Halloween Spirit at Blackville School

Grade 12 students hosted Halloween activities here at Blackville School, as part of their fundraising, on Wednesday, October 26.  Kindergarten to Grade 5 enjoyed a night of fun, playing games, being scared in the haunted house and eating a lot of treats.

                   

To view more photos of the Elementary parties click here.

That same night, Middle School Students had their Halloween dance. Filled with the Halloween spirit, everyone came dressed up in their best costumes.

                   

To view more photos of the Middle School dance click here.

The Class of 2017 also had a very exciting night with everyone and many memories were made. They would like to thank all who attended and made the evening a great success.

High school students had their Halloween dance the following evening, Thursday, October 27.
To view photos click here.

Photos by Jules Keenan
Article by Jensen Urquhart

Halloween Colouring Contest

The Coding Quest (Video)

From Vampires to Witches - They Will be at Blackville School

Blackville School has many activities planned next week to celebrate Halloween.

The grade 12 students are organizing Halloween Parties on Wednesday, October 26 for the children from kindergarten to grade five to fundraise for the class of 2017.

The school is inviting the kindergarten to grade two students to come at 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm and the grade three to grade five students at 5:45 pm to 6:45 pm to celebrate this scary holiday with this year's graduates. The fee for the party is $4 per student, but many sweet treats and drinks will also be available.

The Blackville School is also organizing a Middle School Halloween Dance that same night at 7:00 pm till 8:30 pm, and the fee will be $5 per student. They are expected to come dressed in the scariest or cutest costume they own.

The High School Halloween Dance is scheduled to be on Thursday, October 27 at 8:30 pm till 10:45  pm, but the doors close at 9:00 pm. Don't miss it. There will also be Humans Vs. Zombies on Friday, October 28 at 7:00 pm till 9:00 pm. Students will have to pay $2 at the door to participate.

Next week will be filled with scary but fun activities. Don't miss out on them!

Article by Samantha Stockless

Illustration by Cassidy Brennan

People's Picks (October 17-21)

The elementary student of the week is Tally Luce in grade 4M. Mrs. McLean chose Tally to be the student of the week because she helps other people without being asked. Tally loves to watch Sponge Bob. This year Tally is going to be a Zombie for Halloween. Tally was very excited to be this week's student of the week. 

The elementary teacher of the week is Mrs. Norton. Mrs Norton's favourite part about being a teacher is getting to spend lots of time with all of the little boys and girls. Mrs. Norton's favourite TV show is This Is Us. Mrs. Norton's favourite thing about the fall season is watching all of the trees turn pretty colours. Mrs. Norton was very excited to be the elementary teacher of the week. 

The Blackville School staff member of the week is Brent Wilson. Brent's favourite thing about working at this school is that he gets to torment all of the student and staff members. Brent loves to watch the TV show American Pickers. On his spare time Brent loves to sleep, and he also loves to spend time with his grandson, Tristen. Brent was very proud to be the staff member of the week.

Articles and photos by Laura Sturgeon and Sarah Jardine

Camouflage Day (Video)

Elementary Students Blend in on Camouflage Day

Blackville School elementary students recently participated in Camouflage Day. Students from kindergarten to grade five dressed in camouflage, hunting gear or orange coloured clothing.

This is a new activity for the elementary students. Mrs. Jennifer Hallihan, a grade five teacher, explained that the students will have the opportunity to dress up for a theme day based on a significant event each month.

The theme day will be the last Friday of each month. Any guesses for what the theme day will be for October?

For more photos from the theme day, click here.

By Cassidy Brennan 
Photos by Jules Keenan

Grade 4 Students are on a Quest

Mrs. McLean with grade four student Madison Vickers

Grade four students are on a quest at Blackville School. To be more specific, they're on a "Coding Quest".

Grade four teacher Kendra McLean started a coding program to help students improve on writing step by step instructions, computer literacy and navigation, as well as developing higher thinking skills that involve creativity.

The program is based on the New Brunswick curriculum and teaches students in grade four to six how to do basic coding skills and create a computer game.

