Prairie Rose Public Schools News Archive

<p>From September 26-29, students and staff in Prairie Rose Public Schools (PRPS) will observe and participate in Truth and Reconciliation week leading up to the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation on September 30th.&nbsp;</p><p>Respecting the calls to action from Indigenous leaders towards reconciliation in Canada, September 30th is a non-instructional day in PRPS and school facilities will be closed. This is in line with <i>Call to Action 80</i> from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which calls for the establishment of a federal statutory holiday to honour survivors, their families, and communities, to ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.</p><blockquote><p>“As educators, it is our role to listen and reflect on the history and teachings of our Indigenous peoples,” says Superintendent Reagan Weeks. “To do this, not only must we provide opportunities for our students to learn about reconciliation, but we as a staff must also actively participate in the learning and teachings ourselves.”</p></blockquote><p>At the PRPS division-wide staff professional learning day on September 29th, a significant focus will be on building understanding and knowledge related to reconciliation. A keynote session will be led by Cowboy Smithx, a Blackfoot filmmaker from the Piikani Nation and Kainai Nation in Southern Alberta. Smithx is best known for his work on a featured documentary entitled <i>Elder in the Making</i>, which focuses on reconciliation between non-Aboriginal and Aboriginal Peoples of Canada.</p><p>Leading up to the PD day, students across PRPS schools will actively participate in their own learning opportunities. This will include Orange Shirt Day, where students and staff wear orange t-shirts to recognize the legacy of the residential school system. Additionally, through partnerships with members of local Indigenous communities, students will participate in traditional activities focused on culture and traditions. These traditional learnings will be enhanced through dedicated literacy centres featuring books and poems about the Canadian Indigenous experience.</p><p>To find out more about specific activities related to Truth and Reconciliation in Prairie Rose, please contact your local school or PRPS Communications.</p>

<p>On September 19, 2022, Prairie Rose Public Schools will participate in a <i>Day of Mourning</i> in solemn recognition of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, as per the direction of the Province of Alberta. All Prairie Rose schools will remain open.&nbsp;</p><p>Schools are encouraged to commemorate the passing of Her late Majesty by observing a moment of silence or discussing her life and public service in the classroom. The Province will also be live-streaming a ceremony at the Alberta legislature at 10:00 a.m. Schools are invited to participate via the online link which is available at <a href="https://www.alberta.ca/queen-elizabeth-memorial-services.aspx">https://www.alberta.ca/queen-elizabeth-memorial-services.aspx</a></p>

<p><strong>2022-2023 Organizational Meeting - Election of the Board Chair and Vice-Chair</strong></p><p>Every fall the board of trustees elects the board chair, vice-chair and other key positions for the new school year. In addition to their regular duties, trustees are elected to serve as primary representatives on provincial associations and boards. The following trustees will act as representatives in those roles during the 2022-2023 year:</p><p>✔️ Cathy Hogg, Board Chair</p><p>✔️ Lois Bedwell, Vice-Chair</p><p>✔️ Representative for the Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) - Shawna VanderSpruit</p><p>✔️ ASBA Alternate - Nancy Haraga</p><p>✔️ Representative for the Public School Boards Association (PSBA) - Pam Cursons</p><p>✔️ PSBAA Alternate - Patty Rooks</p><p>✔️ Teachers Employer Bargaining Association (TEBA) - Pam Cursons</p><p>✔️ Representative on the Alberta Rural Caucus - Patty Rooks</p><p><strong>Governance Process #14 Trustee Honorarium</strong></p><p>✔️ Board motion passed: Policy GP #14 Trustee Honorarium &amp; Expense Reimbursement was adjusted to provide financial compensation when trustee work and travel outside of the school division (occuring on the same day) exceeds 8 hours per day. Trustees will make $24.19 for each additional hour worked.</p><p><strong>2022-2023 Enrolment Update</strong></p><p>Chief Financial Officer Ryan Boser presented the 2022-2023 School Enrolment update for information. In the spring, Prairie Rose had projected an increase of 9.5 FTE (full-time equivalent) students compared to the 2021-2022 school year. Based on early September counts, the division has recorded an increase of 37.0 FTE students over spring projections. In comparison to the 2021-2022 year, PRPS is up 46.5 FTE students which is an enrolment increase of 1.57%. It was noted that many of the unique programs implemented by Prairie Rose such as the South Alberta Hockey and Flight academies, a rodeo academy in Foremost and the Irvine Agricultural Discovery Centre have contributed to the enrolment gains. A new international student program has also brought in up to eight additional students this year.</p><p><strong>Policy Review Committee</strong></p><p>✔️ The board approved the changes/removal of the following policies as presented/amended:</p><ul><li>Update E#1 Mission</li><li>Update E#2 Vision</li><li>Update E#3 Six Core Principles</li><li>Update E#4 Strategic Goals</li><li>Delete E#5 Essential Virtues</li><li>Re-number and update E #5 Lens for Decision-Making</li><li>Delete E#6 Key Learning Principles</li></ul><p><strong>Transportation/Bussing</strong></p><p>Trustee Lois Bedwell shared that the board had recently met with the Minister of Education to discuss challenges associated with the bus driver shortages. It was noted that primary concerns stem from increased ride times and bus consistency for families. While PRPS continues to try and be creative to find solutions, increased insurance rates and training times for the MELT and S-Endorsement driver requirements continue to hinder the process for finding and replacing drivers in a timely manner.</p>

