STF lifts sanctions, bargaining to resume next week

Michael Oleksyn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
-
0
STF lifts sanctions, bargaining to resume next week

After escalating to work-to-rule this week, the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation will resume bargaining for a new provincial collective agreement next week.

According to the STF, the decision is a result of ongoing discussions with government that have addressed teachers’ concerns regarding the accountability of funding to address class size and complexity.

Negotiations with the GTBC are expected to resume Tuesday, April 16. The resumption of formal negotiations means job action by teachers will be suspended effective 11:59 p.m. on Friday, April 12.

STF President Samantha Becotte took a more conciliatory tone in her press conference with media on Friday morning.

“I would like to share a thank you with the Minister of Education in recognition of the challenges that students and teachers are facing in the pre-K to 12 public education system and for his commitment to begin improving the conditions in classrooms through multiyear funding agreement and accountability frameworks,” Becotte said.

According to Becotte, the government has assured the STF that the new Government-Trustee Bargaining Committee mandate will properly address all of the issues important to teachers.

Becotte also thanked students and families and the public for their support.

“I know sanctions are never an easy time for anyone,” Becotte said. “I can definitely say that on behalf of Teachers of Saskatchewan, that these are not easy actions to take, but we appreciate your support through all of the actions that we have taken.”

Becotte said there has been progression over the past few weeks in discussion about the language in the MOU signed with the Saskatchewan School Boards Association (SSBA) and the Accountability Framework.

“Through this, we are happy to say that we will be looking forward to accepting the Government Trustee Bargaining team’s invitation to return to the bargaining table next week with their renewed mandate in good faith,” she said.

She explained that the long term commitments in the accountability framework will ensure funding goes directly to classrooms.

“Teachers look forward to working together with all education sector partners as we strive to improve the experiences of all of our students and classrooms across Saskatchewan and deliver the high quality education that the 200,000 students that we serve deserve and have a right to,” she said.

Recently, Education Minister Jeremy Cockril has been more conciliatory with regards to accountability for funding to address classroom issues. The government has moved on a number of its positions since bargaining first started, including a new multi-year funding agreement and a proposed MOU between the Saskatchewan School Boards Association (SSBA), the province and the STF.

The STF will not implement sanctions while negotiations are taking place.

According to Becotte, the specific details around what the bargaining days are, and location have not been determined.

She added that the ongoing dispute has caused strain in the relationship with both the government and SSBA.

“I do think that there’s a recognition that we need to refocus on finding those solutions and working together to find those solutions for everyone,” she said. “I do feel that that that has been a change that I’ve seen with the Ministry and with the Minister.

“I’m hopeful that this is a step in the right direction that we can continue on this good work. In the end, it’s only going to benefit our students that we’re here to serve and we’re here to support.”

Becotte says the efforts of teachers have created a valuable conversation around the issue of class size and complexity and the importance of providing learning environments that best support students. The engagement of parents, caregivers, students, businesses and community organizations played an important role in moving government back to the bargaining table

The MOU, which has not yet been signed, sets the ground for an accountability framework which could be implemented in divisions across Saskatchewan to direct how money is used for classroom supports.

“I’m very optimistic,” Cockrill said during a media scrum in Saskatoon on Friday. “Everyone in this province wants to come to an agreement.”

Cockrill said that class size and complexity language will still not be included in the contract. However, he said the government is willing to include some wording that ensures teachers have a voice in what happens in their local school divisions and schools.

In a statement emailed to the Herald Cockrill welcomed the news that the STF wants to return to the bargaining table.

“I thank the STF senior leadership for their willingness to work collaboratively to find a path back to the bargaining table,” Cockrill said.

“Our government wants to get back to a place where government, school boards and teachers are all working together to improve education in Saskatchewan,” he added.

“Parents and families have been significantly affected by job sanctions over the last few weeks and months and it is time to move forward to ensure our children can be in the classroom and participate in extra-curricular activities.”

Premier Scott Moe took to social media via Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) to comment on the update.

“Our government has met a number of the STF requests to try and reach an agreement,” he said, adding that the inclusion of an accountability framework in the collective bargaining agreement is “a reasonable position to take, and our government is prepared to see this language included in the contract.”

