GYPSD news

May 3 meeting

Celebrating Education Week “Learning is a Journey”

Student Voice:

What Students Are Saying & Their Solutions to Succeed Trustees received a detailed report from Learning Services on the recent results from the Our School Survey (formerly Tell Them From Me) completed by students in Grades 4 to 12 between January 16, 2017 and February 22, 2017. The survey forms part of the province’s annual Accountability Pillar Survey and includes how students respond to:

• Social engagement measures such as sense of belonging & positive relationships.

• Institutional engagement measures such as value of school outcomes & positive behavior at school.

• Intellectual engagement measures such as interest & motivation.

• Emotional health measures such as anxiety & depression.

• Academic measures that reflect on achievement in English, Math and Science.

• Quality instruction measures such as effective learning time and relevance.

Carra Aschenmeier, District Lead of Assessment and Mentorship, spoke to the board about the three year trends and the work that schools are currently reviewing in order to assist planning decisions. To also guide the division in responding to the results, mini youth workshops were held at all five high schools with up to 30 students engaged in reviewing their schools’ results and coming up with strategies to address students’ concerns. On May 4th, a division wide Youth Symposium will bring together student representatives from all the high schools in GYPSD to complete a design challenge to plan for positive changes at their schools. Many of the division’s elementary schools are also forming student focus groups to inform school decision-making at that level. Jasper Trustee Betsy DeClercq was very happy to note the high numbers of students across the division who indicated they felt a strong and positive relationship with someone at their school. News in Brief

• Trustees approved a revision to Policy 17 - Student Transportation which included an increase to ineligible transportation fees from $200 to $300 per student for the 2017-18 school year to help offset some of the transportation costs. The current cost to transport ineligible students is approximately $600. Ineligible students are defined as students who reside less than 2.4kms from their designated school. The last time transportation fees for ineligible students were increased was in 2006.

• A new AP 290 - Research Studies has been developed to outline the procedures for external individuals or organizations to follow when conducting research opportunities with the division.

• Trustees approved a revision to AP400 - Personnel Selection which included updates to roles and responsibilities of personnel staff.

• Nine student teachers were placed at GYPSD schools during both semesters this school year for both introductory and advanced professional terms. Superintendent Gray offered his sincere appreciation to the mentor teachers who shared their leadership skills with the students. Deputy Superintendent Murray also proudly noted that seven of the ten students had also graduated from Grande Yellowhead high schools.

Superintendent of Schools Announces Retirement

Cory Gray, Superintendent of Schools, announced his retirement after twenty eight years with Grande Yellowhead Public School Division. While a date has not yet been finalized, he will likely remain through the summer months to ensure a smooth opening to the new school year and to assist the incoming Superintendent.

Board Chair and Lobstick Trustee Brenda Rosadiuk said “With great reluctance, I have accepted Superintendent Gray’s resignation on behalf of the board. First as the Deputy Superintendent and then as our Superintendent of Schools, he has made many improvements to the system over the last ten years as well as assembled a strong central office administration and talented leadership. He will be greatly missed and we thank him for all he has accomplished in moving our division forward.”

Cory began his teaching career in Milk River, Alberta and moved to Edson in 1989 with his family and his been a teacher and administrator at the elementary, middle and high school levels. In November 2007, Cory joined the Education Services Center staff as Deputy Superintendent and became the division’s Superintendent of Schools two years later. He has thoroughly enjoyed the challenges and connections he has made during his career and focused his efforts on ensuring that ‘decisions made keep our students’ needs front and center because their success is why we are here.’

Mrs. Rosadiuk notes “The Board will immediately begin the next steps in determining the selection process for a new superintendent. I am highly confident that our leadership team will continue to move the Division forward and maintain the focus on our students and their educational goals to succeed.