New Hamburg Flood Photos

These photos were sent to us by readers of the New Hamburg Independent.

New Hamburg Flood Photos

Independent photographer photos.

Letters to Santa

Dear Santa Claus,

You have a great job because you get to fly and deliver present and put them in stockings and under Christmas trees too. I wanted to ask you how do you reindeer fly? What is your favourite food? Why do you where a red suit? Let me tell you when I was good at every birthday I went to I was good and I try to be nice to my brothers and sister this year for christmas I would really like that humongous house for barbies where you can listen to music and flush the toilet and it makes a flushing sound. I would like an elf too please.

Yours truly Melissa M.

Grade 2

Baden P. S.

Dear Santa Claus,

I hope your reindeer are not sick because my teacher read a book that raindeer were sick for Christmas I would really like the Star Wars the Clone Wars at-te and the Star Wars the Clone Wars movie my sister wants littlest pet shops the ones that can log on the computer. I want spike and D-Rex and 8 6 packs of bakugone. And a lot of webkinz. I hope your having a lot of fun in the northpole with your famalle and all your anamas like your gote and your camol and all of the other anamals.

Jack W.

Grade 2

Dear Santa,

Your job is good because you get to be very kind because you give presents to all the boys and girls. Can I have a seereys of Star Wars books please. I will try to make you a Christmas book like my brothers. Can I please have a new game for Xbox. By the way do you play hockey in the north pole? Kind of cookies do you like? And my sister wants rose petal coteg can you leave a note too.

From Jake S.

Grade 2

Room 4

Dear Santa,

I think your are going to say what do you want for christmas Well It’s hard to explain but I want a video camera. My mom says that it is ok. So I was wondering if I could have a real camera “please”. I wanted to ask you if you help your elves cut and make presents and candy for everyone? Let me tell you when I was good It was wen I went swimming. It was my last day of swimming and guess what. I passed! My mom and dad where really happy of me. They were so happy they took me out for dinner instead of having fajitas. I was really proud of myself. It wsa fun on the last day because I played basketball and I played the body part it was fun at swimming.

From Jessica P.

Grade 2

Room 4

To Sant I have all ready written a letter to you but this one is different. I think you’re going to like them both the same though you’ll know want. I want from the others letter I was thinking that your reinder would want carotts and know if you want coukeis would you like 3? How many candy are your going to put in my stocking I’m going to give you might like it. I’m trying to see if your real or not I belive in but whee I’m older I migt not belive in you any more what time do you set of to give all the presents to the doys and girls. Sant I’ve been good.

From Aidan V.

Grade 2

Room 4

Dear Santa,

Santa do you know you have a cool job? You are lucky to get to fly in the sky and live with the reindear. I wanted to ask you can you go to Baden first this year?

What is your favourite Christmas song? Have you ever got a present before? I am very good in school this year. For christmas I would like an iPod or a mp3 player, can I please have the diamond Castle movi, can I have a webkinz figure.

And an under water webkinz. I have some advice for your trip. Make sure you dress worm for your trip on Christmas this year.

From Kaitlyn B.

Grade 2

Room 4

Dear Santa

You have a great job because you bring people presents for good kid’s and adults. I wanted to ask you how do you feel when you deliver prents, hot or cold? You can respond to me when you come to my house Let me tell you about when I was good When my mom was crying I asked my mom if I could help her and she said no. This year for Christmas I would really like a boxer dog because it is my dad’s dream to have a boxer. And I would love to have a nintendo D. S. please.

From Sarah W.

Grade 2

Room 4

Dere Santa,

You have a grat job because you get to give to people and you get to have over a 100 cookes! How do you fit all of the toys in your bag? I sometimes I show initivmes to my parents. And get more red noswe rein deer so you do not get lost in a storm for Christmas this year I would like planet tikiis to alberta

Alex U.

Grade 2

Room 4

Dear Santa

You have a great job because you get to fly in the air and you have magic powers wow!

I wish I had magic powers. I wanted to ask you if you had reindeer named Blizard because if you did I have a movie named Blizard. I was good when I went to a restaurant and the food was great.

This year for Christmas I would really like 1 bolt the video game for Playstaion 3, 2 Iron man for nitendeo, 39 deck of choaic cards, 4 a deck of Bakugon.

I have some advice for your trip mebe you could put marshmellow shoes on when you go inside people’s houses.

Yours truly Cameron A.

Grade 2

Room 4

To Santa,

Do you actually have Rudolf the red nose reindeer I was good let my little sitter play my vido games. Can I have some bakugan and a new romote control car you should use marshmellow feet when you go in people’s hourse from Connor H.

Grade 2

Room 4

Daer Santa

Is your job exciting and fun? Is it fun going down the chem ney? How do your Elf’s make toys? How do your raindeers fly in the Air? Can I have a mini wener dog? How many of Elf’s do you have? I made a Cristmas tree out of paper.

From Scott Carey

Grade 2

Room 4

Dear Santa

You have a grat job because you delive presents to children. I want at-pop pleas so when I go somewhere I can play it. I wantde to ask you when do to ffaindear flr

From Ryan J.

Grade 2

Room 4

To: Santa Claus

Can I have a computer for Christmas? My brother doesn’t believe you are real. Coud I have a cell phone? Con I have that dog candy?

Connor hasn’t been nice to me. He bullied me this morning. I wish no one would be mean. Can you ask mother Nature if she can?

Merry Christrmas!

From Hayley S.

Ho Ho Ho

Grade 2

Room 4

Dear Santa Claus

You have a good job because you deliver presents to los of people. I wanted to ask you haow do you fit all of the toys in a bag? I was good when my brother Mark had a friend over. This year for christmas I would really like webkinz cards.

From Rachel H.

Grade 2

Room 4

Dear Santa

How do you fly on the sleigh? For christmas I would like a baby so real dolly. Can you please bring a gift for the poor children? Have a nice trip to the houses.

From Julia K.

Grade 2

Room 4

Dear Santa

You have a grat job because you give people presents. I want to ask you does rudolf have a red nose. Let me tell you when I was good when I let my sister ride my scooter. This year for chrisma I woud like a sun shine bracelet and may I plaese have a sun shine sweater and a bady for my little sister. I have some advice for your trip. Bring warm clothes. Have a warm drink before you go on your trip.

