BTPS Newsletter
March 22, 2024
Superintendent's Memo
March 15 marked an exceptional occasion as our staff came together for the Support Staff Conference at JR Robson School. It was a day filled with camaraderie, learning, and laughter, creating a truly uplifting atmosphere. The opportunity for support staff to gather, connect, and share experiences was invaluable, fostering a sense of unity and collaboration. Dr. Castaldi's insightful keynote on wellness, the engaging breakout groups, and the enriching exchanges among colleagues all centered around promoting wellness, ensuring a holistic approach to our professional development. Thank you to all who helped to make this day a success and a special thank you to the organizing committee. We truly do have an amazing team.
With just one week of school left before the Easter Break, I want to extend warm wishes to all school staff for a rejuvenating and joyful week ahead. May this well-deserved break be filled with relaxation, cherished moments, and renewed energy for the fulfilling work that lies ahead.
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... Lisa Wahlberg!
Board of Trustees
March Board Meeting Highlights
Check out the Board Highlights from the March 20th Regular Meeting.
Highlights include: ASBA Edwin Parr Nominee, Capital Plan 2024, Superintendent Highlights, Student Engagement, Policy Updates and Ward Review.
You can read the full summary here.
Buffalo Trail Public Schools is committed to maximizing student learning, in a safe and caring environment, supported by a highly effective team.
Dewberry School
Swimming Lessons:
The students of Dewberry School in grades four, five, and six have been visiting the BioClean Aquatic Centre in Lloydminster, where they participate in swimming lessons. This opportunity is a testament to our commitment to fostering both academic and personal growth within our student community. We are thrilled about providing these enriching experiences that extend beyond the classroom walls. Furthermore, we eagerly await extending this wonderful opportunity to our grade one, two, and three students in June, ensuring that they too benefit from this valuable learning experience.
Inventures Canada:
Three high school students from our school have been given the incredible opportunity to attend Inventures in Calgary, a premier event hosted by Alberta Innovates. As a gathering point for over 4,000 entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders from around the world, Inventures serves as a dynamic platform for showcasing innovative ideas, networking with peers, and forging impactful deals. The event promises an exploration into the forefront of technological advancements across various sectors such as cleantech, agtech, healthtech, artificial intelligence, and more. It is an unparalleled chance for our students to immerse themselves in the latest in innovation, potentially unveiling future career paths, acquiring new business insights, and developing valuable skills. This experience aligns perfectly with our dedication to preparing students not just for academic success but for meaningful contributions to a rapidly evolving world. On May 31, at the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre, our students will engage with curated content specifically designed to inspire and inform.
Badminton:
Our junior and senior high have kicked off badminton season. The teams train Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays under the coaches of Mr. McLean and Miss. Surina. Badminton in our school is a highlight for many students, eagerly anticipated for its thrilling matches and the spirit of friendly competition it fosters. It's important because it not only promotes physical fitness and teamwork but also instills values like discipline, resilience, and sportsmanship among the students. Good luck from our team to all the other teams working hard this month!
Dr. Folkins Community School Leadership
Buffalo Trail Public Schools is pleased to announce that Chris Demeule will be the new Principal of Dr. Folkins Community School in Chauvin commencing August 2024.
Please join us in congratulating Mr. Demeule!
E.H. Walter School Leadership
Buffalo Trail Public Schools is pleased to announce that Eryn White will be the new Principal of E.H. Walter School in Paradise Valley commencing August 2024.
Please join us in congratulating Mr. White!
BTPS 2024 Edwin Parr Nominee
BTPS Board of Trustees is pleased to announce Lauren Heck, Provost Public School teacher, as our nominee for the 2024 Edwin Parr Teacher Award, presented annually by the Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) to six outstanding first-year teachers from across the province.
The Edwin Parr Award is annually given to one first-year teacher in each zone of ASBA, who has demonstrated excellence in teaching. Each school division nominates one candidate, and then a committee selects one of the candidates to receive the award for the zone. The Edwin Parr Award recipients are recognized at the ASBA Fall General Meeting.
Provost Public School Principal, Stacy Brouwer, states: "I believe Lauren is a strong candidate for the Edwin Parr award. Not only does Lauren meet the Teacher Quality Standards competencies; she also exhibits a passion and love for teaching, and upholds a professional standard. This is apparent in her strong work ethic, positive student and community relationships, and dedication to improve learning. Lauren models the importance of belonging and its connection to learning."
Congratulations, Lauren!
