Unity's elementary schools institute locked door policy

We have much to be thankful for in our community as well as in our province and country. Celebrate with gratitude this weekend and arrive alive at your family celebration by practising safe driving.

Reports Oct. 1 and 2 of a high-risk sex offender being on the loose in the area, along with a suspected predator following and approaching a 12-year-old girl in North Battleford, are stark reminders to keep our kids safe, and aware of their surroundings and strangers. We get complacent in "Smallville" but these news stories bring to light the importance of educating and protecting our children.

Unity Public School wants to remind parents and visitors of their entry policy. The school is implementing a new safe school initiative plan and part of that plan will be to have the school doors locked, with the exception of the main doors. From 9:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., all doors will be locked except the main entrance doors. This is where all daytime student pickup, deliveries and homework pickup should take place. Please acknowledge your presence in the school by stopping at the office; a wave is good. If you have been unrecognized, you may be asked to stop. What a great way to meet all the parents of our school. All grandparents, aunts, etc., please stop and identify yourselves as well.

The school's newsletter says, "We have implemented this plan for your child's safety. We will all be trying to get used to this procedure, as it is new to students and staff, as well as parents. Students have been instructed on this new procedure and have adapted quickly to the new policy. Just a reminder, should a student arrive late, they will need to come to the front doors from now on. Pre-K doors will be opened at drop off and pick up time. We thank you in advance for your cooperation on this issue. This policy is meant to protect our staff and students not inhibit any parent or visitor."

St. Peter's School is also implementing a locked door policy. While the students will be able to come in two entrances in the morning, only the front doors will remain open during the day.

Meanwhile, also at St. Pete's, the school is enjoying the sounds of the new band program echoing in their hallways.

Unity Composite High School (UCHS) students will be collecting winter wear for a campaign. Also, soon will be the fruit sales that benefit a number of school programs. And how cool is this? The UCHS Warriors football team has won yet another game giving them a 4-1 record heading into the final weeks of play.

You can log onto the town website for the arena schedule for the winter as, now that hockey has begun, the rink activity will increase each week. 3-on-3 hockey began Sept. 30 and will continue until Oct. 11. And then, hockey fans, live action hockey on a regular basis will be back in our arena.

CanSkate lessons will begin Nov. 4 and will run Mondays and Thursdays in two sessions: 3:45 - 4:30 p.m. and 4:30 - 5:15 p.m. Children must be three years of age and potty trained at registration. All children must wear a CSA certified hockey helmet for lessons. Please bring your child's health care number as it will be needed for registration.

Big congratulations to favourite people of mine. You can celebrate the 90th birthday of Jeanne Cumming and the 68th wedding anniversary of Ray and Jeanne at a come and go tea Oct. 12 from 2 - 4 p.m. at the Legion Hall.

The "music of the Louisiana hayride story and song presented Oct. 18, with amazing live singers and a band. Tickets only $35. Contact Our Drug Store at 306-228-2121 to ensure your seat.

A free Investors Group comedy night to benefit the local health care auxiliary and food bank takes place Oct. 28.

This is the annual Fire Prevention Week. Unity firefighters are holding their event today, Oct. 10, with an open house at the fire hall. Firemen also toured the schools giving their message about fire safety. This is a valuable division of protective services in our community, most recently evident with a number of harvest fires. Thank you to these fine folks for doing what you do and thank you to their families for bearing with them as they are on call regularly for our safety.

Coffee row conversation is a flurry of conversation as contributors talk of renewed faith in the big Rider win over B.C., now giving them a guaranteed playoff spot. Harvest is a topic that is always front and center, as rowers discuss the grand yields being told of. October brings another full slate of activities to discuss and review. So you see we keep busy in Unity with activities and wisdom from our friends on coffee row. Until next week.