PCS News - Providence Christian School Society

February 2015
PCS News
Providence Christian School Society
www.pcsmonarch.com
PROVIDENCE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
615 Queen Avenue PO Box 240
Monarch, AB T0L 1M0
Phone:
(403)-381-4418
Fax:
(403)381-4428
Email: [email protected]
Inside this issue:
Committee Reports
2-4
Editorial / student work
5-7
Professional Reports
Birthdays, Staff Emails,
reminders
Advertisements
8-11
12
13-17
IMPORTANT
DATES
February 3
Education Committee
Meeting
February 10
Board Meeting
February 13
Ski Trip
February 16-20
Reading Week
NO SCHOOL
Our Vision - We see ourselves as a
Christian day-school which offers Alberta
Curriculum from a Christian perspective in
order to train our students to become
responsible citizens who are true Christians and who will occupy worthily their
places in society, church and state.
Nehemiah 2:17 & 18. Then said I unto them, ... "Come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that
we be no more a reproach." Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also
the king's words that he had spoken unto me. And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work.
Nehemiah 6:15. So the wall was completed on the twenty-fifth of Elul, in fifty-two days.
I have been reading the book of Nehemiah recently. It is a remarkable story of one man who is moved
by the trouble that has befallen Jerusalem and the Temple. He is the servant of the world dictator of the
day and he distinguishes himself by his trustworthiness and leadership qualities. The story describes
the amazing and unexpected ways by which God executes His plans, sometimes through His faithful
servants and sometimes through the most unlikely people outside of His church.
King Artaxerxes lets Nehemiah travel on a very extended break from his palace responsibilities to organize the rebuilding of the Jerusalem wall. God moves him to write letters to authorize Nehemiah's
work, to provide all of the resources, to provide royal servants to protect Nehemiah, to transport building
materials, and to contribute funds. Artexerxes, in fact, seems to go out of his way to support work that
does not seem to be of any direct benefit to him at all.
The point of course is that the story is not about powerful king Artexerxes or capable leader Nehemiah
but about the King of Kings who will see His work done one way or the other. If He chooses to build His
church He will build it.
The rest of the story illustrates the power of faithful believers to accomplish truly remarkable things
when they are driven by God's plan and not held back by their own agenda, or their own fears and
doubts. A relatively small group of people, none of them experienced city builders by trade, completed a
whole city wall within two months. There are no references to heavy-duty equipment or clever building
techniques. They worked steadfastly and trustingly with building tools in one hand and weapons for
defense in the other. They made sacrifices and experienced discomforts and dangers, but they completed a structure some of which is still standing today in the Old City of Jerusalem. They did that in 52
days!
Remarkable.
It is said that an organization is only as strong as the community that supports it.
I had to think of that last week when over 80% of the school society membership voted near unanimously to begin a school building expansion. Not only is this good news for the facility in which our children will learn and grow, or for the programs that we will be able to offer. It is significant because of the
message of unity among the supporting families of the school.
To me that is an extremely encouraging and exciting thing. I am told there were years in the past where
there was no clear unity or shared purpose about the identity and future of the school. Divisions on direction weakened the organization and detracted it from what it could be. In my observations today I
see little of that. The PCS community appears willing to pull together and move forward, even when that
involves some sacrifices and discomforts. This is a blessing.
It is important now to see the well-being and growth of the school not as our own project but as the work
which God is doing among us.
"Except the LORD build the house, they that build it labour in vain: except the LORD keep the city, the
watchman waketh but in vain" Psalm 127. "For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all
things is God." Hebrews 3:4
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Principal’s Message ~ Hugo VanderHoek
How far can you travel into a forest?
Only halfway. After that you will be traveling out of that forest.
This week we began Semester 2. We have passed the halfway point of our school year. For some of our senior students that means
less time in school and more time in a work experience setting, RAP program, or other forms of work. For most other students it means
that they need to do more of the same, but a little more intensely and with a little more difficulty, in order to accumulate good achievements that will help them transition to the next year. Some students will start new courses such as a Foods and Nutrition, Woodworking,
Biology, PE 30, etc. Others will move from basic Math facts to calculations, from short stories to chapter books, from short phoneticallysounded-out-words to longer sight-words. But for all it will be important to do well. Excellence in our work does not only result in practical benefit to us, it is also an expectation of our Creator God.
