NSO News & Information

Welcome to a new semester! We hope you had a restful break and are ready to continue this journey of growth and learning. As we step into this next chapter, remember: "Small steps are still progress."

At Next Step, we believe that every effort, no matter how small, moves us closer to success. This semester, we encourage our students to set new goals, embrace challenges, and celebrate their progress along the way.

Our team is here to support every student in their unique learning journey. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need assistance. Together, we can make this a rewarding and successful semester. Looking forward to seeing everyone back and ready to learn.

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

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 Students who do not actively participate in their course for a period of 30 days will be withdrawn from the course.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.

Feb 5 Early dismissal 2:10 p.m.

Feb 6-7 Teachers' Convention- No Classes

Feb 9-15 Random Acts of Kindness Week

Feb 10 EIPS Returning Student Registration OPENS

Feb 12 Jr High SAFRON Presentation

Feb 13 Vegreville campus Open House 6-7:30 p.m.

Feb 14 Valentine's Day

Feb 15 National Flag Day

Feb 17 Family Day- No Classes

Feb 18 Semester 1 Diploma Marks released

Feb 24 EIPS Returning Student Registration CLOSES

Feb 26 Pink Shirt Day

Mar 1 Augustana campus (UofA) Exploration Days Registration

Mar 5 Early dismissal 2:10 p.m.

Mar 6 Concordia University of Edmonton Open House Information

Mar 7 Professional Learning Day-No School

Mar 8 International Women's Day

Mar 9 Daylight Savings Time starts

Mar 10 Commonwealth Day

Mar 11 School Council 5 p.m.

Mar 11 Grad Student & Parent Virtual meeting 6 p.m.

Mar 12 Jr High SAFRON Presentation

Mar 14 Pi Day

Mar 17 Parent Teacher Student Conferences (FSO)

Mar 18 Parent Teacher Student Conferences (SPO/VGO)

Mar 21 Spring Break starts

Mar 22 The King's University Spring Open House 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

The Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) returning student registration process for 2025-26 takes place Feb. 10-24, 2025. Through the online form, all families will confirm the school and program their child will attend next year or advise the Division if they aren’t returning. For students who want to attend a non-designated school next year, these requests must be submitted through the returning student registration process—acceptance is based on available space.

On February 10, the parent/guardian on file in PowerSchool identified as the Permission Click contact for each pre-kindergarten to Grade 11 student will receive an email through Permission Click with a link to the form. If your family hasn’t received any Permission Click forms this school year, contact the school office so we can investigate any technical issues before registration season.

We are committed to providing flexible and personalized learning pathways to support the unique needs of all students. This is an opportunity to meet our dedicated staff, explore the wide range of alternative learning programs we offer and ask questions about how we can support your student's success. Whether you're looking for flexible scheduling, personalized learning plans, or a fresh start, we are here to help. Vegreville Campus: Thursday, February 13, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

In a world full of opportunities to connect and uplift one another, kindness has the power to shine brightly. What if we made kindness the norm—the foundation of how we live and interact every day?

Random Acts of Kindness Week, February 9–15, 2025, is a perfect reminder of how thoughtful gestures can spark joy, inspire change, and create lasting impact. Let’s celebrate this week as a chance to embrace kindness as a daily habit and a way of life. Kindness Blog

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.)

• Grad portraits are scheduled for April 15 (SPO) & April 16 (FSO)
• Graduation ceremony is Friday, June 6 2:30 p.m. at Shell Theatre (DOW Centre) Fort Saskatchewan

Our next hybrid meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 11 at 5 p.m.. We hope you can join us! Meeting starts at 5 p.m. Regular attendance is not required. Please check out our school calendar and NSO News & Information for scheduled School Advisory Council Meetings. Tentative agenda will be added below. Future dates: March 11, April 29

Apprenticeship credentials -Journeyman Certificate

You receive a Journeyman Certificate when you complete an apprenticeship program. You earn a Journeyman Certificate after you complete:

• a specific number of on-the-job training hours provided by an employer
• technical training with an approved technical training provider
• industry examinations

An apprenticeship program lasts 1 to 4 years, depending on the trade. You may also be able to use your certificate to work in other provinces. Read about apprenticeships and industry training.

Undergraduate credentials

Certificate- Certificates offer short-term learning that prepares you for work in specific occupations. Certificates can:

• take one year or less of full-time study to complete
• need some high school studies for admission
• sometimes be transferred as earned credit or used for admission to a diploma program

Diploma- Prepare you to work in a particular field or group of occupations, and

• take up to 2 years of full-time study
• may need high school completion or specific grades and subjects for admission (except in universities)

Bachelor’s degree- Bachelor’s degrees provide theoretical or academic learning:

• usually 4 years of full-time study, though program length can vary by program and post-secondary institution
• programs longer than 4 years often include co-op education or work study
• admission requirements vary by program, though are usually high school graduates with specific grades and subjects
• can lead to direct access to graduate studies

Bachelor's degree programs in Alberta are approved by the Minister responsible for advanced education (except for degrees in divinity).

Post-diploma or post-baccalaureate certificate

Some institutions offer certificate programs that require a completed diploma or degree for admission. These programs:

• vary in length
• are generally focused on increasing specialized skills

For example, some programs ask for an undergraduate degree and some work experience.

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.

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)

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

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.

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:

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.

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