BTPS Newsletter
January 26, 2024
Superintendent's Memo
As the school year reaches its midpoint, I am looking forward to gathering with school-based staff on January 31 at JR Robson School. The schedule looks amazing with a focus on recharging and recommitting to the joy in working with students and colleagues in schools.
I am especially looking forward to hearing Morgane Michael, a teacher well-being expert, as she will share helpful ideas in the morning. Her advice is backed by science and will help us beat burnout and bring back the excitement and passion in our jobs. If you would like to know more about her, check out her podcast KindSight 101 or follow her on social media.
In the afternoon, school staff will have the opportunity to work together, collaborating to learn from one another, share experiences, find solutions and most importantly to connect.
This unique day isn't just an event; it's a chance for us to support each other, learn from one another, and start the second half of this school year in a positive state of mind. By bringing everyone – teachers, administrators, and support staff – under one roof, we will be recommitting to our mission, "Buffalo Trail Public Schools is committed to maximizing student learning, in a safe and caring environment, supported by a highly effective team.”
I am so excited to recharge and reignite TOGETHER!
Be Well,
Michelle
In the last newsletter, there was a google form scavenger hunt for you to partake in for a chance to win a prize. Thank you to all who participated. The lucky winner of the draw goes to... Ashley Bristow!
Check out this edition’s scavenger hunt form for a chance to win.
Board of Trustees
January Board Meeting Highlights
Check out the Board Highlights from the January 24th Regular Meeting.
Highlights include: BTPS 2024-2025 School Calendar, Superintendent's Highlights, Stakeholder Engagements, Student Engagement, Transportation Services, Policy and Procedures, and Professional Development.
Read the full summary here.
2024-2025 School Year Calendar
The calendar was developed using the BTPS framework as set out in 302.1AP Calendar Guidelines
Thank you to all schools that submitted feedback through their administration. The results of that survey were used to make some minor changes to the calendar that was initially presented. A summary will be provided to school leaders next week.
- Camille Quinton, Assistant Superintendent
The 2024-2025 School Year calendar can be found on the BTPS website here.
Amisk School
Amisk School has had a fun few weeks since returning from Christmas break!
The Kindergarten students are having an awesome time building, creating, learning and discovering in centres.
This month in grade one they have been investigating properties! Students have used balance scales, magnifying glasses and non-standard measurement to describe and compare objects!
The grade 2 class delved into the wonderful world of Acadian traditions! As part of their exploration, they got creative and made something truly special - snow pancakes! It was not only a tasty treat but also a unique way to connect with Acadian culture.
The grade three class wrapped up their Peru unit and celebrated with a fun cultural party. They played traditional games like marbles, they created Aya Huma masks, and had fun translating Spanish words.
The entire school jumped with joy as the temperature started to warm up this week and we were finally able to head out for some much-awaited outside recess fun!
E.H. Walter School
The school community organized a food drive and a hamper drive. Both were very successful. Here students are getting to send out hampers to the community.
Students in Jr and Sr high were involved in a pig dissection. What a wonderful learning experience.
EHW students, before the Christmas break, were able to enjoy a spirit week and share games and fun with staff and the community.
EHW is so grateful for the kind donation of a fridge and food to stock the fridge for our students. Students can enjoy healthy and nutritious snacks all thanks to the generosity of our community.
Upcoming Stakeholder Engagements
Stakeholder Engagement 4-Year Plan Online Community Focus Groups
February 2024
Tuesday, Feb 6
Monday, Feb 12
Wednesday, Feb 28
Thursday, Feb 29
All meetings will be held online from 7:00 pm to 7:30 pm. Educational Stakeholders are invited & encouraged to attend a meeting that best fits their schedule.
Please see attached info sheet below for more information.
Learning Services Department
The BTPS Literacy Challenge
Hey, Teachers!
Starting February 5, join BTPS' Literacy Challenge, where students and educators across the division will engage in exciting activities to celebrate all things literacy all month long! Each week, schools will compete for points to be crowned the literacy champs of BTPS.