Regular monthly meetings of the Education committee and the board will continue in this new season. In addition there will be occasional meetings of the new Graduation Committee, the Compensation Committee, and the Same Gender Attraction Policy Development
Committee. You will be able to read more about some of this elsewhere.
Next week Mrs. Diane Howe begins her first afternoon as the PCS school counselor. She will be available for a few hours every other
Thursday afternoon. She aims to enabling academic success in students by helping them work through personal obstacles that might
hinder it.
If you would like to see some of Mrs. Howe's time made available to assist any of your children please contact to me to make arrangements for this.
The Special Membership meeting of January 29th was an exciting event, not just because it set the wheels in motion for the building
expansion, but because of the unity within the school community and the shared purpose that was evident.
As staff we are looking forward to the developments at the school, even though it will involve some temporary adjustments to the students' playground options and behaviours. In anticipation of bigger and better things we will make the necessary changes to keep the
students safe and occupied while construction is ongoing.
A few months ago premier Prentice appointed Gordon Dirks to the position of Education Minister. We are encouraged by Minister Dirks'
appointment to the Education portfolio because of his educational experience as former public school teacher, principal, university instructor, and post-secondary college president, but also because of his roots in the Christian tradition.
On Monday Tim Meinen and I attended a meeting of local independent school leaders with Minister Dirks. We had an opportunity to
share some insight into the strength and value of the independent school movement and the actual situation on the ground in the independent schools. A number of recent issues came up for discussion such as funding questions, Alberta Curriculum Redesign, Bill 10
(regarding Gay - Straight Alliances), and 'Inspiring Education' - the public dialogue regarding the future of education in Alberta.
In the conversation minister Dirks proved to be very aware of educational issues and very sensitive to local community conditions and
needs. He expressed his appreciation for variety in educational approaches and parental choice in selecting schooling options. He also
expressed understanding of the unique strengths of independent schools and their valuable place in the Provincial Educational system.
He did caution us that the recent economic downturn will have unavoidable negative impact on the ability of the Alberta government to
fund education. He did not have details about the government's plans. Instead he requested our suggestions for ways to increase Education revenue and decrease cost.
It was a rare occasion for the Education Minister to meet face-to-face with independent school leaders. We take it as a good sign that
Minister Dirks took the time to do this. I believe it be of great value for the future that we could establish a personal connection during
this meeting.
Chairman's Message ~ Tim Meinen
The board will be going into high gear over the next few months. There are teacher compensation meetings to attend, teacher contracts to hand out, a budget to be made, and alongside that, the regular things that need to be done.
Mr. VanderHoek and I had the opportunity to meet with the Education Minister on Monday along with other representatives from the
Christian schools in our area. There was good discussion on a variety of topics that impact us as a school community. I would like to
thank our MLA for setting this meeting up.
It was good to see the good turnout for the special meeting on last week Thursday. We are also pleased with the strong support that
the society gave to the build expansion project. The building committee will continue to move forward and I ask that you pray for them.
Part of the motion that was passed that night included fund raising the last 100 000 dollars. The board will be meeting on Tuesday night and we plan on discussing some options to roll out a fund raising drive. Please also keep this in your thoughts and prayers.
I want to thank the ladies’ auxiliary for all the funds that they have raised over the years. Without their help we would not have the bulk
of the money that's in the building fund. A big thank you to all that have donated over the years. I also would like to thank the building
committee and Westco for the amount of time and energy that they have invested into this project.
Board Chair
Tim Meinen
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Treasurer’s Report ~ Jason Rosendal
Once again I'm writing a report with joy, thankfulness, and anticipation. With the building expansion soon to begin I would like
to ask everyone to make this a matter of prayer both financially and for the benefit of our school and children. Thanks to all
for keeping tuition current and if you have not please keep this in mind. Thanks to all who participated in the mystery dinner, it
was a huge success! Soon work will begin on the budget as well as the teacher contacts. Please remember PCS in these
times with all your prayers! Thank you.
