Announcements – Week of 17MAR2024

Hello 809!

I hope everyone had a great March Break.   Bowling last Wednesday night turned out to be a blast.   Thanks to everyone for coming out and making it a great night.

I’d like to take this opportunity to wish both WO1 Dau and WO2 Deane good luck on their respective review boards this week for Power Pilot Training Course and Glider Pilot Training Course

Please note that there’s been a change to schedule for 01APR2024.    This is the 100th Anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force.   Air Cadet squadrons from throughout the Niagara Air Group will be celebrating this birthday by being at the Niagara Falls as they’re illuminated blue for the evening.  We usually don’t have training on Easter Monday, but this is a special occasion.   Names will be taken this Wednesday of all cadets/staff looking to attend.    See announcements for details.

Here are the announcements for this week:

  1. Optional Training – Monday, 18MAR2024:

Regular Monday Optional training this week @ the Squadron LHQ.    The flight simulator will be open and other activities will take place.   Come on out and be social.

Time: 1900-2100hrs
Where: Squadron LHQ
Dress: Appropriate Civilian Attire
Duty Officer: Capt Couroux

  1. 2024 NGTA Training and Professional Development Session – 23/24MAR2024:

The CO, TrgO, SWO and DSWO are all attending the 2024 NGTA Traininig and Professional Development Session in Toronto on the 23-24MAR2024.   Representitives from all units within the Niagara Greater Toronto Area (NGTA) are preparing the training calendar for the 2024/25 training year.

  1. Summer Training Opportunities are Now Available:

If you’ve been paying attention to the Facebook and Squadron Website Posts, summer course opportunities have opened up.

Summer training opportunities are available to cadets who are Level 2 or higher.  Courses include:

  • Air Rifle Marksmanship (2 wk introduction or 4 wk instructor)
  • Drill and Ceremonial (2 wk introduction or 4 wk instructor)
  • Sports and Fitness (2 wk introduction or 4 wk instructor)
  • Military Band (2 wk introduction or 4 wk instructor)
  • Pipe Band (2 wk introduction or 4 wk instructor
  • Aviation Technology and Aerospace (2 wk)
  • Advanced Aviation (4 week)
  • Survival (2 wk Introduction or 4 wk Instructor)

2-week courses are for levels 2+, 4-week courses are for levels 3+.  Here’s the link for the website post, which contains links to the course descriptions and locations:

Great news on Summer Training | 809 Newark (809cadets.ca)

If you’re interested in attending a CTC this summer, please see squadron staff for more information.  Hurry, though.   Applications are due 31MAR24 for courses.

NOTE: APPLICATIONS FOR STAFF ARE NOW CLOSED

  1. Niagara Air Group (NAG) Photo – Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Centennial – 01APR2024:

On Monday evening, 01APR2024, we will be celebrating the RCAF’s 100th birthday with the Niagara Air Group (NAG) by having a group photo taken at Niagara Falls.  On this special evening, Niagara Falls will be illuminated in Air Force Blue.   We don’t have training at the unit this evening, so I’m hoping everyone can make it out for this once in a lifetime event.    Here are the particulars:

Date: Monday, April 1st, 2024
Time: 2130hrs – 2230hrs
Location: Table Rock – 6650 Niagara River Parkway, Niagara Falls
Dress: Cadets- C1A, Officers 1A
 
Form up for photos will happen at approx 2200hrs (Illumination happens at this time).   The Squadron is encouraged to bring a banner as well.

  1. Senior NCO Development Day – CANCELED for Saturday, 06 April 2024:

Due to conflicting activities within NAG, the senior NCO Development Day has been cancelled for 2023/24 and will be conducted in the fall.   More information to follow

  1. Area Directed Activity – CFB Borden – 20APR2024:

All the Air units and both Sea units in Niagara will be attending an Area Directed Activity in CFB Borden on 20APR24.   Transportation and lunch will be provided.    Cadets will be participating in sports, touring the base museum, visiting the Military Police academy and having a tour of the base fire department.   All cadets in the unit are able to attend.   More information to follow as we get closer to the date.

