Good News

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On February 25, PWEC students gathered to participate in a class on conflict resolution skills. They later enjoyed some time playing some fun-filled card games.

 

PWEC's online math support groups are always more fun when your pets join in! Grade 10 Math teacher, Melanie Golding, joked that pets make math much more paw-sible.

 

 

On February 18, Blue, PWEC graduate and youth advocate with the John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights, spoke at a news conference on Parliament Hill. The group is calling on the federal government to treat online safety as a human-rights issue. You can find the full story on the CBC News website.

 

 

PAVE's Grade 8 and 9 students enjoyed an in-person learning experience at PWEC! Students examined animal and plant cells under microscopes and created a chemical reaction during an elephant's toothpaste experiment. After the activities were complete, students had fun socializing and playing games. It was a great afternoon of learning for everyone in attendance.

 

PWEC recently aquired additional recreational space in order to expand its health and wellness course offerings. Jeremiah the skeleton is a regular attender and supports the anatomy lessons.

 

PWEC students learned about the equipment used in search and rescue operations. We could definitely see the value of thermal imaging scopes during our dark northern lights.

 

To meet a requirement for their Yoga Fitness course, a group of students and staff members attended a studio yoga class. It was a great opportunity to move their bodies, and everyone felt great afterwards!

 

 

PWEC students had the opportunity to meet two very different working dogs, Registered Therapy dog Mowgli, and Police Service dog Neven. A huge thank you to Kiki Rozema and Cpl Dan Lyon for taking time out of their day to give students insight into the training and preparation both animals and handlers must undertake to work in these fields.

 

 

 

Students had the opportunity to visit Centre 2000 to participate in a tourism workshop, where they learned about the fun things our area has to offer.

 

Thank you to Nathan Hayes-Fry, local lawyer and managing partner at Hayes Fry Law, for volunteering his time to speak to PWEC students and answer their questions during their introductory law class.

 

PWEC students spent the day learning about animal care, culminating in a visit to the Cat Cafe for a behind-the-scenes tour of how foster cats and kittens are cared for.

 

 

Benjamin and Abby had a great time at the Home Education Showcase, organized by our Home Education Facilitator Michelle Scarrow. Abby really enjoyed the slime with Stemagineers!

 

Hot dogs were on the BBQ for the PWEC Meet the Teacher afternoon. It was wonderful to welcome new and returning families to another exciting school year!

 

The BES STEM Club has started! Students had a great time making their own ice cream, and designing their own shirts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To show off their fun costumes and get into the Halloween spirit, students and staff participated in the annual community Halloween Parade!

 

On November 12, the Grade 4 students visited the Beaverlodge Curling Club, where they spent the day learning technique and having fun!

 

 

 

BRHS is extremely proud of its students representing Team Alberta North at the 2026 Arctic Winter Games in Whitehorse later this month. Good luck Royals!

 

Congratulations to first place winners of the Royal Canadian Legion's Remembrance Day Contest, Blaise Wilson and Berlin Wallan! Blaise won first place in the Senior Poems category, while Berlin won first place in the Senior Black and White Poster category.

 

A big thank you to Nicole Hommy from Fitness 43 for graciously volunteering her expertise and time to coordinate a class-wide fitness workout. Everyone's muscles were sore for days!

 

On January 8, students and staff enjoyed a belated festive luncheon. The meal was expertly crafted by Lefty's Cafe and Catering, and desserts were generously provided by the Drama Club, Mrs. McAusland, and some student volunteers. Mr. Paulson and the BRHS Band enhanced the celebration by filling the hallways with live music. Special thanks to Mr. Edgar for organizing the event, and to the Boys Volleyball team for their assistance with serving.

 

 

The BRHS Leadership team kicked off December's festivities with a Christmas Chaos Dress-Up Day. In the weeks leading up to Christmas break, Leadership students will also take part in carolling with seniors alongside the BRHS Band, decorating human Christmas trees, and helping with the annual BRHS turkey dinner.

 

Grade 10 student and cadet, Ashton Horseman, attended the annual BRHS Remembrance Day Ceremony, where he assisted in escorting honoured guests Comrade Len Mainville and Comrade Jim Frissell into the event. We are deeply grateful for his meaningful contribution and the presence of our distinguished guests.