Transportation Report ~ Charles Leeuwenburgh
Things are going well with the buses! Let's hope they continue to go this way. And I'm sure everyone is enjoying the low fuel prices.
January sure flew by and with it we finished another catering function, the mystery dinner and the citrus fundraiser this past week as
well.
A special thanks to the families who hosted “mystery dinner” guests and to all those who participated in this event. We are so thankful to announce that $10,865 was collected for the school, which has been designated for our building fund!
Thanks to all who placed orders for citrus fruit. They were delivered and picked up this past Monday at the school. We made a profit
of $510. A thank-you to Dan and Lorna Vanee for making this fundraiser possible.
Please mark Friday, March 20 on your calendar and join us for our 6th annual Gala Dinner Theatre evening beginning at 6:30 pm at
the Fort Macleod Community Hall. Preparing and practice for the entertainment has been going on for several weeks already and of
course we will once again plan a delicious menu. Come ‘Dressed in Your Best’ and invite your family and friends for this event. If you
are in grade 10 or older, please RSVP to Coranda (403-320-1921 or [email protected]) by March 16 if you plan to attend.
Funds raised on this evening will go to our building expansion fund!!!
We are looking for catering help for several events in March: a dinner at Bethel on March 5, a wedding in Nobleford on March 6, an
anniversary on March 13(either Lethbridge or Bethel), the Gala Dinner evening on March 20 and an auction concession on March 28 in
Fort Macleod. We need help for both the prep and clean up shifts. Please let Conny know in order to help out with at least one of
those. March is a very busy month for us, so we are looking forward to a lot of volunteers.
We thank everyone for all their help and generosity as we continue to raise funds for PCS. Above all we thank our Lord for giving us
these opportunities and enabling all of us to serve in this way.
The Building Committee would like to thank all the members who came to the Building Expansion meeting last week. It is exciting to
see the support of the Society shown through the vote to proceed with the building project presented. This is going to be a major undertaking for the Society and we need the support of all the members to make it happen. We ask that you will help us to keep the momentum going as we aim to raise the funds that are required to begin construction. Please keep this project in your prayers. Let us all
reflect on how good the Lord has been to our school and continue to see His Providence at work at PCS.
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Basketball season is quickly coming to a close for the Jr. High Students and we are thankful for a very successful season. The progress that the students have made since we began in November is impressive and the students have been rewarded with some strong
results in exhibition games, including a boys victory over Immanuel Christian and a girls victory over Lethbridge Christian. I have enjoyed watching the students get so enthusiastic about a sport that is relatively new to many of them.
As part of the basketball season, students were expected to raise money to cover expenses for our tournaments and gym rentals for
practice time. The chocolate bar sale was very successful with students raising over $1000 in profit, much more than what was required to fund their season. Congratulations to Joel Fieret, Karen Kleen, Katie VandenBrink, and Abby and Bart Tolsma for being our
top sellers.
The culmination to our basketball season will take place Wednesday, Feb. 11 and Thurs. Feb. 12 when we host our first ever basketball tournament at the Blue Whale in Nobleford. Teams will come from Taber Christian, Immanuel Christian and Lethbridge Christian to
our girls tournament on Wednesday and boys tournament on Thursday. We are thankful to several local businesses that have offered
to sponsor our tournament including Christian Credit Union, Jay-Dan Transport Ltd. and B&M Schooten Farm and Feedlot Ltd. It promises to be an exciting couple of days, full of great fellowship. As with any event such as this, it will not be a success without the help of
many volunteers. If you are able to come for any part of the day and help in areas such as the concession/kitchen or if you have any
experience with basketball and could help in an officiating capacity, please let me know [email protected]. We hope to
see you there to cheer on the Monarchs!
Gerrit Schooten
Sr. Athletic Director
Rutherford Scholarship
Application for the Alexander Rutherford Scholarships for High School Achievement is available to current or past High
School students of PCS.
