Santa Visits Blackville School

Santa took some time out of his busy festive schedule to spread some holiday cheer at Blackville School on Friday morning, December 21.

Blackville School Elementary Christmas Concert

Bucket Filler December 17-21: Layne Jardine

Layne with Vice- Principal
Mr. Johnston and
Principal Ms. Trudy Brophy-Underhill

This week's Bucket Filler is Layne Jardine from Mrs. Hambrook's grade 2 class. Layne was picked as Bucket Filler for always helping other students and being a friend to everyone.

Congratulations from everyone here at BHS. Keep up the great work!

A student from kindergarten to grade three is recognized as Bucket Filler of the Week on a bi-weekly basis.

Students discuss what they like about the Christmas season

Bucket Filler for December 10-14: Caidan Duffy

This week's Bucket Filler of the Week is Caidan Duffy from Mrs. Lyons' grade 2/3 class. Caidan was picked as Bucket Filler of Week for being very kind to others and for always being helpful in the classroom.

Congratulations from everyone here at BHS. Keep up the great work!

A student from kindergarten to grade three is recognized as Bucket Filler of the Week on a bi-weekly basis.

Student of the Week - Rachel Patles

Student of the Week for December 7th is Rachel Patles from Madame Jen's grade 5 class. Rachel was picked as student of the week for always trying her best, being helpful in the classroom and always getting along with others.

A student from grade four or five is selected Student of the Week on a bi-weekly basis.

Middle School Students Participate In Dots For Kids Day, A Mental Health Awareness Campaign

Last Friday, December 7, the middle school participated in the Dots For Kids Day: Ring A Bell Campaign.  All middle schools across the province participated.  A little before 12 noon the middle school students went to the gym to ring a bell to support kids mental health awareness.  For more information check out the website at www.dotsnb.ca

*To see more photos from the day's events, CLICK HERE!

2013 Calendars Now Available

The grade 5 students sport shades
and summer clothing for the month of  July.

Once again this year, Blackville School is selling a calendar for the new year. The 2013 calendars are now available at the school office for $10.00.

The full colour calendar features the homeroom classes in different themes for each month.

In the new year, K-5, 6-8 and 9-12 photos will be independently judged, and a prize will be rewarded to the winning classes for each grade level.

Toes in my Nose?

Award-winning children's author Sheree Fitch was at Blackville School on Tuesday, November 27. Fitch shared her stories and poems with the elementary students.

Middle School Students Discuss the Sport of Hunting

Student of the Week - Robyn Stewart

This weeks Student of the week is Robyn Stewart from Mrs. Manderville's grade 5 class.  Robyn has been picked for being a very friendly girl with a great sense of humor.  Robyn is a wonderful classroom helper and works very hard each day in class.  Congratulations Robyn from everyone at BHS! 

A student from grade four or five is selected Student of the Week on a bi-weekly basis.

Bucket Filler for Nov.13 - 16: Layten Jardine

Layten Jardine from grade 1N was the Bucket Filler of the Week. Layten is always willing to help out others. Congratulations to Layten for doing such a good job at filling someone else's bucket.

A student from kindergarten to grade three is recognized as Bucket Filler of the Week on a bi-weekly basis.

School Raises $1300 for the Fight Against Cancer

Abby Donovan, Mme Tobin-Forgrave and Marissa Donohue

Students and staff at Blackville School raised $1300.00 for the fight against cancer.

A school-wide penny drive was recently held and $800.00 was raised, and a walk was held in October which raised $500.00

The school had an assembly on Monday morning, November 19 to celebrate the amount raised and watch three school members get their hair cut.

Middle school teacher Madame Michelle Tobin-Forgrave, grade 12 Student Council President Marissa Donohue, and grade 7 student Abby Donovan all donated some of their hair. Their donation will be used to make wigs for patients who lose their hair as the result of cancer treatment.

Local hairdresser Lori Anne Jardine was on hand to help with the hair cuts.