 

During the ceremony, students and staff were honoured to witness a powerful moment of student leadership and cultural pride. Taylor Desjarlais of Horse Lake First Nation, stepped forward to read In Flanders Field by John McCrae, in Cree, offering a heartfelt acknowledgement of both Indigenous Veterans and Remembrance Day.

 

With guidance from Cree Language teacher, Barb Belcourt, and support from Indigenous Education Support Worker, Robin Hill, Taylor prepared the reading with dedication and confidence. His willingness to share the beauty of the Cree language with the school community made the ceremony especially meaningful.

 

We are all incredibly proud of Taylor's leadership and the cultural strength he brought to this important day of remembrance. His contribution helped deepen our collective understanding and honouring of all who have served. 

 

Students were excited to revive an old tradition by bringing back Bezanson School's Talent Show! Students in Grades 1-9 were invited to share their talents on stage or through video performances. For those who preferred a different format, a space was set up in the library to display their creative skills, including artwork, LEGO models, an impressive shell collection, and other creations.

 

The Girls A basketball team competed at Hoopfest where they took first place! Some of our athletes even sank half-court shots and earned themselves t-shirts for their impressive talent. Our girls have been performing amazing this year, and we are excited to see how the rest of their season goes!

 

On February 28, the Bulldogs participated in the County of Grande Prairie Basketball League's one-day tournament and truly showed what it means to be a team. The boys played with a short bench of just six players, but came together as a team and showcased their sportsmanship and determination, and still brought home the gold!

 

On March 7, to wrap up their season, the boys travelled to Hines Creek to compete in Zones.

 

In January, Bezanson School hosted its annual Smoky Classic Basketball tournament, where its own Girls A and Boys A teams earned second place. The tournament wouldn't have been as huge of a success without all the amazing volunteers, parents, athletes, and coaches; thank you for all your hard work!

 

The Girls B Basketball team has been spending a lot of time on the court. The players are working hard on improving their game, and it showed during their recent game against St. Stephen's in Beaverlodge. The girls dominated the competition, finishing the game with a 31-8 win.

 

To celebrate Family Literacy Day, parents and community members were invited to Bezanson School to share their love of reading with students and staff. Students enjoyed reading around the school with their loved ones - the lights in the gym were even turned off for a BIG flashlight reading!

 

Division 2 and 3 students were once again invited to the DeBolt curling rink to learn and refine their curling skills. As always, a lot of fun was had and the students took away some great tips. We truly appreciate the DeBolt Curling Club for supporting our students.

 

A group of Grade 7 Leadership students planned and implemented a hot chocolate fundraiser to buy needed items for the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital Pediatric Unit. These students raised $275, then, with the help from their teacher and a wonderful parent volunteer, went on a "field trip" to personally choose the items.

 

 

Under the leadership of a particular Grade 6 student, Bezanson School "adopted" a family of six to provide support through the Helping Hands Christmas program. Despite the December weather cancelling the biggest fundraising event for the cause, the Bulldogs got creative and persevered to raise $855!

 

Due to the snow and cold weather before the Christmas break, the Bezanson School Christmas concert had to be postpone. On January 6, our school community gathered to celebrate the holidays while the Grade 7 students emceed the event. Every grade performed Christmas carols, followed by the staff on their own, and then the whole school all together; it was a lovely way to welcome the new year!

 

Bezanson students hosted a two-day Market Sale where they sold hand-made products to their peers, teachers, and community. It was a packed two days, and the students made a lot of money. We're so proud of our little entrepreneurs.

 

 

Bezanson School's male staff members participated in this year's Movember, and sold moustaches to the students and other staff, helping raise funds for men's mental and physical health. A lot of fun was had with fake moustaches on!

 

On January 27, students, staff, and families gathered for a fun-filled afternoon of Meal Time is Family Fun Time in the school gym. Everyone gathered to share and try new recipes, and parents and students took turns reading to each other. Thank you to Mrs. Stephanie Evans and Mrs. Nikita Young for planning such a fun day, and to Mrs. Carrie Broadway and Mrs. Brenda Kutschinski for gathering recipes and creating our very own Bonanza School cookbook!