It is sponsored by Alberta Scholarship Programs to recognize and reward academic achievement at the senior high school level and to
encourage students to pursue post-secondary studies.
The Rutherford Scholarship has a cash value of up to $2,500.00
Applicants must be a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident and an Alberta resident; and plan to enroll or be enrolled full-time in
a post-secondary program or apprenticeship program.
A student must have a minimum combined average based on five designated courses in at least one grade: Grade 10, 11 or 12. The
minimum average, value of the award, and courses that can be used depend on the year the student graduated.
Application forms are available from Alberta Scholarship Programs and at our front office. The deadline for application is May 1. The
award is issued in November for students who applied by May 1.
More information is available at:
https://alis.alberta.ca/hs/fo/pay/scholarships/info.html?EK=11
Mission Week - February 23 - 26
Planning is underway for an exciting week of special focus on the work which God is doing in mission fields and other places where
His children share the gospel of salvation. The learning and activities that the teachers are preparing this year are motivated by a desire to help kids experience a mission setting and meet with people involved in that work. Older students and older siblings are of the
age that they can actually go on a trip to be there and help along. Our students are not in that position so a week of 'virtual travel' and
exposure to stories is the closest we can get them to that experience. We expect that we will share the learning of that week in a different way than we have done in previous years. In stead of closing the week with a mission assembly / open house that is accessible
to parents we aim to help the students share their experiences in print and video.
We are looking forward to this week. Stay tuned.
Mr. VanderHoek
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Teachers Editorial
Using Multiple Intelligence to support the Inclusive Classroom
At the PCCE Convention, I participated in a one hour session, titled Using Multiple Intelligence to Support the Inclusive Classroom. The session was presented by Charlene Roberge, a teacher consultant at Edmonton Public Schools. Roberge is a member of a multi-disciplinary team focused on helping students with special needs within the regular classroom setting. She has also been a principal and
worked across the grade levels as a classroom teacher.
One of the first things Charlene had us do was fill out a “Getting to Know You Survey”. We had to read 24 statements and then
rate each statement from 0 to 5 according to how well the description fit us(0=not at all to 5=very true). After a few more steps each of us
discovered our preferred learning styles.
Our presenter explained that Psychologist, Dr. Howard Gardner, identified eight learning styles. These were listed in the survey:
Naturalist; Visual-Spatial; Bodily-Kinesthetic; Musical-Rhythmic; Interpersonal; Intrapersonal; Verbal-Linguistic; and Mathematical-Logical. I
was relieved to hear that our great God created us with the ability to learn using more than one learning style! He has made us all unique “everyone has something of value to contribute - and we all are interdependent.” (Jennifer Katz, 2013) In Psalm 139, King David tells us that
we are “fearfully and wonderfully made”. Yes, marvelous are the works of God! The following condensed information may help you understand the different learning styles.
Naturalist- This might be “a child who skillfully sorts and classifies rocks, insects, shells, or dinosaurs, or an adult who distinguishes between the sounds of different engines or analyzes the variations in fingerprints.”
Visual-Spatial – This individual thinks in terms of physical space and is very aware of his/her environment. This person likes to draw, do
jigsaw puzzles, read maps, and daydream.
Bodily-kinesthetic – These individuals use the body effectively, like a dancer or a surgeon. These learners have a keen sense of body
awareness. They like movement and making things. These learners communicate well through body language and are best taught through
physical activity, hands-on learning, acting out, and role playing.
Musical – These learners show sensitivity to rhythm and sound. They love music, but they are also sensitive to sounds in their environments. They may study better with music in the background. They can be taught by turning lessons into lyrics, speaking rhythmically, and
tapping out time.
Interpersonal - These students learn through interaction. They have many friends, are empathetic towards others, and generally have
street smarts. They learn best through group activities, seminars, and dialogues.
Intrapersonal - These learners tend to shy away from others. They're in tune with their inner feelings. They have intuition and motivation;
as well as a strong will, confidence and opinions. They learn best through independent study and introspection.
Linguistic - These learners have highly developed auditory skills and often think in words. They like reading, playing word games, making
up poetry or stories.
