Viewpoint: Daylight Savings Times

Take Your Kid to Work Day

Isabella Hallihan mixes paint with her mother Cheryl
at Home Hardware.

Grade nine students participated in "Take your Kid to Work Day" on Wednesday November 2, On this day, students are required to visit their parents' workplace or an area of employment that interests them.

This is a great opportunity to experience a normal day in the work industry, and get a feel for what their future job may be like. It also helps them realize what their parents lives are like outside of the house, and become more aware of their everyday responsibilities.

Abby Keenan and her mother Jennifer in the school cafeteria.

Isabella Hallihan spent the day at Home Hardware, a local business, learning many useful skills for the job, such as mixing paint. Abby Keenan worked alongside her mother here at the school cafeteria.

Article and photos by Jensen Urquhart and Samantha Stockless

Athletes of the Month

Caleb Gillespie
Strong leadership Skills
Easy To Coach
Strong player
Always Helping Out.
(Middle School Male Athlete of the Month)

Layla Hallihan
Team Leader
Hard worker
Great Attitude
(Middle School Female Athlete of the Month)

Tanner Manderville
Strong Defensive Player
(High School Male Athlete of the Month)

Erin Moody
Reacts Well Under Pressure
Made Many Important Goals
Constant Effort
(High School Female Athlete of the Month)

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

Viewpoint: Halloween

Senior Boys Soccer Team Headed to Regionals; Girls Season is Over

The Blackville School Boys Senior Soccer team defeated Baie Ste. Anne with a score of 3 -2 on Thursday, October 20.  Scoring for the Blackville Eagles was Avery Brennan, Daniel Moody, and Peyton Gillespie.

With this guaranteeing win, the team is headed to regionals with the first place position giving them an ultimate chance of moving on to the provincials for the second year in a row.  The players are hoping to have a repeat, or what is called a "double decker."

The boys have been working hard all season with their coach Mr. Rodney Buggie. The team has the true heart to move on and the school community is hoping the players do well in the future games. The team will be playing two exhibition games against Jame M. Hill. The first game is Wednesday, October 25.

The season for the Blackville School Girls Senior Soccer team has sadly come to an end. Their last game was in Baie Ste. Anne where they suffered a close defeat. The girls had a good season overall.

By Riley Keenan and Aaron Dunn

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

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.

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

Viewpoint: Grade 9 and High School

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

45 Students Celebrate High School Graduation

Forty-five grade 12 students crossed the stage at Blackville School on Thursday evening, June 23 to receive their high school diplomas.

The valedictorian was Ashlyn Moody and the salutatorian was Laura Jardine. Father Gerry Laskey gave the invocation and the benediction was given by John Beach.

Anglophone School District North Superintendent Beth Stymiest, Southwest Miramichi-Bay-du-Vin MLA Jake Stewart and Blackville School Principal Rodney Buggie addressed the staff, graduates and their guests.

Later that evening after the graduation ceremony, the graduates had their all night Safe Grad event at the school.

During the graduation practice on Thursday morning, the graduates spent some time with the elementary students. Click here to see some photos. 

Blackville School Prom 2016

Blackville High School 2016 graduates pose for prom photos
at the Blackville Park on Saturday afternoon, June 18.

The prom for the Blackville School 2016 graduates and their guests was on Saturday, June 18.

The graduation ceremony is this Thursday evening, June 23.

For more photos from prom day, click here.

Photos by Jules Keenan

Daniel Moody Drafted to Quebec Major Junior Hockey League

Daniel Moody

The Victoriaville Tigers have drafted Blackville School grade 10 student Daniel Moody to the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League on Saturday, June 4th at the EastLink Center in Charlottetown, PEI.

Moody, who is a goaltender, played with The Miramichi Rivermen of the NB/PEI Major Midget League this past season. He was selected 130th overall (8th round) to the QMJHL.

Moody recently answered some questions for The Blackville Talon about the draft:

How did you feel? What were you thinking?
It was a dream come true. Especially to an organization like Victoriaville - a lot of new territory and people and more importantly an opportunity to make a Major Junior Team. Getting my named called was extremely exciting, and I am thankful to have the chance to showcase my talents at a higher level of hockey.

What does this offer mean to you as a person and as a hockey player? Why is it important to you?
Playing in the QMJHL has been a goal of mine for many years. Being able to be part of Victoriaville’s organization will hopefully open many doors for my future playing hockey and give myself a better chance to play on the team. Being drafted is an incredible way to pursue my hockey dream.

When do you start?
The training camp will take place in Victoriaville in mid-August.

Do you have anything you need to do in preparation?
Over the summer I would like to put on some weight and work to get faster and stronger, as well as getting on the ice as much as possible.

