Donovan Hillary is a former River East Collegiate Kodiak.

Every year, as the summer break approaches, the wonderful people of the River East Transcona Teachers' Association drop off goodies for those who work at the RETSD Administration Offices. And every year, this kind gesture is greatly appreciated. Not a crumb goes to waste. Thank you, RETTA!

For two weeks recently, nine classes from Harold Hatcher Elementary School took a break from the four walls of their classrooms and took their lessons outside, rain or shine. Tarps were laid out under the trees for some shade, math students wrote answers on pavement in chalk, and learning stations were set up to engage the students’ creativity and problem-solving skills. This is the second year the school has held this outdoor learning project, and due to its popularity with students, staff and parents, it has grown. #outdoorlearning

Our principals are dedicated! #sploosh

At Sun Valley School

Some Murdoch MacKay Collegiate students made the short trip straight west to Harold Hatcher Elementary School on June 13 along with their teacher, Julia Barton, as part of a literacy project for their Grade 12 English class. The Murdoch students were paired up with Harold Hatcher students from Laurie Forrest’s class, and read stories to them that they’d written. Ms. Barton created the project so her students could experience what it’s like to write for a target audience and then have that audience listen to the story and respond to it. They had to plot out a theme for their story, create a storyboard and rough draft, edit it, and create their final written and illustrated copy. She co-ordinated the activity with Ms. Forrest at Harold Hatcher to ensure her students will also benefit. They’ll have the opportunity to ask the older students about their story ideas and writing techniques, and make connections to their own creative processes. It’s one of many examples of how RETSD schools at different age levels work together to everyone’s benefit.

Throughout May and June, Grade 3 students from Emerson Elementary School have regularly visited residents at the Kildonan Personal Care Home. Last week, they were excited to fundraise for and participate in a very special event—the Walk for Alzheimer's. Students, along with residents and staff of the care home, enjoyed a sunshine-filled afternoon walking in the community together. The event culminated with a celebration complete with balloons, juice, and muffins. It was great to see BIG smiles on the faces of the students and residents! #communityconnections

The next meeting of the board of trustees—the final meeting of the year—is tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. Members of the public are welcome. For more info: bit.ly/2gnCjUI

Congratulations to all the retirees and the employees who've served 25 years in RETSD. Last night, the board of trustees held their annual dinner recognizing these valuable and departing members of our staff. Always a wonderful celebration! PHOTO: (left to right) Trustees Michael West (board vice-chair), John Toews, Brianne Goertzen, Rod Giesbrecht, Eva Prysizney, Jerry Sodomlak, and Peter Kotyk.

Congratulations to the following RETSD students who were rewarded for their hard work and skills at the MHSAA Track & Field Championships, held June 7–9 at the University of Manitoba. MILES MACDONELL COLLEGIATE Jordan Soufi, 1st place, boys 100-metre dash—varsity Jordan Soufi, 1st place, boys 200-metre dash—varsity Jonathan Chausse, 1st place, boys high jump—jr. varsity Brandon Spulnick, 2nd place, boys 800-metre run—jr. varsity MURDOCH MACKAY COLLEGIATE Reese Lange, 1st place, girls 100-metre dash—jr. varsity Reese Lange, 1st place, girls 200-metre dash—jr. varsity Preston Kull, 2nd place, boys outdoor pentathlon—varsity TRANSCONA COLLEGIATE Umuhawa Senesie, 2nd place, girls 200-metre dash—varsity

Congratulations to Braeden Smith from the Miles Macdonell Buckeyes on being signed by the U of M Bisons! Read more: https://canadafootballchat.com/versatile-athlete-staying-home-joins-bisons/

In spite of the constant rain, these hearty scientists from John Pritchard School conducted an environmental impact inventory yesterday with the support of Barrett Miller from FortWhyte Alive. They made careful observations, asked important questions, and conducted detailed research. #outdoorlearning

Seen on a whiteboard at Murdoch MacKay Collegiate… One of the international students drew all the other international students in their class. Most of them are very sad to be leaving a group and school that has become such a familiar place in their “Canadian lives.” International students often form lasting friendships as a result of their experiences here in RETSD.

Featuring the Miles Mac Buckeyes golf team!

On June 7, École Regent Park, College Pierre-Elliott-Trudeau, and Dugald School collaborated to hold their first annual JAZZ Cabaret at the Archambault Performance Pavilion in Transcona. Over 100 musicians entertained families and community residents as they sat in lawn chairs and enjoyed some music and refreshments.

Job Posting | Early Numeracy Facilitator | Apply by Monday, June 18, 2018 | For more info: http://bit.ly/2sXO8nJ #RETSD #RETSDJobs #WinnipegJobs

Job Posting | Early Learning Community Connectors | Apply by Tuesday, June 19, 2018 | For more info: http://bit.ly/2JjJCKr #RETSD #RETSDJobs #WinnipegJobs

Eight RETSD students who were gold-medal winners at the Skills Manitoba competition in April attended the national Skills Canada competition, held June 4–5 in Edmonton, Alta. Four of our students brought home medals! Congratulations to Carson Malinowski from Kildonan East Collegiate who won silver for Cabinet Making; Leatishia Arnaud and Maryse Chartier from Miles Macdonell Collegiate who won silver for 3D Character Computer Animation; and Matthew Desorcy from Murdoch MacKay Collegiate who won bronze for Precision Machining. Also competing were Mitchell Epp from KEC for Electrical Installation, Dylan Kraynyk from KEC for Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, Cristiana Louise Masalunga from KEC for Baking, and Nhat Anh Nguyen from Murdoch for Fashion Technology. This was a lot of hard work for all the students and staff involved—well done!

Featuring Bernie Wolfe Community School