GYPSD news
School Highlights - Lobstick
Staff from Wildwood School joined today’s Public Board Meeting to discuss their early literacy practices which are implemented in their Kindergarten and Grade One classes to set the foundation for success in future learning for their students. Students and staff from both schools in Evansburg - Evansview School and Grand Trunk High School (GTHS) - video-conferenced in during the meeting to also talk about some of their schools’ programs. Evans view students from Kindergarten to Grade Six presented to trustees about their school’s focus on encouraging a growth vs a fixed mindset when dealing with issues for both students and staff, class student elections and their excitement about a new outdoor garden project. GTHS showcased their Grade Nine/Ten YMCA student exchange program with 16 students currently visiting from Hamilton, Ontario as well as their upcoming ‘Taste of GT’ event where all the students come together to offer a variety of food booths for their local community members to enjoy. This year’s event will be held at the school on March 23. Learning Updates
The Learning Services team provided an overview on key initiatives being undertaken in their department including:
• Participation in literacy and numeracy workshops offered to GYPSD school staff.
• Resources and support provided to new teachers.
• Technology updates including replacement of all school firewalls by June of 2017 and G Suite pilot project update at Harry Collinge High School in Hinton.
Other News in Brief
• The division is pleased to forward their nomination for this year’s Edwin Parr Award for recognition of outstanding achievements of first year teachers in the province which is sponsored by the Alberta School Boards’ Association. This year’s nominee for GYPSD is Spencer Hayes from Niton Central School.
• Trustees went over a proposed cost recovery plan for the division’s upcoming transportation budget for the next five years. Information in the proposed plan included options for decreasing expenditures as well as increasing transportation revenues. Some of
them being considered include increasing fees for ineligible students, route consolidation, re-allocating department vehicle expenses and reviewing necessary capital purchases. A reduction of transportation staff was also proposed as an option in the proposed debt recovery plan but was not recommended by administration for consideration at this time.
• A letter from Alberta Education in response to the division’s current 3 Year Education Plan and Annual Educations Results Report was given to trustees which recognized the work being done in the division in the areas of inclusive education and for first Nations, Métis and Inuit students.