<p>Are you a Prairie Rose Public Schools student who loves to sing, act and dance?</p><p>If so, we invite you to be a cast member in the musical theatre production Elf being put on by Prairie Rose and Eagle Butte High School in early December. A parent/guardian &nbsp;and student information meeting is being held on Saturday, September 17th at 11:00 AM at Eagle Butte High School.</p><p>Those students wishing to participate will be a member of the ensemble as chorus members which will include singing, dancing and acting. Parent volunteers are also needed for props, costumes, sets, and backstage. &nbsp;We hope for a parent group that will work in the art room on Saturdays during our rehearsals to prepare for the show.</p><p>Please note the extensive tentative rehearsal schedule below. If your child is unavailable for show times, or a significant portion of the rehearsal times, he or she should decline this invitation. Students involved must be responsible, and committed to our show. &nbsp;This is an Eagle Butte, and a Prairie Rose production, and so all school rules apply at all times of involvement, including rehearsals.</p><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Rehearsals will be on the following dates from 11:00 AM until 3:00 PM.</td></tr><tr><td><ul><li>Saturday, September 17th: parent and student meeting</li><li>Saturday, September 24th</li><li>Saturday, October 1st-long weekend (T &amp; R)</li><li>Saturday, October 8th-long weekend (Thanksgiving)</li><li>Saturday, October 15th</li><li>Saturday, October 22nd</li><li>Saturday, October 29th</li><li>Saturday, November 5th</li><li>Saturday, November 12th-long weekend—extra rehearsals–Principals run-through with band</li><li>Saturday, November 19th-Act I Run Through</li><li>Sunday, November 20th</li><li>Saturday, November 26th-Act II Run Through</li><li>Sunday, November 27th</li><li>Saturday, December 3rd</li><li>Sunday, December 4th-move into Esplanade</li><li>Monday, December 5th-After School Dress rehearsal</li><li>Tuesday, December 6th-Full Day Dress rehearsal</li><li>Wednesday, December 7th-Matinee and Evening Shows</li><li>Thursday, December 8th, Matinee and Evening Shows</li><li>Friday, December 9th, Matinee and Evening Shows</li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table></figure><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Please complete the following and bring it to the September 17th information meeting: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/19uHYH_mok3cWo0ECyTc0BbndG2_d2ESb/view?usp=sharing">ELF Participation Consent Form</a>&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>

<p>To honour the life and legacy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II who passed away on September 8, 2022, Prairie Rose Public Schools will be lowering all school division flags to half mast.&nbsp;</p><p>In addition to being part of Canada and the Commonwealth, Prairie Rose has a special connection with the United Kingdom through its partnership with Canadian Forces Base BATUS and the British military families who attend Ralston School. Our condolences and thoughts go to our fellow Canadians, other Commonwealth nations and our Ralston families as they mourn the passing of the 96 year old monarch who was loved and admired by the people around the world.</p>