Logical-Mathematical – These learners enjoy reasoning, and calculating. They think conceptually, abstractly, and are able to see and explore patterns and relationships. They like to experiment, solve puzzles, and ask cosmic questions.
While I did enjoy learning Dr. Gardner’s theory, I need to move beyond that to the practical life of the Kindergarten classroom. I
must be aware of the various learning styles when creating and delivering lessons. I also need to provide the tools that are essential for
each child to be a successful and engaged learner. This is no small task! Yes, we sing; we share; we move around; we create and explore
using scissors, paint, play dough, sand, rice, water, etc.; we print using various media; we listen to stories both hardcover and through visual media; and so much more! But, I, as a lifelong learner, will always be looking for different ways to hopefully better engage my students.
We as staff covet your prayers for without Him we can do nothing! Moment by moment, and day by day we need wisdom, patience, insight, and so much more! May God continue to bless all of us, as together we strive to raise children in the fear of the Lord.
Nancy Vanden Brink
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Student Life
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Student Life
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Professional Reports
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Professional Reports
10
Professional Reports
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Professional Reports
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Announcements
February 26, 2015
Hot Dog Day
The school ski trip with be on February 13.
STUDENT OF
THE MONTH
JANUARY
Bradley Fieret
Karen Kleen
Courtney Gruninger
Works Independently
Follows Directions
Helpers:
Inge Meinen
Jackie Poelman
Nelina Slomp
Gerrylee Vanee
Karen VEP
BANKING DAY
Next banking day will be Tuesday, Feb. 10. There will be a
teller here to take your deposit or to open a new account for
you. Envelopes are available at the school office if you would
like to make your deposit earlier.
Reading
Week
LOST & FOUND—SPONSOR CHILD
Items NOT picked up by the end of the month will be donated to Bibles for Missions on the last Friday of each month.
Please bring $.25 to the office. Please remember the money collected is for a child in need, our Sponsor Child.
CONGRATULATIONS!!
The following students placed in the
Remembrance Day Poster Contest:
BIRTHDAYS
February
5-Lisanne Van de Haar
11-Thomas Moerdyk
12-Timothy Van Maanen
12-Katie VandenBrink
17-Mrs. Beyer
17-Emma Huisman
17-Miss Oord
20-Lynae Heins
22-Karen Kleen
24-Kevin Meinen
25-Levi VE Petersman
27-Ryan Middelkoop
March
4-Brayden Gruninger
5-Justin VE Petersman
8-Mr. Schooten
9-Tyler Herweyer
15-Joshua Fieret
16-Mrs. VandenBrink
16-Mr. Lubbers
16-Luke Slawson
28-Michael Fieret
29-Roger Kleen
Kayley Middelkoop
Sis Heins
Thomas Moerdyk
Carson Poelman
James Heins
Heidi Oosterkamp
NO SCHOOL
Feb. 13-22
“And we know that
all things work
together for good
to them that love
God, to them who
are the called
according to His
purpose.”
Great Work!
Romans 8:28
STAFF EMAIL ACCOUNTS (@pcsmonarch.com)
Staff Member
Email Address
Miss Oord (Administrative Assistant)
[email protected]
Mr. VanderHoek (Principal) (Grade 9)
[email protected]
Ms. Feyter (Assistant Principal)
(Grade 7/8)
[email protected]
[email protected]
Mr. Rosendal (Jr/Sr High)
[email protected]
Mr. Schooten (Jr/Sr High)
[email protected]
Mrs. Hauch (Jr/Sr High)
[email protected]
Ms. Van Herk (Grade 5/6)
[email protected]
Mrs. Dorchak (Grade 3/4)
[email protected]
Mrs. Prestage (Grade 2)
[email protected]
Mrs. Bolink (Grade 1)
Mrs. Vandenbrink (ECS)
[email protected]
[email protected]
Mr. Wynalda -Green Certificate Coord.
