The A.L. Horton Wayfinder
December 15th, 2023
Christmas Concert Highlights
Jingle Bell Jukebox
This year's daytime and night time audiences enjoyed a variety of songs with festive themes, including a Ukrainian song and a Métis story. Thank you to students for their dedication to rehearsals and to staff for their leadership!
- Mr. Barkwell, concert director
- Mrs. Bortnick, acting and choreography director
- Panni Fedorouk, Ukrainian song director
- Concert committee members Mrs. Wakaruk, Mrs. Barlott, Mrs. Reid, and Mrs. Kozak
Narrators celebrate after the show
5:00 PM performers
Audience enjoys the concert
Theatre Prospero Comes to A.L. Horton Elementary!
From January 8 through 26, artists from Theatre Prospero will be working with classes to choose and present five folk tales or epic tales!
In week one, students will get a glimpse of the creative work ahead as they help artists enact an epic tale. Then, the playwright and director will work with grade group classes and cross grade buddy classes to curate, choose, and write story dialogue and actions.
During weeks two and three, student will work in smaller groups to design sets, choreograph movement, and practice acting out the folk tales students have chosen.
The stories presented will have connections to the Social Studies curriculum, Indigenous culture, and the cultures of families within our school community.
Stay tuned about the performance to take place the week of January 22 to 26!
You can read more about the artists and their work on their website.
Events Upcoming
January 30 School Fees Consultation at School Council meeting 6:30 PM
January 30 Ukrainian Language & Culture Info Night at 5:30 - 6:15 PM
Share Your Thoughts on Budget Planning for 2024-25
Alberta Education allocates funds to school boards to fulfill their delegated responsibilities of providing education programs for students in kindergarten to Grade 12.
As part of Elk Island Public Schools’ (EIPS) commitment to stakeholder engagement and to continue allocating resources according to local priorities, the Division conducts an annual budget planning survey to seek input from staff, families Grade 12 students and community partners.
The survey is voluntary, anonymous and takes about five to 10 minutes to complete.
The survey questions suggest possible budget areas for EIPS to focus its resources, which align with the Division’s current Four-Year Education Plan. If you believe there are other areas where the Division should concentrate its resources, you can also indicate what these are. EIPS will consider all budget planning input to guide future decision-making.
Survey closes Dec 20, 2023
Support the Playground Replacements- Top Selling Class Wins Gym with the Vipers!
Ukrainian Language & Culture Program
Leading up to new student registration in February, Elk Island Public Schools is highlighting its language and culture programs. Check out the latest press release featuring our students and staff.
On the evening of January 30, program staff will share an overview of the Ukrainian Language & Culture curriculum, including cultural experiences and community activities. Students traveled to the Viter dance concert this fall, participated in borscht and butter making, and welcomed St. Nicholas on December 6. Over 110 students are currently enrolled in the program and participate in one period of Ukrainian each day. Join us on January 30 to learn more!
December & January Calendar
December 18 - Red & Green spirit day
December 18 - Grade 4, 5, & 6 Skating time
December 19 - Holiday Socks spirit day
December 19 - Grade 1, 2, & 3 Skating time
December 20 - Holiday Hat spirit day
December 20 - Grade 4, 5, & 6 Skating time
December 21 - Holiday sweater spirit day & Carolling in the gym AM
December 22 - Pajama day
December 22 - Grade 1, 2, & 3 Skating time
December 23 through January 7 - Christmas Break (no school)
January 8 - Kindergarten to Grade 6 classes resume
January 8 to 26 - Artist in Residence Theatre Prospero working with all classes
January 10 - early dismissal at 2 PM for staff meeting
January 10 - Hot Dog day (volunteers needed; help us keep the program running!)
January 16 - Jersey/Hat spirit day
January 17 - Hot Dog day
January 19 - Tropical/Beach spirit day
January 19 - Hot lunch day (order online by December 22)
Over 81% of term one report cards read online! We met our goal!
Hot Dog & Hot Lunch order due dates approaching - December 22
Questions & Answers
Thank you to parents and caregivers for your ongoing curiosity and open conversations about school operations and curriculum. In our January newsletter we'll include an article about what is/is not taught in the Physical Education & Wellness curriculum in terms of physical health and safety (boundaries, consent, privacy, risk) and physical growth and development (puberty and human reproduction).
Here is this week's question:
Why isn't O Canada played over the PA (public address) system each morning?
Teachers, school administration, and support staff focus on student connection and regulation each morning during arrival (8:15 - 8:30 AM) and during the class time before first recess. As a school community, we prefer to view morning video announcements and to play various O Canada anthems when students are calm and ready to learn. Teachers make the best decision for each of their classes as to when is best to begin the formal meeting part of their day with students. Video announcements and O Canada connect us with common messaging as a school community and citizens within a country, and an asynchronous (at different times) timing for these key instructional pieces is best for us.