BTPS Newsletter

September 12, 2022

Superintendent's Memo

Today is our first Monday with students of the 2022-2023 school year! I have been enjoying all the back to school activities that I see happening around BTPS and am excited to watch a few football, volleyball and cross country events. Thank you to all the staff and volunteers who are supporting these activities as well as other student activities within the schools.

I wish to acknowledge the Queen’s passing. This is a significant time in history and we will look back in future years and say “where were we when the Queen passed.” It will always bring me comfort knowing that at this time in history that I am among friends in BTPS and we shared this moment together. Her obituary is here. You will be able to visit the Canadian Heritage website for tributes to Her Late Majesty and for information on public ceremonies. BTPS flags will be at half mast for the mourning period and full mast for one day on the accession day of the King.

To mark the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth

Flags at all provincial buildings will be at half mast for the mourning period. The flags will be at full mast for one day on the accession day of the King. School authorities may also wish to adjust their flags during this period.
Memorial page(s) will be posted on the websites of the Lieutenant Governor, Government of Alberta and Legislative Assembly.
All official portraits of Her Majesty will be draped.
Books of condolence will be available online at alberta.ca and at some provincial buildings throughout the province.
A provincial public memorial will be held on the last day of mourning.
Within schools, it is recommended all official portraits of Her Majesty be draped with black fabric across the top of the frame for the mourning period.

Last week brought some sadness with the events happening in Saskatchewan. My deepest condolences go out to the many families, loved ones and communities affected by the tragedy at James Smith Cree Nation and in Weldon. You may have students or staff who are impacted. There is support available to our staff and our students.

Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) - 1-888-384-1152
BTPS Social Emotional Coach (SEC) Program
Jack.org - has Mental Health Resources
Mental Health Helpline: Phone: 1-877-303-2642
Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868

I am excited to wear our BTPS Pink Shirt with the logo designed by Eva Slawson, Dr. Folkins Community School student. You are able to purchase the BTPS Pink Shirt at www.12thirtyfour.ca/campaigns - Pink Shirt Day.

If you are looking for an Orange Shirt - we have a few BTPS Every Child Matters orange shirts available. Contact Bri and she can let you know if your size is available and how to pay. The logo was designed by Delnorte-Innisfree student, Norah Melnyk. As part of my commitment to the calls to action for reconciliation by sharing resources and supporting staff learning. Linked below are resources:

Online supports:

Darci Lang has a quote in her book “Self care is not selfish or self indulgent. We cannot nurture others from a dry well. We need to take care of our own needs first, then we can give from our surplus, our abundance.” by Jennifer Louden. In education, it is important that we each take this advice. I know you are all so important for the success of our BTPS students and you do a great job supporting each other. Self care is important in order to sustain that. I am looking forward to our first wellness challenge as these help fill my own well.

Take care,

Rhae-Ann

#btpstogether

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Orange Shirts

Central Office has a few Orange Shirts left from last year from our Orange Shirt Day Logo Contest. If you would like to purchase one, they will be $15.

The shirts will be on a first come first serve basis as we only have a few shirts left. If you are interested, please contact Bri at central office to secure a shirt. bri.blackie@btps.ca

Logo designed by Norah Melnyk - Delnorte Innisfree

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BTPS Pink Shirt Day Official Shirts for 2023

Click here for T Shirt Order Information

Orders can be placed online at www.12thirtyfour.ca/campaigns - Pink Shirt Day. All T-Shirts are $20.00. Payment options are Credit Card or E-Transfer. Youth and Adult Sizing available!

All orders will be sent to 12 Thirty Four Marketing in Wainwright, AB. The shirts will then be sent to the necessary school via the van run. BTPS family orders will then be sent home via students. Community members who order will need to make arrangements to pick up their orders at 12 Thirty Four Marketing in Wainwright.

In the Order Notes section, please make sure to indicate your school. PINK SHIRT DAY 2023 is Wednesday, February 22, 2023

hrsupportstaff@btps.ca

hrteachers@btps.ca

Outstanding Support Staff Award

We are seeking nominations for this year's Outstanding Support Staff Award. It is the time of year for you to identify all of the excellent contributions your support staff make for your students, families, staff, schools, and the division.

Here is a link to the Administrative Procedure that has the criteria and nomination form that you may share with staff. Forward all nomination packages to Michelle Webb prior to September 29, 2022.

Thank you for taking the time to recognize these valuable members of our team!

Learning Services Curriculum Corner!

Over the summer months, a number of Alberta teachers developed Hapara Workspaces with lessons to align with the K-6 Physical Education and Wellness curriculum. Here is a link to the Google Sheet with the direct links to each of the Workspaces by grade level. Our BTPS Physical Education & Wellness Curriculum Support Workspace has also been updated with various materials to support teaching the Financial Literacy components of the curriculum.

All of our curriculum support resources are located in Hapara Workspace. To access them, visit app.hapara.com/workspace → click the Our Library tab → on the left, and scroll all the way down to the folder called Teacher Resources for Curriculum.

BTPS Resource Distribution Center

The BTPS RDC library has a number of resources to support your role as a teacher. From novel collections, Indigenous kits, to a host of professional learning books and resources.

Here is a sample of the Tom Hierck books that are available. For information on accessing resources, please reach out to Gayle Hedley at Central Office.

BTPS Learning on the Trail Podcast

NEW EPISODE: Learn about Project Managers with Rui Teixeira

In this Episode: Rui Teixeira is the Senior IT Project Manager at NAIT. He stops by to chat with Rhae-Ann about what is involved with an IT Project Manager career and the path he took to get there.He shares stories about as a high school student and an immigrant he could not speak English, yet by adjusting to his environment and using his skills with computers he overcame obstacles to become a Project Manager, a business owner, and now an instructor and Senior Project Manager at NAIT. Share a few minutes with Rui and Rhae-Ann

Listen on Spotify, Apple, or BTPS Website

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Truth & Reconciliation Events

In Person and Virtual Events! Complied for Saskatchewan Health Authority

ASEBP Compression Socks:

Do I have coverage under ASEBP for Compression Socks?

We encourage you to check into your personal coverage with ASEBP and any other co-insurance that you may have.
Our experience with ASEBP is that they realize the benefits of keeping your feet/legs healthy. Therefore ASEBP has historically allocated $250/year towards compression garments of proper medical grade (20-30mmHg) every calendar year (as of Jan 1st)

Click here for info regarding ASEBP!

What style of compression socks are available?

HiTech Bracing Ltd. offers a wide selection of compression socks from Sports Performance to Casual Dress socks. Our socks come in a variety of materials, colors and patterns.
Check out some of the most common styles below, or go to the new online sock page to see what's available at http://hitechbracing.com/compression-socks-4/