The users will spend time both in class and in the computer lab learning how to navigate websites like Scratch. According to the Scratch website, Scratch is a free programming language and online community where you can create your own interactive stories, games, and animations.

Grade four student Jordyn Curtis

McLean spent time this summer at a professional development workshop learning how Scratch works and how
to integrate the program in her classroom lessons.

"In July, I attended a Learning Partnership professional development under "Coding Quest" offered by the province of New Brunswick," McLean explained.

McLean plans on using this aid throughout the year as there are endless possibilities of new technical skills for the students to learn.

"I saw the benefits of the program to enrich students' language, especially the mathematical vocabulary involved, as well as give students an opportunity be creative at the same time," she added.

This program is just in its infant stage. McLean sees it evolving as more technical resources and equipment become available. She also hopes, in the near future, it will be available for other grades too.

Grade four student Brandon Hernandez

Grade four student Brandon Hernandez is very enthusiastic about the program. "You can make games, animation and anything if you put your head to it," he said. "It is a lot of fun, and I can make my own games. I never thought this existed," he added.

Other students agree with Brandon. Jordyn Curtis finds the program a lot of fun. She and fellow student Curtis Duffy explained how the students have to give directions to their animations so the animation can move and make sounds.

"I enjoy going to the lab and learning new skills," said Travis Manderville.

by Samantha Stockless
Photos by Cassidy Brennan 

2016 Walk-A-Thon (Video)

Save on Your 2017 Yearbook

If you plan on purchasing a 2017 Blackville School yearbook, now is the time to preorder.

If you are ordering before October 28, you will only have to pay $40, which saves $5.00 off of the regular price of $45.00.

Another great deal being offered for those ordering before October 28 is four free icons with a $5 personalization purchase.

But do not delay, these great savings are only available until October 28. They will not be around for much longer.

Preorder paper forms for the 2017 Blackville School Yearbook are now available at the school office or you can order online by clicking here.

Thanksgiving Colouring Contest

Student Walk-A-Thon Raises Over $7000

Grade 6 students Lydia Sullivan, Tara Martin and
Amber Hambrook

Blackville School students raised just over $7000.00 during a Walk-A-Thon last Friday, September 30.

The Walk-A-Thon was held to raise funds to build a fence around the elementary soccer field.

The field requires a fence so unwanted traffic, such as ATVs, won't be able to damage the field.

Presently,  the field cannot be used by the elementary soccer teams because it is deemed unsafe due to the damage.

Principal Rodney Buggie explained that the fence will a create safer practice and play area for the elementary soccer team.

Participating middle and high students and staff walked from the school to the Old Bartholomew Road and back again on Friday afternoon. It is a 8 kilometre walk. The elementary students and staff walked in the morning.

The school raised $7160.00, but the fence will cost approximately $20, 000.00. The school plans to organize more fundraisers for this cause.

To see more photos from this event, click here.

Written by Samantha Stockless
Photos by Jules Keenan

Grade 6 and 9 Orientations Held on First Day of School

Grade six and nine students participated in orientation activities for middle and high school during the first day on September 6 at Blackville School.

Kindergarten and elementary students also started on the same day. The rest of the middle and high school students joined their peers on Wednesday, September 7.

To check out more photos from Blackville's first day of school, click here.

Photos by Jules Keenan, Paulina Sturgeon and Veronica Pond

Grade 5 Students and Guests Enjoy Banquet on June 14

The grade 5 students and their guests took advantage
of the photo booth where they could "ham it up" with
different props.

The grade 5 banquet was held at Blackville School on the evening of June 14.

Each grade 5 student could invite two guests, along with the elementary staff. 

Guests were treated to pizza, garlic fingers and a sundae buffet. 

There was also a photo booth with different props where students could pose for pictures with family members.

Awards were given in all academic areas. The Ron Pauley Memorial trophy was awarded to Tessa Munn. This award recognizes leadership in athletics. 

The students also performed their version of the song "My Church" as "My Class." For more photos from the banquet, click here. 

