SUMMER TRAINING INTEREST FORM
BASKETBALL/TRIVIA NIGHT
872 is having its first Squadron Basketball Trivia Night! If you’re interested please sign up with the link below, and enjoy some scrimmage along with interesting trivia.
Date: Friday, March 22, 2024
Time: 7 pm – 8:30 pm
Location: Maurice Lapointe School
INTRODUCTORY MESS DINNER – 30 MARCH 2024, 3PM to 8:30PM
Please see this link for details and to sign up: https://forms.office.com/r/qbURsJQ1pY
EXCALIBUR GAMES – 27-28 APRIL 2024
Please see this link for details and to sign up: https://forms.office.com/r/mFZ4D7RnvA
SUMMER TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
A reminder for cadets in Level 2 and higher to fill out this form with their preferences if they have not yet done so: https://forms.office.com/r/arnQ7Gn9RE
ROCKETRY INTRODUCTION COURSE
This course will familiarize you with rockets and space, while teaching you how to think like a scientist or an engineer. The content has some theory but is mainly practical, with an emphasis on building, experimenting, and safety.
Sessions will take place on Fridays and Mondays from 7 to 9 PM, starting on April 5, 2024 at Maurice Lapointe School. Dress code is civilian clothes.
This course is for cadets aged 13 and older who are comfortable with physics, some math, and building things. There is space for up to 20 cadets to participate. Participation is first-come, first-served, and this is open to cadets from 706 Squadron as well.
Please note that this is voluntary and as space is limited, there will be no tolerance for misconduct. Cadets who sign up should be prepared to attend each session and participate actively and appropriately.
Sign up at the link below; deadline is 29 Mar 2024. We will confirm who is selected on 3 April 2024.
https://forms.office.com/r/HEr0XnQaZG
CADET CONDUCT
We ask all cadets and their parents and guardians to review the Cadet Code of Conduct. We have had several recent incidents of misconduct, including vandalism to multiple bathrooms at AY Jackson Secondary School. While the staff recognizes that the vast majority of cadets in the squadron exemplify good citizenship and leadership, there is a handful of cadets whose conduct is putting our tenancy at AY Jackson at risk. Unfortunately, because we trusted all cadets to behave in a manner that brings credit to themselves and to the squadron, and we therefore have trusted them to use the bathrooms responsibly without close supervision, we do not know which cadet(s) have carried out these acts. We will be implementing a system to control access to the washrooms from now on and tracking their condition. We ask for parents and guardians’ support by reviewing the code of conduct, including para 6, “Your failure to abide by this code of conduct and regulations, policies, directives, orders, and instructions may result in administrative or legal action, termination of membership in your cadet corps/squadron and/or involvement of the military or civilian police.”.
We also ask that parents and guardians not force cadets to participate in squadron activities if they are not interested – this program is voluntary, including most of the adult staff and the Squadron Sponsor Committee, and the best way to keep a positive and healthy experience for all and to respect each other’s time and resources is to ensure that everyone is truly motivated to be there.
CADET SAFETY
As a reminder, cadet safety is paramount. With the darkness at this time of year, less than ideal road conditions, and the dark colour of the uniforms, cadets are not easily visible when outside. Therefore, we ask that cadets ensure they practice situational awareness and safe practices when crossing the road when being picked up/dropped off, and that parents and guardians keep an eye out for cadets, vehicles, and other obstacles when dropping off and picking up cadets. The parking lot is a busy place with a tricky entrance and exit, and we have had notifications of hit-and-run damage to parents’ vehicles – so we understand wanting to park on the street, but we are concerned that with cadets focusing on getting to the vehicles, someone may be hurt if we are not more careful.
STEWARDSHIP OR OUR SHARED SPACES
It was regrettably brought to the staff’s attention that some cadets have vandalized our training location, AY Jackson SS, on Wednesday, 18 October. This was a repeated issue last training year, and it is extremely disappointing to hear that this behaviour has begun again.
Cadets are reminded that they have signed and agreed to a Cadet Code of Conduct, including ‘Set a positive example by your conduct and be kind and considerate of your actions and behaviour on others’; ‘be respectful of the environment and your surroundings’; and ‘…report any wrongdoing to an adult staff member as soon as possible.’. Breaches of this code of conduct will be tracked and handled in an escalating manner:
- Verbal warning
- Cautionary Notice
- Written Warning
- Administrative actions up to and including removal from the cadet program. Any of the above disciplinary actions may be accompanied by a suspension of privileges.
In addition to the code of conduct, we are also bound to the lease agreement on AY Jackson. Our Squadron Sponsor Committee works hard to secure training locations for us and to raise funds to pay for them. Aside from the extreme disrespect shown by disregarding this effort by vandalizing the property, it places the whole squadron at risk: if our lease is terminated, we do not have a training location. As it is, we struggle to find adequate space to accommodate such a large squadron, so we cannot afford to risk losing such a precious commodity by allowing this misconduct to stand. You have agreed to behave in a way that aligns with the values of the CJCR and abide by the laws of Canada. You will be held to that standard.
We all share stewardship of our shared spaces. Never pass a fault. Make good decisions, and practice bystander intervention when warranted.
PICKING UP CADETS FROM ACTIVITIES
A reminder that parents and guardians must pick cadets up from activities on time, or make alternate arrangements. Staff members may not leave until all cadets are picked up, and cannot drive cadets home. As winter approaches, lateness becomes more of a concern as we are not allowed to stay inside the rented facilities past the end of the rental time, so cadets and staff must wait outside.
CADET365 LOGINS
As we were reminded last week, 99% of the squadron has CADET365 accounts. Lt Kelly sent out the login credentials to all cadets again this week. They were sent to the email addresses on the cadets’ registration forms. 20% of cadets have never logged into CADET365, so they and their parents should check their email inboxes and spam folders for the login credentials.
For any difficulties with CADET365, cadets should contact their flight commanders, who will either assist or seek assistance from the IT NCM, WO2 Brown, and/or Lt Kelly.
COMMUNICATIONS
Most new cadets will see credentials for their CADET365 accounts arrive in the email address provided on their registration forms starting this week. It may go to junk mail, so keep an eye out.
A reminder that these credentials may not be shared: they belong to the cadets to whom they are assigned. Parents may ask questions on the Facebook group or by emailing the staff or sponsor committee. Further, staff members may only contact cadets via telephone or on CADET365 (email or Teams), and adults who are not staff members should only contact cadets via the Commanding Officer.
Flight Commanders are working hard to ensure that their flights are kept informed, and tracking which cadets have not yet been granted CADET365 access and who therefore need to be contacted personally each week.
DESIGNATED PRAYER SPACE
For cadets practicing the Muslim faith, who wish to do their evening prayers, we have a designated the use of classroom 213 during ‘long break’ each week. Cadets may use that space without needing to seek approval, but are reminded to ensure it is left in the state it is found.
On other cadets exercises and activities, they are always welcome to excuse themselves to pray, but may wish to indicate to an officer the need for a designated space.
During religious festivals where fasting is practices. all cadets are welcome to bring food to break their fast, rather then needing to stay home to do so.
Published 21 Mar 2024 2315hrs