Welcome Back BTPS!

I am thrilled to welcome us back to the 2022-2023 school year. This is such an exciting time as it represents the chance to begin again, renew our efforts, and reaffirm our commitment to do whatever it takes to ensure every single student experiences personal success.

I had an amazing start up last week. Monday, I had an opportunity to meet our new teachers. I want to welcome all new teachers and staff to BTPS. This really is an amazing division to be a part of for staff and students. Tuesday, our school leadership team came together for laughs, learning and planning. Our schools are so fortunate to have such dedicated leaders. The BTPS Learning Day on Wednesday for our teachers was my very first chance to see all of our teachers in one place since I have been in BTPS. Seeing all of the smiles, hearing your voices, and sharing in your learning was by far one of my greatest days here. Thank you to all those who had a hand in planning the amazing meetings and sessions last week.

In August, the Transportation Department hosted our bus contractors Annual General Meeting. I want to give a huge thank you to all our drivers and contractors who build relationships with our students and safely drive them to schools. BTPS custodians also came together last week for their start up meeting. Our schools look absolutely stunning and their efforts to clean and polish over the summer sets our student learning up for success.

Every summer, the BTPS Facility team hires some dedicated summer students. I want to thank Molly, Payton, Jason, Jameson, Nolan, and Kaiden for all of their hard work (especially over the hot days of summer!). Our entire Facility team has done an incredible job of painting, lighting, flooring, renovations and outside school yard maintenance to enhance all of our schools over the summer. Thank you to all!

Our Technology team worked behind the scenes this summer to ensure our start up was smooth. Not only did we need lots of technology support with our in person events, our schools all have an incredible standard for engaging students using technology which keeps our tech department busy over the summer months. A huge thank you for ensuring all the “old”, existing and new technology is set up for our staff and students.

We are ready! Have a great first day of school. I am looking forward to seeing you all in your schools.

Take care,

Rhae-Ann

#BTPStogether

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 Michelle Webb prior to September 29, 2022.

Thank you for taking the time to recognize these valuable members of our team!

General Curriculum Support Workspace

The General Curriculum Support Workspace is your one-stop for everything related to the new curriculum in BTPS. Here is the link: https://bit.ly/37SULix

You can also always access it via app.hapara.com/workspace → Click “Our Library” from the menu across the top → Scroll all the way down to the bottom of the list of folders on the left and click “Teacher Resources for Curriculum”.

Financial Literacy for K to 6

Teacher guides and lesson plans for k to 6 financial literacy are now in the Physical Education and Wellness workspace in Hapara. https://workspace.teacherdashboard.com/#/workspace/w/625452d395c21420559077ba

In this episode, Rhae-Ann has a conversation with Amaya Myhovic, a BTPS high school student, who talks about her Indigenous art piece created as a response to a project in her Art 20 class. Additional topics they explore allows Amaya to speak her voice with hopes that her artwork sparks conversations regarding 'Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women', residential schools and other struggles that Indigenous people face along with inspirational topics like an appreciation for the Indigenous regalia and celebration of their culture and heritage. In order to support student learning about Indigenous people and the Calls to Action, Amaya encourages others to educate themselves on both Indigenous societal issues and the rich history of their people. Take a few minutes and listen in.

Listen on Spotify, Apple, or BTPS Website

BTPS will honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 28, 2022 under the guidance of Kevin John from They Build Bridges.