BTPS Newsletter

As we gear up for the holidays, I can feel the excitement building in our schools. Christmas break is just around the corner, and I know how much everyone is looking forward to some well-deserved rest and time with loved ones.

One of my favourite parts of this time of year is seeing the magic of the season come alive in our schools. I’m so excited to attend some of the Christmas concerts and witness the incredible creativity and talent of our students and staff. These moments truly capture the heart of what makes our school communities special.

I know this time of year can be busy, and I hope you’re finding small moments to pause and take care of yourself. Whether it’s a quiet evening by the fire or a quick walk in the fresh snow, those moments matter.

Thank you for all you do to make our schools such wonderful places to learn and grow.

Be well,

Michelle

Check out the Board Highlights from the November 27 Regular Meeting.

Highlights include: Ward Boundary Update/New Electoral Wards Bylaw, Leadership and Celebration Highlights, Council of School Councils, Student Engagement, and Updates from the Board.

You can read the full summary here.

BTPS is excited to announce that the "Building Wainwright Elementary K-6 Replacement School" sign has officially been unveiled at the future school site. This marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for students, staff, parents, and the entire community.

This project has been part of the BTPS Capital Plan for 10 years and has been the Board of Trustees' #1 priority for the past 5 years.

“At BTPS, our mission is to maximize student learning in a safe and caring environment, supported by a highly effective team,” said Board Chair Kara Jackson. “This replacement school is a testament to that mission. Seeing it move forward is a significant achievement for the division and the Wainwright community.”

2 of our students were selected as inaugural junior firefighters through an exciting program with Irma Fire and Rescue! This program is aimed at students in grades 10, 11 or 12 who are 16 years of age and are interested in emergency response and a potential career in emergency services. Candidates will receive professional, hands-on, firefighter training from experienced firefighters.

We were lucky enough to help WHS host ASAA 2A Girls Volleyball Provincials. Our school was treated to some incredible volleyball over the course of 3 days!

We are busy preparing for the holiday season. Elementary classes and our jr/sr bands are prepping for the annual Christmas concerts and our school has been raising money and donating food to help the Wainwright Food Bank.

Wow, it’s hard to believe it is December already! The festive feel of the holiday season is upon us at Wainwright High School. Beyond the lights and decorations, we have many activities planned to celebrate the holiday season. On Monday, December 9, our leadership class will be hosting an assembly to kickoff our Holiday Extravaganza! Upcoming activities include door decorating, a foodbank drive, food hampers, dress up days and games for staff and students. We are also excited for the holiday concert that our band will be hosting in the gym on Tuesday, December 17 at 6:00pm. Everyone is welcome!

Another very special tradition that is coming up on December 13 is our annual Senior’s Banquet, where our Grade 12 seniors share a holiday meal with the seniors from our community. It is a heartwarming day. Also, parents can join us to celebrate our students’ achievements at our 2023-2024 Awards Ceremony on December 19 at 2:15pm.

As we look back at the past month, we were grateful to participate in a meaningful Remembrance Day Ceremony. Thank you to all who were able to join us. WHS also hosted the ASAA 2A Girls Volleyball Provincial Championship. This event was a spectacular experience for all of the teams. Huge thank you to all of our volunteers who made this experience possible and to Irma School for partnering with us to host this event. We received much positive feedback about our schools, our staff, and our community. Congratulations to our Sr High Girls team for their excellent display of skill, teamwork and sportsmanship.

Thank you to Cornerstone Co-op for their donation of $483 to WHS through their Feed the Future program. These funds will be used to support our morning snack program.

Our last day of classes before the winter break is Friday, Dec 20. We wish everyone a happy holiday season and hope you are able to spend some time making memories with family and friends.

The BTPS Board of Trustees has approved both the 2023-2024 Annual Education Results Report (AERR) and the Audited Financial Statements at their regular meeting on November 27, 2024

Both the Annual Education Results Report and the Audited Financial Statements for 2023-2024 are available to the public on the BTPS website at www.btps.ca under the “About” section in “Reports.”

View our media release here for more information.