Blackville School Hosts Elementary District Spelling Bee

Kindergarten Winners: 1st prize Winner Nathan Robichaud
of St. Andrews and Runner Up Isak Dubois of NSEE

Grade One Winners: 1st Prize Winner Matty Lirette of
Gretna Green and Runner Up Keenan Underhill of Blackville

Blackville School hosted this year’s Championship ASD-N Elementary Spelling Bee on Thursday, May 26.

A student from each grade level came to Blackville from all over the District to compete in the Spelling Bee against their peers. 

The students had already won competitions held in their own schools, and were now competing to see who would be the ‘Grand Champion’ of their grade level.

With hard words like “cleanliness,” “contagious” and “receive,” all of the K-5 students provided an impressive display of

Grade Two Winners: Runner Up Jace Jardine of Blackville
and 1st Prize Winner Ronan Clark of Gretna Green

literation. 

Grade Three Winners: Runner Up TJ Martin of Gretna Green
and 1st Prize Winner Landon Ferron McGillan of NSEE

For more photos from the event, click here.

The winners are as followed:

Kindergarten

1st - Nathan Robichaud - St. Andrews
Runner Up - Isak Dubois - NSEE

Grade One 

1st - Matty Lirette - Gretna Green
Runner Up - Keenan Underhill - Blackville

Grade Two 

1st - Ronan Clark - Gretna Green
Runner Up - Jace Jardine - Blackville

Grade Three 

1st - Landon Ferron McGillan - NSEE
Runner Up - T.J Martin - Gretna Green

Grade Four 

1st - Ben Walsh - NSEE
Runner Up - Preston Francis - Eel Ground

Grade Five 

1st - Madison Jardine - Millerton
Runner Up - Vinny Johnson - Miramichi Rural

Grade Four Winners: 1st Prize Winner Ben Walsh of NSEE and
Runner Up Preston Francis of Eel Ground

Article and photos by Jules Keenan

Grade Five Winners: Runner Up Vinny Johnson of Miramichi
Rural and 1st Prize Winner Madison Jardine of Millerton

Song Dedicated to Choir Member Graduates at Spring Concert

Members of the Blackville Girls Elementary Choir

Blackville School held their annual Choir and Band Spring Concert on Wednesday evening May 25. 

The choirs have had a busy year. In April, both the Blackville School Girls’ Choir and Elementary Choir were recently awarded the Gold Standard in the Miramichi Regional Music Festival for the third time this year.

“This has been the third year in a row since the festival has been back in business,” said Miss Catherine Frenette, Choir and Band Director. “I’m really proud of the students for their hard work and dedication.”

The concert featured renditions of songs by popular artists and all-time classics. The band opened the night with the song, “It Don’t Mean A Thing, If It Ain’t Got That Swing,” by jazz artist, Duke Ellington.

“We worked really hard to make this night possible, and I am proud of all the work we did,” said Noah Donovan, grade 10 student and devoted band member. The band has been practicing for four and a half months, alongside the Blackville School Girls’ Choir and Elementary Choir. 

Members of the Blackville Girls Senior Choir

The Girls’ Choir began their part of the night with the Latin selection, “Laudate Dominium,” and finished it off with,” Best Day of My Life,” by American Authors. Miss Frenette dedicated this song to the five students who are graduating this year: DeAnna Donovan, Mackenzie Jardine, Ashlyn Moody, Kali Nicholson, and Amelia Underhill. Some of these students have been involved with the Choir since the second grade.

“You girls have been an asset to our choir over the years and will be greatly missed next year,” said Frenette. “I would like to take this opportunity to wish each of you much success in your future endeavors.”

Miss Catherine Frenette has been working at the school as the music teacher for 29 years, and has devoted herself to both programs offered at the school since her arrival. “I have had a fabulous year working with all of the students,” she said. 

Frenette has also posted a card outside of her room thanking each of the students for their hard work, which made the night such a success. For more photos from the concert, click here. 

