BTPS Newsletter

Dear BTPS Team,

I would like to extend my sincere appreciation and gratitude to each of you for the extraordinary support, dedication and professionalism that you bring to our schools. Each and every staff member has contributed to the success of students and BTPS in 2022.

The results are in! It is not surprising to me that we are able to celebrate our extraordinary provincial results. 92% of parents reported that their children feel safe at school and 87% reported that they feel teachers care about their students. These are outstanding results that demonstrate how hard you all work day in and day out to ensure that every child has an opportunity to succeed. The results also highlight the significant difference you make in the lives of families and communities across our division through our schools. I am so proud of all that you do— thank you for all you give because without each one of you even during times that were trying, this would not be possible.

With 2022 behind us, and the holiday season approaching, I wish each of you a joyous and safe holiday season and hope that you are able to spend time with family and loved ones as well! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

I look forward to seeing our students and staff back in school on Monday, January 9th, 2023.

Take care,

Rhae-Ann Holoien

Superintendent

BTPS Holiday Greeting Video

BTPS Year in Review 2022

Media Releases

Board of Trustees meet with Public School Boards' Association of Alberta

BTPS Partnership with Lakeland College

You can view all of our news releases on our website here.

Read Alouds

You can view all of our Read Alouds on our BTPS YouTube here.

Radio Ads

Kade from Marwayne Jubilee School shares a special Christmas Message here

You can listen to all of our Radio Ads on our website here.

BTPS Learning on the Trail Podcast

Check out all of our BTPS Learning on the Trail podcast episodes here.

Literacy:

Implementing literacy across the curriculum is easier than it sounds! Creating a literacy-rich environment with a theme is a simple way to start! For example, you have a second grade science class, and you’re studying weather, your literacy-rich classroom might include:

• Reading books on weather

• Exploring labels around the classroom identifying weather vocabulary

• Learning content on raindrops and clouds

• Singing songs about the weather

• Students writing in their weather journals about the conditions each day

• Graphing the daily temperature

Check out this Edutopia video on building literacy in the science classroom.

Regardless of what subject or grade you teach, literacy can be implemented in so many wonderful, creative, and simple ways. How are you incorporating more literacy into your classroom?

Numeracy:

Wondering what tactics you might use to develop students’ mathematical understanding?

These printable math mats were shared by Gerry Varty. Download as a PowerPoint file, print on 11 x 17 paper, and laminate for your classes!

EdTech Tips with Stacy:

Looking for more ways for students to show their work? Try incorporating the use of digital mindmaps. Google Drawings, Jamboard, and other online apps like Coggle and Mindmup are great ways for students to annotate pictures, make connections, share their understanding, or collaborate with their peers. Mindmaps can be effectively used in any subject and any grade! Use these tools as formative assessment pieces or for students to save for later when it comes time to study! Find more ideas and resources on our BTPS resource site!

As you are probably aware, ASEBP has changed the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), and BTPS employees who have ASEBP benefits will now have services provided by Inkblot. EFAP is our mental health partner, providing effective support by professionals without the wait.

Inkblot will connect you and your dependents with mental health practitioners (e.g., psychologist, Master of Social Work), registered nurses, legal and financial experts, and more. You can connect virtually or by phone or they will support you in finding someone to meet in person.

Confidential support services you may access include:

• Individual counselling
• Couples/family counselling
• Career coaching
• Health coaching
• Life transition coaching
• Legal consultations
• Financial consultations

Learn about your EFAP provider, Inkblot, and how you can access their network of virtual counselling and support by viewing Inkblot EAP - Get Started Video.

Register now so that when you need access you are set up. You will also have access to the Inkblot Wellness Hub.

If you are in crisis, call 1-855-933-0103 for immediate support.

When sending emails to our BTPS groups please ask permission before sending. Group emails are created to reach multiple staff members at the same time, with approval, for emergency or time sensitive issues. When information from all staff members or certain groups within our staff is required, these email groups make it easier to send out emails or surveys as needed. When group email lists are overused they overload inboxes and increase security risks for phishing and spam emails.

Email groups should only be used with the proper authority as listed below.

1. For groups that target more than one school site or all BTPS employees please receive permission from the Superintendent (or Designate) before sending.

2. For groups that target one school please receive permission directly from the Principal before sending.

3. For all other groups please receive permission from the Chairperson, Leader, Director, or Supervisor of the group involved before sending.

Please check with the above mentioned authority before sending or replying to any emails sent through our BTPS email distribution lists.

If you have any questions, please contact curt.orbeck@btps.ca

PSBAA photo contest is open to all residents of Alberta – including students, teachers, parents and school community members. Photos must relate to people or subjects connected with K-12 public school education in Alberta.

Please note the deadline for submissions is May 1, 2023. Just a reminder there are three prizes up for grabs: $300 (1st place); $200 (2nd place), and $100 (3rd place).

If you have any questions, please email Troy Tait at ExecutiveDirector@public-schools.ab.ca.

Please see attached information below for additional information.

If you prefer, you may also submit your photos to Bri at Central Office and she can submit them to PSBAA on you/your school's behalf! bri.blackie@btps.ca

Lee Woodward from JR Robson School accepted the 2022 Zone Award of Merit in recognition of his contributions to high school athletics on December 2nd at the ASAA Awards Gala in Red Deer. Congratulations Lee!

Email: central_office@btps.ca
Website: www.BTPS.ca
Location: 1041 10A Street, Wainwright, AB, Canada
Phone: 7808426144
Twitter: @BTPS28