PWPSD News
PWPSD launches 7th annual Christmas Card Art Contest
PWPSD schools raise nearly $20,000 for cancer research through Terry Fox Run events
Pictured: Beaverlodge Elementary School was the top fundraising school, generating $3,400 for cancer research. Photo courtesy of Town & Country News.
PWPSD schools honoured the 40th anniversary of the Terry Fox Run with virtual fundraising campaigns and school run events this fall, generating $19,559.90 for cancer research. Many thanks to all PWPSD staff, students and community members for contributing to this worthy cause.
Top fundraisers:
- Beaverlodge Elementary School was this year's top fundraiser, collecting $3,400.
- Clairmont Community School followed closely with $3,084.25.
- Whispering Ridge Community School rounded out the top three, raising $2,970.
- Honourable mention to Robert W. Zahara Public School for raising $2,786.10, nearly tying with third place.
Rock Your Mocs observed November 15-21, 2020
Established in 2011, Rock Your Mocs is a worldwide Native American and Indigenous Peoples' movement, held annually during November. It's easy to participate by wearing moccasins to school, to work or wherever your day takes you – on Rock Your Mocs Day or for the whole week.
PWPSD Indigenous Educator Brigitte Benning prepared a special slideshow for teachers to use as a resource, and there was widespread participation through the division with many schools sharing photos of students and staff wearing teal and/or moccasins on Facebook.
Halloween around the Division
School News
Beaverlodge Elementary School
Trapper Wilde says, "Let's axe cancer!"
The Grade 6 Leadership Team was excited to host a rubber axe throwing competition on Thursday, October 22. Although there was no entry fee, the school suggested a donation of a toonie to participate, generating a $373 donation to the Canadian Cancer Society. Each student threw three rubber axes at a target, with the top contestant winning a prize. The competition ran during physical education classes.
Thanks to all who contributed, and congratulations to the winners: Junior K students Holden Hommy and Eva Badine; ECS students Bentley Pettersen, Kenzie Pudwell, Paxton Bruun and Emersyn Johnson; Grade 1 students Jack Freeman, Staylee Sather, Kyler Hanson and Lennon Mackenzie; Grade 2 students Christopher Pudwell, Kali Schoendorfer, Hayden Harris and Isla Wells; Grade 3 students James Longson, Emma Perrin, Liam Hotte and Hadley Dumas; Grade 4 students Jaxon Mack, Breanne Fletcher, Connor Sommerfeld and Sawyer Dalgleish; Grade 5 students Ethan O'connell, Ria Friesen, Ryan Vatne and Charly Mcgladdery; and Grade 6 students Hunter Chamberlain, Emily Merriam, Jax Stevens and Kali Cook.
BES remembers – A touching tribute
Beaverlodge Elementary School has been pleased to welcome special guest and veteran Mr. Andy Meggitt to participate in their Remembrance Day ceremonies over the years. Principal Andrew Lojczyc says, "Mr. Meggitt has been a longtime supporter of our services and we are sad that he has announced that 2020 will be his last. BES students Jaxson Longson and Dayton Sandboe presented him with a small gift on Friday, November 6, as an expression of thanks for his years of support and service."
Beaverlodge Regional High School
BRHS Link Centre offers Indigenous-based space
BRHS launched its new Link Centre on the first day of classes this year. BRHS Teacher Tessa Embleton says, "The Indigenous-based space is the brainchild of our Indigenous Liaison Miranda Belcourt and BRHS Teacher Amy Dzus-Clarke. While COVID-19 has put somewhat of a damper on many of the plans for the space, for now it is a more relaxed environment where students can complete school work if they need a space out of class, or if they are finished their work and would like to relax."
The classroom space is meant to provide a link between Indigenous and non-Indigenous students, and has already provided multiple opportunities for events and activities, including painting on ceiling tiles for installation around the school, tie-dying face masks, Indigenous student council meetings, and Orange Shirt Day. During Rock Your Mocs Week, November 15-20, BRHS students and staff wore moccasins to honour Indigenous Peoples (pictured).