 

On October 31, Mrs. Nikita Young continued the Bonanza School tradition of Halloween games and activities. Mrs. Fearon's junior high class coordinated a haunted house, which was scary, but not too scary! Students in all grades enjoyed the afternoon of spooktacular fun.

 

 

On November 6, Bonanza School gathered to honour Remembrance Day and those who fought for our freedom. Students and staff were asked to bring an item or a picture of a veteran who served in war and explain some of their veteran's history. It was nice to hear the stories of the veterans, both from our small community and abroad.

 

 

Bengals welcomed special guests, including County of Grande Prairie Firefighters, Storm hockey players Ferry and Morin, radio hosts Tanya and Jayson, and Rebecca and her furry friends from Partners Naturally for a fun day of reading. Reading is always better when it's shared - thank you for being part of our day!

 

 

We've recently added a fridge stocked with fruits, vegetables, yogurt, and protein options to our foyer for students to enjoy. We also hosted our first school-wide healthy snack in partnership with Five Mile Hall; there were fresh veggies and dip, and cheese and pepperoni sticks for everyone!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The junior high boys and girls volleyball teams wrapped up their seasons with a fun Student vs. Parents and Teachers game. The whole school came out to cheer on the athletes!

 

 

 

 

Congratulations to our three Remembrance Day contest winners! Each year, the Legion hosts Remembrance Day contests in writing and art, and this year three Bengals earned their way to the top!

 

 

During the annual Penson School Christmas concert, our community collected donations to support Sunrise House. Students collected a variety of winter wear and toiletries for youth in need.

 

 

 

The Grade 6 class showcased their research skills through their Wax Museum presentations. Students chose a famous person and researched their life. They then prepared backdrops, speeches, and costumes to present to the rest of the school!

Ridgevalley Athletics was proud to field a mixed junior high curling team for the first time in many years. After an impressive 4-0 showing, the team won gold, earning Ridgevalley's first curling Zone medal since 1997! Team members included Grade 7 students Ryder Voutier and Hayden Venning, Grade 8 student Emily Doerksen, and Grade 9 student Kinslie Pellerin. The team was coached by our very own high school student Brylie Pellerin.

 

Brylie Pellerin isn't just finding curling success as a coach, she also recently competed at the U18 Alberta Provincial Championships with Team Doepker. Her leadership and experience on the provincial stage was especially meaningful for the junior team. We are incredibly proud of all these students and look forward to building a strong curling tradition at Ridgevalley School for years to come.

 

Ridgevalley students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 gathered in the gymnasium to share books and stories with each other. It was wonderful to see students so engaged in reading, and excited to be read to as they connected through literacy and community.

 

As part of our weekly community building activities for junior and senior high, students played a tournament of Spoons. Spoons is a fast action card game where students have to react quickly to avoid elimination. This year's champion was Kinsley, who played a strong game against the other round winners in a final showdown.

 

Thanks to the Ridgevalley School Council, our gym has been outfitted with new mats! The new red and black mats will show off our school colours, while replacing the old worn out equipment. These mats will come in handy during Physical Education, as well as during presentations, assemblies, and other events. Ridgevalley students and staff appreciate the support from its School Council to help make this happen for our school community.

 

 

 

As part of their Physical Education class, students of all grades spent some time at the rink. They practiced their skating skills and, with the help of a volunteer goalie, some of the older students were able to practice their hockey shots. Everyone had an amazing time, and none of it would have been possible without the help of the many parents and volunteers who helped tie skates, assisted on the ice, and helped students get all their gear on.

 

 

The Kindergarten class has had a busy few months of STEAM-based activities. Through building bridges, towers, and other structures the students have worked with a variety of materials. These skills and practice are fun and engaging for the students as they develop their love and understanding of the sciences.

 

The Ridgevalley Raiders volleyball teams wrapped up their playing season with the annual Zones competition. The Senior High Girls team placed fifth, and the junior team earned fourth at their respective tournaments. To end the season with a bit of fun, parents joined both teams at their last practice of the year for a night of entertaining games.

