PWPSD News
M.D. of Greenview, Birch Hills County grants help fund Community School Liaison Counsellor service at three PWPSD schools
The cost of providing Community School Liaison Counsellor service at three PWPSD schools for the 2020-21 school year has been offset by a $45,000 grant from the M.D. of Greenview, directed to Ridgevalley School and Penson School, and an $11,000 grant from Birch Hills County, directed to Eaglesham School.
Andrea Rosenberger (bottom right) and Emily Kostiuk (top left), Community School Liaison Counsellors with PWPSD, are delivering ongoing support for students’ social and emotional well-being at Ridgevalley School and Penson School respectively, through collaboration with school staff, one-on-one counselling with students, and referrals to external community supports where needed. Ms. Rosenberger also provides ongoing weekly support at Eaglesham School.
PWPSD and the three schools express sincere thanks to the M.D. of Greenview and Birch Hills County for their important contributions to student well-being, and for their overall continued support of students and the community. In addition to these recent grants, PWPSD also receives support and funding from both the County of Grande Prairie and Saddle Hills County to offer such programming in the schools that fall within their municipal boundaries.
Travel the World Together, Virtually!
PWPSD schools celebrate Family Literacy Day 2021
Family Literacy Day, celebrated annually on January 27, is a national awareness initiative created by ABC Life Literacy Canada to raise awareness about the importance of reading and engaging in other literacy-related activities as a family. Read how several PWPSD schools are participating in the initiative.
Literacy Day 2021 encourages families to “Travel the World Together” by using their imagination to go exploring and travel the world together as a family. Additional ideas are available in the resources section of the Family Literacy Day 2021 website. The website also includes an opportunity for families to join author and illustrator Barbara Reid online on Wednesday, January 27 during 2:30 - 3:00 p.m. MT for a demonstration on how to use clay to create a picture, followed by a Q & A session. The event is ideal for children in Grades 1-6. Space is limited and families should register here.
Bell Let’s Talk Day
Bell Let’s Talk Day is Thursday, January 28 – an annual event to encourage conversations about mental health. This year’s theme is, “Now more than ever, every action counts”.
Students, if you are struggling with a problem, big or small, you can talk to your teacher or school counsellor during the school day, or call or text Kids Help Phone counsellors free at any time of the day or night.
Kids Help Phone:
Call: 1-800-668-6868 to speak to a counsellor.
Text: 686868. You don’t need a data plan, Internet connection or app to text a counsellor.
Adults can receive help from Crisis Text Line Canada by texting 741741.
Inuit Connections focus of PWPSD Indigenous Speaker Series in February
PWPSD schools were initially invited to book virtual Inuit Connections presentations by Goota Desmarais during the week of February 1-5. Due to popular demand, the event has been expanded to include additional presentations during February 16-19 and February 23-25.
Brigitte Benning, PWPSD Indigenous Education Coordinator says, “Ms. Desmarais creates an exciting and immersive learning experience through her passionate storytelling and sharing of authentic Inuit artifacts. In these sessions, students will learn about the diversity and experiences of Inuit people in Canada, the Inuktitut language, traditional Inuit games, and much more.”
Ms. Desmarais was born in Cape Dorset, Nunavut and moved to Sherwood Park, Alberta 25 years ago. For the past 20 years, she has been enthusiastically sharing her Inuit culture in classroom settings.
Three PWPSD students recognized with 2020 Leaders of Tomorrow Awards
Three PWPSD students were among a group of youths recognized with 2020 Leaders of Tomorrow Awards presented by the Grande Prairie Volunteer Services Bureau on December 9, 2020. Pictured from left are Sexsmith Secondary School students Zachary Jickling, Leadership Award and Nikolas Slade, Volunteering Award. Both were acknowledged in the ages 13-15 category. Quinn Best (right) of Beaverlodge Regional High School was recognized with a Leadership Award in the ages 16-18 category. Read the GPVSB media release.
PWPSD ‘On Your Mark’ diploma exam tutorials cancelled for 2020-21 school year
With the current public health guidance around maintaining classroom cohorts and the announcement from the province that diploma exams are optional for 2021, PWPSD will not be offering its division-wide ‘On Your Mark’ diploma exam tutorials in 2021. In past years, the free tutorials were offered in January and June. Students and families who are wondering whether to write diploma exams this school year can find guidance on the Government of Alberta diploma exams website.
School News
Beaverlodge Elementary School
Welcome back!
BES hopes everyone had a wonderful Christmas break and extends wishes for a Happy New Year. Students in the Grade 1-W class (pictured) were reunited following the return to in-school learning on January 11.
