BTPS Newsletter

We’ve officially wrapped up the first week of the second half of the school year! I hope it has been a smooth transition for you and that you’re feeling energized for the months ahead. It’s incredible to think about how much has already been accomplished this year, and I know that your continued dedication will make the rest of the year just as meaningful for our students.

Next week brings a bit of a change of pace for our school-based staff. Our teaching staff will be engaging in valuable professional learning at the teacher convention, while school support staff will have an extended long weekend. No matter how you spend the time, I hope it’s an opportunity for growth, connection, or a well-deserved break and, of course, Family Day provides all of us with a chance to step away and enjoy time with loved ones.

Thank you for everything you do each day to support students, colleagues, and our school communities. Whether you’re learning, resting, or spending time with family next week, I hope you find joy in it.

Be Well,

Michelle

At Marwayne Jubilee School, we are proud to live by our motto: Engaging Minds, Creating Opportunities. Serving students from Kindergarten to Grade 12, our school fosters authentic and engaging learning experiences that inspire growth and curiosity. Beyond the classroom, our vibrant athletics program offers students the chance to excel in basketball, curling, volleyball, golf, cross-country running, badminton, and track and field. Whether on the court, the track, or in the classroom, MJS is committed to empowering students to achieve their full potential in every aspect of their education.

Four members of Kitscoty's curling teams had the privilege of attending a junior curling seminar at the Lloydminster curling club during the Astec Safety Curling Challenge with National and World Champion Canadian Curlers. They learned techniques from the best curlers in the world including Canadians Brad Jacobs, Mark Kennedy, Brett Gallant and Ben Hebert and Sweden's Niklas Edin. It was an incredible learning experience!

The Performing Arts Academy 8/9 produced a fantastic Dinner Theatre style production called "How to Host a Murder Mystery Dinner Party" - in fifteen simple steps," and closed out January with some art projects. It was a huge success, and many are already talking about next year! The Intro to Drama 7 finished off their year with making gnomes out of pottery and creating a script for the character they created. The Band program had close to 200 students perform in their Christmas Concert and is now gearing up for the next half of the year, with 2 high school students performing in the U of A Honour Band, and 5 Grade 9 students performing with the Northern Alberta Junior Honour Band. The Fine Arts are alive and well at KHS!

Information regarding our current labour relations with CUPE Local 1606 is being developed and updated on our BTPS website. Please note that as the process evolves, updates, correspondence from BTPS, and relevant information will be posted on the dedicated webpage located in the “About” section. BTPS is committed to keeping our school community informed throughout the process.

Below is a link to sign up for a virtual Blanket Exercise through the NRLC, taking place on Tuesday, February 18, from 12:30 to 3:30 PM. This learning opportunity is recommended for students in Grades 7-12.

The Blanket Exercise is an interactive and powerful way to deepen understanding of the historical and ongoing impacts of colonization on Indigenous Peoples in what is now called Canada. Through storytelling and participation, students will gain insight into Indigenous histories, perspectives, and experiences.

This is a valuable opportunity to engage in meaningful learning and reflection. Virtual KAIROS blanket exercise

Are your students passionate about solving real-world problems? Do they have innovative ideas that could make a difference in their communities and beyond? Ingenious+ is a national youth innovation challenge designed to empower students aged 14-18 to bring their ideas to life!

Encourage your students to participate and win up to $10,000 in funding, national recognition, and mentorship opportunities! Whether their passion lies in technology, health, climate action, equity, or civic engagement, this is their chance to innovate for good.

How to Incorporate This in Your Classroom

Science & STEM Classes (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)

• Encourage students to develop projects related to climate change, sustainability, health, or technology.
• Tie it into scientific inquiry projects or engineering design challenges.

Mathematics

• Connect to data analysis, statistics, and financial literacy by having students analyze real-world problems before designing solutions.
• Challenge students to create AI-driven models or tech-based solutions.

Social Studies / Humanities

• Have students explore equity and inclusion, community engagement, or civic action initiatives.
• Link to current events or policy-making projects where they propose real solutions.

Health & Physical Education

• Students can develop innovations to improve mental health, fitness, or public health.
• Connect to wellness projects or healthy living initiatives.

Art & Design / Multimedia

• Encourage students to design campaigns, prototypes, or visual representations of their solutions.
• Integrate into graphic design, animation, or video storytelling projects.

Entrepreneurship / Business / Leadership

• Perfect for marketing, economics, and entrepreneurship classes where students can create innovative business solutions.
• Link to business plan development or social enterprise projects.

Technology / Computer Science

• Ideal for students working on app development, coding, AI, or software solutions.
• Tie into robotics, programming, or digital innovation units.

