BTPS Newsletter
February 23, 2024
Superintendent's Memo
At the BTPS Learning Day on January 31, 2024, school-based staff from across the division gathered in JR Robson School for a day of connecting and learning.
Chair Jackson brought greetings on behalf of the Board of Trustees before the morning kicked off with keynote speaker, Morgane Michael. Morganeβs message on wellness and reigniting our passions was well received and inspiring.
Here are some of the learnings from Morganeβs presentation:
She's a busy mom/wife/teacher/speaker and balances it somehow. Inspiring!
Take moments throughout the day to acknowledge what you are grateful for & allow those moments and items to take over your current stressors.
I liked that she was down to earth, and her presentation was interactive, allowing us to speak with our table, or practice a strategy, or send a message of gratitude to an impactful person in our lives.
It really made me focus on the things that I can control and find ways to reduce my stress even if it was doing one little thing a day that will overall benefit me.
Morgane reiterated and introduced a couple new tools to add to our toolboxes and how to implement them. Burnout is so prevalent and Morgane broke down several key areas very clearly. Her presentation was very "real" and easy to relate to.
The afternoon provided time and space for staff to gather with peers and share their experiences and practices. Participants shared the following feedback about what they found valuable from the afternoon:
TIME. Time to idea-swap, time to ask like-curriculum people how and what they do.
For the EA's to discuss what they have achieved.
Collaborating and sharing resources with other same grade teachers. The time to share ideas and resources is very valuable.
During collaboration time, members of our group were able to discuss common problems some of us were facing. This allowed us to also discuss solutions or things we have tried/changed in our classrooms. By sharing this information, it generates new ideas to use inside the classroom.
It was great to see the Admin Assistants and have a round table conversation.
Basically, just the gathering of like minded individuals bouncing ideas around and being sounding boards for one another was great. It was an informative, safe group to be a part of.
This day was a chance for us to support and learn from each other, setting a positive tone for the second half of the school year. By bringing together teachers, administrators, and support staff under one roof, we reaffirmed our commitment to our mission of maximizing student learning in a safe and caring environment, supported by a highly effective team.
Be well,
Michelle
In the last newsletter, there was a google form for Random Acts of Kindness Week 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... Connie Harris!
Check out this editionβs scavenger hunt form for a chance to win.
Provost Public School
Provost Public School has been very busy over the last month as we have transitioned back to our school building. Over the past week we took the time to celebrate how students and staff have lived our shared vision of belonging, perseverance, and active learning. Students, staff, and community members came together in an assembly where stories of perseverance were shared. The assembly ended with a mixed grade activity where students worked together to represent how they leveraged our vision to overcome challenges. During the assembly, students celebrated literacy by sharing their own personal pieces of writing.
Over the past weeks, Provost Panthers have also engaged in literacy challenges. Staff have shared personal responses to literature; students and staff have been challenged to a word of the day; staff members created a video highlighting their favorite books, and doors were decorated with images of studentsβ favorite pieces of literature. We are looking forward to hosting a book swap from February 26th-28th, and welcoming community members to share their favorite read a louds to various classes.
Last week, Provost Public School welcomed Ryan Straschnitzki. Students were inspired by Ryanβs message of perseverance and opening closed doors.
Wainwright Elementary School
There is no time for the winter blues here at WES. We keep our students and staff very active as we run two major events. Near the end of January, WES runs a WinterActive day, where students are outside exploring and participating in different stations/events. With the help of parent volunteers and our school council the students also receive nutritional refreshments during the day.
And if that is not enough, in February, just prior to Teachers Convention, we run our annual Jump Rope for Heart event. This year was our 35th Annual event. WES raised over $13,000. There were incentives along the way with many teachers and EA's volunteering to dye their hair or have a pie or two thrown in their face. The big incentive was that if we were to reach the $10,000 mark, Mr. Mitchell would dye his hair orange and dress as the Philadelphia Flyers mascot "Gritty" ! It was a successful event, with many of WES's retired staff coming to join the jump and fun. In the 35 years since running the event, WES has raised a staggering amount of just over $450,000. Way to go WES! We are so proud of the generosity and spirit we have in our school community.
On Feb 6th and 7th our kindergartens also got in the active spirit and ran their kinderwalk in the gym raising money for their classes.
Congratulations to Chris Miller!
The CUPE AB Division has chosen Chris Miller as this years winner of the Health and Safety Award.
On behalf of Buffalo Trail Public Schools, congratulations on this outstanding achievement, Chris.
Thank you for all that you do!
Pink Shirt Day
Pink Shirt Day is coming up on Wednesday, February 28, 2024
Join BTPS as we stand together to spread kindness, acceptance, and inclusivity in our schools and communities. Together, we can make a difference! Let's paint our schools with positivity and support, one pink shirt at a time!
Wear pink, share your support, and let's make a difference!
Kids Help Phone, 1-800-668-6868
Kids Help Phone, Text β686868β
Bullying Helpline β Call 310-1818 or text 310-1818 or chat online for support
Wellness
π Join Our Kindness Challenge! π
Have you ever considered the impact of performing random acts of kindness? It turns out, these small gestures can have profound effects on your attitude, outlook, and even your health!
According to the Mayo Clinic, practicing kindness can do wonders for both your mental and physical well-being. Not only can it "rewire" your brain, making you more present and attentive to others, but it can also boost your mood in the process.
That's why we're inviting you to join our Kindness Challenge! We encourage you to take part in completing these acts of kindness, while spreading joy and positivity wherever we go.
Please initial and date each square of the board as you complete it. Staff members who successfully complete all activities by February 29th are invited to submit their board to patti.neale@btps.ca for a chance to win a prize!
So, why not spread a little kindness today? You never know the positive ripple effect it might have on both yourself and those around you. Let's make the world a brighter place, one kind act at a time!
Are you in? Join us in making a difference!
Freedom to Read Week
Freedom to Read Week is February 18-24, 2024.
Freedom to Read Week is an annual event that encourages Canadians to think about and reaffirm their commitment to intellectual freedom.
You can learn more about FTRW, access resources and more at www.freedomtoread.ca
Black History Month
February is Black History Month and this yearβs theme is Black Excellence: A Heritage to Celebrate; a Future to Build.
Buffalo Trail Public Schools celebrates Black History Month by honouring the resilience, achievements, and contributions of Black individuals throughout history.
Let's continue to educate, uplift, and advocate for equality and justice every month of the year.
Resources:
Black history organizations and educational resources
Wainwright & District Family & Community Support Services
Please see the attached Wainwright & District FCSS newsletter which is packed full of great opportunities in March.
Youth Tax Basics
Please find the attached poster detailing the upcoming Youth & Young Adults Tax Basics presentation hosted by Wainwright FCSS. This a free and virtual event meant to introduce income tax basics to youth/young adults aged 15 to 24.
When: March 19
Time: 6:00-7:00pm
Where: Online Virtual Event