Blackville School Remembrance Day Ceremony

Student of the Week - Cassidy Hallihan

Cassidy Hallihan of grade 4D was the Student of the Week for the week of November 5 - 9. Cassidy is always kind and considerate to others, and she is quick to offer encouragement and help. Her smile lights up the room, and she begins each day with a positive attitude. She sets a fine example for her peers. Congratulations from everyone at Blackville School, Cassidy!

A student from grade four or five is selected Student of the Week on a bi-weekly basis.

High School Students Reflect on Remembrance Day

Blackville School Store Holds Grand Opening

Dustin Conners and Alex Fiander cut the cake at
 the school store's grand opening

The Blackville School Store recently held their grand opening to celebrate their new location by the cafeteria.

Students Dustin Conners and Alex Fiander cut the cake at lunch time on October 31. Both students help run the store which is open on Tuesday and Wednesday from 11:30-12:00 and 1:25-1:45.

The store has a number of school items in stock along with extra products such as rings, water bottle holders and sidewalk chalk.

Bucket Filler for Oct. 29 - Nov. 2: Kaden McNeil

Kaden McNeil from grade 1M was the Bucket Filler of the Week. Kaden is a good listener even when others around him are not listening. Congratulations to Kaden for doing such a good job at filling someone else's bucket.

A student from kindergarten to grade three is recognized as Bucket Filler of the Week on a bi-weekly basis.

Student Council Collects Food for Local Food Bank

While many children were knocking on doors asking for candy on October 31, members of the Blackville High School Student Council were going door to door asking for donations for the local food bank.

The four students collected six milk crates full of non-perishable food items that will be donated to the Blackville Food Bank.

Staff or students who would like to add to the contribution can still bring in their items until Friday, November 2.

The four council members were (left to right) Whitney Tucker, Cassandra Waugh, Valeja Birnbach, and Marissa Donohue.

NHL Lockout Poll Results

Results from the question: How do you feel about the current NHL Lockout?

I agree with the NHL players	1 (7%)
I agree with the NHL owners	0 (0%)
I am upset about the lockout	5 (35%)
I don't care	8 (57%)

Halloween 2012 Viewpoint

Student of the Week - Isabella Hallihan

Isabella Hallihan of grade 5H was selected Student of the Week for October 22-26. Isabella always does her best and is a caring and helpful friend. She looks out for other students too.

A student from grade four or five is selected Student of the Week on a bi-weekly basis.

Student of the Week - Cassidy Urquhart

Cassidy Urquhart of grade 5M was selected Student of the Week for October 9-12. Cassidy is a hard worker and a great classroom helper. She always has a smile and is a wonderful friend to all her classmates.

A student from grade four or five is selected Student of the Week on a bi-weekly basis.

School Cell Phone Policy Poll Results

Results from the question: Do you agree with the cell phone policy?

Yes	9 (69%)
No	3 (23%)
Undecided	0 (0%)
Not concerned	1 (7%)

Viewpoint: NHL Lockout

Bucket Filler of the Week (Oct. 15-19): Miranda Norton

The Bucket Filler of the Week is Miranda Norton from Mrs. Wall's kindergarten class. Miranda is always willing to lend a hand, and she has a wonderful smile which fills everyone's bucket!

Congratulations goes out to Miranda this week.

A student from kindergarten to grade three is recognized as the Bucket Filler of the Week on a bi-weekly basis.

Bucket Filler Award to Travis Manderville (Oct. 1-5)

Kindergarten student Travis Manderville was selected as Bucket Filler of the Week (October 1-5) for telling fellow student Bruce not to worry about anything at school, and that he would take care of him and show him what to do.

Congratulations goes out to Travis for not only filling his own bucket but someone else's too.

Students from kindergarten to grade three can be awarded the Bucket Filler of the Week Award.

Viewpoint: Cell Phone Policy

People's Picks

Who are this week's People's Picks at Blackville School? Click here to find out.

Athletes of the Week

Check out this week's Athletes of the Week. Click here.