<p>Prairie Rose Public Schools has been notified by the Town of Bow Island that due to a major water main break in the town that all water is being turned off in the community to make the repair. As such, all Bow Island schools will be closing for the day. School buses have been called back to the school and will run for those families who want them. Please note the process for student transportation and pick up procedures.&nbsp;</p><ul><li>All students in grades 7-12 will be either sent home on the bus or dismissed from school to walk home.</li><li>For students in grades JK-6, please call the school to confirm that someone will be available to accept your child at home. If we do not hear from you, any student in grades JK-6 will be kept at the school until you are able to pick them up.</li></ul><p>As we anticipate several phone calls, please be patient when contacting the school. We have been told that it will take about an hour to get the buses back to the schools. We hope to have buses leaving Bow Island just after 11:00. Once the buses have left, we will post an update to our school social media accounts.</p>

<p>Starting this fall, Alberta school divisions will begin implementing the new K-3 curriculum in the subjects of <i>English Language Arts and Literature (ELAL)</i> and <i>Math</i>. In addition, students in grades K-6 will be receiving the new <i>Physical Education and Wellness (PEW)</i> curriculum. As the topic of the new curriculum has been widely reported and debated in the public realm, Prairie Rose Public Schools would like to ensure parents are well informed about how the new curriculum rollout impacts their child. If you have any questions after reading through this documentation, please bring them forward to your classroom teacher who can provide you with additional information and resources.</p><p>Within Prairie Rose Public Schools, the following grades will be receiving the new curriculum:</p><ul><li>Kindergarten (ELAL, Math, PEW)</li><li>Grade 1 (ELAL, Math, PEW)</li><li>Grade 2 (ELAL, Math, PEW)</li><li>Grade 3 (ELAL, Math, PEW)</li><li>Grade 4 (PEW)</li><li>Grade 5 (PEW)</li><li>Grade 6 (PEW)</li></ul><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Subject Abbreviations</strong></td></tr><tr><td>English Language Arts and Literature (ELAL)&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Mathematics (Math)</td></tr><tr><td>Physical Education and Wellness (PEW)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><i>Note: A small number of Prairie Rose teachers will also be participating in the 2022-2023 optional implementation of the 4-6 English Language Arts and Literature (ELAL) and Math curriculum, as well as the K-6 Science curriculum pilot. If your child's class is participating in the implementation or pilot of any of these subjects during the 2022-2023 school year, you will be informed of your child's participation directly by your classroom teacher.&nbsp;</i></td></tr></tbody></table></figure><p>Below you will find important links to the Curriculum or Programs of Study used by Alberta Education. In addition, we have put together a list of ‘frequently asked questions’ that parents may have and a timeline for the rollout of future subjects and grades.</p><h3><strong>Alberta Education Links</strong></h3><ul><li><a href="https://curriculum.learnalberta.ca/cdn/ciihub/docs/K-6%20Curriculum%20Implementation%20and%20Supports%20Timeline.pdf">K-6 Curriculum Implementation and Supports Timeline</a></li><li><a href="https://curriculum.learnalberta.ca/cdn/ciihub/docs/English%20Language%20Arts%20and%20Literature%20Subject%20Overview_Final.pdf">Overview of K-6 Language Arts and Literature Curriculum</a></li><li><a href="https://curriculum.learnalberta.ca/cdn/ciihub/docs/Mathematics%20Subject%20Overview_Final.pdf">Overview of K-6 Math Curriculum</a></li><li><a href="https://curriculum.learnalberta.ca/cdn/ciihub/docs/Physical%20Education%20and%20Wellness%20Subject%20Overview_Final.pdf">Overview of K-6 Physical Education and Wellness Curriculum</a></li></ul><h3>Frequently Asked Questions</h3><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Are PRPS teachers ready for the new curriculum?</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Implementing a new curriculum is an exciting opportunity and an important part of the evolving practice of teaching. Curriculum implementation is a process and PRPS teachers have already been planning and preparing, and will continue to be well supported with professional learning opportunities throughout the upcoming school year.&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Will there be gaps in my child’s learning from content or material being moved from one grade to another?</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Regardless of the curriculum being taught, teachers continuously work to meet each student where they are at in their learning. While curriculum is grade-specific, many concepts are revisited each year, giving students ample opportunity to build on their previous knowledge or be introduced to new material.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>How much is different? What is the same?