  1. Exercise “Allied Spirit” – Spring FTX w/ 62 Phantom Squadron – Chippewa Creek Conservation Area – 10-12MAY2024:

We’re happy to announce that 809 Newark Squadron will be partnering up with 62 Phantom Squadron to conduct Exercise Allied Spirit – a joint Field Training Exercise (FTX) 10-12MAY2024.    This will be a mandatory training session.   Cadets will be instructed in several different aspects of Aircrew Survival.   More information to follow

  1. Gliding – Morning of 18MAY2024 – Welland Airport:

We’re excited to share with you that Gliding will be picking back up this spring.   809 Squadron is slated for this activity on Saturday, 18MAY2024 in the morning.    Cadets will get the opportunity to fly in a glider, and possilby also a tow plane.   They’ll be able to assist ground crew with the glider.    This is one of the most sought after activities for an Air Cadet.   Don’t pass on this opportunity.  More details as we get closer to the date.

  1. Bottle Drop Off – Saturday 25MAY2024:

Our final bottle drop off of the year is on Saturday 25MAY2024.  This is a major fundraiser for the unit and all members are required to attend.    Cadets, bring your parents, siblings and friends to help out. It’s a lot of work as well, and the more people we have helping out, the easier the job will be.

We depend greatly on the funds that these bottle drop offs provide.  In order to keep the program free we need everyone, including cadets, parents, staff and SSC members, to provide some sweat equity.

More details to follow as we get closer to the date

  1. End of Year Trip – Ottawa – Tentatively 31MAY2024 – 02JUN2024:

Another great opportunity that we’re working on.   This year we are planning a trip to Ottawa from Friday 31MAY2024 – Sunday 02JUN2024.   This activity is for the entire squadron.   Details are still being finalized and will be provided as we get closer to the date.

  1. Annual Awards Banquet – Friday 07JUN2024:

When: Friday, June 7th. 1830hrs – 2130hrs
Where: TBD
Dress: Business Formal (jacket, shirt, tie – Males, Dress outfit – Females)
Who: all cadets, staff, SSC & guests
Cost:
Cadets and Staff are Free
Parents/Siblings and guests TBD (usually about $25.00 per person)

This is a chance where we get together and celebrate our training year as a unit, and also with our guests (parents, guardians, siblings, etc).

  1. Annual Ceremonial Review (ACR) & Squadron Change of Command (COC) Ceremony– Saturday 08JUN2024:

When: Saturday, June 8
Time: Cadets & Staff: 0800hrs
Parents & guests: Seated for 1045hrs – Parade Starts 1100hrs
Where: Squadron HQ
Dress: Cadets C1A, Officers: 1A, Other Staff & Guests: Business Formal
 
This is a mandatory event for all cadets, staff and SSC.  

This day is a formal parade where you get the opportunity to show your guests what you’ve done this year.    This is a formal military parade where awards will be presented, promotions will be made, presentations will be made to the unit and displays, such as our new Flight Simulator, will be available for viewing by your guests, and guests of the unit.   It’s a celebration of our training year.

This year, we’ll be incorporating the Cadet Change of Command parade.    This will be the formal handover of the unit from our current SWO to the incoming SWO for the 2024-25 training year.

  1. Fish Fry:

The legion is looking for volunteers to take part in service duties for Fish Fry on Thursday nights.    This is not a cadet activity, but you can earn time towards your community service hours for high school decoration.   All interested parties are to reach out to Ms Kathleen Kells by email.   Include your phone number, cell phone number she can text to, and any dates that you cannot help out.   Ms Kell’s email is ktkells@gmail.com

Squadron Bowling Night! – Wednesday, March 13

Listen up 809!

With no training this week, we know you have nothing to do on Wednesday night.   If you’re looking for some fun, we’re having a squadron bowling night!   Come on out and show us what you got!

Bowling – Pizza – Pop
Wednesday March 13
Parkway Social
327 Ontario St, St Catharines
1900 – 2100

Regards,
Capt Dan Couroux
Commanding Officer
809 Newark RCACS
“Immortal”

March Break – No training this week!

Good afternoon 809,

Enjoy your March Break.   No training this week & no WROs will be posted.   Training resumes on Monday, March 18.   Next WROs will be published on Sunday, March 17.

Regards,
Capt Dan Couroux
Commanding Officer
809 Newark RCACS
“Immortal”

Invitation to 809 Parents & Guardians to This Week’s Parade Night – 06MAR2024

Good evening 809 Squdron,

Just a quick note with regards to this week’s parade night.    I’m extending an invitation to parents and guardians to join us for the evening.    We have a couple of items scheduled that I believe will be of interest.