BTPS is proud to be featured in Business View Magazine! The article "Building on a Strong Foundation of Education and Community Partnerships" highlights the incredible work happening across our division.

It showcases how we are fostering strong relationships with our communities, embracing innovation, and staying committed to providing exceptional educational opportunities for our students.

We’re proud to share the story of our schools, students, and staff who work together to inspire success and build a brighter future.

Below is an excellent resource from the APLC. It includes all the math verbs found in the K-3 curriculum, along with their definitions. Additionally, the resource features visual cards that can be displayed in your classroom to support student learning!

Math Verbs

Wellness Tips for the Christmas Season

The start of December signals the beginning of the Christmas season—a time of joy, togetherness, and celebration. However, it’s also one of the busiest times of the year, especially in schools. Between concerts, holiday activities, and personal preparations, the to-do list can feel overwhelming.

Here are a few wellness tips to help you find balance during this busy season:

1. Prioritize self-care: Amid the busyness, carve out time to rest and recharge, whether it’s enjoying a quiet moment with a warm drink or taking a peaceful walk.
2. Simplify your plans: Focus on what truly matters, and don’t be afraid to say no to activities that add unnecessary stress.
3. Stay active: Even short bursts of exercise can help boost your energy and mood during a hectic day.
4. Celebrate small moments: Take time to appreciate the little joys of the season—whether it’s laughter with colleagues or a kind word from a student.

Remember, it’s okay to take things one step at a time. Wishing you a calm, joyful, and fulfilling holiday season!

Here’s a video that walks through seven tactics to help incorporate more physical activity and exercise into a busy life.

It emphasizes the importance of building foundational fitness, developing strength and speed, enhancing mobility, moving in nature, and adhering to the principle of "use it or lose it." By applying these strategies, it’s possible to boost physical and mental well-being, improve focus, and elevate overall health.

Upcoming opportunities:

• Career Fair at JR Robson: On April 8th, from 1:30 to 3:00 PM, JR Robson will host a career fair with ELAA, featuring several post-secondary institutions. More details to come.

• Try a Trade: April 30th, 9:00 AM–2:30 PM at Lloyd Exhibition Grounds. Grade 10 students can enjoy hands-on activities with over 20 trade exhibitors.
• Post-Secondary Tour at Lakeland College: Tentatively set for May 5th, this tour is focused on Grade 9 students visiting Lakeland College’s Lloydminster campus. More details to come.

Stay tuned for more information around these and other exciting opportunities!

Buffalo Trail Public Schools extends a heartfelt thank you to all the incredible volunteers who contribute so much to our schools and communities. Your time, energy, and dedication make a lasting difference, and we are truly grateful for everything you do.

Join us in celebrating and recognizing the amazing volunteers who help make our schools such wonderful places to learn, grow, and thrive!

Team Canada is offering Canadian schools the chance to apply for the Team Canada Olympic Day Grant, aimed at empowering students to play and stay in sport.

A total of 30 grants, up to $10,000, will be awarded across three categories:

• Equipment Grant (14 grants of $1,500): Provides essential sports equipment like balls, bats, nets, protective gear, and professional development opportunities to enhance the student sports experience.
• Safe & Inclusive Sport Grant (15 grants of $5,000): Supports programs that create safe, inclusive, and positive environments for students participating in sports.
• Infrastructure Grant (1 grant of $10,000): Focuses on upgrading physical spaces for sports, such as gymnasiums or outdoor play areas.

For details and eligibility, visit Team Canada Olympic Day Grant. Applications are open until January 5, 2025

Creating the next generation of technology innovators!

Schulich Leader Scholarships are Canada’s most coveted undergraduate STEM scholarships. One hundred are awarded to entrepreneurial-minded high school graduates enrolling in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Math program at 20 partner universities across Canada. Half are valued at $120,000 for engineering scholarships and half are valued at $100,000* for science and math scholarships. Every high school in Canada can nominate one graduating student each year to apply for the scholarship.

The Schulich Leader Scholarship nomination deadline is January 29, 2025.

• Click here to view the 2025 Nominee Application Guide.
• Click here to access the application to submit your Schulich Leader Nominee.