Ellie P.

Grade 2

Room 4

Dear Santa

I hope you get done all of the presents befor carismas. I like you because you are so so so so so good at making presents for everyone in the world. And I am good at mamaking presents jusit like you.

From Tyler P.

Grade 2

Room 4

Dear Santa

Hi I am Ainslee! Santa can you get me a ponny. It is jest like Butterscotch. You probably know sam can’t write yet but I know you know what sam want for Christmas. Love Ainslee you’re the best! From Ainslee T.

Grade 2

Room 4

Dear Santa,

You haave a good job because you give presents to kids. I want new PS2 at school sometimes I’m good. I want a new ETA warmer and the Evs 24 and a new DS. Star Wars the Clone Wars Movie if you have Rudolf you should put him in the front from connor S.

Grade 2

Room 4

Santa

I have some advice for your trip if you put rockets on your sled you’ll go faster. I wanted to ask you how old are you? You have a great job because you get to eat cookes.

Your Friend Jeffrey Draper

Baden P.S.

Grade 1 Room 7

Santa

This year foru Christmas I would really like a new CD player. I wanted to ask you how old are you? You have a great job because you get to eat cookis.

Your Friend,

Faith Richardson

P.S. I like you

Grade 1 Room 7

Santa

Let me tell you about when I was good in Florida my mom bought a stroller and I let my sisters goi in it. I have some advice for your trip fly carefully through the sky Santa. I wanted to ask you what kind of cookies do you like?

Your Friend,

Mare Prober

Grade 1 Room 7

Santa

Let me tell you about when I was good I let my bother play with me

This year for Christmas I would really like a guitar but an electric guitar and a pony

I have some advice for you trip make sure you don’t forget me you have a great job beause you make toys. I wanted to ask you how bright is Rudolph’s nose?

Your friend,

Logan Zurell

Grade 1 Room 7

Santa

Let me tell you whne I was good I let my little cousin have my toy. I wanted to ask you how old are you? I have sume advice for your trip. Make sure all your reindeer are attached you are the Best Santa ever.

Your friend,

Paige Hancock

Grade 1 Room 7

Santa

You have a great job because you get to fly your seigh. I wanted to ask you how old are you? This year for christmas I would really like a wii and an easy bake oven.

Your friend,

Madison Stainer-Mace

Grade 1 Room 7

Santa

This year for christmas I would really like hockey guy. I wanted to ask you how many eleves to you have! I have some advice for your trip make sure you eat all the cookies.

Your friend Liam Schwitzer

Baden P. S.

Grade 1 Room 7

Santa

I have some advice for your trip if you put rockets on your sled you’ll go faster. I wanted to ask you how old are you? I am good all the time.

Your friend,

Jayden Gawlik

P.S. I really love you Santa

Grade 1 Room 7

Santa

I have some advice for your trip if you put rockets on your sled you’ll go faster. This your for Christmas I would really like a toy curler with a lot of colours. I want to ask you how old are you?

Your friend,

Sydney Walker

Grade 1 Room 7

Santa

This year for Christmas I woud really like a Gecko I wanted to ask you wer you even a kid?

Your friend,

Aiden Seguin

Grade 1 Room 7

Santa

I wanted to aks you how bright is Rudolph’s nose? I have some advice for your trip make sure all your reindeer are attached. This year for christmas I would relly like a real Dog and a real Cat.

Kora Guilhauman

Grade 1 Room 7

Santa

I have some advice for your trip if you put rockets on your sled you’ll go foster.

This year for Christmas I would really like Narnia Prince Caspian.

Your Friend,

Lucas MacLaurin

Grade 1 Room 7

Santa

You have a great job because you have Rudolph to pull your sleigh.

Haw old are you.

Make sure all your reindeer are attached.

Your Friend,

Hannah Kentel

PS. I felt happy last Christmas.

Grade 1 Room 7

Santa

You have a great job because you make toys. I wanted to ask you sutney how old are you? Let me tell you when I was good in Mexico I listened to my mama. I have some advice for your trip if you put rockets on your sled youll go faster.

Your friend,

Abby Daer

Grade 1 Room 7

P.S. I love you santa.

Santa

You have a great job because you have Rudolph to pull your sleigh. I want to ask you where did you get your elves? Let me tell you about when I was good when I was 4 years old and my brother was 2 I was rocking him. He was happy.

Your Friend,

Marcel Michale

Grade 1 Room 7

Santa

I want to ask you how old are you Santa? Let me tell you about when I was good at the market I was with my Gramu I was so good for Her. I felt Habppey Bekus I was good.

Your Friend,

Hannah Moore

Grade 1 Room 7

PS. Do the elves do all the work?

Santa

This year for Christmas I would really like a Nintendo D. S. Let me tell you about when I was good by helping my mom. You have a gre job because you get to cookies.

Your Friend,

Cody Groen

Grade 1 Room 7

Santa

This year for Christmas I would really like a Bakagun Please. You have a great job because you make toys. I wanted to ask you how old are you?

Your friend,

Damian Moore

Grade 1 Room 7

P.S. You are the best.

Santa

You have a great job because you get to eat cookies. I wanted to ask you what kind of cookies do you want.

This year for Christmas I would really like a Miley Cyrus doll.

Your friend,

Caley Anderson

Grade 1 Room 7

Dear Santa

My name is Ayden. I am a 6 year old boy. I have I been good this year? Yes I have been good. What would I like for Christmas? I want Bakugob please and thank you Santa.

Your Friend

Ayden

Grade 1 Room 6

Dear Santa,

My name is Jenna. I have been a good girl and I want for Christmas a Hannah on Montana and a watch that is Hannah Montana. Do you have any baby elves?

Your Friend,

Jenna

Room 6 Grade 1

Dear Santa.

My name is Olivia. I am a 6 year old girl. I have been a good girld. This year. I would like a new set of drums. Thak you very much Santa.