1/ Summer Training Information Session.

During 1st period (1845 – 1920 or 6:45pm to 7:20pm) I’ll be bringing the cadets up to speed on the summer training offerings this year.    Parents and Guardians are welcome to attend and ask questions.   It’s a great opportunity to find out about the exciting opportunities open to cadets throughout the summer.

2/ Commanding Officer’s Parade

Once a month, we have a formal parade at the end of the night.   It’s during this parade that most promotions, awards and other items are presented.   In the last month, we’ve had an exceptional enrollment of new cadets.   This week, we’ll be having our new cadets take the Pledge On Enrollment.    To back them up, the entire squadron will be taking the pledge as well.   This is the first step a cadet makes in their cadet career.  This will take place during 3rd period and into closing (2015-2100 or 8:15pm to 9:00pm).

I hope to see all interested parents & guardians out tomorrow evening.

Regards,
Capt Dan Couroux
Commanding Officer
809 Newark RCACS
“Immortal”

Announcements – Week of 03MAR2024

Good evening 809,

We’re entering a new month, and only have a couple of months left of the training year.   On Wednesday evening, we’ll be discussing summer training opportunities with the cadets in the unit.   Parents/Guardians, you’re more than welcome to sit in on the presentation.   We’ll be getting under way with that at 1845 (6:45pm).

With March Break coming up, there will be no training on 11MAR2024 and 13MAR2024.   Also, With Easter Monday being on Monday, April 1st, there will be no training on that date either.

Here are the announcements:

Announcements:

  1. Optional Training – Monday, 04MAR2024:

Regular Monday Optional training this week @ the Squadron LHQ.    The flight simulator will be open and other activities will take place.   Come on out and be social.

Time: 1900-2100hrs
Where: Squadron LHQ
Dress: Appropriate Civilian Attire
Duty Officer: CI Dau

  1. Canteen Cards for Sale – Wednesday, 06MAR2024:

Canteen cards will be on sale on Wednesday evening for those who would like to purchase them.   Cards are $20.00 each.   Please see Mrs Lett upon arrival to the squadron to purchase yours.

  1. March Break – No training – 11MAR2024 and 13MAR2024:

There will be no training on 11MAR2024 or 13MAR2024 due to March Break.   However, we will have a social activity on 13MAR2024 for those of you not going away for the week.    Details to follow

  1. 2024 NGTA Training and Professional Development Session – 23/24MAR2024:

The CO, TrgO, SWO and DSWO are all attending the 2024 NGTA Training and Professional Development Session in Toronto on the 23-24MAR2024.   Representatives from all units within the Niagara Greater Toronto Area (NGTA) are preparing the training calendar for the 2024/25 training year.

  1. Summer Staffing and Training Opportunities are Now Available:

If you’ve been paying attention to the Facebook and Squadron Website Posts, both Staff Cadet and summer course opportunities have opened up.

Staff Cadet  opportunities are available to cadets who have completed Level 3 or higher.   Here’s a link to the website post

Attention 809 Senior NCO’s – Summer Applications Now Being Accepted for Staff Cadet Positions. | 809 Newark (809cadets.ca)

Summer training opportunities are available to cadets who are Level 2 or higher.  Courses include:

  • Air Rifle Marksmanship (2 wk introduction or 4 wk instructor)
  • Drill and Ceremonial (2 wk introduction or 4 wk instructor)
  • Sports and Fitness (2 wk introduction or 4 wk instructor)
  • Military Band (2 wk introduction or 4 wk instructor)
  • Pipe Band (2 wk introduction or 4 wk instructor
  • Aviation Technology and Aerospace (2 wk)
  • Advanced Aviation (4 week)
  • Survival (2 wk Introduction or 4 wk Instructor)

2-week courses are for levels 2+, 4-week courses are for levels 3+.  Here’s the link for the website post, which contains links to the course descriptions and locations:

Great news on Summer Training | 809 Newark (809cadets.ca)

If you’re interested in either opportunity, please see squadron staff for more information.  Hurry, though.   Applications are due 18MAR2024 for staff, and 31MAR24 for courses.

