BTPS Newsletter
September 28, 2023
Superintendent's Memo
As we bid farewell to September, I am filled with gratitude for the incredible start to the school year. As I have been visiting schools, I have seen firsthand the excitement, growth, and positive energy during this first month. I am proud of the hard work, accomplishments, and the sense of community that continues to flourish within our schools.
Today, BTPS schools recognized the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This important day reminds us of the significance of acknowledging our shared history and working towards healing and unity. Our schools have come together to engage in meaningful conversations and fostering understanding and empathy among our students. Staff should be proud of their commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable society.
Looking ahead, we have three significant events to celebrate next week. October 2 is National Custodian Appreciation Day. A heartfelt thank you to all our incredible BTPS custodians. Your dedication to keeping our schools clean and safe does not go unnoticed. We appreciate your hard work and commitment to creating a welcoming environment for our staff and students.
On October 5th, we will be honouring World Teachers Day, a day to recognize and appreciate the incredible dedication and hard work of our amazing BTPS teachers. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our teachers for their unwavering commitment to our students' growth and success. We are fortunate to have you supporting our students.
Following that, we will be celebrating Thanksgiving on October 9th. It is a time to express gratitude for the blessings in our lives and to come together as a community to share in the spirit of thankfulness. I encourage everyone to take a moment to reflect on the things you are grateful for and to spread kindness and appreciation.
Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership. I look forward to the exciting opportunities and achievements that lie ahead.
Be Well,
Michelle
National Custodian Appreciation Day - October 2
World Teachers Day - October 5
Happy Thanksgiving!
September Board Meeting Highlights
Here are the updates from the regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of Buffalo Trail Public Schools on September 20th.
The Board heard an update from the Wainwright Elementary Replacement School Design Phase meeting. Senior administration met with Alberta Infrastructure. The next meeting will be held locally as the planning stages progress.
The Board, as part of its advocacy, has invited all three local MLA’s and the Minister of Education to meet with them at their earliest convenience.
BTPS is holding a Learning Day and other events at schools for National Truth and Reconciliation on September 28th.
The Financial Reporting Dashboard is up to date as of September 15th. The dashboard is a monthly review of the divisions financial information and provides transparency to stakeholders.
BTPS is now live on Facebook and Instagram to expand the division’s communications.
The Board values the views of all stakeholders relating to educational matters and seeks to hear from the public in various ways. The Board heard from a delegation with a representative from ‘Parent’s Choice in Education’, who came to share their thoughts on BTPS Administrative Procedure 302.11, Support for Student Organizations. Community members were in attendance to hear the speaker. The trustees are responsible for the overall governance and development of goals and policies that guide Buffalo Trail Public Schools and as such, passed a motion to review 302.11AP Support for Student Organizations.
BTPS was proud to celebrate the partnership with Lakeland College in delivering Dual Credit opportunities in University Psychology classes and the Automotive Technician trade. These programs will continue this year with the addition of University Sociology courses and Welding. The division is excited to secure a grant from Alberta Education to deliver Welding Dual Credit next semester.
Delnorte School
Welcome back everyone! It's been a busy start up at Innisfree Delnorte School and many projects we have been working on are coming to fruition! Exciting!
Over the past few years our school council has spearheaded a Multi-Sport Court project. This project is located on school property and was completed this summer. This project is intended for use by our school and students and for the benefit and enjoyment of our entire community. The goal of this project is to provide recreation opportunities for our community that do not currently exist. Our youth, families and seniors can enjoy this area while playing pickleball, basketball and street hockey. It has the potential to serve as a gathering area for community events and tournaments. We have been enjoying the beautiful September weather on the court during recess and gym times.
Our school has also been focussed on student engagement and authentic learning opportunities. We have been the lucky recipients of the A+ for Energy Grant two years in a row, with focus on sustainable energy projects that engage our students. Last year we were also fortunate to receive a grant from Corteva to assist with this initiative. We built a Greenhouse and are continuing to have our students work towards making this a net zero greenhouse in regards to the watering and heating systems. Every Friday afternoon our entire school engages in multi-grade groupings to work on sustainable energy Passion Projects. Students have proposed initiatives such as building Solar Powered phone chargers, 3-D printing a watering system for the greenhouse, sewing grocery bags out of recycled clothing, comparing energy outputs and costs of high efficiency beauty tools with those that aren't considered high efficiency, and building and maintaining a recycle and composting program. We are excited to see where these projects take our students' critical thinking, resilience, and learning!
Nadia, our school administrative assistant, also completed her 50th year with Buffalo Trail Public Schools (all in service to Innisfree Delnorte School) last year. Congratulations to her for her long standing commitment to Innisfree Delnorte School.
Wishing everyone a wonderful school year!
