On December 6, in the spirit of helping those in need, two students from École Regent Park School held a bake sale to fundraise for Manitoba Mutts Dog Rescue. Savanah and Lily raised $275 to help animals in need. Way to go, girls!

Chief Peguis Junior High girls in Grades 6 –8 joined schools across Canada to participate in the 4th Annual Hackergal Hackathon on December 12. This was the first time Chief Peguis students took part, and they used their coding skills to present powerful messages about the environment. Gaylynne Bergen from CIBC, a corporate sponsor, helped kick it off. One of the highlights, apart from the excellent collaborative work among the student teams, was a WebEx nationwide video conference with Riya Karumanchi, the 15-year-old co-founder of Smart Cane, a white cane for the visually impaired that uses smart technology. For more about Hackergal Hackathons, visit: hackergal.org

A friendly reminder for those visiting our schools to see performances.

This year, Grade 11 students taking human ecology at River East Collegiate decided to put their sewing skills to use and make children’s pyjamas as a final project. The colourful flannel PJs will be donated to United Way Winnipeg, and will help children in Manitoba stay warm this winter. ❄️

A crowd gathered on the Bunn’s Creek Trail on December 11 to mark the unveiling of an art installation—one that several talented students from John G. Stewart School played an integral part in creating. Those walking along the trail will now find seven signs at various locations featuring artwork depicting the Seven Sacred Teachings from Indigenous culture—Love, Respect, Courage, Honesty, Wisdom, Humility, and Truth. The signs have laminated pine carvings on one side, created by JGS students with the assistance of educational assistant Robert Unik. And on the other side are colourful artworks that were a collaborative effort between JGS students and artist Becky Thiessen. As well as the above contributors, the project came to fruition thanks to Knowles Centre, the Winnipeg Arts Council’s Youth WITH ART program, and the City of Winnipeg Parks and Open Space Division with project support from Coun. Jeff Browaty. For more about the project, visit: http://winnipegarts.ca/wac/artwork/along-the-creek

Students in the English–Ukrainian Bilingual Program at Bernie Wolfe Community School celebrating St. Nicholas Day. It marks the beginning of the winter holiday season in Ukraine. (Photo by Norbert K. Iwan)

JOB POSTING | Lighthouse Supervisory Staff | Apply by Friday, December 14, 2018 | For more info: https://tinyurl.com/ycj2x7a9 #RETSD #WinnipegJobs

JOB POSTING | Adult Crossing Guard | Open until filled | For more info: https://tinyurl.com/ybhtuxrp #RETSD #WinnipegJobs

This week, some of Santa’s helpers did some visiting in RETSD! A communications regiment of the Canadian Armed Forces set up a command post next to some of our schools for Operation Radio Santa, a public outreach program that teaches kids about peacekeeping and emergency response situations. Classes got to go inside the command post tent or truck and ask the soldiers questions about their duties and about the regiment’s special friend, Santa Claus. The soldiers used a two-way radio connected to the North Pole to allow the excited kids to take turns talking to St. Nick himself! Such an honour. 🎅🎄

JOB POSTING | Literacy Support Worker | Apply by Friday, Dec. 7, 2018 | For more info: https://tinyurl.com/yb6sodva #RETSD #WinnipegJobs

No need to brace yourself any longer—winter has arrived! Well, not officially until December 21, but it hardly feels like autumn weather today, does it? So, while you're huddled inside, avoiding the stark reality of Winterpeg, here are some interesting facts about Canadian weather to enjoy.

The Winnipeg Jets' Nikolaj Ehlers popped by Bertrun E. Glavin Elementary last week to help lead some (thrilled!) students through a Project 11 classroom session. Project 11 is a prevention program supported by the True North Youth Foundation that teaches about mental wellness and positive coping skills. It was created in honour of #11, Rick Rypien, a former player from the Winnipeg Jets and Manitoba Moose. To learn more about Project 11, visit: https://www.projecteleven.ca/

JOB POSTING | Bilingual School Secretary | Apply by Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2018 | For more info: https://tinyurl.com/y74e55k4 #RETSD #WinnipegJobs

RETSD schools and properties are now both vape-free and smoke-free zones. This means there is no smoking/vaping permitted in schools or on school division property. Students are also prohibited from having vaporizers or vaping-related products on all school division properties or at school-related activities or events. For more information, please see policy JICG-R Electronic Vaporizer Devices and Tobacco: https://tinyurl.com/yajlwvjn

Annie Beach is a graduate of River East Collegiate, and she attributes her passion for activism to a program she was involved in at REC. #CreatingStudentSuccess

In the spirit of giving, students in Mme Kelly’s class at École Margaret-Underhill decided to help with Koats for Kids this year. In just one week, their community provided over 40 winter coats along with cold weather gear such as boots, gloves, hats, and scarves for those in need. The students then got to go on an adventure, visiting their local fire-paramedic station in Transcona to pass along the donated items. #koatsforkids To learn more about Koats for Kids, visit: https://unitedwaywinnipeg.ca/koatsforkids/

The chilly weather is upon us, making us want to spend more time indoors keeping toasty warm. Make the most of your indoor time by signing up for a class with RETSD EDVentures! You can get or keep fit, learn a language, explore mobile technology, learn to roll your own sushi, or participate in some great classes designed just for kids or for the whole family to enjoy. Click below to learn more!

We were fortunate to have Lenard Monkman visit us yesterday to speak with 100 senior years students who take part in our Indigenous Academic Achievement mentorship groups. Mr. Monkman is the co-founder of Red Rising Magazine and an associate producer with the CBC Indigenous unit. He spoke to the students about positive role models and effective mentorship. #CreatingStudentSuccess

Kildonan-East Collegiate students celebrate the school's diversity in this wonderful video, which was made with the hard work and creativity of KEC photography and music students. #diversityisstrength #CreatingStudentSuccess

On November 21, the students in High Step at River East Collegiate spent the morning volunteering their time at Siloam Mission in the donation area. They sorted clothing, shoes, and accessories for the drop-in centre. At the end of the morning, the students and staff reflected on their experience, expressing how they really enjoyed their time "doing something nice for the community." Everyone worked very hard as a team and will continue to volunteer time throughout the year at Siloam Mission.