  1. Easter Monday – No training – 01APR2024:

There will be no training on Monday 01APR2024 due to Easter Monday

  7. Fish Fry:

The legion is looking for volunteers to take part in service duties for Fish Fry on Thursday nights.    This is not a cadet activity, but you can earn time towards your community service hours for high school decoration.   All interested parties are to reach out to Ms Kathleen Kells by email.   Include your phone number, cell phone number she can text to, and any dates that you cannot help out.   Ms Kell’s email is ktkells@gmail.com

Regards,
Capt Dan Couroux
Commanding Officer
809 Newark RCACS
“Immortal”

 

 

Aviation Evening @ Niagara On The Lake Youth Campus – Tuesday, 27FEB24

Good evening 809 Squadron,

Last week we hosted the Niagara On The Lake Youth Campus for an evening filled with aviation activities.   They have, in-turn, invited cadets in our unit to attend a 2nd part to that evening, this time at their home.    For cadets that are interested, you are invited to attend  their “Aviation Evening” tomorrow, from 1600-1800 (4pm-6pm).    Activities include a flight simulator, Aviation Career talks and building Ping Pong launchers.

Interested cadets can register on-line at this link (which also contains all the information you need on the activity):

Get into IT! – FlightCraft Fusion: A Night of Ping Pong Launchers & Aviation Dreams (google.com)

Please note, this is not a cadet activity, it is run by another organization that is not affiliated with Cadets Canada.  Officers will not be on-hand and uniforms are not to be worn.  However, if you do choose to go, you are still bound by the Cadet Code of Conduct and are expected to represent the unit respectfully.

Have fun and let us know what it was like.

Regards,
Capt Dan Couroux
Commanding Officer
809 Newark RCACS
“Immortal!”

Announcements – Week of 25FEB2024

Hello 809!

As mentioned last week, summer training and staff cadet applications are now being taken!  These opportunities are amongst the most exciting aspects of the cadet program.   Don’t miss this opportunity to spend your summer at a Cadet Summer Training Centre.  More information and links are below.

  • Optional Training – Monday, 26 FEB 24:

Regular Monday Optional training this week @ the Squadron LHQ.    The flight simulator will be open and other activities will take place.   Come on out and be social.

Time: 1900-2100hrs
Where: Squadron LHQ
Dress: Appropriate Civilian Attire
Duty Officer: CI Dau

  • Senior NCO Development Day – RE-Scheduled for Saturday, 06 April 2024:

For the 5 Cadets that signed up for the Senior NCO Development day that was to have taken place on Saturday, January 20, it has been re-scheduled for Saturday, 06APR2024.   Some changes are being made to the format.   More information to follow.

  • Summer Staffing and Training Opportunities are Now Available:

If you’ve been paying attention to the Facebook and Squadron Website Posts, both Staff Cadet and summer course opportunities have opened up.

Staff Cadet  opportunities are available to cadets who have completed Level 3 or higher.   Here’s a link to the webiste post

Attention 809 Senior NCO’s – Summer Applications Now Being Accepted for Staff Cadet Positions. | 809 Newark (809cadets.ca)

Summer training opportunities are available to cadets who are Level 2 or higher.  Courses include:

          • Air Rifle Marksmanship (2 wk introduction or 4 wk instructor)
          • Drill and Ceremonial (2 wk introduction or 4 wk instructor)
          • Sports and Fitness (2 wk introduction or 4 wk instructor)
          • Military Band (2 wk introduction or 4 wk instructor)
          • Pipe Band (2 wk introduction or 4 wk instructor
          • Aviation Technology and Aerospace (2 wk)
          • Advanced Aviation (4 week)
          • Survival (2 wk Introduction or 4 wk Instructor)

2-week courses are for levels 2+, 4-week courses are for levels 3+.  Here’s the link for the website post, which contains links to the course descriptions and locations:

Great news on Summer Training | 809 Newark (809cadets.ca)

If you’re interested in either opportunity, please see squadron staff for more information.  Hurry, though.   Applications are only being taken for another week for staff, and until the end of March for courses.

  • Fish Fry:

The legion is looking for volunteers to take part in service duties for Fish Fry on Thursday nights.    This is not a cadet activity, but you can earn time towards your community service hours for high school decoration.   All interested parties are to reach out to Ms Kathleen Kells by email.   Include your phone number, cell phone number she can text to, and any dates that you cannot help out.   Ms Kell’s email is ktkells@gmail.com

That’s all for this week.   Stay tuned for information on more exciting activities coming up.  More information has been posted on the WROs.   Cadets can view these on Teams under the General Tab.    These are published weekly (usually Sunday evening) and include dress instructions, class details and other important information.