Michael.oleksyn@paherald.sk.ca

Ministry approves Catholic Division 2024-2025 school calendar

Michael Oleksyn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
-
0
Ministry approves Catholic Division 2024-2025 school calendar

The Prince Albert Catholic Division board of education was informed that the Ministry of Education has approved their 2024-25 school year calendar at their regular meeting on Monday.

The board approved the calendar in February and the Ministry received notice in early April.

“The school calendar is approved so we’ll take the next steps there to get that organized for the next school year,” education director Lorel Trumier said. “We’ve met all the compliance parameters that we need to, so (we’re) pleased about that.”

Trumier expected to receive approval by May at the latest.

The school calendar includes 950 hours of instruction time.

The school year will begin on Tuesday, Sept. 2 because of where Labour Day lands on the calendar, with teachers having assigned teacher time on Aug. 25, 27, 28, 29 and 30.

The teacher convention is scheduled for March 14, 2024. Elementary Student Parent Conferences are on Oct. 21-24, 2024, and Feb. 2-6, 2025. High School conferences are on Nov. 20 and April 30.

Christmas break will be from Monday, Dec. 23 until Jan. 3. The February break is from Feb.17 to 21 and there is an Easter break from April 18 until April 25. The last day of classes will be on June 26 of 2023.

The calendar includes 315 minutes of instruction per day and 950 hours of instruction per school year as directed in the Education Act.

School will begin after Labour Day next school year, with Labour Day landing on Sept. 2.

According to the Education act, any year when the statutory holiday occurs on Sept. 5 or later, the education minister can choose to start school during the previous week before the holiday.

The legislation to start school after Labour Day was introduced in 2011.

michael.oleksyn@paherald.sk.ca

Studio 1010 Art Show and Sale hosts opening reception

Michael Oleksyn
-
0
Studio 1010 Art Show and Sale hosts opening reception

The Studio 1010 Art Group is hosting their annual Art Show and Sale at the Grace Campbell Gallery in the J. M. Cuelenaere Branch of the Prince Albert Public Library.

The group hosted their opening reception on April 6. This is the second show of the season for Studio 1010, who also do a show at the Hicks Gallery in the Margo Fournier Arts Centre in October of each year.

Longtime member Shirley Markell said having multiple shows makes everyone work harder.

“It’s a great incentive to get work complete, (and) framed, wires on the back, ready to go (and) labelled,” Markell said. “We probably wouldn’t be doing that if we didn’t have shows coming up.”

The 1010 art group is a group of local artists who meet every Monday afternoon to work on their individual art projects.  They are named after the address of the Margo Founier Arts Centre and have been around for over a decade in the city.

Markell is one of the group’s original members. She studied art as a university student, and took up painting again after retiring. She has loved her time with Studio 1010.

Michael Oleksyn/Daily Herald. Longtime Studio 1010 member Shirley Markell poses with two of her four pieces at the Studio 1010 Art Show and Sale opening reception on Saturday at the Grace Campbell Gallery.

“Judie (Relitz) and I were talking and we think maybe it’s 18 years (since starting),” Markell explained. “It was about 2005 or 2006…. We were taking art classes and got to know each other a little bit. We just liked the time that we could get together and paint.”

The show is for watercolour, acrylic and oil art. Markell’s preferred medium is watercolour.

“I’m a teacher by trade,” she explained. “At university Art was my minor and I worked with oils and acrylics at that time, but I always had wanted to try watercolour, so, when I retired, Joyce Middlebrook was teaching watercolour and she’s an excellent artist and teacher. So quite a few of us met there so I’ve carried it on and just because trying to do too many mediums is just too much.”

Markell had four pieces in the show, all completed after she had surgery in November 2023. The paintings include portraits of her grandchildren and other family members, plus a few beloved pets.

After exploring that theme, she’s moved on to another one with her current projects.

“I’m trying to do sparkling water at the moment,” she said. “I’m working at it. I’ve done a few. I’m not really satisfied with them.”

Michael Oleksyn/Daily Herald. Local art group Studio 1010 put their latest creations on display with their latest exhibit at the Grace Campbell Gallery. The exhibit runs until April 25.

Markell said there are currently some restrictions in place for Studio 1010. The group doesn’t allow oil painting because some members are allergic to them. However, they try to be welcoming of everyone.

