PWPSD Board News - June 16, 2022

 
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JUNE 16, 2022
 
Inspiring all learners to become confident, collaborative and ethical citizens motivated with a passion to achieve a sustainable future.
 

2023-2026 Assurance Plan approved

The Board approved the Peace Wapiti Public School Division (PWPSD) 2023-2026 Assurance Plan, which was developed under the direction of the Board in accordance with its fiscal responsibilities under the Education Act, and the Fiscal Planning and Transparency Act.

The Assurance Plan focuses on the Division's three strategic priorities: student learning, equity, and wellness, and includes information on the PWPSD 2022-2026 Capital Plan and 2022-2023 Budget. The 2023-2026 Assurance Plan can be viewed in its entirety on our website.

Instructional Literacy Coordinators Mrs. Lowen (left) and Mrs. Stewart (right) host a literacy workshop in March 2022.

PWPSD Literacy Report 

In their Literacy Report to the Board, Instructional Literacy Coordinators Rowena Stewart and Adele Lowen presented on literacy projects they have been working on throughout the school year, including the 2021-2022 Learning Loss Project. They also shared new literacy pieces that will be introduced into PWPSD classrooms in the fall.

In response to the learning loss caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Alberta Education initiated the Learning Loss Project. Teachers throughout the Division administered literacy and numeracy screening assessments to students in Grades 1-3. They completed the Letter Names-Sound (LeNS) and Castles and Coltheart 3 (CC3) assessments and students identified as needing extra support participated in the 80 Lesson Reading Intervention.

As an extension of the Learning Loss Project, the Division has purchased decodable books for students and teachers to read in their classrooms. A combination of the reading intervention, decodable books, and classroom instruction will help reduce the learning loss that has developed in the last few years, while keeping lessons fun and exciting for students.

The Coordinators also spoke about the Literacy Round Table, a new initiative that saw eight educators work together to vet new resources. Round Table teachers trialled resources with their students and reported their insights to the group four times throughout the school year. This professional collaboration led to recommendations and purchases of resources for Divisional use.

Mrs. Stewart and Mrs. Lowen shared that they are confident that PWPSD is in a good place moving into the new curriculum in the fall and that in regards to literacy and numeracy, teachers and educational assistants are well prepared.

Locally developed courses approved

The Board approved the use of a number of locally developed courses, which are developed by school divisions across Alberta, for all PWPSD high schools in the upcoming 2022-2023 school year. The approved courses complement the current program of studies in many of PWPSD's high schools, and provide possibilities for enrichment to which students would not otherwise have access.

The approved courses include:

  • ASL and Deaf Culture
  • Competencies in Math
  • Leadership, Character and Social Responsibility
  • Learning Strategies
  • Psychology
  • Technical Theatre

Draft 2023-2024 calendar approved in principle

The draft 2023-2024 School Year Calendar received the Board's approval in principle; it can be found on our website.

PWPSD nominates AHS for Friends of Education Award

PWPSD has nominated Alberta Health Services North Zone for the Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) 2022 Friends of Education Award. The award recognizes individuals or organizations who are demonstrably committed to improving education for Alberta students and who have made a significant contribution to education in Alberta.

The ASBA Friends of Education Awards will be presented to a maximum of six recipients at the 2022 ASBA Fall General Meeting.

Committee & Meeting Reports

  • Trustee Clarke presented the Policy Review Committee Meeting Report
  • Trustee Riding presented the ABSA Spring General Meeting Report
  • Trustee Clarke presented the PSBAA Spring General Meeting Report

Upcoming Events

  • Peace Wapiti Enterprise Centre Graduation: Tuesday, June 28
  • Last day of school for students: Tuesday, June 28 
  • Last day of school for staff: Wednesday, June 29
  • Happy Canada Day! PWPSD offices and shops closed: Friday, July 1
  • Savanna School Graduation: Saturday, July 9
  • Happy Heritage Day! PWPSD offices and shops closed: Monday, August 1
  • Professional Learning Days: Friday, August 26 & Monday, August 29
  • Organizational Day: Tuesday, August 30
  • First day of the 2022-2023 school year: Wednesday, August 31
  • Next Board Meeting: Thursday, September 8 - Organizational Meeting at 10:30 a.m., regular Board Meeting to follow
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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