Plans Underway for Anti-Bullying Week

A picture is worth a thousand words and photos can go a long way in an anti-bullying awareness campaign. That is why students at Blackville School will create photo posters to promote anti-bullying messages.

Staff and students at Blackville School are planning events and activities for Anti-Bullying Week  from September 24-28.

On Monday students in each homeroom will think of a scene that will be photographed as part of an awareness campaign against bullying. They will also develop a slogan with the photo. The photos will be developed and enlarged and used as posters throughout the school and online to promote anti-bullying.

Along with the anti-bullying poster campaign, daily announcements will appear on the school webpage and on the school televisions.

Wednesday will be pink shirt day and both students and staff are urged to participate and Friday will be blue and gold day to promote school spirit.

Stay tuned!

Students in Journalism 120 are receiving their job assignments for this semester. The Blackville Talon will be updated on a regular basis starting the end of this week (Sept 21).

Elementary and Middle School students received year-end awards

Elementary and Middle School students, staff, family and community members gathered on Tuesday, June 19 to recognize academic achievements and school contributions by elementary and middle school students.

Awards Presented at Recognition Day

Most Outstanding Academic and Extra Curricular
Josie Furlong and Junior Vickers

Students, staff and community members gathered in the Blackville School gymnasium on Monday, May 28 for the annual Recognition Day.

Highest standing for both Middle School Language Arts and Math went to Ashlyn Moody and Most Improved Middle School Student is Morgan Peterson.

Middle School Male Athlete of the Year is Connor Donovan and Middle School Female Athlete of the Year is Riley Luce.

High School Female and Male Athletes of the Year:
Mandy Colford and Dallas Underhill

The Kathy McCormack Award, recognizing athletes who are great school ambassadors, went to Abby MacRae and Brody Dunnett. Dallas Underhill received Male Athlete of the Year while Female Athlete of the Year is Mandy Colford.

Most Outstanding Academic and Extra-curricular Awards went to Junior Vickers and Josie Furlong.


(Photos by Valeja Birnbach)

High School Plays Recognized at Drama Festival

Thirty two high school students from Blackville School participated in the annual New Brunswick Drama  Festival on Thursday, April 26.

The Theatre Arts class 120 performed Noise of the Toys while the High School Drama Club performed The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon.

Both plays received recognitions. Noise of the Toys received Special Adjudicator's Mention for Ensemble Work and Comedic Timing as well as Outstanding Use of Costumes. Additionally, grade 12 student Taylar Curtis received an Outstanding Supporting Actor recognition. The director was Mrs. Cheryl Underhill.

The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon received a Special Adjudicator's Mention for Comedic Timing and Grade 12 student Melissa Underhill received an Outstanding Actor recognition. The play was directed by Grade 12 student Michael McNeil

To see more photos from the performances, click here.
Photos by Joshua Laplap

Spring into Blackville School for a Fresh Read!

The Blackville School Library will be hosting a Scholastic Spring Book Fair from April 16-18. On Monday and Tuesday the fair will take place from 9 am - 4:30 pm and Wednesday from 9 am - 4 pm. The Family Event will occur on Tuesday evening from 5 pm - 8:30 pm.

A great variety of new popular titles for all ages K-12 will be available: mature reads, adult novels as well as our popular "Boutique," chock full of delightful gift items, unique educational tools and much more!

The popular "Stop Bullying" bracelets will be selling for $1.00 each. As well, Scholastic is offering, for free, one plush "Calico Kitten Set" for a minimal purchase of $25.00.

Don't forget to bring along the Family Event Ballot that is available inside or on the back of the Highlights flyer and enter for a chance to win the $50.00 student/classroom draw.

Sales at the Spring Book Fair help the library. For every $10.00 spent at the fair, $6.00 goes back into the library for resources and materials.

The public is welcome to attend and cash, cheques and credit cards are accepted.

An Apple a Day....

Students and staff at Blackville School participated in "The Great Big Crunch" on Tuesday, March 20. 

