As the school year wraps up, Spruce Ridge School principal Cheri Haberstock reflected on a busy and memorable year.
“This has been a crazy busy, but awesome year,” she said.
One of the top highlights came early in the school year with an Indigenous learning day in October, which saw Westview and Hillcrest students joining Spruce Ridge.
“We had over 600 students and we had 10 different knowledge keepers who were here helping us learn more about First Nations and Métis culture,” said Haberstock.
The federal and provincial elections were also key learning opportunities for students, giving them a chance to explore the electoral process, learn about the candidates and discuss the issues.
“It was a great learning experience for them to know who the candidates were and what the issues were that would affect their lives as they go forward,” she said.
Giving back to the community was another area of focus for the school. Students supported the United Way, TeleMiracle, the St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation and the local food bank.
The Grade 8 class was also busy fundraising for their ski trip, organizing events such as a haunted house and a Christmas wreath raffle.
The school’s Kickoff to Christmas event was a free celebration for families that featured hockey with the Estevan Bruins, horse and carriage rides, and a petting zoo.
Performances and student showcases were also among the year's highlights, including a Christmas concert and a spring production in April titled Rumble of Murder.
The school-wide One School, One Book initiative saw students and staff reading The Mouse and the Motorcycle. Spruce Ridge also won both age categories in this year’s Battle of the Books.
“We had a bunch of fun activities to get kids excited about reading,” said Haberstock.
Track and field remained a popular event.
“Kids love it and the parents love coming to watch it,” she said.
This year, staff even got in on the action, racing in inflatable costumes.
“So we had a number of pigs and chickens and horses and sharks all racing out in these inflatable costumes, and it was hilarious. The kids and adults, everyone just loved it.”
Haberstock praised the efforts of staff for their dedication throughout the year.
“Each teacher puts in countless hours preparing for the class, as well as dedicating time outside of class, whether it’s coaching, choir or yearbook,” she said. “Every single staff member in our school makes a huge impact. We have an amazing staff here. I’m so proud of all of them. They work well together as a team and they’re all about the kids.”
While kindergarten and Grade 8 graduation ceremonies have already taken place, the whole school will gather for a talent show on Wednesday, June 25, featuring 52 acts.
“We have everything from jokes to dancing, singing, and poetry recitals. The list goes on and on.”
One of the biggest changes at the school this year came with the provincial ban on cellphones in schools. Haberstock said it was a positive step.
Students in Grades 6, 7 and 8 were required to leave their phones in their lockers and only access them for 20 minutes at lunch.
“Huge impact,” said Haberstock. “Far less distractions for them. They can be more focused on what they’re learning about, and we don’t have some of the discipline issues, like social media incidents, and people posting without others’ permission didn’t happen nearly as much this year.”
Haberstock ended with a message of gratitude.
“Thank you to everyone for all your hard work and efforts this year. It’s paid off and we’ve all had a lot of fun along the way,” she said. “Let’s do it again next year and make next year even better.”