E.H. Walter School Boys Basketball
Our team began with high expectations after starting the season out strong with a win in our home tournament. We then needed to endure a rough patch midway through the season before working through any weaknesses as a team. After gaining momentum through two strong tournament finishes, and picking up some additional wins to close out the season, we were ready to play our best basketball in the final weeks of the season.
We went into the NE Zone championship knowing we had to stand on business, and were excited to make it back to provincials for the third consecutive year! Although we weren't completely sure what to expect at provincials this year, we knew it was important to play our best and represent our school proudly. We fought hard and were able to shock many as we finished provincials in fourth place, proving that we can compete with the best.
We would like to give a big thank you to all the supporters that were cheering us on!
Marwayne Jubilee School Girls Basketball
The MJS Sr Girls Basketball team had a fantastic season. They dominated and won top spot in the Battle River Basketball League. At zones the girls brought home a silver medal and clinched their spot for provincials. The community of Marwayne is so proud of our girls who played hard at provincials in Airdrie. Making it to provincials and all the success the girls accomplished this year was a culmination of many years of hard work. We have 4 grade 12 girls who will be graduating this year. Good luck to Charlee Edge, Janae Clayton, Jaylee Rose and Zoey Bussey in all your future endeavours. Thank you very much to Eileen Hines and Dawson Hines for coaching the sr girls, your dedication to the sport and developing MJS athletes is truly appreciated
MJS Wildcats receiving silver at zones
Grade 12 players presenting a sweatshirt to Mr. Baker for all his hard work behind the scenes as athletic director at MJS
Superintendent's Public Speaking Competition
We are excited for the upcoming 12th Annual Superintendent's Public Speaking Competition.
Date: Tuesday, April 30, 2024
Where: JR Robson School - North Training Centre
Time: 9:30am - Noon
We are looking forward to showcasing our BTPS students incredible talents!
Reminder: Submissions are due by April 17, 2024
Learning Services Department
Have you checked out the BTPS website lately?
Our resource site serves as an invaluable hub for educators, offering a comprehensive array of tools and materials for enhancing literacy and numeracy skills in the classroom. From meticulously crafted lesson plan templates to innovative instructional strategies, teachers can seamlessly integrate our resources to foster student success.
Save the link to your bookmarks for easy access and check out this month's highlight: Biology with Sherbs!
Literacy Challenge Winners
Thank you to everyone who participated in our literacy challenge during February! Your hard work is truly appreciated!
From school-wide book swaps, dramatic readings at assemblies, inviting community members into the school to read, and dressing up doors or themselves for a special day, staff and students throughout BTPS rose to the occasion to spark a love for literacy! You all outdid yourselves!
This year's literacy challenge winners were the staff and students of EH Walter!
Although they won the physical award, you're all awesome for participating! A huge congratulations to everyone!
Inclusive Learning Department
Wainwright & District Family & Community Support Services
Please see the attached Wainwright & District FCSS April newsletter which is packed full of awesome opportunities in April.
Website: https://www.wdfcss.ca/
AMH Caregiver Education April 2024 Newsletter
Alberta Health Services is proud to offer FREE online programming to caregivers of school-age children and youth as well as adults in the community who want to learn more about addiction and mental health topics.
Please see the attached April newsletter.
Have Your Say
Attention Buffalo Trail Public Schools!
Your input matters! Alberta Education is seeking your valuable feedback on key learnings within the new draft social studies curriculum.
The Honorable Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Education, extended an invitation to Albertans to examine and offer feedback on essential teachings within the draft social studies curriculum for grades K-6.
We encourage all school families to look over the draft content and share their input by April 2, 2024.
2024 CDHA's Colouring Contest
Categories:
- 5 years old and under
- 6-9 years old
- 10-13 years old
Submit your entry by May 1, 2024:
- by e-mail to marketing@cdha.ca
- or mail to 1122 Wellington St. W.
Ottawa, ON K1Y 2Y7
Prizes:
Win a Toys R Us gift card and kids' prize packs from Sunstar G•U•M and Crayola
- 1st prize $75
- 2nd prize $50
- 3rd prize $25
For more information and full details, please visit here: http://www.cdha.ca/colouringcontest
Kids Help Phone’s Counsellor in the Classroom Program (at no cost!)
The Counsellor in the Classroom program is available to grades 4-12 and provides educators with activities and resources to use in the classroom to begin discussions on mental health and help-seeking. The class is then given the opportunity to connect with a Kids Help Phone professional counsellor, by telephone call or videoconference, to learn about Kids Help Phone services and ask questions they may have about mental health and help-seeking.
Educators can register for free on the Kids Help Phone website.