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$$PLAIN_TEXT_PREVIEW$$
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Superannuated Teachers of Saskatchewan Moose Jaw Branch
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Remember, Remember, These Things for November
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Message From Your Local Branch President
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I recently visited Ottawa and enjoyed the beginning of their fall foliage season. The maples were truly amazing, but the burning bush shrubs in my front yard have even better colours than those in Ottawa!
Here at home, the lawn mowers are buzzing through their final rounds, and the leaf blowers are making futile efforts to send the leaves anywhere but their own yards. Gardeners have reluctantly pulled the last of their flowers. We’re all digging out the warmer clothes and footwear once again.
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I used to think that never-ending summers would be a joy, but a friend who moved to Hawaii told me she misses the changing seasons—and our prairie greetings that always begin with a comment about the weather. And so, as our season shifts once more, we can continue with, “Wow, it sure got cold last night!”
Our former colleagues are gearing up for their next round of provincial bargaining, and we wish them well. We look to the West and sympathize with the educators who have endured three weeks of strike action in an effort to find solutions to overcrowded classrooms, teacher shortages, and the growing challenges—both behavioural and academic—faced in today’s schools. Somewhere, the powers that be have yet to look seriously at the realities within our classrooms. |
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🎭 Drumheller Passion Play
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Interested in Joining? We are looking for at least 10 STS Moose Jaw members to participate. If you’d like to go, please email Sonja at s.susut@sasktel.net as soon as possible. Sonja needs to confirm interest ahead of time in order to secure funding for the trip. Spaces are limited — don’t miss this excellent social and cultural opportunity! Weekend Trip to the Passion Play & Rosebud Theatre
Joint Venture with STS Regina We are thrilled to announce a special joint venture with STS Regina: a weekend excursion to Drumheller and Rosebud, Alberta. This trip promises an unforgettable experience, featuring the renowned Drumheller Passion Play and an engaging live theatre performance in the charming community of Rosebud. Trip Details
Dates To Be Announced (Summer 2026 – watch for details)
Cost: $750.00 – Single Occupancy (single room at hotels), $590.00 – Double Occupancy (shared hotel room) The trip package includes admission to both theatrical performances, a luncheon and theatre production at Rosebud, hotel accommodations for two nights, and breakfasts at the hotels. Tentative Itinerary Highlights
• Friday: Early morning departure from Regina and Moose Jaw by bus, with stops in Swift Current and a visit to The Little Church near Drumheller. Enjoy a group meal before attending the Passion Play at the Badlands Amphitheatre. Overnight accommodation in Drumheller. • Saturday: Travel to Rosebud for a buffet meal and theatre production, followed by time to explore local shops. Later in the day, visit the Hoodoos before returning to the hotel in Drumheller. • Sunday: Visit Horseshoe Canyon, stop at the Medicine Hat Mall and Swift Current, then return home to Moose Jaw and Regina.
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Wednesday, November 19, 2025
Location: Masonic Temple Hall, 1755 Main St N, Moose Jaw, SK 10:30 – 11:00 - Coffee Chat: circulate and connect with past colleagues
11:00 - Program: Curtis Dumont and Dacey Seaborg from MJ Parks and Rec
12:00 - Turkey Dinner: Catered by Charlottes
12:45 - Meeting for those of you who wish to stay Cost: $20.00 per STS member and spouse. $25.00 for non-members Please RSVP to Rosalie by Sunday, November 16, 2025, @ 306-691-0696, email: stsmoosejaw@gmail.com, or click the button below.
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🗣️ Guest Speakers for the November 19, 2025 Luncheon
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Dacey Seaborg – Recreation Services Supervisor
Born and raised in Moose Jaw, I began my career with the City over 20 years ago in the Finance Department. Ten years later, I was fortunate to take on a new opportunity at the Yara Centre, where I currently serve as the Recreation Services Supervisor.
In this role, I oversee all aspects of the facility, including building operations, programming, tenant contracts, facility bookings, finances, and customer and group relations. I also work to bring national and provincial sporting events to the Yara Centre.
This position has allowed me to meet many wonderful people and to help our community stay active, engaged, and connected through the amazing recreation facilities we have here in Moose Jaw. |
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Curtis DuMont - Coordinates recreation and fitness programs for the City of Moose Jaw In this role, he oversees drop-in activities at the Yara Centre, including turf, walking track, and gym spaces. Curtis manages a variety of fitness classes led by certified instructors both at Yara Centre and throughout the community. Curtis also organizes school break day camps and supervises the City’s summer playground and day camp programs. Through his work, he helps residents of all ages stay active, connected, and engaged in fun and accessible recreation opportunities. |
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⚕️ DID YOU KNOW? More Great Info from Sunil Pandila
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Did you know that for those who continued with Group Life Insurance following retirement, the following dates are in effect: A superannuate who elected to continue insurance coverage, including AD & D will automatically terminate coverage on the 31st day of August following the date he/she attains age 65. Life insurance, for a superannuate who elected continued coverage, ends on the 31st day of August following the date he/she attains age 85. The current monthly premium is $27.60. Superannuates under the age of 65 are covered for a total of $224,000.00. Coverage for superannuates aged 65 to 85 inclusive is equal to $22,400 for both term insurance and accidental death and dismemberment. ALSO IMPORTANT REMINDER for STS Members of the Extended Health Plan: The $500 vaccine benefit for members of the STS Extended Health plan is per person - $500 for you and $500 for your spouse if you are paying premiums for a couple. It is an annual amount that ENDS at the end of December 2025.
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❤️ Finding Meaning in Grief and Change
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Submitted by Dianne Newman, Vice President, MJ STS |
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Grief is a natural response to loss. It’s deeply personal and doesn’t follow a set timeline. There’s no single “right” way to grieve or to move through what we feel.
As we grow older, loss can become more frequent and more complex. We may lose loved ones and long-time friends. Retirement can bring a sense of lost identity and belonging. Health challenges may limit our mobility and independence, making us more reliant on others. Sometimes we must leave our family home and move somewhere that offers more support and care.
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Even though we know these changes are part of the aging process, it can still be hard to know what to do with our feelings—or how to support others who are grieving.
The good news is that help is available. Our health system, insurance providers, and community programs can connect us with caring professionals—counsellors, physicians, and support workers—who understand what we’re going through. You’ll also find helpful articles and senior-focused resources on our website to guide you in recognizing grief and learning healthy ways to cope.
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Although grief and loss are never easy, they can open the door to new experiences. The sorrow we feel for those we’ve lost comes from years of love, laughter, and shared memories. The end of a career can bring new freedom—to travel, explore hobbies, and enjoy life on our own schedule. Moving to a new home can lead to fresh friendships and opportunities to connect.
While aging and change can be challenging, they also remind us to be grateful—for the friends and family who are still part of our lives, for the memories that bring us comfort, and for the chance to continue growing and discovering joy in new ways.
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🏫 Become a Field Advisor for the U of R!
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📨 Help Us Stay Connected!
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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.
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