"Everyone is welcome," adds Ms. Embleton. "Our Indigenous Liaison has consulted with students there, and we have snacks, soft lighting, and informational posters about Indigenous culture and heritage. Our initial plans pre-COVID-19 included hosting speakers and bringing in artisans to lead art projects such as beading, leathercrafts, and dreamcatchers. We are hoping next year will be COVID-free and then we will add couches, rugs and pillows, and explore even more of what we initially planned."
A virtual event with the GPRC Indigenous Education Services Team is being planned for December.
BRHS Student Leadership Group bringing on the fun this year
The week before Halloween was said to be "a ton of fun" with pumpkin carving and a costume day. Congratulations to students and teachers who won in the costume contest: Mrs. Dixon for Funniest (pictured top right), H. Grinde and R. Eifert tied with N. Rourke and D. Jones for Best Group, and T. Mecham received Best Makeup.
Clairmont Community School
Remembrance Day and Rock Your Mocs events at CCS
CCS Leadership Class members Jasten Hiebert and Wyllo Lindberg submitted the following report:
CCS shared a virtual slide show on November 10, featuring poems and songs by students in remembrance of soldiers who fought in wars. The Leadership Class created a Hallway of Heroes with pictures of students' family members who have served, or still serve our country, to pass on memories of current and fallen soldiers to younger generations. "No matter what they did, they all served our country and we are forever grateful. They were very heroic, risking their lives for our freedom. We will always remember, thank you. Lest we forget."
CCS celebrated Rock Your Mocs Day on November 16. "Wearing moccasins shows our awareness for Indigenous and Métis people. Many people include mukluk- and moccasin-wearing as part of their daily lives, and CCS encourages everyone to wear their mocs on Rock Your Mocs Day every year!"
Elmworth School
Student wins moccasins on Rock Your Mocs Day
On November 16th, students who showed their support for Rock Your Mocs Day by wearing moccasins or the colour teal were eligible to enter a draw to win a pair of moccasins. The lucky prize winner was Keltie Hawryluk, seen top right holding a picture of the moccasins she chose.
Cenovus donates water bottle filling station/fountain
Elmworth students Faith Collins and Jasmine Cheryk (left) hold a thank-you poster in front of the school's new water bottle filling station/water fountain, supplied by a generous donation from Cenovus Energy Services. The school used the remaining funds to purchase a new paper recycling collection wagon (bottom right) to replace the old one used by Grades 3 and 4 students.
Harry Balfour School
HBS honours Remembrance Day, Autism Awareness, Rock Your Mocs; introduces new Options courses
Pictured clockwise from top left:
HBS students and staff honoured Remembrance Day virtually in their classrooms on November 10th, recognizing Indigenous soldiers who lost their lives in the war.
"At Harry Balfour we value inclusion," says Ashley Pierog, Grades 5 and 6 Options and Junior High Teacher. "Our staff and students are extraordinary with students in all aspects of special needs. We are proud to highlight the importance of Autism Awareness with our Inclusive Education contribution to this year's Festival of Trees."
HBS celebrated Métis Week during November 16-20 by inviting students to 'rock their mocs'.
New Options courses for this rotation include Minecraft Education, Animal Science, and Football.
Grade 7 students participated in the "Eureka" program by spending two full days at Muskoseepi Park, developing their communications skills and learning how to assert themselves positively, how to build community and how to empower themselves to make productive choices (no photo available).
Helen E. Taylor School
HET marks Remembrance Day, receives donation from Pipestone Energy
HET is conducting monthly assemblies by virtual means. The entire school watched the eight-minute October assembly 'together' from their homerooms on November 6th. During the assembly, the school expressed thanks to Pipestone Energy for sponsoring a new water bottle refilling station/drinking fountain (right).
The school celebrated Halloween with daily Halloween-themed word activities. On October 29, junior high students wore Halloween hats and elementary students wore costumes. Halloween parties were held by cohort and Grade 6 students competed in minute-to-win-it spooky-themed activities.
Hythe Regional School
HRS awarded $10,000 International Paper grant
Hythe Regional School was included among a recent announcement of the 2020 International Paper Grant Foundation funding recipients. The school was awarded $10,000 for a project to create home and school literacy bags. Assistant Principal Holly Gould says, "During this time of COVID-19, the literacy bags will be used at school to build and motivate interactive literacy tasks relating to a wide variety of books for many ages and interests. Once we are able to allow students to take them home, we will also encourage their use with families."