&nbsp;</strong></td></tr><tr><td>While the curriculums are new, a significant amount of the content has been carried over from the previous Alberta Programs of Study.&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Will PRPS be buying all new library books/resources/etc.? Does PRPS have funding for this or will parents/guardians need to fundraise for these new resources?</strong>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Teachers will continue to use existing resources where they align with the new curriculum. Alberta Education has provided school districts with some funding to purchase new resources where required. In Prairie Rose Public Schools, the Board of Trustees requested that the 2022-2023 budget included funds to support teacher professional development and resources for the implementation of the new curriculums.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Is the curriculum developmentally appropriate for K-3 children? Is there too much to cover in the new curriculum? Will there still be time to play/be creative/take breaks?</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Teachers work to plan the delivery of curriculum content in ways that are engaging, creative, and inspiring for students. Personalizing learning to ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed to the best of their ability continues to be important work for PRPS schools.&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>How much of what my child does at school every day is directed by the new curriculum? How much memorization/fact recall is required?</strong></td></tr><tr><td><p>The curriculum outlines what students are expected to learn. The <a href="https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1TDPd9dnuzgQYk5swGGGAg2MhGplIF1rM">PRPS Education Plan</a>, and other documents and strategies such as a school’s School Development Plan, provide insight on the PRPS’s approach to how students learn.&nbsp;</p><p>Throughout the year, you will be encouraged to attend celebrations of learning, parent teacher conferences, meetings and discussions with your child’s teacher, and events at your child’s school. These events help demonstrate what your child is doing at school and start conversations about their learning.</p><p>Alberta Education has developed a series of resources for parents on their website, <a href="https://curriculum.learnalberta.ca/home/en">curriculum.learnalberta.ca</a>. We encourage you to explore these resources and learn more about the content and structure of the new curriculum.</p></td></tr></tbody></table></figure><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Will support for children change?</strong>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>No, teachers continuously work to meet each student where they are at in their learning and supports will not change as a result of the new curriculum.&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Will Grade 6 Students participate in Provincial Achievement Tests (PATs)?</strong>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>For the 2022-2023 school year, students participating in the small-scale optional implementation of Grade 6 English Language and Literature (ELAL) and Math, and the Grade 6 Science pilot, will not be writing PAT exams for those subjects. If your child is part of the optional piloting of these courses during the current school year, you will be informed of this by your classroom teacher.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>

<p>With the start of the 2022-2023 school year underway, the PRPS Transportation Department would like to take a moment to welcome all our new and returning bus students in Prairie Rose Public Schools and provide some information related to the planning/scheduling of our rural bus routes.</p><p>Did you know? Prairie Rose Public Schools operates 83 bus routes and transports approximately 1,770 students over 17,000 square kilometers each day to school and home. Our routes stretch from as far north as New Brigden all the way south to the US border. This vast geographical area requires each route to be carefully coordinated and the PRPS Transportation Department does its best to ensure times and distances are as equitable as possible for children. However, despite our best efforts, there are instances when route changes are required based on actual travel times compared to our route projections. This often occurs after the first week of school, as drivers learn their routes and late student registrations are added.&nbsp;</p><p>PRPS recognizes this can be frustrating for parents, however, we ask for your patience as we give our contract drivers time to get acquainted with their routes and provide us with the final bus ride times for each route. Once we have final start and drop off times later this week we will review those and consider any necessary adjustments. Any route changes&nbsp;will be communicated to you by your driver.</p><p>Thank you for your understanding of this matter and I look forward to working with you throughout the 2022-2023 school year.</p><p>Derek Beck<br>Director of Transportation</p>