What will be your plans after you graduate and what your hopes for playing hockey?
Right now I am focused at taking one step at a time to play the highest level of hockey possible. As for next year, I will attend both the QMJHL training camp and MHL training camp and return to the Rivermen if I am not successful in cracking either lineup.

Students Raise $1100 for Josie Foundation

Blackville School Student Council Representatives present a
cheque for $1100.00 on June 4 to local MLA and Josie
Foundation Founder Jake Stewart. Members of the Student
Council (l-r): Brooke Underhill, Robyn Stewart, Gina Keenan,
Jade Underhill and also grade 10 student Jules Keenan. 

Blackville School students recently raised a total of $1100.00 through various fundraising initiatives for the Josie Foundation.

The fundraising campaign was organized by the High School Student Council.

According to its website, the Josie Foundation "is a non-profit incorporated Foundation whose aim is to establish, receive and maintain a fund for the relief of economic hardship for individuals (families) within the Miramichi area who may be encountering financial difficulty as a result of a life threatening illness."

For more information on the Josie Foundation, click here.

Drinking and Driving Awareness Video Awarded $1300

A video submitted in April by Blackville School grade 12 students for this year's Safe Grad Initiative students was recently awarded just over $1300.00.

The Safe Grad Initiative is sponsored by Alcool NB Liquor (ANBL) in cooperative with the New Brunswick Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.

A total of $20, 000 is offered to winning submissions to help fund safe grad activities. The value of the awards are dependent upon the quality of the submissions.

The objective of the Safe Grad Initiative is to promote responsible choices among teenagers when celebrating high school graduations.

The video created by the four students at Blackville School provides some statistical information as it recounts a tragedy that occurred due to drinking and driving.

The students who produced the video are Calvin Furlong, Bailey Coughlan, Michael Waugh and Brooke Underhill. It also features a Blackville School teacher, Mr. Aaron Johnston.

Middle and High School Recognition Awards 2016

Daniel Richard and Ashlyn Moody received
 the Most Outstanding Academic and Extra-curricular Awards.

Blackville School held their Recognition Awards Ceremony on Monday, June 6. 

Grade 12 student Ashlyn Moody and grade 10 student Daniel Richard received the Most Outstanding Academic and Extra-curricular Awards.

Grade 12 student Brook Underhill received the Fenton Sturgeon Memorial Award which is awarded to a grade 12 student who has been involved in sports for all four years of high school. Special consideration can also be given to students who have volunteered their time coaching younger athletes outside school hours.

High School Male Athlete of the Year went to Grade 12 student Dylan Storey and High School Female Athlete of the Year went to grade 12 student Ashlyn Moody. 

The Kathy McCormack Award, recognizing athletes who are great school ambassadors, went to grade 12 student Josh Underhill.

Middle School Male Athlete of the Year went to grade 8 student Drake Donovan and Middle School Female Athlete of the Year went to grade 8 student Hayley Underhill.

Grade 11 student Robyn Stewart received the School Spirit Award. For more photos from the awards ceremony, click here.

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

Middle and High School Plays Recognized at Provincial Drama Festival

Middle School Drama Club members performing in
Drama Geeks Vs. Zombie Cheerleaders at the
NB Provincial Drama Festival

Blackville School plays from both the middle and high school levels were recognized at this year's New Brunswick Provincial Drama Festival held from May 11-18 in Fredericton.

The Middle School Drama Club's play Drama Geeks Vs. Zombie Cheerleaders received six awards and recognitions. Middle School students Reese Urquhart, Anna Sturgeon, Abby Keenan and Patrick Donovan all received Outstanding Actor Awards.

The play also received an Outstanding Use of Choreography Award and a Special Adjudicator’s Mention for Innovative Lighting.

High School Drama Club members performing in
 Game of Tiaras at Blackville School

The High School Drama Club's play Game of Tiaras also received six awards and recognition. Laura Jardine and Jasmine Jardine received awards for Outstanding Student Directors. Robyn Stewart received and Outstanding Actor Award and Gina Keenan received an Outstanding Supporting Actor Award.

The play also received an Outstanding Use of Costume Award and a Special Adjudicator's Mention for Ensemble Work and Comedic Achievement.

Students from the Theatre Arts 120 class performing in
The Nine Worst Breakups of all Time at Blackville School. 

The Theatre Arts 120's play The Nine Worst Breakups of All Time received four awards and recognitions. Calvin Furlong received a Special Adjudicator's Mention for Playing the Villain.

The play received Special Adjudicator's Mention for Ensemble and Special Adjudicator's Mention for Taking Risks. The play also received an Outstanding Use of Choreography Award.

Last week the high school plays were performed at the school. To see photos from the performances, click here. 

To view photos from the Middle School Drama Club's performance at the Drama Festival, click here.