Your friend,

Olivia

Grade 1 Room 6

Dear Santa

My name is zachary I am six. I am a boy. Santa how many deer do you have? Santa how many years old old are you? Santa how many houses do you go to? Snata my favourite part of winter is the snow. Santa I really love winter. Thank you very much santa

Your friend,

Zachary

Grade 1 Room 6

Dear Santa,

My name is Stevie I am six year old boy. I have been a very good boy. I would like to have a webkinz please. My favourite thing in winter is to make forts. Santa you are comeing on the 24th. Thank you very much santa.

Your friend,

Stevie

Room 6 1A

Dear Santa,

My name is Sierra. I am 6 year old girl.

I have been good this year. I would like a barbie please. My favourite part of Christmas is presents. How many elves do you have? Thank you so much Santa.

Your friend,

Sierra

Grade 1 Room 6

Dear Santa,

My name is Kayla. I am a five year old girl. I have been very good this year. For Christmas I would like a big barbie car and some movies. My farauite thing about christmas is getting presents. How many elves do you have Santa?

Thank you very much Sanda.

Sincerely,

Kayla

Grade 1 Room 6

Dear Santa,

My name is Gillian.

Santa this yea I was a good girl for christmas I would like the Movie High School Musical 3, some cookie mix a build a beaf and the webkins dolphin. How do you make the sled fly?

Thank you very much

Your friend,

Gillian

Grade 1 Room 6

My name is Julia. I am a 6 year old girl. I have been a good girl this year I would like a webkinz that is a golden retriever. Please and thank you. My favourite thing is presents. How many years have you been married.

Thank you very much Santa.

Love Julia,

Grade 1 Room 6

Dear Santa,

My name is Taryn. I am a 6 year old girl. I have been very good this year. I would like a real live golden retriever for Christmas please and thank you. My favourite part a bout Christmas is getting toys. How many reindeers do you have? Do you have any baby reindeer? Thak you very much Santa.

Love Taryn

Grade 1 Room 6

Dear Santa,

My name is Jaimie. I am a 6 year old girl. I have been good every day this year. What I like about christmas is getting presents. My favouite part of Christmas is decoating my Christmas tree. I would like a DS for Christmas.

How many elves do you have Santa? How old are you? Do you have children when is your birth day? Thank you very much Santa.

Your friend,

Jaimie

Grade 1 Room 6

Dear Santa,

My name is carson. I am a 6 year old boy. I have been good and bad this year. I woulk like a wii station and a webkinz. My favourite part of christmas is sledding down a hill. How do your rendeer fly? Thank you very much santa.

Your friend Carson

Grade 1 Room 6

Dear Santa

My name Lexi. I am a girl thwt is 6. I have been very good this year. What I like for Christmas is a stuffed bunny. My favourite part about Christmas is there is no school. Have you ever kissed a reindeer?

Thank you very much Santa.

Lexi

Grade 1 Room 6

Dear Santa,

My name is Abby. I am a 5 year old girl. I have been really good this year. I would like a webkinz for christmas. My favourite part of christmas is my birthday is on Christmas. Where do you get the presents santa?

Abby

PS. Merry Christmas

Grade 1 Room 6

Dear Santa,

My name is Hailey I am 6 year old gitrl. I have been on my best this year I would like very for Christmas Please and thank-you my other of Christmas is opening wonderful gifts.

From family friends and you my other favourite part of christmas is getting too drink hot Christ

Are Fand Hailey

Dear Santa

My name is Brooke I am a sit yer old girl! I have been an awesome girl this year so I would like some makeup, a play superstore a real puppy and that’s it. My favourite part of Christmas is opening presents. How old are your reindeer Santa? You give me presents.

Thank you Santa.

Your friend,

Brooke

Grade 1 Room 6

Dear Santa,

My name is Ethan. I am a 5 year old boy. I have not been good this year. I would like a game bolt for my DS please and thank you. My favouite thing about Christmas is that my birthday is on December 11^th. I want to know which reindeer kicked you.

Thank you very much,

Love your friend Ethan

Dear Santa,

I am a six year old boy. I want a Bakugon please.

Why do you have elves, reindeer and a sled?

My year has been sort of good, but very good today. Do you like me, Santa? I like you, Santa. Could you give my Dad a laptop and my mom a computer please?

Have a good year. I will miss you.

Your friend Ivan

Dear Santa

Haw are yor Reindeer?

Haw are you?

Are yor elves Beize?

Are you gatigi riye for christmas Santa?

Can I please gata ese Bake uvin? And thank you Santa

From Sidney S.

Grade 1

Dear Santa

How are you? How are your reindeer? I hop that your reindeer are fin. How do you delever all the toys so fast?

From Maren L.

Grade 1

Dear Santa

Haw do your reindeer fly? For Christmas may I please have a big mot con trol motre bote?

From William W.

Grade 1

Dear santa

How dow you fel?

Dow you like hot chocolott

I like rudolph

Can I please have bicit can I plese have rolofrpopp

From Eden K

Grade 1

Dear Santa

Do you hv a bobe or a keb I wont a tode br koz won I go asleep I won to kobi a tod bah

From Julia J.

Grade 1

Dear Santa

How are your reindeer? How are you? Can I get a DS for christmas? How is Rudolph and all of the reindeer are you busy? Are your elves busy?

Love Madison O.

Grade 1

Dear Santa

I love Christmas dot you?

Christmas is my frarit yer bicus I get los and los of presents and I wot a dS and a bran now slay like you? And you love all the presets

From Bethani L.

Grade 1

Dear santol

I hop you fel fin

Das I of your reindeer have a red nos?

Do you have a sun? is snow bars in the north pole?

Is I of your renideer kold rudolph?

From Jackson P.

Grade 1

Dear Santa

How many elves do you have? Do you like chocolate milk? How do your reindeer fly? Can I please have a Mighty World Bobcat? Please can I have a webkinz?

From Wesley H.

Grade 1

Dear Santa Claus

How are you doin?

How are your reindeer too?

I don’t have chimney. How do you go so fast? Are your elves doin god?

From Marley O.

Grade 1

Dear Santa

Thank you for the pop up books last year. Do you relley lev at the nort pol? I wish for 200 webkinz this yer.