Bonanza School
Students sell wooden signs in online fundraiser
Junior high students created wooden signs for an online auction that generated $3,190 for their biannual field trip. “With the help of a community member, the class used chalk paint to make their artful designs,” says Allison Roszmann, Teacher. “Thanks to our amazing community for their support.”
Bonanza School gratitude board celebrates Saddle Hills County contributions
Bonanza School has created a gratitude board highlighting the numerous contributions made by Saddle Hills County.
Principal Theresa Simmonds says, “We are very grateful to our local municipal government for their ongoing investment in student success. Our gratitude board recognizes the multiple ways they provide support through their generosity and goodwill.”
Ms. Simmonds says the list of supports is lengthy, touching nearly every aspect of school life.
“Thanks to the support of Saddle Hills County, we’ve been able to reduce triple-graded classrooms to double-graded, provide training for students and staff, conduct field trips with transportation, improve our Junior Kindergarten program, offer healthy snacks to students, develop a Makerspace, create a ‘calming room’ at the school, benefit from municipal library support, purchase new gym mats, offer prizes in school fundraising initiatives, and receive municipal government information and education. They also support our school families through their Christmas hamper program.”
Clairmont Community School
COVID-friendly Christmas events at CCS
The following CCS Good News Report was submitted by Grade 8 Leadership students Jasten Hiebert and Wyllo Lindberg.
“The month of December was chaotic, but we all pushed through and worked to keep everyone safe. A number of events took place following the Grades 7 and 8 move to remote learning, including the annual door decorating contest featuring unique and beautiful designs made by Kindergarten - Grade 6 students and teachers working hand-in-hand.
“Unfortunately, we weren't there to judge the doors and choose a winner, but that’s okay because it showed the kids that all the doors were really good.
“Before the Christmas break, Kindergarten - Grade 6 students enjoyed seeing our Principal and Assistant Principal, Mr. Bowen and Mrs. Walsh, dressed up as Mr. and Mrs. Claus and handing out candy canes to spread the Christmas spirit. We would like to thank them for their selfless act and for helping students enjoy their COVID-friendly Christmas during this really weird time.”
Elmworth School
Students, staff delighted to be back in school
Students and staff are delighted to be reunited in their classrooms, learning and interacting with one another and enjoying the beautiful January weather on the playground.
Harry Balfour School
Reptile show at HBS
In December, HBS Options teacher Ashely Pierog hosted a reptile show as part of the Grades 5-8 Animal Science Option course. Students interacted with two snakes, a lizard, a frog and two turtles while learning about each animal’s diet, habitat, characteristics, and lifespan.
HBS offers learning, citizenship opportunities
Carmen Moore (left), an Inclusive Education Coach at PWPSD, worked with staff on Project Independence, looking at evidence-based strategies that are good for all, but critical for some students. After a quick review of visuals, prompting, exercises and social stories, Harry Balfour staff examined social narratives.
HBS Educational Assistants participated in Communication Basics and Intervention (middle), a full-day professional development session led by Carolyn Hovey-Johnson, Speech Language Pathologist.
The school food bank drive was a success with more 1,200 food items donated by HBS families (right).
Junior High GSA clubs continue to be offered to Grades 7-8 students. Students can choose to attend and participate in the club where they learn about current events and individuality in a positive environment.
Helen E. Taylor School
Celebrating Christmas, return of students to in-school learning
HET hosted a pancake breakfast for elementary students on the last day of school prior to the Christmas break (top left). During the month of December, the HET Wizards group hosted a 12 Days of Christmas Activity Challenge (bottom, second from left). The school was proud of the online Christmas concert created by Mrs. Johnson and the Grade 5 class wowed with their “Little Drummer Boy” flashlight performance (bottom right). The return to school in January saw a week of quiet halls. The school celebrated the Grades 4-9 return to in-school learning with a brunch (top right) and assembly on January 14.
Hythe Regional School
‘The Gingerbread Man’ story comes to life for Grade 1 class
In January, Mrs. Godel's Grade 1 class is enjoying hearing the ‘The Gingerbread Man’ story. Mrs. Godel says, “The initial activity was, of course, making gingerbread men cookies which surprisingly disappeared from the oven. The children searched for the cookies throughout the school. Based on the clues, we incorrectly assumed the cookies would be back in the classroom. However, we do know that gingerbread men are very shy, so the children made traps to catch them and thoroughly enjoyed decorating and eating them.”
Grade 3 students donate 310 items to local food bank
Members of Mrs. Klassen's Grade 3 class at Hythe Regional School pose with the 310 food items they collected and donated to the Hythe Food Bank. “We are very thankful to those who so generously donated,” says Mrs. Klassen.
