BTPS Newsletter
April 26, 2024
Superintendent's Memo
During the past week, Trustees collaborated with division and school leaders at the BTPS Leadership and Board workshop in conversations focusing on vision, mission, and values and the alignment with BTPS priorities. Trustees had the opportunity to sit with school leaders and hear much of the great work our principals, teachers, and support staff do for our students and the unique connections with families and communities. The feedback heard from our Trustees included their deep appreciation and pride for what is being done. Other sessions revolved around systematic wellness led by Felica Ochs and exploring our relationship with Indigenous knowledge under the guidance of Dr. Dwayne Donald.
School leaders shared their practice on supporting instruction which engages students. They also had an opportunity to share their work supporting teacher instructional practice. Leaders explored the division education priorities and highlighted ways that this could drive professional learning and planning for next year.
Trustees had conversations identifying successes found over the past three years and what further opportunities exist. To assist in the professional learning opportunity, Trustees welcomed Chris Smeaton who facilitated conversations towards best practices and good governance. Highlights of the work done included reviewing foundation statements, the operations of the Board, models of excellence in governance, strategic planning, and system leadership.
Trustees also participated in discussions regarding their goals for the upcoming year, exploring avenues to advance our school division in various areas such as communication, highlighting celebrations and achievements, and providing support for students and staff.
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... Kendra Barss!
Board of Trustees
Check out the Board Highlights from the April 17th Regular Meeting.
Highlights include: Advocating for Wainwright Elementary School, Cellphones in Schools Survey, 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.
Government of Alberta Engagement on Cellphone Use in Schools
The following message from the Government of Alberta requests stakeholders to provide input regarding student use of cellphones in schools. You are encouraged to share your thoughts through a survey.
“In Alberta, and in many other places across the world, student cellphone use is increasing. Cellphones have the potential to be powerful teaching aids that, when used appropriately, can improve learning outcomes. But there are significant risks and concerns with inappropriate cellphone usage. They can be a distraction to students in the classroom and disrupt a student’s learning and can impact student safety through bullying or harassment.” - Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Education
The Government of Alberta wants to hear from Albertans, including parents, guardians, teachers and staff, about how students should use cellphones in schools. Your input will help inform future government direction on cellphone use in schools.
They have provided a survey, which will take 10 to 15 minutes to complete and closes May 3, 2024.
Delnorte School
At Innisfree Delnorte School spring has sprung a whole bunch of great learning opportunities! As always we are fortunate to have many community connections that enhance our learning. Our local Public Library and Women in Business group hosted our classes for a printmaking activity on International Women's Day, learning about a project empowering girls in Kenya.
Our Grades 9-12 students, joined by Mannville School Students, travelled to Italy and Greece over the spring break, enjoying a delve into ancient empires! With the warmer weather, our Greenhouse project has become a focus, starting seedlings, creating baskets, and looking forward to our blooms which will be arriving soon!!
Our Grades 1/2/3 group has been investigating simple machines and applying their knowledge with various building challenges. The grades 4-9 have been focussing on their writing process including speeches, descriptive writing, and narratives. Badminton players have been practicing and playing hard at our local competitions and running our Friday ice cream float sales! On May 3rd we will be celebrating our Grade 12 students during our spring exercises.
From all of us at Innisfree Delnorte School, we are wishing all the schools and staff around the division a wonderful completion to the school year!
Marwayne Jubilee School
MJS is proud that 2 of our badminton pairs won GOLD at Badminton Zones in Fort McMurray! Jaden Millhouse and Jillian Stevenson won gold in Senior Girls Doubles and will be attending Provincials for the 3rd straight year! The cousins Cole and Morgan Boutillier will be attending Provincials in Edmonton next week in Junior Boys Doubles. Great Job WILDCATS!
At MJS our Grade 4/5 class was cleaning up the area around our school for Earth Day. Happy Spring to everyone.
The art vibe is flowing at MJS. The artwork from our talented artists is displayed in our halls. Thank you to all our teachers for supporting the arts and a big thank you to Colleen Hoegl for her art instruction for our Jr/Sr students at MJS!
Wainwright High School
Wainwright High School is a vibrant community of learners where we build academic strength alongside personal responsibility. We also love to have fun. Check it out.
Stay up to date and check us out on facebook and follow us on Instagram @wainwright_high
Before the April break, students from grade 8 through 12 celebrated their academic successes with Project Excel. We had an afternoon of activities supported by our local community facilities. These types of events help showcase not only student successes but the strength in community connections! Students travelled to the Peace Memorial Multiplex and used the rink for skating, the climbing wall, the racket-ball courts for "wallyball" and to the Wainwright Bowling Centre (with our local legend and resident social studies teacher Mr. Spencer).
Throughout the year WHS students engage in numeracy in active ways, applying their understanding to complex problems and real life situations.
Our school council and leadership classes are strong groups at WHS. Annual dodgeball tournaments draw in great crowds and fun competition while mentorship and volunteerism build connections and community.
Superintendent's Public Speaking Competition
Buffalo Trail Public Schools is hosting the 12th Annual Superintendent’s Public Speaking Competition on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at J.R. Robson School in Vermilion, AB. The event will begin at 9:30am.
The BTPS Superintendent’s Public Speaking Contest provides an opportunity for students in BTPS to be involved in an event that will display their public speaking abilities. The competition is meant to acknowledge the importance of public speaking as an essential skill for today’s youth. This event includes students in Grades 4-12 from across the division who compete in an oral speaking competition.
The program for the event is here.
The link to join the livestream will be posted on our BTPS website here the morning of the event.