Markell would encourage anyone who is interested to join Studio 1010. The group has no formal instructors, although senior members often encourage rookie artists, and share tips and tricks they know. The cost is $80 per year which helps to cover the rent of the Arts Centre for the year.

“The ladies are so helpful with beginners or anybody wanting to know anything,” she said. “Occasionally we get guest artists in to teach something new…. We have had people come and talk to us about pricing and plagiarism and things like that.”

The Studio 1010 show runs from March 30 to April 25 at the Grace Campbell Gallery.

If you are interested in joining Studio 1010 contact Relitz at j.frelitz@sasktel.net for further information. They meet on Monday afternoon from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and you can set up a table and join.

michael.oleksyn@paherald.sk.ca

Gardening season kicks off with Seedy Saturday

Michael Oleksyn
-
0
Gardening season kicks off with Seedy Saturday

Gardening season got under way in Prince Albert with the annual Seedy Saturday at the John M. Cuelenaere Branch of the Prince Albert Public Library on Saturday.

Keri Sapsford is one of the organizers of the yearly event and owner of The Backyard. She said the event has been around for roughly 16 years, and is always something to look forward to.

“Seedy Saturday is to get together and share seeds that we’ve collected over the year and just share with gardeners,” she said. “There are local seed vendors and local garden vendors that just get together and start off the spring season.”

Sapsford said the same group has been organizing it for years. She appreciates the camaraderie that comes with stability.

“We all work together to put it on, but we’ve been doing it for so long that it’s just kind of all the same people and they all come,” she explained.

The event is traditionally held at the Library but it was previously held at Sapsford’s business when it operated north of Prince Albert.

She said the event was a chance to bring your collected seeds from last year to share with other gardeners, purchase some locally grown seeds from Seed Vendors and visit with Gardening Vendors and experts in their field.

In the morning there was a chance to attend Start at the Roots – Heal your soil workshop with Ashley from the Gardening in Canada YouTube channel.

“There was a workshop this morning with Ashley (Esakin) from gardening in Canada. She’s got a YouTube channel. She’s from Saskatoon,” Sapsford explained.

Michael Oleksyn/Daily Herald People had a chance to talk to gardening experts at Seedy Saturday at the John M. Cuelenaere Branch of the Prince Albert Public Library on Saturday.

Sapsford said that the crowd was very good for the event.

“We’ve been talking to people about gardening all day, so we’ll talk to them for another two hours,” Sapsford explained.

michael.oleksyn@paherald.sk.ca

Melfort bush pilot and researcher presented Meritorious Service Medal

Michael Oleksyn
-
0
Melfort bush pilot and researcher presented Meritorious Service Medal

Heritage researcher and bush pilot Doug Chisholm of Melfort recently received one of the highest honours in Canada from Governor General Mary Simon.

On March 21 at Rideau Hall, Chisholm received a Meritorious Service Medal (Civil Division) for his work keeping the memory of those who passed away in the Second World War through photography. Chisholm said the entire event was a shock to him.

“When you get a phone call and then they say you’re there from Rideau Hall and wondering if I would accept this Meritorious Service Medal … yeah, I was surprised,” Chisholm said. “It was unexpected. It wasn’t what I thought would happen when I picked up the phone that day.”

Chisholm said that the wording in the citation was important to him.

“This honour, one of the highest in the country, has been conferred upon you by Her Excellency the right Honourable Mary Simon, the Governor General of Canada. It’s a testament to your outstanding achievement and service to the nation,” Chisholm said as he quoted the citation.

“Now, that’s pretty bold talk, right? I mean, but not everybody gets that, and so when you read that or when she stands in the front of the room in Rideau Hall and reads like that and says those things, it’s an honour,” he added.

Chisholm’s award was a long time coming. He received notice about the award during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Governor General’s Office was unsure when it would be presented. Then in January, Chisholm got an email finalizing the date.

According to the Governor General’s Office citation, Chisholm has photographed and documented many of Saskatchewan’s 3,800 remote lakes, islands and rivers named in honour of military personnel who died in the Second World War. For the families of those war dead, his carefully crafted tributes allow them to view many inaccessible sites, and to connect their loved ones’ legacies with the region’s magnificent natural beauty.

Chisholm started his work in 1997. He was a bush pilot who flew a float plane and lived in La Ronge for 35 years.