<p>Prairie Rose Public Schools is excited to get the 2022-2023 year started. We hope everyone had a restful and enjoyable summer break and is ready to get another year of learning underway. Our schools have organized some really unique and community focused back to school events this fall and we look forward to welcoming returning and new families to the school division.&nbsp;</p><p>As you get your year started, we have put together a couple of items you may find useful. Of course, if you have any questions please feel free to reach out directly to your school. Thank you for choosing Prairie Rose Public Schools and we look forward to another great year of “Everyone Learning Together’.</p><h4><strong>Message from the Superintendent of Schools Reagan Weeks</strong></h4><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://youtu.be/f8iuO9cX9pk"></oembed></figure><h3>Other Important Information for Families</h3><h4><strong>2022-2023 PRPS School Calendar</strong></h4><p>Stay on top of important dates with our 2022-2023 PRPS Calendar. <i>Want to save the 2022-2023 calendar to your phone images for easy access?</i> Click the link to the phone friendly version and take a screenshot of the image file: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_RR8QgqRk_XKrqRFjbAXH3sUZab02pdW/view">2022-2023 Calendar</a></p><h4><strong>New Three-Year Education Plan</strong></h4><p>In 2022-2023 we begin the first year of our new Education Plan focused on <i>Igniting Minds, Kindling Hearts and Forging Futures</i>. Along with these new goals, Prairie Rose Public Schools has adopted new Vision and Mission statements to more accurately reflect the direction for our schools. You can find out complete three-year plan online: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MFdWS2BNcMSJiTncxDZ6t1Wz5xYDHlBX/view">2022-2023 PRPS Education Plan</a></p><h4><strong>PRPS News and Information</strong></h4><p>It is easier than ever to stay up to date with what’s happening around Prairie Rose Public Schools when you opt in to receive text messaging. Prairie Rose Public Schools uses <i>School Messenger</i> when sending out important information to parents regarding the school, the division and bussing changes. To receive these messages via text, you must opt-in on your end. Please text the letter Y to 978338. Once you opt-in you can choose to stop text messages at any time by texting the word STOP to the same number. To access our policy documents, division news, bus route status information, School Cash and the PowerSchool parent/student portal, visit <a href="http://www.myprps.com">www.myprps.com</a>.</p>

<p>Prairie Rose Public Schools would like to extend a our greatest thanks and appreciation to ATB Financial and the United Way of Southeast Alberta who donated 53 new Chromebooks for PRPS students. The new Chromebooks were distributed this month to grade 2 students from Bow Island Elementary School (19), Foremost School (16), Oyen Public School (11), Warren Peers School (4) and Jenner School (3).</p><blockquote><p>“We are incredibly grateful to ATB for their generous donation of 53 Chromebooks to Prairie Rose Public Schools,” says Superintendent Reagan Weeks. “The support of our communities is key to thriving schools and ATB is a valued education partner.”</p></blockquote><p>This is the second year that Prairie Rose Public Schools students have been the recipients of this donation. Thank you for your support!</p><p>Read the full announcement from ATB Financial here: <a href="https://www.atb.com/company/news/stories/united-way-laptop-donation/">https://www.atb.com/company/news/stories/united-way-laptop-donation/</a></p>

<p>Prairie Rose Public Schools would like to congratulate Janet Kraft who has accepted the position of vice-principal at Parkside Junior High School in Redcliff.</p><p>Janet is a 12-year teacher with Prairie Rose Public Schools, having worked in Jenner School, Seven Persons School, Ralston School and most recently, Parkside Junior High School for the past four years. Having worked primarily with junior high and upper elementary students, much of her professional development has focused on developing mental health supports and empowering students to be champions of their own personal health and wellness. In addition to a Bachelor of Education from the Canadian University College, she has her Masters of Educational Research and Leadership from the University of Calgary.</p><blockquote><p>"I am grateful to have been selected as vice-principal for Parkside School. Being an administrator has been a goal of mine and I am excited to further my career and continue to be part of the amazing staff, students and community at Parkside School." ~ Janet Kraft</p></blockquote><blockquote><p>“As a teacher at our school, Janet has already established many important connections with the students and parents. Her passion for wellness and empowering young teens to make healthy decisions is a huge asset to our school community. I look forward to working with her in this new role.” ~ Jonn Baird, Parkside Jr High School Principal</p></blockquote><p>Janet Kraft will officially assume the role of vice-principal at Parkside School at the start of the 2022-2023 school year.</p>