Indigenous handmade puppets enhance HRS Cree and Culture Program
"We were fortunate to acquire some beautiful Indigenous handmade puppets from their creator, Laura Asham of the Siksika Nation in Southern Alberta," says HRS Assistant Principal Holly Gould. "The puppets will be used by HRS Cree Instructor and Indigenous Liaison Barb Belcourt (pictured left) as part of our Cree and Culture Program. There is a kohkom (grandma), mosom (grandpa), napesis (boy) and iskwesis (girl). We are thrilled!"
Poppy delivery
LaGlace School
Building crosses, row on row
LaGlace junior high students took the initiative to build crosses to pay respect on Remembrance Day to those who have fought and still fight for our rights and freedoms (pictured clockwise from top left). Principal Heidi Hargreaves says, "The students were involved in every step of the process – from construction, to painting, to the final addition of poppies to the crosses."
Grades 5-6 students learn to make Frame Drums
Natascha Okimaw (pictured above, bottom, second from left), Cultural Navigator with the Grande Prairie Friendship Center taught Mrs. Smith's Grades 5-6 class how to make authentic Frame Drums using deer skin. Mrs. Smith was able to connect with Ms. Okimaw with assistance from PWPSD Indigenous Education Coordinator Brigitte Benning. "The students were enthralled with the process," says Principal Heidi Hargreaves. "The drums have inspired them to drum to "O Canada" during morning announcements and perform for the Christmas Day festivities." The students plan to paint their drums with traditional artwork.
Peace Wapiti Academy
PWA students earn High School Apprenticeship Scholarships
CAREERS: The Next Generation hosted the 2020 High School Apprenticeship Scholarship Celebration on behalf of Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training. The "Game Changers in the Modern Workforce" virtual awards event was held on November 5 at 6:30 p.m.
In their announcement of scholarships for PWA students, CAREERS added, "This is a fantastic achievement for your students and one that has been made possible with your support. You have shown your commitment to training young people and preparing them for the demands of work by taking the time to guide these students. We thank you for helping build a strong Alberta through skill development and training."
Special October events at PWA
PWA Youth Advocate, Dennis Shinski (top right) is seen holding a Land Acknowledgement plaque, donated to PWA by Lyle and Aly Floen from the Grovedale area. It is displayed in the school's front foyer (top left).
PWA librarian Shirley Ewert retired on October 2 (pictured bottom middle). Throughout her last day, each staff member presented her with a book that had meant something to them. Ms. Ewert worked at PWA for 17 years. Prior to that, she spent eight years at Bezanson School. In May, the PWPSD Board congratulated her on 25 years of service.
Outdoor Education teacher Matthew Vavrek took his class biking through the South Bear Creek trails and skills park early in October (bottom left and right). The bikes and an instructor were supplied by Nitehawk.
PWA hosted a virtual Academy Awards ceremony Thursday, October 8 at 7:00 p.m. View the ceremony on the school's Facebook page.
Construction teacher Kyle Kalmbach and his class were invited by Q99's Candace Boyne to participate in the 'Stuff a Bus' campaign by building new donation bins around the city, while repairing some aging ones.
International Paper donates 180 feminine hygiene kits to PWA
Pictured left-right: PWA Counsellor Jennifer Johnson and Assistant Principal Kaila Villiger, with Grade 9 students Presley Kreuzinger and Paisley Burwash, and United Way Alberta Northwest Executive Director Jamie Craig and Resource Development Manager Tracy Zuk.
On October 21, 2020, United Way Alberta Northwest representatives Jamie Craig, Executive Director and Tracy Zuk, Resource Development Manager presented 180 feminine hygiene kits to Peace Wapiti Academy (PWA) on behalf of the donor, International Paper Grande Prairie. The kits include feminine products and a positive note for students. PWA was one of two Grande Prairie schools to receive this generous donation.