There are 4,000 sites in northern Saskatchewan named in memory of each serviceman who lost their lives in the Second World War.

“I started to research the lakes and the islands that have these features in northern Saskatchewan that were named in memory of the serviceman that died in the Second World War,” he remembered. “Then over the years I came in contact with a lot of the families who were interested in this, and they provided me with pictures of the serviceman.”

He would provide the family with pictures of the lake or island and they would provide a photo of the serviceman. Eventually families also requested that he put a memorial plaque on the shoreline and each summer he would fulfil these requests and over the years he completed 300 plaques.

“Each one is different, (and) each one is special, just like the individual, and I think that, in a sense, is why I received this honour,” he said.

Doug Chisholm/Facebook Doug Chisholm, seen here with one of his plaques, was presented the Meritorious Service Medal by Governor General Mary Simon on March 21 at Rideau Hall.

Chisholm had no GPS when flying to the sites, so he would use maps to locate them. Sometimes he would come across plaques the families had already placed in honour of their loved ones.

“At one point, a friend asked me to take a picture of an island out on Lac La Ronge that was named in memory of a serviceman that died in the Second World War,” he remembered. “I looked on the map and then the name was there. I went out and circled and took the pictures and it begged the question, you know, who was this individual and what happened to him? I started to research.”

Chisholm said that the names were on all official maps but it was not well known at the time that the memorials existed.

He is also author of “Their Names Live On – Remembering Saskatchewan’s Fallen in World War II ” which was published in November 2001 by the Canadian Plains Research Center at the University of Regina. When the book came out families started to contact him.

A number of his photos are on the back wall of the Melfort Legion for soldiers from the area.

“That was my bread and butter,” he said. “That was how I paid the gas for my plane was I took these pictures. I had no government grants or anything. There were no programs for this.”

In 2001 he was contacted by a member of the Melfort Legion who provided a list of names for all those who lost their lives. Chisholm provided the photos of the locations and the Legion then provided the pictures of the fallen. He said he built the photos and charged $100 a frame and that paid for his fuel for his plane and the film for his camera.

His process is to circle the lake with his plane and film it with his video camera.

“I pick a spot and I land and tie up on shore and I drill into the bedrock and I mount the plaques,” he explained.

“I have a bit of a sequence that I go through. I record it, do a bit of a eulogy, and I play the Last Post on my boombox and there’s a minute of silence and then there’s Reveille like on Nov. 11.”

He records it for the family and has seen it move from VCR tapes to now using a USB stick to provide it to the family. He said that he hopes all of his research material ends up in the Provincial Archive.

He explained that just being in Rideau Hall made the honour that much more special.

“Rideau Hall is a really historic building, I mean it goes back into the mid 1800s and there’s a lot of things have happened there over the years. To be able to go and take and take a walk about and look and meet all those people, it really is something. It was a very special honour.”

On March 21, Simon presented a total of 64 Meritorious Service Decorations (Civil Division), including 8 Meritorious Service Crosses (M.S.C.) and 56 Meritorious Service Medals (M.S.M.).

The Meritorious Service Decorations (Civil Division) were created by Queen Elizabeth II to recognize great Canadians for an exceptional deed they accomplished over a limited period that brings honour to our country. They honour activities or deeds that are often innovative, set an example or model for others to follow, or improve the quality of life in a community.

Michael.oleksyn@paherald.sk.ca

Summer Literacy Camps returning to Catholic Division with one change of venue

Michael Oleksyn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
-
0
Summer Literacy Camps returning to Catholic Division with one change of venue

Summer Literacy Camps will return to Prince Albert for another year after the Government of Saskatchewan announced camp funding for the Prince Albert Catholic School Division.

In 2023, the division received enough funding to provide three camps after hosting just one the year before. This is the 15th year the division has received funding for the camps.

“It’s wonderful to have reading opportunities and it’s really that place where you can have the time with students to explore and enjoy reading,” PA Catholic Education Director Lorel Trumier said. “We all know that the best teachers of reading are the teachers who love to read themselves and take such pleasure in getting stories from print.

“I think this is just a lovely way for those students to maintain their skills and also to enhance the enjoyment of reading and grow the love of reading. I think it’s an awesome opportunity.”

