GYPSD news
Feb. 1 meeting School Highlights - Edson
Students, staff and parents from all three elementary schools in Edson joined today’s Public Board Meeting to showcase some of the programs and initiatives offered. Three students from AHDakin’s Student Wellness Action Team (SWAT) spoke about their student led program which includes fun theme days, house team and games, talent show and outdoor activities. École Westhaven students shared information about their sports and health initiatives where studentslearn about the importance of sportsmanship as well as learning various skills. Evergreen students showcased their new music program by entertaining the Board with their musical talents. Chair Rosadiuk thanked all the school participants for coming to the meeting this morning as it was ‘very exciting to hear directly from the students about their activities and events.’
Learning Updates
The Learning Services team provided an overview on key initiatives being undertaken in their department including:
• A new guide for first time attendees at the North Central Teacher’s Convention in Edmonton on February 9th and 10th.
• Progress on a the new technology transition from Office 365 to a Google platform.
• An update on the professional development sessions being offered this year to all teaching assistants across the division.
Other News in Brief
• Brian Orge, Assistant Director of Facility Services, reported on the division’s Occupational Health and Safety Program which included a number of initiatives and supports put into place over the past year. He also provided an overview of the current custodial school contracts in regards to acceptable standards of cleanliness and grounds maintenance on all division sites.
• Administrative Procedures AP148 - Social Media Guidelines and AP156 - Flags Protocol, were given minor revisions. AP148 now also refers to social media accounts under school/parent councils if the name of the school is noted, and AP156 includes clarification of the timeline for the lowering of flags on facility grounds.
• Various communication strategies implemented in the current school year were brought forward for discussion with the trustees. These included the new Kindergarten marketing campaign, social media advertising, Learning Services’ Action Plans and promotion of the new school in Edson.
• Trustees were pleased to receive a report on the significant community use of GYPSD schools at no cost by various non-profit groups including community sports teams, science camps, literacy organizations and community information nights for the current year.