"This thoughtful gift from International Paper Grande Prairie has provided our schools with the resources to meet an often-overlooked area of need for young women and teens," says PWA Assistant Principal Kaila Villiger. "It also highlights the issue of period poverty – that some students may experience difficulty in accessing menstrual hygiene products, which in turn, impacts their ability to attend school. On behalf of PWA and our students, I would like to express thanks to International Paper Grande Prairie for supporting our students' needs through this donation."
PWA students learn about therapeutic benefits of horses
Penson School
Virtual presentation by Holocaust survivor Eva Olsson
At 96 years of age, Holocaust survivor Eva Olsson is not letting the pandemic stop her from sharing her story. On Monday, November 23, she spoke virtually to Grades 7 and 8 students at Penson School in Grovedale.
Ridgevalley School
Celebrating Christmas and the Earth at RVS
Left: RVS Teacher Linnea Radersma submitted a photo of the Christmas scene on display at Ridgevalley School. Right: RVS student Aria shows the layers of the earth, part of her Grade 2 Earth project.
Robert W. Zahara Public School
Movember in full swing at RWZ
RWZ male staff members are participating in Movember to raise awareness and funds for men's mental and physical health issues.
"This year has been particularly hard on everyone's mental health, so we are extra proud to see them all participate," says Assistant Principal Stacy Rorem.
By mid-November, the team had already raised more than $1,200 through donations and sales of moustache masks to students and staff. At the end of the month, students will be invited to make a $1 donation to vote for their favourite moustache. Support the team online at https://ca.movember.com/team/2325135.
Student interaction embodiment of inclusion at RWZ
Friday marked the last day at RWZ for Estella who, according to Assistant Principal Stacy Rorem, was "a very treasured Grade 4 student who has been an active and popular member of the RWZ community up until moving away with her family last week."
Estella was born with Down Syndrome, but thanks to the support of an Educational Assistant, she was able to remain in class full-time with her peers. During outside recess, she required no support, other than the fun of playing with her classmates.
"The connection between Estella and our students is the embodiment of what we want inclusion to look like at our school."
Ms. Rorem adds, "For the students of RWZ, Estella was 'just one of the kids'."
"Estella has done so much to open our hearts and minds to the potential of all kids. We will be forever grateful that she came to be part of our family for a short time."
Sexsmith Secondary School
Creating from Concrete
The SSS Building Construction 20/30 class (top left) has been busy building a concrete throwing pad for track and field, as well as making sidewalk blocks. SSS Woods teacher Darrel Bogdanek says, "Special thanks to Cam Palfy for sharing his knowledge and skills in concrete prep and finishing with our class – a fantastic experience enjoyed by all."
Seeds from Space
SSS Science 9 classes are growing space tomatoes (right). Teacher Michelle Zarowny says, "We are completing an investigation to examine the germination rate of tomato seeds that have been exposed to space-like conditions, and how they compare to regular tomato seeds. We will be growing the tomato plants over the next few months, and will continue our investigation on topics such as the effect of using Mars regolith instead of soil, and various fertilizers." The seeds used in the experiment are from the International Space Station and were returned to Earth for the purpose of student experiments.
Cash and Candy Fundraiser for Stollery Children's Hospital
SSS Grade 10 student Tylynn Howson has developed a cash and candy fundraiser for the Stollery Children's Hospital in Edmonton to express her appreciation for the time she spent there as a baby while undergoing an organ transplant. Staff and students are invited to pay a dollar to guess the amount of candy in a jar to win it all. SSS teacher Cathe Hassall says, "Tylynn has been fundraising for the Stollery at Sexsmith Secondary for the past four years and we don't see her slowing down any time soon."
Spirit River Regional Academy
Learning the art of making moccasins
In celebration of Rock your Mocs Day at SRRA, Grades 2 and 3 students learned how to make their own paper moccasins. The students were very interested in the entire process, thanks to the guidance of Mrs. Dennis, SRRA's Indigenous Liaison. Mrs. Dennis explained how Indigenous people decorate their moccasins with beautiful beadwork and the history behind the moccasin.
