking back and forth. He also waited until his partner was ready for the next letters, and they were both finished quickly!

Haisley is a wonderful example of what it means to be a caring friend. She is always looking out for her others and showing kindness and compassion. When there was a spill in the classroom, she was the first to jump up and help without event being asked. Her thoughtfulness and willingness to help make her a wonderful role model for her classmates. Way to go, Haisley!

On October 17th, Mrs. Hendriks and Luke welcomed Hallie Rae into their family. Everyone is doing well and they are enjoying their new life as a family of three! Congratulations!

On Friday, November 13, Donalda School will partner with Sharon Lutheran Church to pack Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes. I truly love this activity because it teaches our students to think of others, care for those who have less, and bring a smile to a child on the other side of the world whom they may never meet.

Sharon Lutheran Church will provide the school supplies and personal hygiene items, while our students will write letters, pack the boxes, and contribute a special toy. If your family is able, we encourage you to take your child shopping to choose a special toy to include in the shoebox they will be packing. If your child is unable to bring a toy, please don't worry! We will have one available for them. Simply let the office know.

A big thank-you to our school community and Sharon Lutheran Church for making this meaningful experience possible! What a wonderful opportunity to teach our students about kindness, generosity, and caring for others.

Timothy Dahl Memorial Award - Volleyball: Danica Bjorge

Track & Field Achievement Award: Danica Bjorge

Fine Arts Acheivement Award: Teila Lipka-Hogg

We also had a pretty special visit from Constable Sterling John this week! He stopped by Donalda School while filling in at the Bashaw detachment from Edmonton. While chatting with our Grade 8/9 students, he shared a few stories and mentioned that he was also a musician who had been nominated for a Juno Award. Naturally, that caught our students’ attention! To make a long story short, Constable John returned the next day to deliver a one-hour presentation for our Grade 5–9 students. Through the Sterling John Foundation, which focuses on empowering youth, he shared an inspiring message with our students, along with some of his music. What started as a quick visit turned into a wonderful opportunity for our students to hear his story, be encouraged, and enjoy some live music!

Tuesday, November 3rd:

• Girls' Volleyball Practice

Thursday, November 4th:

• K/1/2 Oral Health
• Mini Spikers BODO Cup @ Home, 12 pm - 2 pm

Saturday, November 7th:

• CARA Volleyball Tournament