Students make Christmas gifts for their families
Mrs. Trieber's Grades 1 and 2 students at Hythe Regional School learned how to sew gifts for their families (top left) for Christmas and created beautifully decorated gingerbread houses (top right). Mrs. Godel's Grade 1 class crafted apple-head dolls (bottom).
Students bring Christmas greetings to Hythe seniors
Prior to the Christmas break, HRS staff and students walked to the nearby Hythe Pioneer Lodge and Continuing Care Centre to wave and bring Christmas greetings to the residents.
HRS Assistant Principal Holly Gould says, “It was a beautiful experience and really spread love and joy. Some of these folks haven’t seen children since March, so the experience had a big impact.”
LaGlace School
Local photographer volunteers services at LaGlace School winter event
LaGlace School expresses thanks to Smile and Say Cheese Photography for snapping pictures of members of their school community during an outdoor winter event on December 11. “We are so thankful for their willingness to volunteer and support our school in planning a COVID-friendly winter event,” says Principal Heidi Hargreaves. Families booked a time slot with the photographer, then warmed up with hot cocoa after their pictures were taken.
Peace Wapiti Academy
PWA Leadership Group raises money for animal rescue
“Even though times are tough, the Titan Christmas spirit was alive and kicking,” says Ms. Houlder, PWA Leadership Group Teacher. In December, Ms. Houlder and her Leadership Group made a positive impact on the community, raising $100 through hot chocolate sales for the Bandaged Paws Animal Rescue Association. The funds provided a Christmas dinner to all the animals at the facility. The group also distributed seven $100 Co-op gift cards to seven needy families, and delivered two trays of baked treats along with a DVD player and movies to the Elders' Caring Shelter Society of Grande Prairie.
Foods students receive ribbons for Festival of Trees ‘Canada’ Gingerbread House Contest
In December, PWA Foods students received their ribbons (top right) for placing first and second, and for honourable mention in the Festival of Trees Gingerbread House Contest. The winning creations were featured in the December PWPSD Good News Report. This month, the school is sharing more amazing gingerbread entries. Pictured clockwise from top left are entries entitled, Alberta Work Camp, Yukon, British Columbia and Quebec. Congratulations, PWA students!
PWA Outdoor Education program receives $1,000 provincial grant
The PWA Outdoor Education program received a $1,000 grant through the Environmental Student Action Challenge issued to Kindergarten to Grade 12 students by Alberta Environment and Parks. The funds are designated for school-based programs, to help students reduce the environmental footprint of their school.
“For PWA’s Outdoor Education classes, this means helping to rebuild and maintain Grande Prairie’s outdoor trail system,” says PWA school staff. “The money will be used to buy saws, clippers, gloves and more for our students to use when we help with trail maintenance. This year, we are focusing on volunteering on the Wapiti Nordic trail system (pictured) which our classes regularly use for snowshoeing, skiing, hiking, and biking.”
Ridgevalley School
Learning and kindness at RVS
In science, Grades 3 and 4 students made cars propelled by air and captured them in a video. Grades 2 and 3 students distributed chocolate and juice boxes as an act of kindness. Grade 1 students collected food bank items as part of their 12 Random Acts of Kindness project and made gingerbread houses prior to the Christmas break.
Sexsmith Secondary School
SSS student-athletes sign with college teams
Kaitlyn Dawe (left) and Brenna Smith (right).
Two SSS student-athletes will take their dreams to the next level when they head off to college this fall. Kaitlyn Dawe has committed to play for the Douglas College basketball team in New Westminster, BC while Brenna Smith has signed to play volleyball at The King’s University in Edmonton. Brenna will become a teammate to her older sister, Gracie. Go Sabres!
Interact acting globally
Each year, the SSS Interact Club participates in projects to help communities and individuals, both locally and globally. This year, the group has set a goal to raise $2,000 to provide a community well through The Samaritan's Purse organization. Teacher Cathe Hassall reports that $450 has been raised to date.
Spirit River Regional Academy
Local company donates $1,800 to SRRA metal fabrication
Spirit River Regional Academy expresses sincere thanks for a donation of $1,800 to the school’s Career and Technology Studies metal fabrication area. The gift, presented by Rebecca Newman and Justin Matheson of Six Five Industrial Ltd. in Spirit River, was used to purchase a variety of fabrication tools and accessories (pictured). “Your support for our program is greatly appreciated!”