Ms. Winkelaar (Educational Assistant)
Mrs. Brobbel (Educational Assistant)
Mrs. Fieret (Education Assistant)
Mrs. Beyer (Educational Assistant)
Mrs. Oostlander (Educational Assistant)
[email protected]
@pcsmonarch.com
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
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OUTLOOK ACRES
-Fantastic Mountain Views
-2+ acre lots, 200 amp service
MLS
Prices starting at $144,000
1 Outlook Drive Nobleford
-5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms
-large view lot
MLS# LD0038679 $549,900
215 Kipp Street Nobleford
-5 bedrroms, 3 bathrooms
-Large Garage
MLS#LD0043619
$190,000
510 Centennial Avenue, Nobleford
-5 bedroom, 3 bathrooms
-Fully developed, 2 car attached garage
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$289,000
410 11 Street Nobleford
-4 bedrooms, 3 batrhooms
-fully developed, landscaped, attached garage
MLS#0046208
$274,900
DEER RUN ESTATES
-Coulee views, close to Picture Butte Golf
Course
-1+ acres SAVE THE GST UNTIL OCTOBER 31,
2014
- MLS
prices starting at $93,000
NEW LISTING 2010 13 Ave. Coaldale
-2750 sq. ft
-two 2 bedroom and one 1 bedroom suites
MLS#LD0052506
Price $290,000
HERRNHUT VACATION RENTAL
Are you having visitors from out of province who would like a private place to
stay? We have a furnished, roomy rental
unit in Nobleford that would be a pleasant place for them. It includes a fenced
off backyard, and a large and interesting
children’s play area right behind the
property. For rental info or any related
questions,
e-mail [email protected] or
(403)553-2635.
Prairie Dove
European clothing, purses and more!
~ Leggings
~ Tights
~ Adult/kids “ondergoed”
~Purses
~ Backpacks
~ lots lots more!
Contact: Gerda Brobbel ~ 403-553-2650
~ Come check it out! Coffee is on the house!~
~
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Weststrate Plumbing
& Gas Fitting Ltd.
PO Box 870
Coalhurst, AB TOL OVO
Phone (403) 553-3085
Cell (403) 892-4684
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“ THE SECRET OF COALHURST”
Week Specials February
3-7: 6 squares reg. $ 6.60 sale $ 5.95
10-14: 6 sprits cookies reg. $ 5.75 sale $ 4.50
17-21: Family week "bag of goodies"
1 white/60%, 12 dinner buns, 6 raisin buns, 6
cookies
reg. $ 10.12 sale $ 8.25
24-28: 1 dz. snowballs reg. $ 4.95 sale $ 4.50
Tuesday – Friday 8am-6pm
Saturday 8am-4pm
514 51 Ave, Coalhurst, 403 394 7676
“It is better to look ahead and prepare than to
look back and regret.”
Abraham Lincoln
John Van Liere, CA Shelly Shaw, CA
Jonathan Klok, CGA
(403) 388-2580
[email protected]
Book-keeping, Business Advisory, Tax & Accounting Services
17
528-6th St. South, Lethbridge, AB T1J 2E2
OFFICE:403-388-2580 FAX:403-328-7048
2311 2nd Ave., Fort MacLeod, AB T0L 0Z0
OFFICE:403-557-2580 FAX:403-557-2022
www.vanliere.ca
[email protected]
Are you a business owner with employees? Would you like to learn
more about the rights and responsibilities of employers under the Employment Standards Code and Regulation?
Then join Van Liere Shaw Chartered Accountants as we host a free "Wages
at Work" workshop. Brian Krueger of Service Canada will be our presenter
and during this two hour presentation, topics may include:
- Employment Standards Code and Regulation
- employment records
- payment of earnings
- minimum wage
- hours of work and overtime
- general holiday pay and vacation pay
- termination and termination pay
- self-employed/subcontractor relationships
We will be serving refreshments and desserts and Brian, as well as John
and Shelly with VLS, will be available for questions after the presentation.
Date: Tuesday, February 17, 2015
Time: 7:00 pm
Place: Lethbridge Lodge
PLEASE RSVP TO KAREN MURPHY AT VAN LIERE SHAW CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS AT (403) 388-2580 OR VIA EMAIL [email protected]
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