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School board wrap-up

The Buck Mountain Central Football team plays in the Alberta 6 Man Football League. The rules for 6-man football are very
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Black Gold Regional Division No. 18

WRPS board Meeting Highlights October 25, 2016

Buck Mountain Central School 6-Man Football Team One of Top Teams in the League

The Buck Mountain Central Football team plays in the Alberta 6 Man Football League. The rules for 6-man football are very similar to 12 man but it is a much faster game. There are 18 teams participating from all across the province. Buck Mountain Central Schools is one of the smallest schools to participate in this league. This year the team has gone undefeated 6-0 and is celebrating 13 straight wins and is one of the top teams in the league.

Coaches Eric Wolney and Tim Stewart advised the Board of the Buck Mountain Central Football Team successes, and highlighted how team participation has positively impacted school academics and attendance.

Falun Skating Rink

The Pigeon Lake Athletic, Cultural and Educational Society (PLACE) are in the process of bringing their plans for a $300,000 expansion at the Falun skating rink to fruition. In order to allow PLACE access to grant and other funding the board decided to proceed with sub-dividing the property under and around the Falun Skating Rink from the Falun School property. The board will then pass a motion deeming the land as surplus to the board’s needs, obtain ministerial approval and then turn the ownership of the property over to the County of Wetaskiwin.

Modular Requests

The request has been submitted to Alberta Infrastructure for six modular units to be added on to the Griffiths-Scott School in Millet. In anticipation of the move of Millet School students over to the new K-8 Griffiths-Scott School the board has determined they will require five classroom units and one washroom unit. Four classrooms would meet the needs of the anticipated 2017-2018 enrollment, with the extra classroom providing additional breakout space that could also address any future enrollment needs.

2016-2019 Infrastructure Maintenance and Renewal Facilities Plan

The Infrastructure Maintenance and Renewal Plan Facilities was developed after administration toured each school site and identified facility needs for the next three years. The plan has been posted on the website and can be viewed at: http://www.wrps.ab.ca/download/85370.

Black Gold Regional Division Oct. 12 minutes

Chairman Lemke called the meeting to order at 9 a.m.

Letter re: Overlay of bus lanes at Calmar Secondary School

Trustee Koroll inquired whether a letter had been submitted to Alberta Education regarding the overlay of bus lanes at Calmar Secondary School as this was discussed on June 22 with the following motion: Trustee Koroll that the board submit a letter to Alberta Education requesting they fund the overlay of asphalt of the bus lane at Calmar Secondary School. Administration stated this letter will be submitted.

BGRD Welcome Back, Long Service Awards ceremony

On September 16, 2016, the Board of Trustees of Black Gold Regional Division No. 18 hosted its annual Welcome Back & Long Service Awards Ceremony at Leduc Composite High School. Teachers and support staff attended the ceremony to kick-off “welcome back to school” and to celebrate long service achievements and recognize special award recipients. The ceremony was emceed by École Leduc Junior High School Grade 9 students, Reegan Broadbent and Isabella Hjertaas. École Beau Meadow School Teacher Jo-Anne Hendriks led the 700+ attendees in singing the national anthem and the ceremony continued with the following introductions: Board of Trustees, Division Administrative Staff, Union & Contractor.

School, student, staff recognition

Representatives, school administration and new staff introduced themselves. Trustees presented long service awards to the 25, 30 and 35 year recipients and to the support staff retiree.

Dr. Norman Yanitski, presented the newly-established Superintendent’s Service Award of Excellence to Gordon Engberg, our division courier, for his 34 years of dedicated service to the division. Gordon demonstrates outstanding spirit and excellence, and inspires others to perform their best in the division. Additional information is posted on our BGRD website at: 2016 Superintendent’s Service Award of Excellence Recipient - Gordon Engberg.

The board of trustees presented the Award of Distinction Inspiring Success to James Toomey, a teacher with 25 years of dedicated service to BGRD who works in the Special Programs area at Leduc Composite High School. James consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic and passion for teaching and has worked with special needs students for 20 years. James’ leadership has made a significant difference to public education in the Black Gold community and he inspires success in students and staff. Additional information is posted on our BGRD website at: 2016 Inspiring Success Award of Distinction Recipient - James Toomey.