Upcoming events
- Nov. 26 and 30: PSBAA November free sessions. View the poster for details. Register at www.public-schools.ab.ca
- Dec. 1: Administrator Meeting CANCELLED
- Dec. 2 and Tuesdays, Jan. 12 - Feb. 16: Mamawhitowin "Coming Together" 2020 Indigenous Learning Series: See links below to register for sessions through the NRLC.
- Jason BigCharles, Infusing Traditional Land-Based Learning into Curriculum: Wednesday, December 2, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
- Teacher Feature – Infusing Indigenous Knowledge into Curriculum: Tuesdays, January 12 - February 16, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
- Dec. 10: Next PWPSD Board Meeting, Central Office, Grande Prairie.
Recent Media Releases
- Nov. 17, 2020 Nominate an Exceptional Educator for a 2021 Prime Minister's Award by January 12
- Nov. 17, 2020 PWPSD 7th Annual Christmas Card Art Contest: Open to Grades 7-9
- Nov. 16, 2020 PWPSD schools focus on three important events this week
- Nov. 06, 2020 PWPSD schools remember
- Nov. 04, 2020 How a new school becomes approved
- Nov. 02, 2020 Updated symptoms checklist for Albertans under 18, effective November 2, 2020
- Oct. 28, 2020 PWPSD schools raise nearly $20,000 for cancer research through Terry Fox Run events
- Oct. 27, 2020 Rock Your Mocs: November 15-21, 2020
- Oct. 26, 2020 PWPSD Board News – October 22, 2020
- Oct. 21, 2020 International Paper donates 180 feminine hygiene kits to PWA
Recent Media Coverage
- Nov. 19, 2020 PWPSD applies for more classrooms for Beaverlodge, Whispering Ridge, Town & Country News
- Nov. 19, 2020 Youth of the Week: Khloe Saunders, Gr. 2, Clairmont Community School, Town & Country News
- Nov. 19, 2020 Expansion of Whispering Ridge will support businesses, allow growth of walking trails, Town & Country News
- Nov. 17, 2020 PWPSD marks Bullying Awareness Week, Central Peace Signal
- Nov. 16, 2020 Mighty Peace Teachers' Convention moving online for 2021, Everything GP
- Nov. 16, 2020 Five Mile Hall school one step closer to construction, 2day FM
- Nov. 12, 2020 Youth of the Week: Tori Jonzon, Gr. 7, LaGlace School, Town & Country News
- Nov. 09, 2020 Council approves funding to extend power and natural gas utilities to the Five Mile Hall School Site, County of Grande Prairie
- Nov. 05, 2020 Beaverlodge groups wants to bring Gr. 7-9 students back to town, Town & Country News
- Nov. 05, 2020 Youth of the Week: Dylan Guynup, Gr. 2, Wembley Elementary School, Town & Country News
- Nov. 05, 2020 Beaverlodge Elementary's new mascot is pretty "Wilde", Town & Country News
- Nov. 04, 2020 PWPSD looking to build new schools, expand current facilities, 2day FM
- Oct. 30, 2020 Titans-Warriors to clash Saturday at CKC Field, Everything GP
- Oct. 29, 2020 Beaverlodge teacher Crystal Mysko breaks out with first art show at BACS, Town & Country News
- Oct. 28, 2020 Overall enrollment slightly down in PWPSD schools, modular classrooms needed at three schools, Reach FM
- Oct. 28, 2020 Education of ECS-Grade12 students in Beaverlodge proposed, Reach FM
- Oct. 28, 2020 PWPSD says overall enrollments down, modulars still needed at some schools, Everything GP
- Oct. 28, 2020 PWA receives feminine hygiene kits, Daily Herald Tribune
- Oct. 27, 2020 SRRA celebrates student achievement, Central Peace Signal
- Oct. 23, 2020 International Paper donates 180 feminine hygiene kits to PWA, Education Canada
- Oct. 22, 2020 Beaverlodge teacher breaks out with first ever art show at BACS, Daily Herald Tribune
- Oct. 22, 2020 Feminine hygiene products donated to local high schools, 2day FM
- Oct. 22, 2020 Youth of the Week: Grade 1 student Evyn Jones, Beaverlodge Elementary, Town & Country News
- Oct. 21, 2020 International Paper donates feminine hygiene products to Grande Prairie high schools, Everything GP
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