Your friend Isaac Hergott

Age 7

PS. How old is Mrs. Claus.

Dear Santa,

I love the littlest pet sope’s game you gave ME! Last year. This year I would like littestpetsope’s on it’s own. How meny elfs do you have?

P. S. and a good good Christmas!

Your friend

Madison Kuehl

Age 7

Dear Santa

Thank you for the card and candy cane you gave me last Christmas. How many hockey cards do you have?

I would like a playstashone 2 for Christmas.

From your friend Brett Gruber

Age 7

P.S. Have a good time.

Dear Santa

Thank you for my air hockey table last Christmas. How many reindeer do you have? For Christmas I went a godley halmit lot’s of hockey card.

For your Friend,

Sam Dramnitzke

Age 7

Dear Santa

Thank you for my pokemon cup and bale. Haw many reindeer do you have. I would like a fire bireds shirt. And a sidny crosby hokey shirt.

Your friend,

Tyler Jackman

Age 7

Hope you have a merry Christmas.

Santa

Thank you for the toys you gave me last year. this year I wont a laptop and a mp3 player. How many ele’s do you have?

Your friend,

Galvin Banwell

Age 6

PS. What are you ding?

Dear Santa

Thank you for the suowter last year. How many reindeer? I would like Sidny Crosby jeersy and Alex and Ovechkins jersy too pleys santa and all the other jersys

From your friend,

Jacob Ertel

Age 7

PS Have a merry Christmas Santa

Dear Santa

Thak you for the camara you gave me last christmas How many rane Deere do you have? Can I have Moroe Hokey Cards.

Your friend,

Liam Boronka

PS. Hope you have a merry Christmas.

Dear Santa,

You have a great job because you can ride in a sleig with nine Reindeer. You can climb in chimeys, and your magical. You have a great job because you can eat a lot of cookies.

I wanted to ask you how many house do you visit in an hour? How many in a night? Are most people naughty or nice? How much would Rudolph eat in a day? How big is your factory? Is it bigger than a football fieald or smaller?

I was good when I let Evan use my pencil and I used it after him. I was good when Kyle snapped his mini stick I let his use it for the rest of the recess. I let Josh be goalie in mini-skickes.

This year for Chsitmas I would really like a DS, a pokemon DS game, and the new Airhogs helicopter, and a guitar.

I have some advice for your trip make sure you double check the list so you don’t give presents to people that are on the naughty list.

Make sure everybody gives you cookies. Make sure you feed the reindeer before you take off.

Sincerely,

Daniel

Dear Santa,

You have a great job because you have nine raindeer and a big red sleigh, you eat lots of cookies and you drink lots of milk. You get to play with 50 elves when they’re not working.

I wanted to ask you what are you getting me for Christmas? Do you have fun riding through the air? Do your hands ever get cold on Christmas? Do you need a map? Let me tell you about when I was good I helped grade fours build a snowfort. I got picked for student of the month because I helped others finish their work. I cleaned my brothers room.

This year for Christmas I would really like a Wii and a new playstation 2 game to play. I want lots of hockey cards.

I have some advice for your trip weare lots of mittens and toques. Tuck in your big fat shirt. Give lots of presents to people in Africa who can’t afford any!

Love,

Joel

Dear Santa,

You have a great job because you give toys to peopole and people like that, well, I people like it. You also have a great job because you have reindeer and you’r magical. I wanted to ask you if you’r actually real? I mean like not some person dressed up in a Santa suit. I mean REAL! Let me tell you about when I was good. I volunteered to do kindergarten helping, I saved a dragonfly from the water and I helped my dad with his work. This year for cristmas I would really like a PS2 and Rock Band World Tour, an amp for my guitar, a lap-top. I promise I will be good with the lap-top. I have some advice for your trip. I fthere is a house with no chimney you should go in the door.

When you turn a corner don’t go to fast. Don’t go to slow either.

Yours truly,

Dale Jurica

Dear Santa,

How are you? I would like a cuple of toys. I want a tedy bear. Are your raindeer real? How many presents do you give at Christmas? I know what my brother wants. He wants a starwar set. When you come I’ll have some fresh trets for you and your raindeer. I’ve really enjoyed math, art and I’ve really improved in French. I love your white beard it looks really good on you. I think I’ve been a good girl. I really want something fluffy from Christmas.

Love, Lauren

Grade 2

Baden Public School

Dear Santa,

How are you doing? I have a couple of questions. This is what they are. Is Rudolph real? How many people are in the world? I have more questions for you. How old are you? Did you give presents to cave men? Would you know how many elfs there are? Do raindeer like carrats? What kind of cookeys do you like? I REALLY want a i-pod tuch screen please and guitar hero fore please. That’s all for now. Merry Christmas.

Love,Luke

Grade 2 Baden Public School

Dear Santa Claus,

How are you? Can I please have Backugouns for Christmas. Santa is Christmas your favrit time of year? Santa can I please have something for my dog Reilly because she is running out of balls. Can I please have transformers.

Your friend,Joel

Grade 2

Baden Public School

Dear Santa,

Hi how are you Santa? I have been good this year. I am sorre for being mean to my sister and if you can make me a present please and I promise that I will help my mom with dishes and what ever she says. I will be goo and I wont be mean to my sister. I will be making milk and cookees and I will be sleeping and I can’t wait. I will wak up really early to open my presents.

Your friend, Sophia

Grade 2

Baden Public School

Dear Santa Claus,

How are you? I think I was a good boy. I please want for Christmas lego. Can you please bring Jane back for the for my mom. She would love that. How many presents do you give to people? Can you please get my mom a boddle of shampoo. Santa you are a nice guy. Merry Christmas.

From Jacob

Grade 2

Baden Public School

Dear Santa,

Hello Santa. How are you doing at the north pol? Today I helped my sister get up. For Christmas I would like a Ottawa Senator Jerse, his name is Spezza, his number is nineteen, and a stringy ball the colours are green and orange and I would like an elechtric qutar. I hope you have a good Christmas.

From your best friend, CJ

Grade 2

Baden Public School

Dear Santa,

Hi Santa how are you doing? I love your red suit! This is what I want – Poukamon cards please. I wonder how your raindear are doing? I love your white beerd it looks good on you. Have a great Christmas!

