NSO News & Information

Hey all, it is hard to believe, but we are now only three weeks—a total of 15 instructional days—away from the Christmas break. As of December 2 we are at instructional day #59 of 84 or 70% of the way through Semester 1. As the holiday season approaches, the excitement and anticipation are palpable throughout our school community.

This is a time filled with opportunities to celebrate progress and embrace new challenges. We encourage all of our students to make the most of these remaining days by staying engaged in their learning and taking those "small steps" that lead to big achievements—a sentiment that echoes our school’s motto: Small steps are still progress.

For our families, this is a wonderful moment to reflect on your child’s growth this term. Your continued support plays a vital role in their success. Whether it’s reviewing materials together, fostering routines, or simply offering encouragement, every effort makes a difference.

As we count down to Christmas, please keep an eye out for updates about upcoming events and activities. We aim to finish 2024 on a high note, filled with positivity, learning, and community spirit. Thank you for being an integral part of our Next Step family. Let’s make these last 15 days count!

High School students are reminded they need to be checking in with their teachers every week. Please reach out with any questions, concerns, or feedback as we move forward together. Thank you for your continued partnership and for trusting us with your child’s education.

Principal Mr. B. Spady, Assistant Principal's Mrs. K. Porter & Mrs. D. Bennett

You are invited to our upcoming EIPS RAP Parent Night on December 5th at 7:00pm at Salisbury. This evening session is designed to provide valuable information on the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) and work experience opportunities available for your student.

We’re excited to welcome a representative from CAREERS: The Next Generation, who will share insights into their programs, designed to empower youth with career-building opportunities in the skilled trades, health care, agriculture, information communication technology, environment and more. Learn how your child can gain hands-on experience, earn credits, and set the foundation for a successful future!

Don’t miss this opportunity to discover how we can support your student in exploring their passions and achieving their career goals.

Dec 4 Early dismissal 2:10 p.m.

Dec 5 RAP Parent Night 7 p.m. Salisbury

Dec 9 Métis Kitchen Party 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Salisbury

Dec 11 Anniversary of the Statue of Westminster

Dec 12 Fort Saskatchewan campus Christmas Lunch

Dec 20 Last day before Christmas break

Dec 21 Winter Solstice

Jan 6 Classes resume

Jan 8 Early dismissal 2:10 p.m.

Jan 11-12 Diploma Exam Prep Session #1 (ELA, SS, Math)

Jan 13 EIPS High School Information Session 6-7:30 p.m.

Jan 14 ELA 30-1/2 Part A Diploma

Jan 15 Social 30-1/2 Part A Diploma

Jan 15 FSO Open House 6-7:30 p.m.

Jan 17 Math 30-1/2 Diploma

Jan 17 Last Instructional day

Jan 18-19 Diploma Exam Prep Session #2 (Bio, Chem, Physics)

Jan 20 ELA 30-1/2 Part B Diploma

Jan 20 Fort Family Night 6 p.m.

Jan 21 Social 30-1/2 Part B Diploma

Jan 22 Biology Diploma

Jan 22 SPO Open House 6-7:30 p.m.

Jan 23 Chemistry Diploma

Jan 24 Physics Diploma

Jan 24 Bell Let's Talk Day

Jan 27 Science Diploma

Applications are now open for local community Christmas Food and Toy Hampers. Application deadlines and contact information is provided below. If you have any questions reach out to someone on your student success team.

Fort Saskatchewan- Nourishment Centre Christmas Food and Toy Hamper Deadline December 6 link

Phone 780-998-4099 Email general@fsnc.ca

Strathcona County- Strathcona Food Bank link

Phone 780-449-6413 Email info@strathconafoodbank.ca

Vegreville- Christmas Bureau Deadline December 6 link

Phone 780-632-8940

Vegreville Food Bank Society Christmas Dinner Box Deadline December 13 link

Phone 780-208-6002 Email vegrevillefoodbank@gmail.com

The First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education team is hosting a Métis Kitchen Party for all EIPS First Nations, Métis and Inuit families and their allies. The evening will include food, fiddles, dancing and activities—featuring music by Brianna Lizotte and Ethan Graves. All ages welcome.

Monday, December 9 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Salisbury Composite High
RSVP by December 6

Indigenous Bursaries – There are many bursaries on the Government website from all over Canada.

Alberta

Indigenous Career Award - $2000 per term, maximum $4000 per academic year. https://studentaid.alberta.ca/scholarships/indigenous-careers-award/

https://aboriginalfutures.com/scholarships-bursaries/ . There are many more which apply to 2nd, 3rd, or 4th year post-secondary students.