 

The Ridgevalley School Cross Country Running team competed in the annual Running with the Wolves race. All our athletes did well, with some finishing in the top 20, including Wade Warkentin who placed third in his category!

 

 

At school, students participated in the annual Ridgevalley Terry Fox Run and raised over $124 for cancer research through the Toonies for Terry campaign. Well done everyone!

 

 

In Architecture, students created hand drawn blueprints of their own unique structures. Then, following their blueprints, they built a scaled down model using craft supplies and recycled materials.

 

Students spent a chilly afternoon making basic tarp shelters to protect themselves from unfriendly weather conditions. They worked on various knots and were able to secure emergency shelters to hide from the wind.

 

Literacy is being promoted in a big way at RWZ! Students enjoyed many fun activities during Literacy Week, but our annual Literacy Lunch remains a favourite. Thank you to the parents, grandparents, and siblings who joined us - especially those who graciously stepped in to read with extra students!

 

The day is always a little chaotic, with reading filling every classroom and hallway, but it is a wonderful sight. Seeing so many members of our community modelling the importance of reading sends a powerful message to our students.

 

This year, we also hosted our very own Read-A-Thon to promote reading, while raising funds for our new inclusive playground. Our students read over 50,000 minutes, and raised more than $12,500! We are incredibly grateful for the generosity and support of our school community.

 

At RWZ, we strive to instill leadership and kindness in our students, and one of our favourite ways to do so is through our class buddy system. Older students are matched with students in younger grades, and throughout the school year, they meet for a variety of activities such as reading, playing learning games, and special projects. The older students also serve as tech experts to help their younger buddies (and their teachers) as they begin using their Chromebooks and navigating the internet and various learning games. It is great to see these relationships develop as the younger students have someone to look up to, and the older students love to be role models and helpers for their little buddies.

 

While many of our schools and businesses are struggling with adequate snow removal this winter, we would like to thank our snow angels and custodians, Pam Wainman and Jen Fletcher, for their incredible work! This mother-daughter duo has been doing an absolutely phenomenal job of removing the snow from our high traffic areas.

 

They are here every day to clear the snow (even when the buses aren't running!) for our students and parents, especially our friend Addison, who has to get around using her walker or wheelchair. They arrive first thing in the morning, and if it's snowing heavily, they stay for the day to make sure the sidewalks, doorways, and play spaces are clear, and to ensure Addison can reach the car after school.

 

Now, they are battling the constant freeze-and-melt cycle that makes our sidewalks and playgrounds treacherous, keeping our school grounds safe and accessible for everyone.

 

RWZ had the pleasure of welcoming members of 3D Children's Society and Kev's Kids for some very special presentations. Thanks to their generosity, funds from 3D Children's Society and Kev's Kids are being used to purchase specialized chairs for our students, Logan and Addison. These chairs, designed for comfort, posture support, durability, and long-term growth, are extremely costly.

 

In addition to the chairs, representatives from both groups, along with members of the Jr. B Sexsmith Vipers hockey team, visited the school with gifts for the students, and gift cards to help families with travel and other related expenses.

 

RWZ participates in the 3D Hockey and Soccer Tournament each year, and we are deeply grateful to see the funds raised through the event directly benefitting our students. The charity's generosity truly helps remove barriers for our community members, ensuring students can get the support they need, while reducing the financial strain on families.

 

 

SSS students recently participated in the Let's Go Rural! career event hosted by the Rural Health Professions Action Plan (RhPAP) at the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital. Throughout the day, students explored a variety of healthcare professions, connected with healthcare providers, and participated in hands-on learning activities that highlighted the skills required in the field. The experience provided valuable insight into potential career pathways in rural healthcare.

 

 

 

 

We have had another successful year of curling! At Zones, the SSS Jr. Boys and Jr. Mixed both won silver, and the Jr. Girls won bronze. Our Senior Mixed team took the gold medal, so they moved onto Provincials held in Slave Lake, where they finished third. Well done, everyone!

 

 

 

SSS students did a fantastic job bringing in healthy food options for our local food bank. Thank you to everyone who participated in our food drive!

 

Leading up to Christmas, students were invited to the library to make their own unique ornaments. There were a lot of students, a lot of fun, and a lot of glitter!