Love, Cassandra

Grade 2

Baden Public School

Dear Santa,

You have a great job because you have Christmas on Jesus’ birthday. You always have workers who are very responsible. You get to be a boss for ever. Santa I wanted to ask you if elves are short? Does Rudolph exists in real life? Is your favourite food cookies? Is your favorite colour red?

Let me tell you when I was good. I was good but sometimes my sister bothers me. I get Mad! I try to calmdow but she keeps bothering me. Sorry about that. This year for Christmas I would really like Raven Rabbits for a Wii, the Bluejay webkin, a DS and a DS game to, I allways liked that spidog you got me.

I have some advice for your trip my advice is that when you get to hot places take of you jacket, mitts and hat. Youl be much cooler.

Yours truly,

Torin

Dear Santa

You have a great job because you get to fly on your sleigh and you get to go down chimney. You have have a great jobs because you get to have reindeers and you get to eat cookies.

I wanted to ask you if you like your rendeers and you elevs. I wanted to ask you if you like Chirstmas. Do you like snowy days. Do you hate spring.

I was good when I helped my brother get up when he fell off the bed.

I was good when I helped my dad to bring in some chairs from my car I was good when my mom told me to help her. I would like this Christmas is Nintendo wii and games, Nintendo DS, mp3 player and a web kinz. I would really like is a 72 inch plams screen t.v. I really like is a reindeer. I have some advice for your trip. When you come do you go around the world. When you come what is you load for you sleight. When you start pack you bag does your elevs help you start packing your bag with you.

From you friend

Robert

Dear Santa Claus,

You have a great job because you are the manager of the toy factorry and. Kids like toyes and most pepole like toeyes but. Mostly kides and kides like to play and toyes are ment to be played with.

I wanted to ask you Howe many elvse you have and if your. Real because nobody can fly out of the. Sky but I belive in raindear. Let me tell you when I was good. When I got 4 stickers in Gr. 2 and that was pretty cool. And when I came home my mom was proud of me. And I was proud to. This year for christmas I would really like an I-pod nano a, DcSnow bord, Air Hog’s Helicopter, the xbox 360 game Rock band III. I have some advice for your trip check if redoph’s nose is working and. If the raindear can pull the slay.

Yours truly,

Alex, Kyle

Dear Santa,

You have a great job because you are the most popular holaday ledgend whell reale ledged that is.

I wanted to ask you do you realy have actual magic? Could you please send me some pictures? Have you ever crashed on christmas night? How old are you? How do you go all around the world in one night?

I was good on December 27,2007 when Karoline (from my old school) was crying and today when my cat had some glass in her paw and I made her feel much better! When you are flying you should check the wether 3 times as much as you all ready do.

Sincerely,

Faith

Dear Santa,

You have a great job because every year on christmas eve you get lots of milk and cookies. Also you get to stay up as late as you want to give out christmas presents. You never hav to do chores.

I wanted to ask you want kind of materiels do you make toys out of? Do you get motion sickness when you fly on your sled? Why do you always wear red? Let me tell you about when I was good this year when I was good I was helping my sister because she was sick and I cleaned up her room. It helped my mom and sister.

This year for christmas I would really like, a DS, an I-pod. Build-a-bear cloths, a fur real friend pet, dog in a purse, Hannah Montana outfits and a wig, High school musical clock and tosys in my stocking!

I have some advice for you trip when you go for a landing on sand hills road. When you go in the houses you shouldn’t wear shoes.

Yours truly,

Christina Jantzi

Dear Santa Claus,

Thank-you for coming to my house every year. You have a great job because you get to eat free cookies! You get to fly high in the sky aswell. You also get to choose presents for everyone and have reindeer as well as Rudolph.

I wanted to ask you if you can come into my room and leave a present beside my bed? Can you put a piece of coal in my brother and sisters stocking but only one piece?! Do elves really, acually have pointy ears?

Let me tell you when I was good. I was good when I let my brother throw the football when it was my turn! I didn’t pick the home movie when it was my turn! I let my brother do a card trick before me. This year for Christmas I would really like. . . the Girls Gorment Cupcake Maker and the Little mommy Deluxe play-set. That’s all I’d really like though. Isn’t that weird? In my stocking I’d like two smurfs! I have some advice for you trip. Com to my house firt and back the way you travled! Make sure your reindeer are pumped up with carrots! Wear really warm clothes!!!!!!!

Sincerlly,

Delaney

Dear Santa,

You have a great job because you get to deliver toys to people that be good. You also have a great job because you know who was being good and bad. You also have a good job because you are in charge.

I wanted to ask you are you really real? Does Rudolph still lead your sleigh? Do you just get fat automaticly or do you just eat to make yourself fat?

Let me tell you when I was good. I was almost good last week because of my burnt hand. I was good and sad the Sunday before last Sunday because that was the day I burnt my hand. A few weeks ago I helpped my sister and brother.

This year for Christmas I would really like High School Musical 3 if it comes out yet and the clone wars movie. Also I would like a new PS@ game. I also want a remote control car.

I have some advice for your trip put rockets on your sleigh it will make the ride faster. Also dive head first because you will go down the chimney faster.

Nathaniel

Dear Santa

You have a good job because you have to give out peresns and see how the Reindeer are. Are the Reindeer bad do they go fast? Are you scered I was always good at home My brother get in big terrible But I do ot I wod like a Book, a Baby or candy

Any gum preteraby juicy frut. I want to tell you I Am going to flonda and I Love going I am going to Be Safe.

Yours truly Rebecca

Grandview School

Dear Santa,

For Christmas I want a lights and sound James lego city, yo yo on a gogo. I am a 4 year old boy. I also want a lights and sound percey.

Can I also have a hockey stick, Ottawa Senator hockey jersey, a stuffed duck

Sebastian

TO SANTA

FROM NICOLE Y.

