PWPSD Board News - February 23, 2023

 
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FEBRUARY 23, 2023
 
Inspiring all learners to become confident, collaborative and ethical citizens motivated with a passion to achieve a sustainable future.
 
 
(Back row, left to right): Daci Jones, Adam Twelvetree, Delaney Lafond, Gavin Skarberg, Kiera Heitrich, Zoe Lipon, Georgia Chipps, Adyne Bell (for Abriel Bell)
(Front row, left to right): Bryndal Jones and Hayley Wilkins

PWPSD celebrates Academic Awards of Excellence recipients

On February 23, the Board of Trustees celebrated 17 Peace Wapiti Public School Division (PWPSD) graduates for their academic achievements during the 2021-2022 school year.

Academic Awards of Excellence, in the amount of $100, are presented to graduates with an academic average of 90 per cent. Congratulations to the following alumni:
  • Daci Jones, Beaverlodge Regional High School
  • Delaney Lafond, Beaverlodge Regional High School
  • Abriel Bell, Peace Wapiti Academy
  • Olivia Bulford, Peace Wapiti Academy
  • Bryndal Jones, Peace Wapiti Academy
  • Sydney Nofziger, Peace Wapiti Academy
  • Tiera Randall, Peace Wapiti Academy
  • Adam Twelvetree, Peace Wapiti Academy
  • Parker Klassen, Ridgevalley School
  • Ava Burake, Sexsmith Secondary School
  • Tyra Meek, Sexsmith Secondary School
  • Gavin Skarberg, Sexsmith Secondary School
  • Quinn Throness, Sexsmith Secondary School
  • Zoe Lipon, Spirit River Regional Academy
Beaverlodge Regional High School's Daci Jones was named the Top Student in the Division and received an award of $300 for her accomplishment.

Top Student in the School Awards, in the amount of $100, went to graduates who achieved the highest average at their schools, and at least an 80 per cent average:
  • Kiera Heitrich, Eaglesham School
  • Hayley Wilkins, Peace Wapiti Enterprise Centre
  • Georgia Chipps, Savanna School
Congratulations to all our award recipients!

Engagement wraps up on junior high programming

PWPSD has completed its public engagement on junior high programming in Beaverlodge and Hythe. Administration, along with Dialogue Partners, a third-party community engagement consultant, visited the communities of Beaverlodge, Hythe, and Horse Lake First Nation from February 14-16 to hear from students, staff, parents, and community members.

Dialogue Partners is now working to collect, analyze, and share all the input and feedback received with Administration and the Board of Trustees. The final report will be made available and shared to our website before the end of the 2022-2023 school year.

For more information on the project, please visit Guiding Our Future.

Students heading to Québec 

Bezanson School has been granted Approval in Principle for national travel to Québec in April 2023.

Technology Coaches Update

 
Educational Technology Coaches Leah Montes and Memorese Walter were excited to share that they have moved into their new space at PWPSD Central Office and are working on completing their green room space. Working out of a central location has given the coaches the ability to welcome staff for one-on-one training and support. It has also led to more collaboration, coaching and continual learning with staff across the Division.

New & Ongoing Projects
  • Tale-Bots/Beebots, Makey Makey, and other hands-on coding learning are giving students the opportunity to develop analytical thinking skills
  • Normalizing assistive technology in the classroom as a tool to help efficiency
  • Replacing SMARTboards with ViewBoards as a more cost effective tool with great results
  • Virtual and in-person professional development for students and staff

Indigenous Education Services Report

Peace Wapiti Public School Division's Indigenous Education Services (IES) team works to support the positive experiences and success of the Division's Indigenous students, while advancing Truth and Reconciliation in education for all students and staff.
 
In her annual update to the Board, Indigenous Education Coordinator Brigitte Benning shared what her team has been focusing on in its second year working within the new program structure.  The IES team continues to provide an ambitious amount of classroom, whole-school and professional development presentations, meet with staff in all areas for consultation and collaboration, engage with communities, and lead numerous projects and programs across the Division. 

Indigenous Service Provider Rachelle Bell created and implemented a new program called Culture in the Halls, an activity to remind students to take care of the four-part being (physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness), and help them regulate their emotions and focus their attention.

The IES team has presented and engaged students and staff on a number of topics this school year, including:
  • Creation and implementation of the Seven Sacred Teaching Series and Medicine Wheel Series
  • Tours of the Traditional Healing Garden at the Grande Prairie Friendship Centre
  • Métis Week presentations including jigging lessons
  • Boys with Braids presentations around Pink Shirt Day
As part of the Division's Indigenous Role Model Speaker Series, the IES team has invited a variety of individuals and groups to share their knowledge with our schools; creating more hands-on learning opportunities for everyone.
  • Tipi Teaching with Elder Len Auger
  • Literacy Week series with author of The Way Creator Sees You, Shayla Raine
  • School-wide assembly with Métis Leader Angie Crerar
  • Hythe Regional School's junior jiggers performances at other PWPSD schools
  • Traditional Dance Series with Monique Hommy
  • Beading Series with Fran Rogers
  • Winter Count Series with Loretta Parenteau-English
  • Drum making and mural with Natascha Okimaw
Moving Forward

The team continues to work on understanding what schools require and what gaps exist in service across the Division. Team members are looking forward to refining the structure and roles of the team, and continuing to connect with students and staff in the Division's journey toward Truth and Reconciliation.

Committee & Meeting Reports

  • Trustee McIntosh presented the Policy Review Committee Report
  • Trustee Clarke presented the Public School Boards' Council Report

Upcoming Events

  • Kindergarten & New Student Registration Opens: Thursday, March 2
  • Mighty Peace Teachers' Convention, no school: Thursday & Friday, March 9 & 10
  • Daylight Savings Time Begins (spring forward one hour): Sunday, March 12
  • Pi Day: Tuesday, March 14
  • Substitute Teachers' Appreciation Week: March 13 - 17
  • Next Board Meeting: Thursday, March 16 at 10:30 a.m.
  • Professional Development Day, no school: Friday, March 17
  • St. Patrick's Day: Friday, March 17
  • No School: Friday, March 31
Media: Request an interview
 
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PWPSD BOARD NEWS
A report on news from Peace Wapiti Public School Division,
published following each Board Meeting.

Content and Design:

Kayla Klava, Communications Officer, [email protected] 
Peace Wapiti Public School Division,
Central Office, 8611A-108 Street, Grande Prairie, AB T8V 4C5  

For more good news, see the News & Announcements section on our website at www.pwpsd.ca
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