Registration for the January 2025 Diploma Exam Prep courses is open. These courses prepare students to write their Grade 12 diploma examinations. Courses run for one or two weekend days and will take place at Salisbury Composite High in Sherwood Park. Students can only register for one session each weekend. The cost is $125 per course—except Science 30 at $75. Registration closes on January 8 for English language arts (ELA), social studies and math sessions. Registration for science sessions closes on January 15. For more information, contact nextstep@eips.ca or call 780-464-1899.

• January 11 and 12: ELA 30-1, Social Studies 30-1, Math 30-1 and Math 30-2
• January 18 and 19: Biology 30, Chemistry 30 and Physics 30
• January 25: Science 30

There will be a virtual Grad informational meeting for parents and students on March 11 at 6 p.m.

At this time we will review all things related to graduation (important dates, grad portraits, ceremony times, grad gown pick up, etc.)

Our Student Success team at Next Step is designed to maximize school engagement, increase academic success and enhance social, emotional and physical well-being for students.

Guidance Counselor (all students) Kevin.MacKinnon@eips.ca email and direct line 7804102952 (educational support and accommodations)

Sherwood Park: Success Coach for grade 8-11 Jennifer.Martinez@eips.ca email and direct line 7804102948 (student/family strategies & community connections) & Success Coach for grade 12 & R12 Sara.Wood@eips.ca email and direct line 7804102942 (student/family strategies & community connections)

Fort Saskatchewan: Success Coach for grade 8-12 Janet.Clarkson@eips.ca email and direct line 7804103981 (student/family strategies & community connections)

Vegreville: Family School Liaison Worker Carlin.Adams@eips.ca email and direct line 7804103989 (student/family strategies & community connections)

New Student Registration and Returning Student Registration 2025-26 will get underway in February 2025. The process and timelines will be very similar to last year.

• New student registration—including kindergarten registration—will open at 9 a.m. on Feb. 1, 2025.
• Returning student registration will take place Feb. 10-24, 2025.

All related information is currently being updated on the Division website.

Kickstand Connect is a virtual walk-in clinic exclusive for young Albertans aged 12 to 25. Parental consent is not required for ages 14 and up. Free mental health and substance use counselling, peer support, employment services and register for free workshops and support groups!

https://mykickstand.ca/

Create an Activities List: Detail your extracurriculars, work, and volunteer experiences for applications.

• Tip: Use the Activities List Organizer to streamline the process.
• Check Deadlines: Many major university awards have early deadlines.
• Find Resources: Register on scholarship platforms. These allow you to create a profile with specific parameters that meet your needs.

Tip: Look at these platform websites for expert advice on How to Find and Win Scholarships.

o Scholartree

o Scholarships Canada

o Yconic

Scholarships to investigate:

• Ayn Rand Essay Contests
• Amount: up to $10,000
• Criteria: See website
• Link: Ayn Rand Essay Contests
• Dates: Multiple dates
• TD Scholarships for Community Leadership
• Amount: up to $70,000 over 4 years
• Criteria: Demonstrated community leadership
• Link: TD Scholarships for Community Leadership
• Josephburg Ag Society Scholarships (Local)
• Amount: 4 awards of $1,500
• Criteria: Parents must be members of Josephburg Ag Society given first priority, academic achievement, community involvement
• Link: Josephburg Ag Society Scholarships
• Elk Island Local No. 28 Scholarship Application Form (Local)
• Amount: Varied
• Criteria: Child of an Elk Island Teacher accepted to the Faculty of Education in an accredited institution, high level of achievement
• Link: Information provided by Local No. 28 ATA
• School nomination
• Fort Sask Lions Club - The Lions Legacy Scholarship (Local)
• Amount: $1,000
• Criteria: Satisfy entrance requirements at post-secondary institution, demonstrate leadership (letter), letters of recommendation, transcript of marks
• Link: Fort Sask Lions Club - The Lions Legacy Scholarship
• Edmonton Community Foundation
• Amount: Up to $10,000
• Criteria: See website for multiple scholarships
• Link: Edmonton Community Foundation
• Strike Western Canadian Scholarship
• Amount: $2,000
• Criteria: Promotion of inclusion, open to all students living in Western Canada
• Link: Strike Western Canadian Scholarship
• RBC Future Launch Scholarship for Indigenous Youth
• Amount: Up to $10,000
• Criteria: Indigenous youth, satisfy entrance requirements at eligible post-secondary institutions, requiring financial assistance, maintain full course load
• Link: RBC Future Launch Scholarship for Indigenous Youth
• Softball Alberta Scholarships
• Amount: $500+
• Criteria: Various criteria; student athletes going on to postsecondary education
• Link: Softball Alberta Scholarships
• Pipeline Contractors Association of Canada Student Award Program
• Criteria: Applicant must be a son, daughter, or ward of a person whose principal income is derived from the pipeline construction industry, proof of full-time enrollment in a program leading to a diploma or degree
• Link: Pipeline Contractors Association of Canada Student Award Program
• Alberta Blue Cross Scholarship
• Amount: $750-$1,000
• Criteria: Member of a First Nation or band, or have Inuit, Métis or Indian status, residents of Alberta for the past 12 months, have not received this scholarship before
• Link: Alberta Blue Cross Scholarship
• RBC Royal Bank Scholarships
• Criteria: Please see website for multiple opportunities
• Link: RBC Royal Bank Scholarships
• John Hasselfield Endowment Foundation
• Amount: $400
• Criteria: Student presently enrolled in an Alberta public school, provide written essay, letter of reference from a non-family adult, Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• Link: John Hasselfield Endowment Foundation