Career & Technology Studies (CTS)

• Incorporate into design thinking, prototyping, or engineering-focused courses.
• Encourage students to apply their technical skills to solve real-world challenges.

This challenge aligns well with project-based learning or cross-curricular collaborations. Encouraging students to solve real problems while applying classroom knowledge makes learning more engaging and impactful!

Entries open from January 20 – February 28, 2025.
Learn more and apply at ingeniousplus.ca - Let’s inspire the next generation of problem solvers—share this opportunity with your students today!

Exciting news! We are thrilled to share an incredible podcast and platform created by one of our very own staff members! The Elemental Educator is hosted by Tyler Comeau, Principal at Dewberry School. The platform explores the alchemy of education, leadership, and pedagogy, challenging the status quo of leadership norms while redefining learning.

The audio and video podcast is available on multiple platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and more. There is also an instagram account dedicated to sharing actionable strategies and insights.

We encourage everyone to tune in to "The Elemental Educator Podcast" to gain valuable insights and support Tyler's endeavor in advancing educational leadership.

In this engaging episode of the Elemental Educator podcast, host Tyler Comeau welcomes Dr. Jody Carrington, a global leader in human connection and mental health. Dr. Carrington shares her inspirational journey from a small town in Alberta, Canada, to becoming a celebrated psychologist and keynote speaker. The conversation delves deep into the power of human connection, the importance of core values, overcoming adversity, and the significance of creating safe and supportive environments both in education and beyond. From her work with the RCMP and the Alberta Children's Hospital to her insights on leadership and community-building, Dr. Carrington's story is a testament to the impact of empathy and authentic relationships. Whether you're an educator, leader, or simply someone seeking inspiration, this episode is packed with valuable lessons and actionable advice.

Tune in to explore how you can reconnect in a disconnected world and ignite your passion for learning.

Congratulations to Jasper Wilson (Grade 11) for winning 1st place in both essay and poetry categories and Autumn Court (Grade 10) for winning 1st place in the poster contest, advancing to the Provincial level!

Kids Help Phone offers free, 24/7, multilingual, and confidential e-mental health support for young people. Ensure your students feel supported by enrolling in Counsellor in the Classroom, a free mental health literacy program for Grades 4–12.

Program Includes:

• Classroom activities & mental health curriculum by Kids Help Phone
• 45-minute virtual session with a professional counsellor

New in 2025!

• Grade 4–5 educators receive The Blue Lupin Collection—a curated mini library on wellness topics for meaningful classroom discussions.
• Learn more in our FAQ and enroll today!

Questions? Check out our Counsellor in the Classroom Frequently Asked Questions.

April is oral health month and it’s time for @theCDHA’s Attack the Plaque colouring contest!

It’s also a great time to remind everyone to brush their teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste (2x2 minutes). Our theme centres around Tooth Tips for kids. Children’s preventive oral health is an important message, particularly with the launch of the government’s Canadian Dental Care Plan which is allowing many families who don’t have private dental insurance, to have access to essential dental care.

For more details, including a downloadable colouring sheet, please visit www.cdha.ca/colouringcontest.

Know a teacher who brings economics to life in creative ways? Nominate them for the Bank of Canada Museum’s Award for Excellence in Teaching Economics!

This award is open to Grades 6–12 (Grade 6 to Secondary V) teachers who make economics engaging in subjects like history, business, math, and more.

Winners receive:
🏆 A trophy & gift basket
💰 $1,000 cash prize
🏫 $1,000 for their school

Awards will be given for both middle and high school levels. Topics may include trade, financial markets, inflation, the green economy, and more!

⏳ Apply by March 2, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET.
Visit our website for details and to nominate a deserving educator today!

Each year, Canada’s History Society recognizes six teachers for innovative and impactful approaches to teaching Canadian history through the Governor General’s History Award for Excellence in Teaching. The award places a spotlight on teachers that foster a deep understanding of the past and actively engage students in historical work through meaningful projects and initiatives.

The 2025 recipients will be awarded:

• $2500 for their school
• $1000 individual cash prize
• A medal
• Travel and accommodations for two from a major city to attend the award ceremony

If you or a teacher you know makes history come to life in the classroom, submit a nomination or apply online today! Stage 1 applications are due March 24, 2025.

CanadasHistory.ca/TeachingAward

The National Youth Climate Activism Award is a registered non-profit that has been working in the climate sphere for 18 years. Our mandate is to recognize the fantastic work of Canadian youth who have made strides towards climate activism and improving their local environment, and to share their stories nationwide.

This year, we are providing 25 awards of $1000 each for youth aged between 15-20, and $500 for those under 14. Submissions for the award have just opened this week, on February 2nd (Groundhog Day + World Wetlands Day), and will close on Earth Day, April 22nd.

For more information and full details, visit our website.