NSO Weekly News
May 21-25, 2024
Sherwood Park - Fort Saskatchewan - Vegreville
We hope everyone had a wonderful Victoria Day long weekend! As of Tuesday there are only 20 instructional days remaining in semester 2. Graduation 2024 ceremony (June 6) is less than 3 weeks away! Grad gown pick up takes place June 3-5.
We appreciate the opportunity to engage, interact, and support all families. Our Next Step vision is to create a community of learners who embody the virtues of acceptance, flexibility, individualization, respect, and responsibility. We are excited you are part of our alternative learning environment. Have a great week! #gogreen Mr. B. Spady Principal & Mrs. K. Porter Assistant Principal
myPass account set up
As we approach the end of the school year, many students have not yet set up their myPass account. myPass is an Alberta Education service that allows high school students to have direct access to their educational information including;
- Order high school transcripts in English and French
- View diploma exam marks
- Register to write or rewrite diploma exams with online payment
- View and print Detailed Academic Reports (DAR)
- View progress towards a credential (diploma or certificate)
- Receive notifications for important messages
We encourage all Grade 10-12 students to sign up for myPass. Our Guidance Counsellor will guide you through the process of signing up. Please check in with Elli when on site next or email: elli.hansen@eips.ca or call 780-410-2952.
Upcoming events
May 28 Fort Saskatchewan Indigenous Family Gathering 6 p.m.
May 30 to June 5- Graduation Gown pick up
June 1-2 Diploma Exam Prep ELA 30-1 & Social 30-1 Register
June 4 Graduation luncheon 11:30 a.m.
June 5 Early dismissal 2:10 p.m.
June 6 Next Step Graduation 2:30 p.m. Shell Theatre (DOW Centre)
June 7 Grade 9 Farewell
June 8-9 Diploma Exam Prep ELA 30-1 & Social 30-1 Register
June 11 ELA 30-1/2 Part A Diploma 9:00 a.m.
June 12 Social Studies 30-1/2 Part A Diploma 9:00 a.m.
June 13 Grade 9 Math Part A PAT 9:00 a.m.
June 15-16 Diploma Exam Prep Math 30-1/2, Bio 30, & Chem 30 Register
June 17 *Last day of regular class instruction
June 17 Math 30-1/2 Diploma 9:00 a.m.
June 18 ELA 30-1/2 Part B Diploma 9:00 a.m.
June 18 Grade 9 Math Part B PAT 9:00 a.m.
June 19 Social Studies 30-1/2 Part B Diploma 9:00 a.m.
June 19 Grade 9 Social Studies PAT 9:00 a.m.
June 20 Biology 30 Diploma 9:00 a.m.
June 20 Grade 9 Science PAT 9:00 a.m.
June 21 National Indigenous Peoples Day
June 22-23 Diploma Exam Prep Physics 30, Science 30 Register
June 24 Chemistry 30 Diploma 9:00 a.m.
June 25 Physics 30 Diploma 9:00 a.m.
June 26 Science 30 Diploma 9:00 a.m. & end of semester 2
June 27 Last operational day
EIPS Summer School: Register now July 2-26
Register today for EIPS Summer School. The program, organized through Next Step, offers more than 40 senior high courses. Students can earn credits, upgrade marks, lighten workloads or finish pre-requisite courses.
Courses include: Open to EIPS students entering grades 10 to 12 next fall, and students in their Grade 12 year.
· English Language Arts 10-1, 20-1, 20-2, 30-1 and 30-2
· Social Studies 10-1, 20-1, 20-2, 30-1 and 30-2
· Mathematics 10-3, 10C, 20-1, 20-2, 20-3, 30-1 and 30-2
· Science 10, 14, 24 and 30
· Biology 20 and 30
· Chemistry 20 and 30
· Physics 20 and 30
· Physical Education 10
· Traditional Land-based Learning 25
· Aboriginal Studies 10, 20, and 30
· Career and Life Management (CALM 20)
· Foundations in Industry Workplace Safety
· Work Experience and RAP
Plus, choose from a variety of complementary courses—offered online.
Learn more about EIPS Summer School 2024—including 2024 course offerings, registration, important dates and more.
Red Shirt Day
Red Shirt Day takes place on May 29—the Wednesday of National AccessAbility Week. Red Shirt Day is when people across Canada come together and wear red in schools, workplaces and spaces everywhere to create a visible display of solidarity and show their support for persons and families who are living with disabilities. We encourage staff, students and community stakeholders to wear red in support of accessibility and inclusion on this day and start a conversation about ability.
Diploma Exam Prep Sessions
Courses are designed for preparing students to write their Grade 12 diploma exams. The material presented is based on a 12-hour schedule over a weekend. Courses will run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with a half-hour break for lunch. Courses will be offered at Salisbury Composite High School (20 Festival Way) in Sherwood Park. Students can only register for one review course each weekend. Cost is $125 per course, $75 for Science 30. Register at https://www.eipsnextstep.ca/
June 1/2 (ELA 30-1 & Social 30-1)
June 8/9 (ELA 30-1 & Social 30-1)
June 15/16 Math 30-1/2, Biology 30, Chemistry 30
June 22/23 Physics 30
June 22 Science 30
For questions reach out to nextstep@eips.ca or 780-992-0101.
AHS Addiction & Mental Health Resources
Support is available from AHS Addiction & Mental Health. Resources and services, such as Mental Wellness Moments, Text4Hope or AHS’ mental health online sessions can help you or someone you know. If you need more support, reach out; call the mental health helpline at 1-877-303-2642.
Get Help Now
- Emergency – 911
- Addiction Helpline – 1-866-332-2322
- Mental Health Helpline – 1-877-303-2642
Important Phone/Text Numbers
- Community Resources – 211 Alberta
- Crisis Text Line - Text CONNECT to 741741
- Family Violence – Find Supports – 310-1818
- Health Link – 811
- Income Supports – 1-866-644-5135
- Indian Residential School Survivors and Family, IRSSS – 1-866-925-4419
- Kids Help Phone – 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868
- MyHealth.Alberta.ca: List of Important Numbers
- Physician & Family Support Program - 1-877-767-4637
- Talk Suicide
Our Vision
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.
Hours of Operation
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.
Next Step Outreach
Email: nextstep@eips.ca
Website: eipsnextstep.ca
Phone: 7804641899
Twitter: @eipsnextstep