Ecole Holy Cross, St. Catherine Catholic School and St. Michael Community School will all host camps this year. Traditionally, St. John Community School has also hosted a camp, but this summer the school is under renovation and Ecole Holy Cross has been substituted. Trumier said they are waiting to confirm the substitution but they have begun the process.

“I think that we still want to give the students an opportunity in the St. John area to attend the camps,” she explained. “It certainly is within walking distance for some children or parents can easily drop them off. It’s in close proximity to the school, so that’s why we’re selecting Holy Cross as a tentative location.”

The camps are intended to help children aged 6 to 11 to be better prepared for the new school year. The main goal is to support and improve reading and writing skills.

They are inviting children in Grades 1 to 3 and 4 to 6 to attend. The schedule is July 8 to 12 at Ecole Holy Cross, July 15 to 19 at St. Catherine and July 22 to 26 at St. Michael.

Children are eligible to attend more than one camp.

“Again, students from any area of the city who attend our schools can attend those camps. Even if you attend St. Catherine School, you can attend the camp at Holy Cross,” she said.

The morning session from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. is for children ages 6 to 8 and the afternoon from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. is for children aged 9 to 11. Each camper will receive many books each week to create their own reading collection.

The division will hire two teachers and one support staff position for the camps.

michael.oleksyn@paherald.sk.ca

Regional Science Fair returns with small changes because of STF sanctions

Michael Oleksyn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
-
0
Regional Science Fair returns with small changes because of STF sanctions

The Prince Albert and NE Regional Science Fair was a little different this year.

Students from around the region were at the Prince Albert Science Centre in the Gateway Mall on Tuesday. They still brought science projects to the annual event, but because of work-to-rule sanctions by the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (STF), parents and volunteers ran the event, but tried to keep changes to a minimum.

“The students were still able to showcase their projects,” Science Centre chair and event organizer Sandra Williams said. “They still came with the same amount of courage and bravery to embark on a science fair project, which is important.

“I think these projects today show that students want to be involved in scientific exploration,” she added.

There were 50 entries which almost doubled last year’s total, but not all the students from Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7 and Grade 8 could attend. Williams said there were a variety or reasons some students couldn’t make it, but they were still happy with the turnout.

Michael Oleksyn/Daily Herald People had a chance to look at projects during the public viewing section of the Prince Albert and NE Regional Science Fair on Tuesday at the Prince Albert Science Centre in the Gateway Mall.

“The students who came today were able to show their projects that they worked really hard on and their scientific journeys,” Williams said. “They were able to elaborate their science projects to the judges in eloquent, eloquent ways.”

Students came with their parents and set up their projects at 10 a.m. and judging began at around 10:10 and went until 11:15. After judging, students had an hour for lunch before the public viewing. The Science Centre then has an activity revolving around Lego.

The award ceremony was one of the big differences.

“We’ll be handing out certificates to all participants, but the actual award winners won’t be announced today,” Williams explained.

Superintendent Jennifer Hingley brought greetings on behalf of the Saskatchewan Rivers School Division during the certificate presentation.

Traditionally, winners are announced on the day of the event and advance to the Canada-Wide Science Fair, which will be held in Ottawa this year. Organizers will announce the winners at a later date.

Michael Oleksyn/Daily Herald Sandra Williams handed out certificates to each participant at the Prince Albert and NE Regional Science Fair on Tuesday at the Prince Albert Science Centre in the Gateway Mall.

Clark Rensberry is a volunteer for the Science Centre and also with the Prince Albert and Northeast Region Science Fair. He was also one of the judges for the event. Judges came from the Science Centre, Sask Polytechnic, Prince Albert Repair Cafe and business people.

Rensberry was a judge for five projects, including one that was judged during the public viewing period. He said it was a lot of fun.

“It turned out that was one of the most creative ones,” Rensberry said. “You never know who you’re going to get. It’s just amazing to watch these kids. Their brains think in unbelievable ways. They’re just out-of-the-box.”

He gave the example of one Grade 5 student who made a Ramjet water pump.

“That’s existing technology, but they made it with a half-inch pipe and they did all kinds of stuff,” he said.

Another example Rensberry gave was a Grade 7 student writing software to help people deal with mental health issues.