Kitscoty Jr/Sr High School
It has been a busy start to the school year with all of the sports and activities already at full speed. We have cross country, golf, volleyball and leadership all going and keeping our students busy. This year we have four girls volleyball teams, 3 boys volleyball teams, sr. and jr. golf and cross country and 30 kids in our Leadership cohort. Every student that wants to play or be involved at KHS gets to play and participate. Our Terry Fox colour run was a huge success once again amd our ongoing Great Grade Challenges with the Grade 11's holding a slim lead after two assemblies. KHS has had a great start and our community is taking a more active role in the school this year.
Board Policies and Administrative Procedures:
505-1AP - Complaints about Jurisdiction Personnel
Please read and review
Human Resources Department
EasyConnect App:
- Employees can now download the App to create absences. This is a new feature that went live in late June.
- 29% of all Assignment offers are now sent through it
- Download to manage your absences as teachers and manage subbing opportunities in easy connect.
Download on the App Store
Download on Google Play
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. On this important day, Buffalo Trail Public Schools acknowledges the painful history of residential schools and the lasting impacts they have had on Indigenous communities across Canada. It is a day to remember, reflect, and recommit ourselves to the journey of truth, healing, and reconciliation.
There will be division wide learning opportunities for all BTPS students on Thursday, September 28th. We will wear our orange shirts on this day to raise awareness of the impacts of residential schools. BTPS is committed to honouring and respecting Truth and Reconciliation. There is no school on Friday, September 29th.
Celebration and Retirement Event
Please see attached formal invitation to our Celebration and Retirement Event happening the evening of Wednesday, October 25, 2023 in Vermilion at the Vermilion Regional Centre.
This is an open invitation to all staff to come and celebrate our long service employees and retirees for the 2022-2023 school year.
Supper is being provided by the Board of Trustees.
Each school has their own sign up sheet. Please RSVP with your respective admin assistant or administrator by Friday, October 13, 2023 so we have a final count for our caterer.
We hope to see you there!
Technology Department
SMART NOTEBOOK USERS
For staff who use Smart Notebook (especially those who use the “extend page” feature) please do not update your Smart Notebook to Version 23. The “extend page” feature is not available in the newer versions. Disregard the update pop-up. If you have any questions please start a techhelp@btps.ca ticket or contact your school Tech Rep.
Learning Services Department
Starting this month, you'll see an instructional strategies challenge hitting your staff room! Each month, I will be sharing a new challenge to help support you in using a variety of instructional strategies to enhance the learning experience. This month we're focusing on vocabulary and its impact on literacy. Take a look at the document here. Feel free to save the link or even print off a copy for your classroom. - Stacy
Inclusive Learning Department
Wainwright & District FCSS newsletter which is packed full of great opportunities in October.
AMH Caregiver Education October 2023 Newsletter
Mental Health First Aid Training
See the attached poster for the upcoming Mental Health First Aid for Adults who Interact with Youth training Oct 19th & 20th, 2023 in Wainwright. Please note, this opportunity is free of cost (sponsored by Wainwright on Wellness), and ONLY open to those who are currently working in schools with youth as we have limited spaces. We hope to offer a session for the general public/ other agencies at another time.
For more information about the program, visit https://mentalhealthcommission.ca/training/mhfa/youth/
BTPS Apparel/Spirit Wear
Exciting Announcement!
Buffalo Trail Public Schools is thrilled to introduce our brand-new online store for all your spirit wear and apparel needs!
Show off your BTPS pride in style with a wide range of BTPS-themed clothing and accessories. Grab your gear at https://urstore.ca/buffalo-trail-public-schools
Congratulations Blake!
Congratulations to Dr. Folkins Grade 12 student, Blake Molle, for qualifying for the Canadian Finals Rodeo in the Barrel Racing Event. Blake has travelled a lot of miles and been very competitive in the Canadian Pro Rodeo Association this year. The finals will be held November 1 - 5, 2023 in Red Deer, Alberta. Good Luck Blake!!
Vermilion Marauders Football
The Vermilion Marauders football team is ready for another season of football. The Marauders defeated the Caroline Cougars 69-18 on Sept 14.
HAPPINESS HABITS
This 6-week course has been developed by Action for Happiness, drawing on the wisdom of experts across many fields, to cover the habits of living a happy life and spreading happiness to others.
Each week will focus on a different aspect of building and maintaining a happier life:
- Week 1: Gratitude
- Week 2: Self-Care
- Week 3: Relationships
- Week 4: Resilience
- Week 5: Kindness
- Week 6: Meaning
For more information and to join the course, visit here:
https://actionforhappiness.org/course/happiness-habits-calgary/?utm=EM-1
Follow BTPS on Social Media!
BTPS is excited to connect with our students, staff, families and communities on social media! Follow for updates and information on what is happening in BTPS and a glimpse into our school communities.