BTPS Newsletter
September 15, 2023
Superintendent's Memo
It is hard to believe that students have already been back to school for two weeks! I want to take a moment to express gratitude for the positive tone staff has set for the year. It has been wonderful to witness the enthusiasm and commitment each of you bring to your roles, creating an inspiring atmosphere for our students and families. I have had the opportunity to visit some of our schools during the first two weeks and noted the energy, and excitement of students and the collaboration and passion from staff. I am eager to be in the rest of our schools by mid October to connect with staff.
Today is Military Family Appreciation Day. On this day, and every day, we remember the sacrifices and celebrate, thank and acknowledge the resilience of our military families.
September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. On Thursday, September 28, staff and students will engage in learning to recognize the day. We invite you to join us in wearing Orange Shirts on that day as a symbol of our commitment to truth and reconciliation.
Mark your calendars for Wednesday, October 25, 2023! We'll be hosting a Celebration and Retirement event at the Vermilion Regional Centre to honor our long-serving employees and retirees for the 2022-2023 school year. We hope you are able to join us in celebrating your colleagues. Please see the information on this event found later in this newsletter.
Be well,
Michelle
On Friday, September 15, Buffalo Trail Public Schools proudly recognizes Military Family Appreciation Day, observed every year on the third Friday in September.
We honour and appreciate the incredible contributions of military families who endure long deployments, frequent relocations, and countless sacrifices to support their loved ones in uniform.
On this day, and every day, we remember the sacrifices and celebrate, thank and acknowledge the resilience of our military families.
View our full media release here.
Wainwright Elementary School
Wainwright Elementary School had a fantastic start to the school year. The students are just finding their groove as we have begun our 2nd week of school with a "Spirit Week". We ended our first week with a student-led assembly where all the fantastic programs that WES has shared with the students. We are looking forward to a great year and welcome back!
WES held a friendly Welcome Week student vs staff floor hockey match!
Vermilion Elementary School
We are so excited to dive back into learning, fun activities, and making incredible memories. Our first week included our first assembly with a visit from our jaguar mascot, cross country running and three volleyball clubs starting up. One of our favorite events was Muffin Morning which gives time for parent engagement at VES. This week winds up with our school-wide Terry Fox Run/Walk. VES is living our mantra, “Being the Best We Can Be”.
Board Policies and Administrative Procedures:
Human Resources Department
Outstanding Support Staff Award
We are seeking nominations for this year's Outstanding Support Staff Award. It is the time of year for you to identify all of the excellent contributions your support staff make for your students, families, staff, schools, and the division.
Here is a link to the Administrative Procedure that has the criteria and nomination form that you may share with staff. Forward all nomination packages to Camille Quinton prior to September 28, 2023.
Thank you for taking the time to recognize these valuable members of our team!
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is on September 30, 2023. With this being a Saturday, schools will gather to honour the day on Thursday, September 28.
School will be able to connect online and have Kevin John and his organization, They Build Bridges, lead a few activities. These activities will run in the morning and include an opening presentation to all students and then separate sessions for Elementary and Jr/Sr High. In the afternoon, teachers will be provided with lesson plans and a number of activities to choose from to lead at a school level.
Resources
Commemorate National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with Métis Artist Connie Kulhavy
Schools looking for meaningful ways to engage students in honouring the Sept. 30 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, can do alongside Métis Artist Connie Kulhavy. Sponsored by Rupertsland Institute, this meaningful event will see Connie lead students through an art activity while fostering a safe and gentle understanding of residential schools. All K to 12 learners are encouraged to participate in this enlightening experience. The event will take place online on Sept. 27, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Registration is now open via the RECC Room.
No Stone Left Alone
Educating youth about the sacrifices of our veterans is paramount in preserving Canada's rich history. The “No Stone Left Alone” initiative serves this mission with fervour, ensuring that young Canadians recognize and value those who have bravely served our nation. Its poignant practice of having students place poppies on veterans' headstones stands as a testament to remembrance, teaching the next generation about respect, sacrifice, and gratitude. But the work doesn't stop there. No Stone Left Alone offers tailored educational materials that seamlessly fit into existing curriculums, catering to various age brackets and learning proficiencies. For more information on their programs or to discuss collaboration, visit the link above or get in touch directly with National Coordinator Michelle Koch.