From writing workshops to language exploration, let's make February a month dedicated to unlocking the full potential of literacy while having some fun along the way! Ask your principal for details!
Family Literacy Day
Family Literacy Day is coming up on January 27th with the theme: Let’s have a family party! Let's come together to celebrate the joy of reading and embrace the power of literacy as a family.
Family Literacy Day takes place every January 27th to raise awareness about the importance of reading and engaging in other literacy-related activities as a family.
The possibilities for learning are endless – and it's fun when you do it together.
For fun ideas on how to celebrate, visit familyliteracyday.ca!
Transportation Department
Director of Transportation Garth Raspon with his team Aimee Chibri & Belle Kennedy, have been working hard adding routes to Innisfree and Vermilion this past month.
We have been grateful the winter has been pretty mild, which keeps the buses on the road. We had our first cold snap of the year causing bus cancellations for a few days. We are blessed it didn't last long.
Thank you to all our bus drivers and contractors for getting our students safely to and from school!
Transportation Team,
Garth, Aimee & Belle
Inclusive Learning Department
Mental Health First Aid (for Adults who Interact with Youth) training
Wainwright on Wellness has partnered with The Wainwright Rustlers Hockey Club to offer Mental Health First Aid for Adults who Interact with Youth training March 7th & 8th, 2024 in Wainwright (see the attached poster for details).This training is free of cost thanks to the Rustler's sponsorship of mental health programming in our community! Spots are limited and registration is required.
Register via email to ariel.haubrich@btps.ca by Feb 28th, 2024.
For more information about the program, click the highlighted link above.
Wainwright & District Family & Community Support Services
February Newsletter - packed full of great opportunities for the month of February!
AHS - AMH Caregiver Education Team
Caregiver Education Team Newsletter - Jan/Feb 2024 - Alberta Health Services is proud to offer FREE online programming for parents and caregivers who support children and youth, as well as sessions for adults looking to support their own wellness.
2023 Zone Award of Merit
Recipient of the 2023 Zone Award of Merit (Alberta Schools' Athletic Association) - Brad Pylypow from Provost Public School
Brad Pylypow is the recipient of the 2023 Zone Award of Merit due to his abundant involvement in sport and his zone. He acts as an Athletic Director, 1A East Volleyball Commissioner, coach, and sports official throughout the school year. All these roles take extra time behind the scenes to allow athletes to have opportunities to compete, learn and embrace sport.
At the school level Brad is responsible for the Central Zone organization and communication between sports teams, parents, and teachers. He's a referee during the volleyball and basketball season, and a coach in volleyball, cross country, track and field, and badminton. At a zone level, Brad has been responsible for communicating with teams regarding game scheduling, fees, rules, and playoff results.
He is admired and valued in our community for his involvement in developing athletes in sport and the classroom. Congratulations, Brad!
Marwayne Jubilee - ASAA Girls 1A Basketball
In the ASAA (Alberta Schools' Athletic Association) Girls 1A Basketball rankings, Marwayne Jubilee School has received an honourable mention.
Way to go!
Edgerton Public School Art
Artwork submitted by students from Edgerton Public School on display at BTPS Central Office!
Vermilion Voice Article
Canadian Mental Health Association
Winter Blues or something more? Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Do the cold winter months bring you down? Know that you’re not alone. January and February have reputations for being some of the least favorable months when it comes to mental health.
The cold, dark and short days leave many Canadians experiencing what’s called the “Winter Blues.” But for others, it’s much more than that.
The Push-Up Challenge!
The Push-Up Challenge – 2,000 push-ups (or alternative exercise) from Feb 1-23 – in the name of the 20% of Canadians who experience a mental illness each year… are you with us?
It’s free to get involved, and your efforts can make a meaningful impact on mental health in Canada. You can create a team to get your family, friends, school, workplace, sporting club or gym involved, or join thousands of other Canadians as a solo participant.
Join us Feb 1-23. Your mind and body will thank you!