 

 

In December, the junior high drama classes put on two Christmas plays, Grinch and Home Alone. Congratulations to everyone who performed!

 

 

Every Christmas season, we like to fancy up the doors with a Christmas theme. This year was no exception!

 

Each Christmas, SSS teachers tune up their musical skills and greet students on the last day of school with music. This year, due to the heavy snow and no buses for three days, the teachers performed for their colleagues. 

 

 

 

 

 

On September 26, students and staff wore orange to recognize Truth and Reconciliation and show support for Orange Shirt Day.

 

Mrs. Vavrek's Outdoor Education class had a chance to take over the staff room and create some delicious bannock. They were all pretty pleased with the results!

 

 

On September 26, to celebrate the first month of school, students were treated to a pancake breakfast cooked and served by SSS staff.

 

 

Students were invited to dress up and take part in some fun Halloween activities hosted in the library. It got a little messy, but the students had fun!

 

After completing the babysitters course in their childcare option, we are pleased to announce seven students passed their final test and are now certified babysitters! Well done everyone!

 

 

The Grade 8 students took time out of their day to show some stewardship by cleaning up around the creek and school yard areas. Thank you for helping keep our community clean!

 

 

 

Throughout the last week of January, students, staff, and families gathered for some literacy-based activities. They engaged in reading with students from Helen E. Taylor School, family members, and the Town of Wembley firefighters. Classes enjoyed a variety of literacy games; and students participated in the annual Book Swap, where they got to swap their old books for new-to-them books!

 

Leading up to the Christmas break, students and staff at Wembley Elementary started each day carolling. It was a great way to get into the Christmas spirit!

 

 

 

On December 15, staff had the opportunity to gather for a wonderful Christmas potluck lunch. Parent volunteers and members of the Wembley Fire Department stopped by to supervise the students during recess and lunch, allowing all the staff to enjoy their lunch together.

 

The students of Wembley Elementary, with support from the school community, collected an astonishing 1300 food items for the local food bank. In addition to the incredible amount of non-perishable food items, they collected $200 in cash donations! The students spent time in math counting and graphing the items, turning their great work into an exciting math activity.

 

 

 

Mrs. Anderson's Grade 1 class has been taking advantage of the nice weather! They strapped on their snowshoes and enjoyed some great physical activity out in the fresh winter air.

 

 

 

The snow has brought out the creativity at Wembley Elementary School. It's always fun to see the different ideas students come up with for how to enjoy the snow during recess!

 

To wrap up the first month of school, and to honour Orange Shirt Day, staff hosted a school-wide assembly. Students received High 5 Awards for their accomplishments and were then treated to a Getting Ready for School skit.

 

 

Kindness was in the air and pink was everywhere! Our library wall is filled with positive affirmations, custom made by our own students, and orchestrated by our lovely 4th year practicum students.

 

 

 

Grade 4 Artistic Endeavours students took a field trip to The Creative Arts Centre, where they learned how to use a rasp and other tools to create soapstone carvings.

 

 

Students and staff enjoyed a school-wide assembly to wrap up Family Literacy Week. During the assembly, the annual WRCS bookmark competition winners were announced, Mr. Bailey read some stories, and students learned about the importance of literacy.

 

 

 

 

On the last day before the Christmas break, students and staff enjoyed the annual WRCS Participarent Pancake Breakfast! Later in the day, the whole school gathered for carolling in the gym, and we even had a special guest appearance from the Grinch himself!

 

 

Students in Grade 3 have been participating in swimming lessons at the Beaverlodge pool. We are so thankful to partner with NuVista Energy Centre to offer swimming instruction to our students!

 

 

 

Ms. Lawrance's Grade 6 Athletic Enrichment students took their learning to Bowling Stones. Seeing them explore a variety of learning opportunities throughout the community has been really special.

 

The Grade 5 STEM students participated in a guided virtual lesson dissecting barn owl pellets. They found many different bones and learned how to classify them. They then determined the animals the bones belonged to, ultimately identifying what the owl was consuming.

 

Grade 3 students have been learning about the different regions within Canada. They even showcased their learning in the school library by displaying the excellent dioramas they created.