#OSD10for10 Campaign to Unite Educators in Celebrating Orange Shirt Day
Educators across Alberta are invited to embark on a journey of reconciliation in honor of the 10th anniversary of Orange Shirt Day (OSD). In partnership with the International Indigenous Speakers’ Bureau, Digital Human Library proudly presents the #OSD10for10 Campaign. The campaign's mission is to engage 10 per cent of households in witnessing Phyllis Webstad's profound narrative, the catalyst behind the OSD movement a decade ago. Participating institutions will also have the privilege of hearing from Joseph Naytowhow, an exceptionally talented Plains/Woodland Cree (nehiyaw) singer/songwriter, storyteller, actor, and residential school survivor. By joining this initiative, schools will receive exclusive access to Phyllis Webstad and Joseph Naytowhow's stories, along with educational resources, and a digital "Count Me In" badge for all staff and students. To register, contact Trevor Hammer.
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!
Learning Services Department
Literacy:
Implementing literacy across the curriculum is easier than it sounds! Creating a literacy-rich environment with a theme is a simple way to start! For example, you have a second-grade science class, and you’re studying weather, your literacy-rich classroom might include:
Reading books on weather
Exploring labels around the classroom identifying weather vocabulary
Learning content on raindrops and clouds
Singing songs about the weather
Students write in their weather journals about the conditions each day
Graphing the daily temperature
Check out this Edutopia video on building literacy in the science classroom.
Regardless of what subject or grade you teach, literacy can be implemented in so many wonderful, creative, and simple ways. How are you incorporating more literacy into your classroom?
Numeracy:
Did you know each Mathology Little Book has an interactive math activity that accompanies it? Find a Little Book that you would like to use → from the Lesson Tab → click the italicized text under the book picture to access the read-aloud, activity, and PDF.
The links to the read-aloud and/or activity can be opened on student Chromebooks using Hapara Highlights or they can be shared with students and families in your Seesaw class.
EdTech Tips:
Did you know that Hapara has an in-app Learning Hub? With the Learning Hub, you can learn all about Hapara’s tools and features while you’re using them! Just click on the purple question mark anywhere in Hapara to access click-through guides, video tutorials, and support articles. You can even open a ticket with the Support Team right from the Hub.
Hapara also has self-paced courses for those who want to dive deeper into how to use Hapara in the classroom. With courses like How to Hapara Highlights, How to Hapara Workspace, and Giving Formative Feedback, you’re bound to find something that can help level up your use of Hapara. All of the self-paced courses can be found in the community by clicking Courses in the left side panel.
Inclusive Learning Department
Wainwright FCSS is introducing a brand-new, 4-week series called, It Doesn’t Have to Be Weird. The focus of this series is to provide digestible information about sensitive topics to parents, caregivers, and professionals including education on suicide prevention, drugs & alcohol, sex & consent, and sexual orientation & pronouns. All sessions are free to attend, open to all, and held over Zoom.
For more information or to register:
780-842-2555
Spuds in Tubs Program
The Spuds in Tubs program was designed to connect students with their local food system and help them develop a deeper appreciation for where their food comes from. Students will learn about the history and culture of potatoes, as well as the importance of supporting local farmers and sustainable food systems. The program encourages collaboration and creativity, and students will have the satisfaction of watching their hard work pay off with a bountiful harvest!
WHO:
The Spuds in Tubs program is for students in grades 3–9. Limited enrolment* Only 50 classes (in Alberta) will be selected to participate in the first year.
WHAT:
Students will learn about plant biology, soil health and sustainable food production. The program also teaches students about the importance of reducing food waste, composting and using resources responsibly.
WHEN:
A virtual workshop outlining the program will take place early in December, 2023.
Please visit here for more information and registration
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