Photos and article by Jules Keenan

School Spelling Bee Winners; Hosting District Spelling Bee on May 26

Grade Three Winners: Ethan McEvoy, Bryce Underhill and
Brandon Hernandez

Blackville School held its first Annual School Spelling Bee last week. For more photos from the spelling bee, click here.

Grade Four Winners: Braden Burke, Blake Curtis
and Winston Dottin

The school will be hosting the District Spelling Bee this Thursday, May 26. The following students will be representing the school:

• Kindergarten – Allie Hallihan
• Grade 1 – Keenan Underhill
• Grade 2 – Jace Jardine
• Grade 3 – Brandon Hernandez
• Grade 4 – Blake Curtis
• Grade 5 – Abigail McEvoy

Below is a list of winners from the school's spelling bee held last week:

Kindergarten 

1st – Allie Hallihan
2nd – Chase Storey
3rd – Jayda Jardine

Grade 1 

1st – Keenan Underhill

Grade Five Winners: Gabryella Munn, Tyra Martin
and Abigail McEvoy

2nd – Thomas Hallihan
3rd – Chloe Furlong

Grade 2 

1st – Jace Jardine
2nd – Sophie Munn
3rd – Randi Jo Sturgeon

Grade 3

1st – Brandon Hernandez
2nd – Bryce Underhill
3rd – Ethan McEvoy

Grade 4

1st – Blake Curtis
2nd – Winston Dottin

3rd – Braden Burke

Grade 5 

1st – Abigail McEvoy
2nd – Tyra Martin
3rd – Gabryella Munn

Photos by Jules Keenan

Elementary Students Celebrate Spell-A-Thon Results

Principal Rodney Buggie and
Vice-Principal Pam Underhill
with First Prize Winner Brody Underhill 

Blackville School elementary students celebrated the results of the 2016 Spell-A-Thon on Monday, May 09.

The students participated in the event this spring. Students collected pledges until May 02 and earned their pledges for each word spelled correctly during the Spell-A-Thon. A total of $4435.40 was raised.

Proceeds from the event will be used for the elementary banquets, celebrations and field trips.

Grade four student Brody Underhill won the first prize of an iPad mini as the top pledge earner. Grade 3 student Kyle LeBlanc came in second, winning a Nintendo Wii U. Grade 3 student Nathan Stewart won a mountain bike and helmet for third place. Mrs. Hallihan's kindergarten class won the pizza party.

All students who collected pledges also received treats. For more photos, click here.

School Choirs Achieve Gold Standard at Music Festival

The Blackville School Girls Choir performing
at the 2015 Christmas Concert.

The Blackville School Elementary Choir and the Blackville School Girls’ Choir achieved a Gold Standard at last week’s Miramichi Regional Music Festival 2016.

The Elementary Choir sang, “If You Sing An Allelu” and “En Roulant Ma Boule,” and the Blackville School Girls’ Choir sang, “Laudate Dominum” and “The Swallow."

Awards will be given out at the final concert on Thursday, May 5 at 6:30 p.m. at Carrefour Beausoleil School Auditorium.

Ms. Frenette and all of the choir students would like to thank the piano accompanist, Mrs. Margaret Craig for "doing such a fabulous job as our accompanist at the festival."

They also send thanks to the parent volunteers: Tracey Hallihan, Sarah Mullin, Cindy Hallihan, and Elana Hallihan. "They traveled on the bus with us for assistance; it was greatly appreciated," said Ms. Frenette.

Choir and Band Spring Concert May 25

The Blackville School Elementary Choir performing
at the 2015 Christmas Concert.

Blackville School will be presenting its annual Choir and Band Spring Concert on Wednesday, May 25 in the school cafeteria at 7:00 p.m.

This concert will feature performances by the Blackville School Elementary Choir, the Blackville School Girls’ Choir, the Blackville School Jazz Band along with the Grade 9U Instrumental Class, and vocal/instrumental soloists.

Admission is at the door: Adults $5.00 Students $2.00. Fudge, beverages, and tickets on a 50/50 Draw will be sold during the concert.

Come and “swing into spring” and enjoy some of the fabulous musical talent from Blackville School.