Upcoming events
- Tuesdays until February 16: Mamawhitowin “Coming Together” 2020 Indigenous Learning Series: Teacher Feature – Infusing Indigenous Knowledge into Curriculum. Click or tap the link to register for sessions through the NRLC. One-hour sessions begin at 4:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, January 27: Family Literacy Day: Travel the World Together. This link includes registration for a virtual event with author and illustrator Barbara Reid during 2:30 - 3:00 p.m. MT, along with resources for families and schools.
- Thursday, January 28: Bell Let’s Talk Day
- Friday, January 29: Professional Learning Day – no school.
- Friday, January 29: Semester 2 begins for high school students.
- Monday, February 1: Nomination deadline for ASBA Honouring Spirit – Indigenous Student Awards, by 4:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, February 9: Administrator Meeting.
- Thursday - Friday, February 11-12: Public School Boards’ Council Meeting via Zoom.
- Friday, February 12: Passionate Heart Awards Virtual Ceremony
- Sunday, February 14: Valentine’s Day
- Monday, February 15: Family Day – no school. PWPSD offices and shops closed.
- Monday, February 15: National Flag Day of Canada
- Wednesday, February 17: I Read Canadian Day
- Thursday, February 18: Next PWPSD Board Meeting, 10:30 a.m.
- Monday, February 22: Deadline for Grades 1-9 transition to Remote Learning for Term 3. Families wishing to transfer their children to Remote Learning for Term 3 should contact their school by this date.
- Wednesday, February 24: Pink Shirt Day
Recent Announcements & Media Releases
- Jan. 18, 2021 Travel the World Together – PWPSD schools celebrate Family Literacy Day 2021
- Jan. 15, 2021 Government of Alberta updates to COVID-19 reporting in schools
- Jan. 12, 2021 M.D. of Greenview grant helps fund Community School Liaison Counsellor service at Ridgevalley, Grovedale schools
- Jan. 12, 2021 Birch Hills County grant helps fund Community School Liaison Counsellor service at Eaglesham School
- Jan. 08, 2021 Letter to parents from Education Minister Adriana LaGrange
- Jan. 07, 2021 Premier Kenney confirms students will return to in-class instruction on Monday, January 11, 2021
- Jan. 05, 2021 Return to in-school learning on Monday, January 11
- Jan. 04, 2021 PWPSD Remote Learning: Transition Request Deadlines
- Dec. 14, 2020 PWPSD Board News – December 10, 2020
- Dec. 14, 2020 Celebrate the joy of Christmas at PWPSD schools
- Dec. 12, 2020 Three PWPSD students recognized with 2020 Leaders of Tomorrow Awards
- Dec. 12, 2020 PWPSD’s process for announcing confirmed COVID-19 cases
Recent Media Coverage
- Jan. 14, 2021 Back to school! Town & Country News
- Jan. 14, 2021 Area municipalities help support Community School Liaison Counsellors at PWPSD, Everything GP
- Jan. 13, 2021 PWPSD receives $56K for Community School Liaison Counsellor services, 2day FM
- Jan. 12, 2021 45K grant from M.D. of Greenview helps fund counsellor service for Ridgevalley and Grovedale students, Reach FM
- Jan. 12, 2021 Third reading for Five Mile Hall borrowing bylaw, County of Grande Prairie
- Jan. 12, 2021 Students resume in-person learning, Central Peace Signal
- Jan. 08, 2021 Grande Prairie schools ready to reopen Monday for in-class learning, Everything GP
- Jan. 08, 2021 Reeve Beaupre says collaboration played a big part in 2020, Daily Herald Tribune
- Jan. 07, 2021 Leroy Durand – A man about town, 1939-2020, Town & Country News
- Jan. 07, 2021 Youth of the Week: Reid Sandboe, Grade 2 of Beaverlodge Elementary School, Town & Country News
- Jan. 07, 2021 Back to school next week, Town & Country News
- Dec. 29, 2020 Young Art: Eaglesham School Grades 3-4 class, Central Peace Signal
- Dec. 17, 2020 Former Beaverlodge mayor, educator passes away after fight with COVID, Town & Country News
- Dec. 17, 2020 Youths of the Week: Darius and Lyndon Duncan, R. W. Zahara Public School, Town & Country News
- Dec. 17, 2020 Province grants county $2.67M for school prep under municipal stimulus program, Town & Country News
- Dec. 10, 2020 Youth of the Week: Abbey Kresse, Gr. 7, Whispering Ridge Community School, Town & Country News
- Dec. 10, 2020 Trimmin' the tree: Beaverlodge Elementary School Grade 3 students, Town & Country News
- Dec. 10, 2020 County supports community organizations with $2.8M in grants, Town & Country News
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- Check out PWPSD’s online media room at http://www.pwpsd.ca/mediaroom.
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