The Welcome Back closed with a lively performance of “Twist & Shout” by our Black Gold House Band. The memorable day continued with professional development. Congratulations to all the long service and special award recipients! Additional information and photos are posted to our BGRD website at: Black Gold Recognizes Staff and Retirees and Welcome Back & Long Service Awards Ceremony.

International Field Trips

Associate Superintendent Romanchuk stated that high school principals and senior administration met to discuss international field trips. Principals Brad Clarke, Chair of Secondary Sectional and Darren Caldwell attended the board meeting to provide feedback. Superintendent Yanitski talked about the process of “6 Thinking Hats” to guide the discussion. Mr. Clarke stated they discussed the benefits of international field trips, process and approving of trips, context of trips, and the positive aspects. It is the recommendation of this group that the Black Gold Board of Education celebrate 150 years anniversary of Canada and focus on travel exclusively in Canada. Trustee Koroll stated it is wonderful to celebrate Canada. Trustees mentioned that the focus should be on student safety.

School Resource Officer

Rick Thomas, General Manager, Community Services, Leduc County, Councilor Audrey Kelto, Leduc County, Kevin Kunetzki, RCMP detachment commander; Cst. Neil Muz, Sgt Corey Kyle, and Sgt. Brent Dueck attended the meeting to discuss school resource officers in schools.

Mr. Thomas thanked the board for the opportunity to present, and stated that Leduc County is embarking on an initiative to hire an RCMP as a School Resource Officer (SRO) to help schools within the area of New Sarepta, Thorsby, Warburg, New Humble and Calmar. Mr. Thomas stated this request would be for $25,000 per year for three years. Superintendent Yanitski has written a letter of “in kind” support for the position. The group attended requesting assistance in funding the position of an SRO. Mr. Thomas also stated that he will be applying for some grant money as well. Councilor Audrey Kelto stated it is important for all stakeholders to provide safe communities for our students.

Trustees appreciated the group attending the meeting. However, as the division is already using school reserves, and Alberta Education does not provide extra funding for this, the Board will discuss the matter further.

Trustee Koroll also advised the group to contact other groups such as the Lions Club or Rotary Club. On behalf of the RCMP, Detachment Commander Kunetzki thanked BGRD for their support, and commented that the more we can work together, the better it is for the students.

International Field Trips

Trustees discussed all of the international field trips. The trustees are in agreement that the Vimy Ridge Heritage Tour Trip has not been cancelled. Trustee Koroll stated that the Board of Education continues to support the field trip to Vimy Ridge that will occur during Spring Break 2017, and appreciate all of the hard work by the Administration, staff, students and parents.

Chairman Lemke stated there are only four students signed up for the Canadian Nationalism Tour trip. The requirement for the trip is to have 40 students minimum.

Chairman Lemke declared the meeting adjourned at 5:27 p.m.

STAR Catholic Division Oct. summary

Catholic Education Sunday

The board approved a budget of $300 per parish to celebrate Catholic Education Sunday in its community parishes. Catholic Education Sunday is November 6, and a STAR Catholic brochure, focused on the division’s theme of Light for the Way, is being distributed to STAR Catholic staff, students and parishioners.

CTK Field Trip approved in principle

The board approved in principle Christ The King Jr./Sr. High School’s international travel request to the Religious Education Congress Youth Day in Los Angeles, CA from February 21, 2017 to February 25, 2017.

Enrolment continues to grow in STAR Catholic

An enrolment report was received that showed STAR Catholic student enrolment at 3,953. That is a 206 student increase from last year. STAR Catholic has grown by 32.7 per cent in the last six years.

Learning Day

The board was given a report on STAR Catholic’s Learning Day PD session held October 20th in Leduc for all STAR Catholic staff. The keynote speaker was educator Tom Hierck, who spoke on Response to Intervention (RTI).

Construction updates

The board was updated on the construction of École Mother d’Youville School in Beaumont and Father Leduc Catholic School in Leduc.

TeenSTAR PD offered

The board approved support for STAR Catholic teachers wanting to attend the TeenSTAR program offered in Edmonton November 14 to 18, 2016. The board approved covering tuition, substitute staff and travel costs for two teachers from each site with Grade 7 or higher.

Curriculum Survey info sessions

The Board reviewed information regarding the Government of Alberta’s Curriculum Review and the online survey available until November 18. STAR Catholic will be holding three information sessions for teachers, parents and community members regarding the Curriculum Review. Information for the information sessions in posted at www.starcatholic.ab.ca