Wainwright High School Leadership
Buffalo Trail Public Schools is pleased to announce that Dustin Martin will be the new Assistant Principal of Wainwright High School commencing August 2024.
Please join us in congratulating Mr. Martin!
Hāpara Champion Educator
We are excited to share that Ginnene Nichols from Marwayne Jubilee School has successfully completed the Hāpara Champion Educator course!
The Hāpara Champion Educator course takes time and dedication. It focuses on basic proficiency in the Hāpara Instructional Suite: Teacher Dashboard, Highlights, Workspace, and Student Dashboard, and how to implement these features for student-centered instructional use.
Congratulations, Ginnene!
Flourishing Story - Rural Caucus of Alberta School Boards
The Board of Buffalo Trail Public Schools is a member of the Rural Caucus of Alberta School Boards. On the RCASB website it showcases ‘Flourishing Stories” from rural Alberta schools.
This month, we were proud to showcase the BTPS Art Academy program!
The BTPS Art Academy at Wainwright High School was a week-long immersive event designed to provide high school students with a deep dive into the world of art. Led by a seasoned teacher, administrator, and local artist from BTPS Eryn White, the academy aimed to enhance students' artistic skills, foster creativity, and build a supportive community of aspiring artists.
The event offered full-day sessions packed with thorough guidance, hands-on activities, and dedicated studio time. Participants had the opportunity to earn 3 credits in either Art 10 or Art 20, adding value to their academic profiles while engaging in captivating art projects.
The collaborative environment enriched the overall learning journey, with students networking and exchanging ideas with peers from different schools. Thanks to the support of all involved, the BTPS Art Academy was a resounding success!
Check out the full feature here.
Literacy Month Winners
Congratulations again to our Literacy Month winners, EH Walter!
The staff received sweet treats, delicious hot coffee, a shiny trophy, and new books for their library.
Until next year, everyone!
- Stacy Jubinville
VIBE Children and Youth Mental Health Art Gala
You are invited to the come and go free event at the Vermilion Regional Centre on Wednesday May 1st any time between 5 and 9 pm. This will kick off mental health week.
Come and see student art from Vermilion, Mannville, Innisfree, Kitscoty, Dewberry, Marwayne and Blessed Sacrament School in Wainwright. Their art represents their view of mental health and/or mental illness.
There will be art activities for children, youth and adults.
- VIBE
Administrative Professionals Day
April 24, 2024 was Administrative Professionals Day!
To our amazing administrative professionals - thank you for your dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment to our schools. We truly appreciate everything you do to support our students, parents/guardians, communities and staff. Your contributions are truly appreciated and make a world of difference each and every day.
National Principals Day
On May 1, 2024, we celebrate our incredible principals and assistant principals.
To all the principals in Buffalo Trail Public Schools, thank you for your unwavering commitment to our students, staff, and communities.
We are grateful for all that you do to support our mission of maximizing student learning, in a safe and caring environment, supported by a highly effective team. Your leadership is truly appreciated and valued!
Bus Driver Appreciation Day
On May 6 (the first Monday in May), we honor the unsung heroes behind the wheel - our bus drivers! 🚌
To all of our bus drivers at Buffalo Trail Public Schools – THANK YOU! You truly make a difference in the lives of our students, and we appreciate you more than words can express.
Your dedication, patience, and skill keep our communities connected and safe. Thank you for your tireless efforts and friendly smiles.
Happy Bus Driver Appreciation Day!
CMHA Mental Health Week
CMHA Mental Health Week is May 6-12, 2024
A Call to be Kind
We all have the capacity to be compassionate, and we know that doing so can make an enormous difference. This year’s Mental Health Week is centered on the healing power of compassion.
Compassion isn't just about being kind to others, it's about extending that same kindness to ourselves. Visit www.mentalhealthweek.ca to learn more. #MentalHealthWeek #CompassionConnects
Join BTPS in spreading kindness, understanding, and compassion. Together, we can make a difference.
K-6 resources:
- The Compassion Project: This course introduces core SEL competencies to teach students how to practice compassion and empathy, identify emotions, and developing a growth mindset. There is a course for Grade K to 3 & another for Grades 4 & 6.
- Ignition: Digital Literacy & Wellness: This course teaches students modern digital health concepts such as digital emotional intelligence, digital dependency, online privacy, and internet safety . Perfect for Grades 5 through 9.
6-12 resources:
- Character Playbook: This free digital course sponsored by the NFL teaches students how to establish and maintain healthy, supportive relationships with their classmates. Perfect for Grades 6 through 9
- Honour Code: Bullying Prevention: This course helps students identify their unique talents, grow resiliency skills, and build strong connections with others to create positive school communities. Perfect for Grades 7 through 10.
- Understanding Mental Wellness: This course introduces students to mental wellness concepts like stress coping strategies, stigma, emotional health, and how to find help for themselves or others. Perfect for Grades 8 through 12.
Getting started
To get started using these resources with your class follow this Quick Start Guide
Alberta Health Services Mental Health Help Line: 1-877-303-2642
Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868
The Support Network: 780-482-4357
Mental Health Foundation: https://www.mentalhealthfoundation.ca/
Canadian Mental Health Association, Alberta Division: https://alberta.cmha.ca/
Hats On! for Mental Health
May 8, 2024 is Hats On! for Mental Health Day!
Hats On! For Mental Health Day is a day for Albertans to wear hats and start conversations about mental health. By wearing hats, we show our support for mental health and the importance of removing the stigma associated with mental illnesses
BTPS is committed to supporting the mental health and well-being of all students and staff. By participating in Hats On! For Mental Health Day, we hope to start important conversations about mental health and to remind everyone that support is available.