Barbeiis, stuffed cat, littlest pet shops, a “real” magic want, a fur real friends butterscotch pony and I want my presents to be delivered beside my BED please

Dear Santa,

I would like a monkey stuffed animals, a transformer, a spiderman, thomos the tink ingine, some candy canes, some butter flies that string goes through it, a spider man movie, a whole box of puppets, a stuffed animal that is “little bear,” a baby snowman for the big snowman, a santa book, a build-a-bear, some clothes for the build-a-bear, a play-dogh cener and that is all.

My name is Sam. I’m 4

Merry Christmas

Dear Santa,

Santa may you please give me a Transformer truck I can ride in. I also want a remote control dinosaus that scares everybody. I really want a new house for my mom.

Merry Christmas Santa!

Love you Santa. I will buy you a new hat

Love,

Liam

Dear Santa,

This Christmas, I wante, a blowup toy, a rubber lizard toy, one little ‘kinz, and webkinz. The kind of webkinz I want are a big turtle and a little snake. A rubber crocodile. I also would like a remote control car that is really big, and black. I also want one of those dinosaurs that talk; a green one. I also want a Madagascar 2 colouring book! I have been really good this year and have worked really hard in school!! Also a remote control helicopter Please

From Jeses

Dear Santa Claus,

Ho!Ho!Ho! How you doin’? How are you and Mrs. Claus, and of course the elves and reindeers? I’m following class rules. And, when my mom says to do something I do it!

Can I please have an M.P.#, and can I please have the Princess Elexa from the Diamond Castle? And 1 more thing, can I pretty please have a webkins cardinal?

Do you think your beard is 5 m long? It looks So Big! Like how…how, do you deliver all those presents in 1 night? I will ask my mom to put out cookies and hot cocoa.

Sincerely,

CC Weber

Grade 4

Holy Family School

Dear Santa,

How was your trip, last year?

I didn’t say “Thank you,” so “Thank you!!!” especially for the monster.

This year I would like these things: some webkinz, DS Games, Stufft animals, milk beads and a crimping iron. Thank you, santa!

I have been on your website North Pole.com. I have been talking to Bonnie, your elf. Say “Hi,” to her and tell her that I say, “Hi.” How old are Rudolph and Bonnie now?

Your friend,

Veronica Mensch

Age 8

Dear Santa,

How are the reindeers and Ms. Claus? I love your red coat and reindeer! What did the reindeer say to the sleigh? Do you want a red nose to see? Ha! Ha! Ha!

I will like for christmas: I-pod, Girl gormake, stufed Rudolph, DS, White board, Markers, craons, pencle-craons, penclecase, and Books.

Have a safe ride.

Ho! Ho! Ho!

Yours truly Sarah Reinhart

Age 8

Dear Sant

You sode start paying those elfs I men they work work work work work. How is it at the north pole? Do you have a pet pengwin? I wood like en I-pod plees, and can I plees get a D.S., and Indiana Jones Lego, and some lego peoples. That deerd of yours it’s as dig as a transport truck!

Do you ever shave?

Down’t get a stomic acke. Oh and downt get air sick. Does rudophs nose ever dlind any won? Is your cusin the easter dunny. I’ll lev Crush for you

Yours trooly,

Matthew Morrissey

Age 8

Dear Santa,

I have been good this year. I’ve helped people at school. I’ve been good at math and at reading!

For Chritmas I want a big bardie house that is called “Dream house” and I want my mom to have a green shirt and my dad a bee book. Santa eat the cookies!

Have a good time santa and I will be good!

Your friend,

Andreea Jichita

Age 8

Dear Santa,

Santa Santa Santa it’s almost Christmas! Oh! Oh! Oh! I like the food. I like sitting on your lap (whenever I do sit on your lap I don’t have beans).

I want the toys I circle. This year I ant: A littlest pet shop day planner, a toy horse that you can-actually sit on (the one with the carrot), chiooneok, p.s. my dog wants some hot dogs

Kate Toman

Age 8

Dear Santa,

How are you doing with all those letters? I was good and my room is clean. I was wondering if you could maybe get my parents a gift Santa. I like to clean up stuff and I hope you can get my friends some toys what I want for chrismis is a live dog. I will leve you some cookies,

Love, Josie

Holy Family

Dear Santa,

I’ve had a pretty good year. I want to improve on is to stop lieing. One thing I’m proud of is hugging my mom every day when I wake up. Hi Santa I’ve had some difficult times during the year and can I please have: D-vex, a psp, some more DS games, some more webkinz, guitar, a pokemon stuffed animal, some board games, a laptop. And that’s what I want for Christmas for my dad a 33 inch flat screen tv for my little sister a gameboy. My little Brother a lighning McQueen pillow my mom some more stuff for she to nit. Has it’s a disco Ball let’s party!

Sincerely, Liam

Dear Santa,

How are you? I hope you had a nice summer! Have I been nice or naughty? I think I have been nice with a little naughty in mye. I have been nice by making my bed! I hope you give my brother Ryan spike the dinosaur and my other a guitar. Here are some of the things I would want for Christmas” D-rex, electric guitar with a amp, laptop, a puppy and a disco ball. I hope you enjoy my list of presents. I think I smell hot lunch. Bye Santa from you friend, Meghan

Dear Santa,

I have been very good. I have been quiet in school and at home. My friend Lydia loves High School Musical. If possible could you give her a little High School Musical toy form me? I would really like to get the movie Alvin and the Chipmunks. Some ideas for my stocking are: Littlest Pet Shops, Polly Pockets, calico critters, small stuffies ect. Please keep my Grandparents healthy. Thanks You!

Sincerely,

Your Friend Abigail Toman

Dear Santa,

I think I’ve been n ice because I helped my mom sweep the house and clean my room and Naught because I din’t lisen to my mom or my dad. I would like a webkin and a little kinz, byaby liver the one that pees on you a big sutf dog, little kinz and a other poor kid a baby live. Please thank you!form your friend, Cali p.s girl Baby alive.