“They’re working through all these issues and everything. I (said), ‘so, you’re not a coder.’ ‘No, I’m not a coder. It’s my first time writing,’ but they were using software in ways that (show) this is where the future is. When people start taking tools and just making cool stuff with it and that’s science at its best,” Rensberry said.

Rensberry added that seeing all of the people who supported the Science Fair showed how much support the students have for their projects.

All students at Tuesday’s science fair were from Saskatchewan Rivers rural schools, but organizers hope to add urban schools next year. They also hope to draw students from the Prince Albert Catholic and North East school division, which are all eligible for entrance.

“People should know in the future that if their school, for example, is not doing a science fair, that should not stop them from participating in the Prince Albert and Northeast Region science fair,” she said.

The Science Fair has a Facebook page for more information as well.

“Students do not need to be affiliated with any particular school,” Williams said. “They can come here all by themselves with their parent guidance and authorization, of course, and participate.”

michael.oleksyn@paherald.sk.ca

Tack Sale at Exhibition Centre expands to add garage sale

Michael Oleksyn
-
0
Tack Sale at Exhibition Centre expands to add garage sale

When you own and ride a horse you collect a lot of equipment—or tack—during the riding season.

To help clear space, the Prince Albert Exhibition Centre hosted a Tack Sale for local horse owners on Saturday.

Donna Nagy of the Prince Albert Exhibition board said Tack Sales aren’t new to Prince Albert, but this year they decided to expand the sale and add a garage sale component.

“We are having a Tack Sale and a garage sale at the same time to see if we get more people coming, and I think we had some more,” Nagy said. “(We’ll) advertise differently and we’ll see how it goes.”

This was the second year of the return of a Tack Sale as a spring cleaning for horse supplies. She said that Tack Sales sometimes cause problems because the goal is to clear out space, but sometimes you see a good deal you can’t resist.

“You sell your own, and then you go buy somebody else’s. That’s usually how it happens,” Nagy said.

“It looks like everyone made a sale of some sort.”

Everyone builds up stock of extra tack throughout the year and this is chance to get rid of excess. Nagy said the sale helps bring parties together to make the transactions quick and painless.

“I forget whose idea was it to have it as a garage sale too, and I think that’s a good idea,” she said. “We just need to just make more people aware.”

The sale also doubled as a fundraising opportunity for both the Exhibition and the Drill Team, who ran the canteen. The PAEX Musical Drill Team will have two or three squads compete in a mini-competitive demonstration at the summer fair. The proceeds from sales at Saturday’s sale will help them put on a good show.

The Exhibition board is also looking at ways to help get rid of larger horse equipment through things such as auctions.

The Prince Albert Exhibition group that organized the Tack Sale will also be in charge of the horse show at the Exhibition this summer.

“We will see what happens,” Nagy said. “We’ll probably have it again next year because it’s not huge thing. You just have to spend the day, which is fine.”

michael.oleksyn@paherald.sk.ca

Barveenok Ukrainian Dance Festival returns to full power with 20 clubs at EA Rawlinson Centre

Michael Oleksyn
-
0
Barveenok Ukrainian Dance Festival returns to full power with 20 clubs at EA Rawlinson Centre

The Prince Albert Barveenok Ukrainian Dancers hosted their Dance Festival at the E.A. Rawlinson Centre on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and saw the festival return to full glory.

Dancers from more than 20 clubs competed over the three days. Barveenok President Kayleigh Skomorowski said that the festival was full with 357 entries.

“(It’s) super exciting we have 25 or 26 different clubs from Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, from all over the place,” Skomorowski said.

“We haven’t had a festival this size since 2019. This is the first time it is fully back, last year was our first time back since COVID, but our weekend, unfortunately, conflicted with some other local festivals, so we made a really serious effort to avoid those conflicts this year.

“It’s been really good. It’s a busy weekend, but there’s so much energy. There’s so much just really good positive stuff going on.”

Organizing for the festival begins in September. The festival comes near the end of the dance festival season, which usually begins in March and goes until June with the big festival in Dauphin in August.

Skomorowski said having all of the dancers and their clubs together created great energy.

“It’s really good,” she said. “The atmosphere and all the kids and all the clubs together dancing, it’s just really great.”

