BTPS Newsletter

Superintendent's Memo

Hi Team!

As we approach the end of April, I want to ask to see if anyone else thinks it is unbelievable that there are just over 2 months of the school year left?!!

Graduation season is quickly approaching, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our staff for their hard work and dedication throughout the year. Graduation season is a time to reflect on all the amazing opportunities, events, learning experiences that have gone into ensuring our students are ready for their journey after graduation. Graduation is always a special time of year, and I look forward to celebrating this important milestone with our graduates, their families and staff. I am confident that they will go on to achieve great things and make a positive impact in the world. Your commitment to all of our students has not gone unnoticed and is greatly appreciated. The BTPS Radio Ad (2023 Graduation Message) is from Zach from Provost Public School

As we enter the final stretch of the school year, I would like to remind everyone to remain focused on our mission of maximizing student learning in a safe and caring environment supported by a highly effective team. We have many exciting events and activities planned for the coming weeks, including school trips and outdoor activities as the weather continues to warm up. There are also PATs and Diploma exams which I know our students will be prepared for. All staff have a hand in preparing our students for the exams and our results consistently show our students achieve at high levels. Thank you!

Enjoy the great weather!

Take care,

Rhae-Ann

Media, Communications, Celebrations

BTPS Learning on the Trail Podcast:

Learn about Occupational Therapists with Camille Bailey

Camille is a registered Occupational Therapist as well as the owner of Sensory Solutions Inc. and she provides pediatric OT for BTPS. She stops by and chats with Rhae-Ann about many aspects about this career path.

Media Releases

11th Annual Superintendent's Public Speaking Competition

Radio Ads

Volunter Week - Keysha from Dr. Folkins Community School

Hats On! For Mental Health - Norah from Delnorte School

2023 Grad Message - Zach from Provost Public School

Superintendent's Public Speaking Competition

Buffalo Trail Public Schools hosted the 11th Annual Superintendent’s Public Speaking Competition on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at J.R. Robson School in Vermilion. This event includes students in Grades 4-12 from across the division who compete in an oral speaking competition. This year’s winners are:

Division II (Grades 4, 5, 6)

Gold - Nadine Paul (Gr. 6) - Kitscoty Elementary School
Silver - April Morris (Gr. 6) - Marwayne Jubilee School

Division III (Grades 7, 8, 9)

Gold - Asia Clark (Gr. 8) - JR Robson School
Silver - Quinn Pedersen (Gr. 8) - Edgerton Public School

Division IV (Grades 10, 11, 12)

Gold - Keaton Xu (Gr. 10) - Wainwright High School
Silver - Shaylyn Pierce (Gr. 11) - Dewberry School

BTPS hosted over 50 students, staff, parents, and family members for this live event and broadcasted it live to our schools and families who were not able to attend. It is an amazing event which showcases our BTPS students’ incredible speaking talents.

Congratulations and a job well done to all participants! It takes immense courage, skill, and talent to stand up in front of people and speak so eloquently. You are all incredible representatives of your school!

Check out of media release on the event here!

National Volunteer Week

April 16-22 is National Volunteer Week.

Please join BTPS in recognizing and thanking all of the volunteers who make our schools a better place!

Keysha from Dr. Folkins Community School has a special message of gratitude for our volunteers here!

Admin Professionals Day

Admin Professionals Day is coming up on April 26, 2023! Thank you to the amazing admin staff at BTPS! Thank you for keeping our schools running smoothly and for your tireless efforts behind the scenes. Your hard work and dedication do not go unnoticed. We couldn't do it without you!

Inclusive Learning

AHS Advice line for child & youth development concerns now available

Alberta Health Services is pleased to share that we have launched a new advice and guidance line for parents, guardians and caregivers of children and youth (birth to 18 years of age) with concerns about their child’s development and well-being. The Pediatric Rehabilitation Line provides advice about developmental milestones in areas such as:

· Moving and playing (e.g., crawling, coordination, playing with toys)

· Talking and listening (e.g., babbling, understanding directions, stuttering)

· Taking care of self (e.g., dressing, toileting, sleeping)

· Managing emotions (e.g., calming self, becoming overwhelmed or overstimulated)

· Difficulty eating or swallowing (e.g., coughing, gagging)

· Hearing (e.g., responding to sounds, noise, voices, words)

· Are recovering from COVID-19

· Are looking for current rehabilitation resources (e.g., links to information or webinars)

· Are looking for help to find local services

How to connect

This Alberta-only line is answered by Allied Health clinicians and operates Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Parents, guardians and caregivers can call 811 or the Rehabilitation Advice Line (1-833-379-0563) to be prompted to the Pediatric Rehabilitation Line.

Extras

Money Management Skills Course for 2023 Graduates:

Did you know that all grade 12 students in Alberta have free access to a comprehensive online personal finance course? Developed specifically for teen learners by Enriched Academy. The self-study program features an engaging video format and covers eight topics ranging from budgeting basics to getting started in the stock market. Completing the course will ensure much-needed money management skills and it also offers a certificate of completion that looks great on a resume. All Graduating Students who complete the program are eligible to apply for a scholarship. Please click here to request your account. Scholarship details are found here.

Page Program Recruitment 2023

As an Albertan high school student, you are eligible to apply to become a Page! The Page Program is more than just a job; it is an opportunity for students to learn firsthand about the Legislative Assembly while gaining work experience, career insights, and valuable skills such as communication, problem solving, and leadership. Pages work at the Legislature during Session and have the unique opportunity to play an important role in Alberta’s democratic process. Interested? Check out the Page Program (assembly.ab.ca) for details about applying. If you have any questions or want to know more, feel free to contact the Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms at OSAA@assembly.ab.ca.

PSBAA Photo Contest

PSBAA photo contest is open to all residents of Alberta – including students, teachers, parents and school community members. Photos must relate to people or subjects connected with K-12 public school education in Alberta.

Please note the deadline for submissions is May 1, 2023. Just a reminder there are three prizes up for grabs: $300 (1st place); $200 (2nd place), and $100 (3rd place). If you have any questions, please email Troy Tait at ExecutiveDirector@public-schools.ab.ca.