Dear Santa

I think I have been nice and bad because how I sit how are the elf’s too guess what December 31^st is comeing up and that’s my birthday party I wish you could come to my birthday party. Everone loves you because your thankful everyday I don’t what to wish to much well hereare my wisies I would like a a real puppy what kind a little bbovermen and a little petshop planner and a good cristmas with my family an my good birthday party with my friends and family plus little kinzwebkin plush toy clothsies and books

love savanna

Dear Santa,

I have have ahad a pretty good year. I think it needs some improvement. One thing I really hope my friend Isaac gets for Christmas is a new video game called monster jam urban assault. (my borother wants it for wii too.) my friend also wants a wii. Some thinkgs I want for Christmas are, Guitar Hero world tour for Wii, tony Hawk’s underground 2, The nerf Vucan EBR-25, (I really want Gitar Heroi world tour and Tony Hawk’s undergournd 2) some hot wheels, a pro wheelie cycle, and eltoro loco, Grave digger, and Scarlet bandet monster truck toys. Thankyou very much from your friend, Jordan.

Dear Santa

How are things at the North Pole? It is raining here today. Please the presents beside the Christmas tree.

I want Eva and Walli.

Love Ally

Dear Santa

Do you know how many people there are in the world that get presents?

Christmas is my favourite holiday of the year.

I love when you give everyone presents at Christmas.

I wonder if you will put coal into someones stocking this year. I don’t know all of the reindeers named, except a few, I know a few of them. I don’t care what I get for Christmas, I like mostly everything.

Love Julia

Dear Santa

I wuld like a PSP for Christmas and that is all I would like.

What is it like in the North Pole? I wonder how you are? I hope you have a good Christmas. How are the reindeer?

Sincerely, Tim.

Dear Santa

I would like a DS, a Wii. I wonder if you ever got bit by Rudolph. Violets are red, holy shoot, there’s Santa!

Love Eddie

Dear Santa

In the book The Night Before Christmas, when you call out all of your reindeers names, why didn’t it say Rudolph in it? I would really like an Ipod. I love all of the presents you bring to us. I would like three cats for Christmas.

Santa is red, violets are blue.

Love Anna

Dear Santa

I would like a new Christmas toy. I want a medal. I want a new bike. I want a new backpack. I want a new lunchpail.

From Randy.

Dear Santa

I would like a toy gun. I would like a PS1. I would like an Xbox. I would like a DS. And I going down the chimney.

Love Dean

Dear St. Nick

I would like a camera and a case. I like a DS, games. I would like a globe. How old is the North Pole? I would like a book.

Roses are red, violets are blue, Santa Claus is big and I hope my present is too!

Love Brayden

Dear Santa

I would love to see your reindeer. I would like a robot and turns people into garbage. I always wanted a monster truck. I want Santa to sing the ABC song. I wonder if Rudolph really does have a flashing nose?

Love Hayden

Dear Santa and Rudoulph.

I really want an Ipod. How cold is the North Pole? I really want my own four wheeler. Lastly I want a tractor. A riddle for Santa – Hey Santa, what does a banana do wehn it sees a ghost? It splits!

Love Konie

Dear Santa

I hope you have a great Christmas. I want a webkin, I really would like some new little kinz. HOw are your reindeer? How many reindeer do you have?

Love Belle

Dear Santa

How are the reindeer?

WHat are you doing? HOw do you fit downt he chimney?

Have you ever broken the chimney? I would like cow.

Yours truley, Carter.

Dear Santa

Are you really skinny enough to fit down a chimney? I love your presents you bring me. Christmas is my favourite time of theyear. I would to see your reindeer. Santa do you sometimes get stuck in the chimneys.

Sincerely, Keegan.

Dear Santa

I lvoe all the presents you bring me for Christmas. Thank you. I hope you like my cookies and milk and your reindeer like the carrots and water. Do you like to live in the North Pole? I hope you hav ea sure trip this year.

Love Sarah

Dear Santa

I want a sled, a DS, a WII.

Alex.

Dear Santa

How is Mrs Claus?

Love Shelby

Dear Santa

Mrs Claus, Christmas tree, lights, sled, Santa, reindeer. I wat a back poick. I wot a flip flops. I wot a Barbie.

Love Victoria.

Dear Santa

Can I ples have a reindeer and a DS and a nau bed.

Love Morgan.

Dear Santa

I want a bet cat, I want a bet horse, I ant a bet bog, I want a the bet horse, I want a fastit bog.

Love Amelia.

Dear Santa

I wot a dog, some barbies and a game for a DS.

From Payge

Dear Santa

I wot a barbies, kitten and puppies. I want a guitar,

Love Erinn

Dear Santa

I want tractors and combines and a truck.

From Cole

Dear Santa

I would like a guitar hero.

From Kyle

Dear Santa

I like Santa. Wile do you git as presents? I won’t to rn my presents.

From Nao-yu

Dear Santa

Cen I plesy hav a idog and I wot a ipod and a DS and a puppy and a pare of pink soks and a caibg pach.

Love Abby

Christmas lights in New Hamburg

Rob Laurette submitted these photos he took of Christmas lights in New Hamburg.

Christmas at Hogwarts

Baden and New Hamburg parades

Santa stopped by New Hamburg and Baden this past weekend to visit with the children.

Gingerbread contest winners announced

A selection of the 2008 New Hamburg Gingerbread Contest entries.

Gingerbread contest public viewing tonight

Imaginations have run wild in Wilmot over the last two months.
Participants in New Hamburg’s annual Gingerbread House Contest brought their creative masterpieces to the New Apostolic Church last night where judging began on the 27 entries. Awards and cash prizes will be handed out tonight following a public viewing from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The church is on Waterloo Street in New Hamburg, across from Forest Glen School.

Christmas Movies is this year’s theme and the entries recreate scenes from a wide selection of favourite holiday flicks, from Christmas Vacation to Sponge Bob Square Pants.

Here is just a sampling of what people have entered.

Legion Peewee’s battle Embro

The New Hamburg Legion Peewee Rep Huskies came away with only one point in a two game home and away series versus Embro last week.

