Message From Your Local Branch President

Despite the cooler weather gradually creeping in, the colourful yards carry the lingering images of summer. Tomatoes, although late, abound this year and the pesky zucchinis are offered everywhere we turn. This is the time to benefit from our walks through the parks and trails before we dig out the cold-weather apparel.

Our teaching colleagues and friends are back to work and, for some, are within 5-6 years of superannuation. For those, there will be two Retirement/Lifestyle gatherings in October, the 14th in Moose Jaw and the 15th in Assiniboia. Please encourage these friends to attend one of these informative evenings. They can check with Patti Mergel, the PSSD local president, for locations and times.

For anyone wishing to attend the Sunday, November 2, Fall Turkey Supper at Eaton’s, tickets are available at the Centre. Take a friend and enjoy a wonderful social evening. And—don’t forget to join us on Wednesday, November 19 for our Moose Jaw Chapter Luncheon, at the Masonic Hall at 10:30 a.m.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving as you join family and friends. Be thankful for your health, your families, and (possibly first…) our retirement plan that enables us to enjoy life beyond the many years in the classroom.

👋 With Appreciation and Heartfelt Thanks

We extend our deepest thanks to Doreen Dodd for her many years of dedicated service as our STS Moose Jaw Treasurer.

Doreen has been an active and valued member of our Executive for the past 18 years, taking on many roles, with the last 9 years spent as our Treasurer. She has always gone above and beyond—helping with everything from planning, organizing, and participating in our functions to representing us at many events.

Her thoughtful insight, careful planning, and diligence in managing our finances have been outstanding. Doreen’s commitment and dedication have left a lasting mark, and we will truly miss her presence at our meetings.

👏 Introducing our New Treasurer: Dalelene Yelland

As a new member of the STS Moose Jaw Executive, I’m pleased to share a little about myself with you.

My teaching skills began early at age 3 on a small farm in Northern Saskatchewan. The 15 or so farm chickens were excellent students as they came to roost each evening, sitting quietly in rows in the chicken coop. I, with my trusty crayon and colouring books in hand, patiently taught them everything I knew about numbers and letters. I suspect then it was time for me to go to bed, too.

Moving on to age 17, when I graduated from Grade 12, I attended Teacher’s College in Regina and continued in the Education Field for 30 years. I experienced teaching at different levels and in different cultural settings. During the final 19 years, I served as Program Consultant in Saskatchewan Valley School Division, supporting teachers with resource-based learning and the introduction of technology.

Having superannuated at age 49, I had time to pursue other initiatives.

My Lupus diagnosis inspired me to create SunSmart Protective Fashions, a wholesale company, with the head office in Saskatoon. Within a few years we placed light weight clothing and hats, with an SPF rating, in 58 retail outlets across Canada. From that venture, I moved on to working for Tourism Saskatchewan as the Executive Director of the B & B Association, and opened a 5-bedroom B & B in Prince Albert, a job I loved.

Like everyone, my life story is a work in progress.

Currently, I work as Regional Director in Sask for the Canadian Federation Of University Women, an association that works to create opportunities which serve women to further their education. Our Sask clubs raise money to provide Scholarships and Grants that assist those who do not have the resources to continue their education.

I believe when we work together to help those in need, we create better opportunities for everyone and stronger communities.

📢 ANNOUNCEMENTS 📢

⚠️ URGENT: Register for the 2026 Passion Play Tour!

We’ve received a proposal for a joint venture with STS Regina. Join us for a weekend trip to the Passion Play in Drumheller, Alberta, and a theatrical performance in Rosebud, Alberta!

Costs: $750.00 for single (single room at hotels), includes the plays, luncheon and theatre production at Rosebud. Breakfasts included with hotels. $590.00 for double occupancy.

To learn what to expect, view last year’s itinerary, and watch for details regarding the 2026 tour.

We are looking for interest from at least 10 STS Moose Jaw members. If you’d like to go, please register by sending an email below ASAP! Sonja needs to know ahead of time before she can secure funding for the trip.

🎉 We Have Our Chair – Norbert Fries – in Place, and Now It’s Time to Build the Rest of Our Team!

If you enjoy planning, outings, socials, and group activities, we’d love to have you on our Entertainment Committee.

👉 Send us an email at stsmoosejaw@gmail.com to join in the fun!

✈️ Group Travel with Barbara and Martin Holzer

Love to travel but hate the hassle of planning? Why not join Barbara and Martin Holzer on their Adriatic Adventure—May 14–26, 2026!
Let them handle the details while you simply enjoy the journey.
They’ve designed a wonderful tour through Austria, Slovenia, and Croatia—three countries known for their breathtaking scenery, warm hospitality, and traveler-friendly safety.

If you’d like more information (no obligation), contact Barbara at:
📧 holzerbarbara@gmail.com

🏫 Prairie South School Division Coteau Hills Elementary School

This celebration is for everyone - community open house Wednesday, October 15

🧘 Chair and/or Yin Yang Yoga With Sue Utley

CHAIR YOGA with Sue Utley
📍 Zion Church
🗓 Wednesdays | 2:45–3:45 PM

💲 Fees
Monthly: $15 per class, paid at the start of the month.
October: $75 total
Drop-in: $17 per class (cash only)

🧘 What to Bring
Yoga mat and Water bottle

🌿 Important Notes
This is a scent-free zone – please avoid chemical fragrances.
Enter through the north door facing Main St.
Classes are held on the stage or in the gym.
Sue will open the doors 15 minutes before class. Please arrive early to settle in.

Commitment: Confirm attendance the night before via the chat group or text Sue at 306-690-6620 so everyone is aware of cancellations.
Or join
Yin/Yang Yoga
🗓 Wednesdays | 4:30–5:30 PM

📅 Upcoming STS Moose Jaw Events – Mark Your Calendars!

Luncheon Meetings
(All at Masonic Hall, Main Street, starting at 10:30 AM)

Wednesday, November 19, 2025

Wednesday, January 21, 2026

Wednesday, March 18, 2026

Wednesday, May 20, 2026

📨 Help Us Stay Connected!

We’re missing email addresses for some of our members and don’t want anyone left out. If you know a teacher who isn’t receiving our monthly newsletters, please encourage them to visit our website at www.stsmoosejaw.com to update their contact information and stay in the loop.

Also, if you have news or requests, please contact Sandi Hutchinson (Editor and Publicity) at stsmoosejaw@gmail.com.