The activity takes place across Canada to promote awareness of healthy eating habits and local and global food systems. 

Every student and staff took a healthy bite from their apple at the same time. To view more photos, click here. For more information about the campaign, click here. 

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

Middle School students at Blackville School held their Winter Carnival last week (March 12-16).

On Friday, many of the boys participated in the Boys as Girls Beauty Pageant.

Links to more photos from the event and other activities, can be viewed here.

Blackville School Celebrates Winter Carnival

Students at Blackville School are celebrating Winter Carnival this week. The high school students held a door decorating contest in homeroom showing school spirit and using the school colours. The students were also encouraged to dress in school colours, blue and gold (or yellow). Meanwhile, the elementary students had dress up day, and students came on Monday dressed as animals. For photos from the door decorating contest, click here. Photos of the elementary students can be viewed here.

A Closer Look at the Effects of Cigarettes

By Nathalie Sturgeon

Gasoline, rat poison, toilet bowel cleaner, battery acid, are just a few of the ingredients found in cigarettes. Angela Thomas, a respiratory therapist in Miramichi who owns her own business, was on hand at Blackville School February 13 to discuss the topic of smoking. Juanita Curtis who is a victim of COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) accompanied her.

Curtis has smoked a pack of cigarettes per day for 25 years. “My lungs are completely destroyed,” said Curtis. Curtis said she finds it hard to complete her simple daily routines.

Students were asked to place a small marshmallow at the end of a straw and attempt to breathe through it for the entire lecture to demonstrate a patient suffering with COPD.

Students were provided with numerous options to avoid, quit and help support others with smoking and its dangerous effects.

According to Thomas there are 4000 chemicals within the common cigarette, 50 of which are cancer causing. And on average it takes a smoker seven attempts to finally quit smoking.Thomas visited with both middle and high school students and staff offering helpful options as well as cessation groups to be set up within the school.

Nathalie Sturgeon is a high school student at Blackville High School. She can be reached at nast00296@student.nbed.nb.ca

In photo: (l-r back): Presenter Juantia Curtis, students Julia Astle, Michael McNeil, Cassandra Waugh and presenter Anglea Thomas (l-r front): Students Marissa Donohue, Morgan Donovan, Morgan Coughlan

Golden Eagle/Cobra Basketball Challenge

It will be an action-packed evening of basketball at Blackville school when both the Blackville senior high school girls and boys teams will face off against North and South Esk Regional.

On Thursday, February 16 the Blackville Eagles and NSER Cobras will compete in two games. The senior girls game will be at 6:00 p.m. and the senior boys will play at 7:30. The winners will receive a trophy that will be kept for display at their school until the following year.

Admission to watch both games is $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for students. A canteen will be available.

Korean Students Studying in Blackville

By Nathalie Sturgeon

Two exchange students arrived at Blackville School from Korea this month. Jin Seok Kim and Su Gyung Park are both grade six students and will be here until February 28.

The Korean students came to the area to experience the rural and country environment. Over the years the school has hosted many international exchange students.

The two host families this year are Brian and Denise Kelly and Dana and Quentin Campbell.

Both Kim and Park came to Canada to study English, and said their favorite subjects are Math with Mrs. Carmel Fiander.

Park said she enjoys her host family and friends and enjoys gym class. Kim enjoys the snow in Canada and the people; he also said he really enjoys gym class.

The goal of bringing exchange students to Blackville is for the students to see what another culture is like and for them to help the exchange students learn all about the school and community of Blackville.

Nathalie Sturgeon is journalism student at Blackville School. She can be reached at NaSt00265@student.nbed.nb.ca

Blackville School Shows Spirit With New Calendars.

By Braden Coughlan

Recently the staff at Blackville School created a school calendar. This calendar includes full colour photos of students from all the grade levels.

The idea for the calendar surfaced after Harvey studios offered the service when the grade 12 students were getting their graduation photos taken.

Each photo for the calendar was taken with its own theme, depending on the month.

The calendars went on sale before Christmas and the feedback has been very positive.