After losing an early season game against Embro 6-1, the Peewees were going to have to step up their game to stop a similar fate. In the first game, the fans were not disappointed, as the fast and physical game ended in a 2-2 tie. The first period was scoreless as a see-saw battle ensued. Part way into the second period, the Huskies took the lead after Matt Ramseyer fed a breaking Brady Honderich  who fired a low shot from inside the blueline that beat the Embro goalie. Half way into the third, Embro evened up the score after a funny bounce put the puck in the crease, but two minutes later the Dogs went ahead again. In what is becoming a patented play, Jacob Simpson found Braedon Hancock on the doorstep who snapped in a quick one

Embro continued to apply pressure and scored late in the period tying the game.
Travelling to Embro for their second matchup of the week, this game was once again a back and forth battle. The Huskies outplayed and outshot Embro in the first but were held scoreless. Early in the second, Embro scored the game’s only goal. Without being able to go upstairs for review, Embro was awarded a questionable goal that didn’t appear to cross the goal line. The third period was a scoreless duel. Goalie Michael Vitello was outstanding in net, making some brilliant saves.

Local class sizes below provincial standard

Ontario has released the results of an initiative to reduce class sizes across the province.

According to a release from the office of Leeanna Pendergast, MPP for Kitchener-Conestoga, class sizes in the region are at or below the provincial goals.
“As an educator for over 20 years, I understand the importance of this accomplishment and want to thank the two local boards for partnering with us to make this happen,” said Pendergast.
In 2008-09, at the Waterloo Catholic District School Board had 91.2 per cent of primary classes at 20 or fewer students. One hundred per cent of primary classes have 23 or fewer students.
In 2008-09, at the Waterloo

Region District School Board, 90.7 per cent of primary classes have 20 or fewer students. One hundred per cent of primary classes have 23 or fewer students.
Province wide, 90.3 per cent of primary classes have 20 or few students.
The press release states provincial investments have put 5,100 additional teachers in primary classes across Ontario to reduce class sizes.
Parents can check primary class sizes at their local school by using the government’s website at http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/cst.
The website also shows how class sizes have changed since 2003.

Below are charts to show the difference in class sizes over the past few years.

Kids and Cops this weekend

The 10th Annual Kids & Cops day at the Wellesley Arena takes place this Saturday.

This is a fun day for 150 – 175 kids, aged 4 to 10 from Local League Rep. Hockey Teams.

Twin Centre Minor Hockey Association consists of the villages of Wellesley, St. Clements, Linwood, St. Agatha, Heidelberg and the surrounding areas.

Participating in the day’s events are the Waterloo Regional Police, the Kitchener Rangers Junior “A” Hockey Club and the Wellesley Junior D Applejacks as well as the OMHA Events Team.  Events for the day include fun on – ice drills, a full dress practice by the Kitchener Rangers followed by a mini hockey game for the top fundraising team with the Rangers and a skate & autograph session for all with the Rangers.

Each Child receives a Kids & Cops form with their scores, mug shot and fingerprints.  This is all made possible because of the donations made by the local businesses, A sample of the Forms and Poster’s used for advertising have been attached.  The kids all receive a Kids & Cops t-shirt with sponsors names on the back and a bootle bag of donated goodies.

Each child and their family is invited to the Community Centre following their on – ice session for refreshments.

MP says coalition proposal is undemocratic

Gail Martin
For the Independent

Harold Albrecht’s office has been flooded with phone calls this week — the majority of them expressing dismay over the possibility of a coalition government taking the power from the Conservative party.

Albrecht, the Member of Parliament for Kitchener-Conestoga, said that the consensus is that such a coalition, involving a deal brokered between the Liberals, the NDP and the Bloc Quebecois, would not be democratic — an opinion he tends to share.

“This agreement between the NDP, Liberals and being propped up by a separatist party, it’s not in the best interests of Canada,” said Albrecht. “Just six weeks ago, we went to the Canadian people, and saw a very clear mandate that they wanted us to continue to lead, and six weeks later we are facing this situation.”

The coalition became news earlier this week, after opposition parties expressed outrage at a “poison pill” found in the Conservative party’s fiscal update — a change to policy that would severely hamper the fundraising ability of the other parties.

The Liberals and NDP also criticized the lack of an economic stimulus package.
Albrecht notes, however, that the Conservatives had already implemented several economic stimulus measures a year ago, including reducing the GST.

He sees the move by the opposition parties as a grab for power — “on a platform they had never run on.”
However, according to political science professor David Docherty, there is absolutely nothing undemocratic about what is being proposed.

The Elmira resident, who is a professor at Wilfrid Laurier University, said that Canadians don’t realize that we don’t actually elect a government.

“Canadians don’t choose a government, we choose a Parliament. We elect 308 men and women — they effectively choose a government.”

Typically, Docherty said, this is done before Parliament convenes, with the party holding the majority forming the government.

But, it doesn’t necessarily have to be that way.
Docherty notes that nowhere in Canada’s constitution does it say anything about political parties — since parties did not actually form until after confederation.

In actuality, “this is not a constitutional crisis. This is what the constitution was meant to provide for.
“The beauty of our system is that it allows for a peaceful transition of power without an election.”
Docherty added that while Prime Minister Stephen Harper may be forgiven for not having anticipated this — “the opposition rolled over and played dead for so long, that he could be excused for thinking they’d roll over and play dead now” — he will have to face the consequences.

“He has to take the ownership of pushing this too far.”
However, according to Albrecht, the party stands in full support of the prime minister.
“We are totally united behind the prime minister. There is absolutely no question of unity within the party.”
Albrecht, in his new role as deputy whip, will be helping to ensure that all party members are there for the crucial vote on the fiscal update, set for Monday.

He is not willing to speculate on the results.
“I have never been more unsure of what the outcome of the actual vote will be,” said Albrecht.
Docherty, however, is pretty sure that the Conservatives will go down on Monday, and that the coalition government will be given a chance to govern, at least for a time.

The alternative proposal, of proroguing Parliament until January, is not likely to be accepted by Governor General Michael Jean, said Docherty, unless Harper agrees to step down, and an interim leader is chosen for the Conservative party.

In the meantime, Docherty, and his fellow academics are enjoying the novelty of the political maneuvering in Ottawa.
“This is the academic equivalent of a kid in the candy store,” said Docherty. “A minority government is the gift that keeps on giving.”

Tavistock holds annual Christmas parade

Tavistock was out in full Christmas spirit this past Saturday with their annual Christmas parade.