At Next Step, we believe that consistent engagement in learning is key to academic success. Students who do not actively participate in their course for a period of 30 days will be withdrawn from the course. Should a student wish to reengage, they will be required to meet with our Student Success team to discuss their commitment and develop a plan to ensure future success. As we say at Next Step Outreach, "small steps are still progress," and we are here to support every step of your journey. This policy ensures students remain committed to their learning, while also providing them with the necessary support to reengage effectively.

Appropriate use of personal communication devices contributes to the safety and security of students and staff, minimizes risk to personal wellbeing and disruption to instruction, and protects personal privacy and academic integrity. As such, personal devices are expected to be out of sight during instructional time.

Students may not access a PCD unless given permission by the teacher for a specific educational task or purpose. PCDs shall not be on the student unless the use is for: a diagnosed medical condition; or an identified inclusive-educational need.

From a security perspective, the most important function of an exterior door is for protection from the elements and to control entry for building security. All exterior doors will be locked, and opened only for student and visitor access during designated school entry times and special events. Students who arrive when doors are locked, as well as parents/caregivers and visitors, will be welcomed into the office after ringing the doorbell/video-monitored intercom entry system. All visitors must sign in and out of the school and follow the visitor protocol.

Next Step envisions itself as not just an educational institution, but a vibrant community of learners deeply committed to virtues that go beyond the classroom. Here's a brief overview of the core values that make up the vision:

Acceptance- We strive for a diverse and inclusive environment where every student, parent, caregiver, and staff member feels accepted, irrespective of their background, beliefs, or circumstances. We believe that learning is most effective when everyone feels like they belong.

Flexibility- Understanding that each learner is unique, we aim to offer flexible learning and a range of teaching methodologies to cater to individual needs. Whether through elective courses, extracurricular activities, or personalized learning paths, flexibility is at the heart of our educational approach.

Individualization- Building on the concept of flexibility, we focus on personalized education. Our staff are committed to identifying each student’s strengths, and areas for growth, allowing for a more tailored educational experience while maintaining a high academic standard. This individual attention ensures that every student is equipped with the tools they need to succeed both academically and personally.

Respect- In our community, respect is mutual. Staff, students, caregivers, and parents are encouraged to show respect for each other's ideas, feelings, and contributions. We believe that open dialogue, grounded in respect, fosters a rich learning environment where complex issues can be discussed and dissected.

Responsibility- While our staff are committed to providing the best educational experience possible, we also encourage students, caregivers and parents to take responsibility for their learning journey. This includes active participation in school activities, regular communication with staff, and a commitment to personal and academic growth.

For parents, caregivers, and families, becoming a part of the Next Step community means joining a network committed to these virtues. Together, we work toward providing an educational experience that values the uniqueness of each student, respects the input of each community member, and prepares learners for a future full of possibilities.

The Division, and Next Step are committed to ensuring all members of the school community are provided with welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning environments that respect diversity and foster a sense of belonging. EIPS encourages all students, staff and families to review the procedures to understand and practice the conduct expected throughout the Division.

Students, parents, and caregivers can access our campus locations during the following times:

Monday 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Tuesday 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Wednesday 8:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Thursday 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Friday 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

#gogreen

Email: nextstep@eips.ca
Website: eipsnextstep.ca
Phone: 7804641899
Twitter: @eipsnextstep