Michael Oleksyn/Daily Herald Dancers from the Hudson Bay Cheremka Dance Club from Swan River perform during the Barveenok Ukrainian Dance Festival on Saturday at the EA Rawlinson Centre.
Michael Oleksyn/Daily Herald Dancers from the Boyan Ukrainian Dance Association perform during the Barveenok Ukrainian Dance Festival on Saturday at the EA Rawlinson Centre.

The adjudicator for the weekend was Kaitlyn Kruk, who is based in British Columbia.

“(She is) phenomenal, just so good,” Skomorowski said. “The kids think she is funny. She’s super approachable. She knows her stuff. She’s been educating a lot, just like about the different regions of Ukraine, along with the steps. She’s been super open.”

With 25 clubs from across the prairies bringing up to 50 people with them, the EA Rawlinson was a hopping place. On Saturday, Skomorowski estimated that the event drew more than 1,000 dancers and spectators to the community.

The participants included three clubs from Saskatoon, two clubs from Yorkton, two clubs from Swan River Manitoba, the Meath Park and District Ukrainian Dance Club, the Nipawin Veselli Dancers, the Prud’homme Ukrainian Dance Club, the Hafford Cheremka Dancers, a club from Warman, the Verba Ukrainian Dance Club from Wakaw, a club from Sherwood Park, Alberta and private instruction dancers from Prince Albert, Edmonton and Saskatoon.

Skomoroski said the live stream on Facebook was also extremely popular with more than 1,000 people watching on Friday alone.

The event was also a cultural event with food and vendors in the concourse. Skomorowski thanked all of the volunteers and parents for making the three days run smoothly.

michael.oleskyn@paherald.sk.ca

Fire Department conducting ice rescue training near Victoria Hospital

Michael Oleksyn
-
0
Fire Department conducting ice rescue training near Victoria Hospital

For the next few weeks the Prince Albert Fire Department is conducting live, immersive ice rescue training at a retention pond just South of Victoria Hospital.

Members of the department were out on the ice conducting training on Friday. Deputy Fire Chief Alex Paul said it’s a standard practice for the department.

“There’s an ice rescue certification that’s done for every recruit, so they get a certificate that they’re trained in ice rescue, but all of our members practice ice rescue annually,” he said. “That’s just a standard practice to make sure that everybody keeps their skills up to date.”

During the practice, members immersed themselves in the water in a hole in the ice. They then go through the various steps of rescuing someone in the water.

“There’s a few different methods,” Paul explained. “Your first step is always to try and coax somebody to come off the ice on their own. Rather than putting a rescuer in danger, you try to coax the person to come off. If that doesn’t work, then you throw them something. You’ll throw them a rope, a life preserver or something like that, and use that to pull them.”

If the person cannot get a grip on an object or if they are unconscious, the third step is to send a rescuer in and get them back in off the ice.

Michael Oleksyn/Daily Herald Members of the Prince Albert Fire Department prepare equipment while they were on a retention pond near the Victoria Hospital practicing ice rescue on Friday afternoon.

“They probably would have done some scenarios, both rescuing people from on top of the ice surface and people that were in the hole that they cut so they were in the water,” Paul said.

The training also involved bringing an RDC (Rapid Deployment Craft) to rescue a firefighter in the water. Another step included adding a horse collar to get someone out of the water.

The firefighters put the RDC over the top of the opening in the ice, put the person in it, and then dragging them to shore.

“With the horse collar, (and) then the firefighters actually getting in the water with the person, that’s kind of the last resort,” Paul said. “We want to have as much distance between us and the person because as you know, any drowning victim, even in water not involving ice, is going to try and grab onto somebody and pull them down. We want to do as much of our operations at a distance as we can.”

“Getting in the water with the person is the last step, and arguably the most dangerous for the responder to get into the water with the person. But we still need to train for that because that sometimes is required.”

Barricades are set up and the Fire Department would like to caution people from entering the area over the next week as it will have open water. The Fire Department is asking that residents avoid this area, and to immediately report any unauthorized activity in proximity to the opening.

“Obviously, we need to cut the hole in the ice so we have that area to train in over the next couple of weeks, but we want to make sure that the public stays away and doesn’t decide to go and investigate why there are barricades and a hole in the ice,” Paul said.

michael.oleksyn@paherald.sk.ca

1234...203Page 3 of 203