If you have any questions about the upcoming activities, feel free to reach out to me at daniel.couroux2@cadets.gc.ca

Regards,

Capt Dan Couroux
Commanding Officer
809 Newark RCACS
“Immortal”

Announcements – Week of 19FEB2024

Hello 809!

Happy Family Day.   No training tonight.  We have an exciting parade night this week as we invite the Niagara Youth Collective to attend an open house just for them so that they can see what being an Air Cadet is all about.   Remember, some of these visitors have the potential to become new cadets so let’s put our best foot forward and welcome them to our unit.   Thanks to Lt Russell and Capt Emptage for putting this together.

Also in the exciting category is that we now have information on summer training and staffing opportunities.    Please see below for more information on the courses being offered this year.

For cadets – make sure to review the WRO’s being posted on Teams.    And make sure to give the WRO’s a like to let us know that you’ve read them.

Here are this week’s announcements:

Announcements:

      1. Family Day – Monday, 19 FEB 24:

No training on Monday, 19FEB24 due to Family Day.  Enjoy your evening off 809!

      1. Senior NCO Development Day – RE-Scheduled for Saturday, 06 April 2024:

For the 5 Cadets that signed up for the Senior NCO Development day that was to have taken place on Saturday, January 20, it has been re-scheduled for Saturday, 06APR2024.   Some changes are being made to the format.   More information to follow.

      1. Summer Staffing and Training Opportunities are Now Available:

If you’ve been paying attention to the Facebook and Squadron Website Posts, both Staff Cadet and summer course opportunities have opened up.

Staff Cadet  opportunities are available to cadets who have completed Level 3 or higher.   Here’s a link to the webiste post

 Attention 809 Senior NCO’s – Summer Applications Now Being Accepted for Staff Cadet Positions. | 809 Newark (809cadets.ca)

Summer training opportunities are available to cadets who are Level 2 or higher.   Here’s the link for the website post:

Great news on Summer Training | 809 Newark (809cadets.ca)

If you’re interested in either opportunity, please see squadron staff for more information.

      1. Fish Fry:

The legion is looking for volunteers to take part in service duties for Fish Fry on Thursday nights.    This is not a cadet activity, but you can earn time towards your community service hours for high school decoration.   All interested parties are to reach out to Ms Kathleen Kells by email.   Include your phone number, cell phone number she can text to, and any dates that you cannot help out.   Ms Kell’s email is ktkells@gmail.com

That’s all for now.   Enjoy your Family Day and see all cadets on Wednesday for the open house.

Regards,
Capt Dan Couroux
Commanding Officer
809 Newark RCACS
“Immortal”

No Training Monday Evening – 19 FEB 24

Good morning 809,

Just a reminder that there is no training on Monday night due to it being Family Day.   Enjoy your night off and see you all on Wednesday for our open house with the Niagara Youth Collective.    WROs will be published on Monday/Tuesday this week.

Happy Family Day,

Capt. Dan Couroux
Commanding Officer
809 Newark RCACS
“Immortal”

Great news on Summer Training

Good evening 809

Summer training for 2024 has been posted and there seems to be a lot of opportunities.   Please review the following from Cadets Canada.  The link at the bottom takes you to the course offerings and gives level/age requirements.   This is exciting news!  Please see the staff if you would like more info.

This summer, our vision is to nearly DOUBLE the number of opportunities available to cadets versus summer 2023. We plan to train 7000 cadets including 1000 staff cadets in 26 instructor and specialty courses at 12 Cadet Training Centres across Canada.

The Cadet Program will continue to offer accessible and agile training coast to coast to coast. We’re optimizing resources and moving towards a dynamic approach, utilizing specialist instructors and resources efficiently.

Our focus will always be on ensuring that the local community-based program is strengthened in communities across Canada; it is our center of gravity.

For more information about summer 2024 visit:

https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/cadets-junior-canadian-rangers/cadets/summer-training/summer2024.html

Regards,
Capt Dan Couroux
Commanding Officer
809 Newark RCACS
“Immortal”