<p>On June 21st, Prairie Rose Public Schools recognizes <strong>National Indigenous Peoples Day</strong>. In alignment with the summer solstice, the day marks the opportunity for people in Canada to learn more about the rich and diverse cultures, voices, experiences and histories of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. Prairie Rose is proud to learn and be guided by the knowledge of our indigenous community partners and elders. We recognize and celebrate the culture of our 101 FNMI self-identified students and their families.</p><p>More information about the history and importance of National Indigenous Peoples Day can be found on the Government of Canada website: <a href="https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1100100013718/1534874583157">https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1100100013718/1534874583157</a></p><h3>Treaty 4 and Treaty 7</h3><p>Prairie Rose Public Schools acknowledges that we are situated on Treaty 7 and Treaty 4 territory, traditional lands of the Siksika, Kainai, Piikani, Stoney-Nakoda, and Tsuu T’ina as well as the Cree, Sioux, and the Saulteaux bands of the Ojibwa peoples. We also honour and acknowledge that we are on the homelands of the Métis Nation within Region 3.&nbsp;</p><h3>Treaty 7</h3><p>Prairie Rose Public Schools acknowledges the Treaty 7 territory; ancestral and traditional territory of the Blackfoot Confederacy: Kainai, Piikani and Siksika as well as the Tsuu T’ina First Nation, Stoney Nakoda First Nation.</p><h3>Treaty 6</h3><p>Prairie Rose Public Schools acknowledges Treaty 6 territory; the ancestral and traditional territory of the Cree, Dene, Blackfoot, Saulteaux, Nakota Sioux, as well as the Métis.</p><p>We acknowledge the many First Nations, Métis and Inuit whose footsteps have marked these lands for generations. We are grateful for the traditional Knowledge Keepers and Elders who are still with us today and those who have gone before us. We recognise the land as an act of reconciliation and gratitude to those whose territory we reside on or are visiting.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prairie Rose Public Schools would like to congratulate Greg Elgie and Lyall Foran on being selected as the new vice-principals of Eagle Butte High School (EBHS).</p><p>Greg Elgie holds a Master’s from the University of Victoria and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta. Throughout his 12-year teaching career with Prairie Rose Public Schools, Greg has taught predominantly at the high school and junior high levels. This includes having taught at Eagle Butte High School from 2010-2013. For the past eight years, Greg has worked at Parkside Junior High School, with the last two years in the vice-principal position.</p><blockquote><p><i>I am truly grateful to be provided with the opportunity to return to Eagle Butte High School. I am looking forward to being a part of such a strong school community and positively contributing to all of the exciting learning opportunities that EBHS provides to its students. ~ Greg Elgie</i></p></blockquote><p>New to Prairie Rose Public Schools, Lyall Foran holds a Masters in Education Leadership from the American College of Education and a Bachelor of Science from Norfolk State University. After completing his degree in the United States, Lyall has worked as a teacher at Medicine Hat High School for the past nine years. In addition to his passion for teaching, Lyall has a strong background in baseball and has worked as a program director and coach with a number of high school and college programs, including the Medicine Hat Moose Monarchs Baseball Program since 2009.</p><blockquote><p><i>I am extremely excited to begin a new chapter in my life. Becoming an administrator has been a goal of mine for many years and to begin this journey at Eagle Butte High School is an honor. I look forward to building new relationships within Prairie Rose Public Schools and continuing to have a positive impact on our community's youth. ~ Lyall Foran</i></p></blockquote><p>Both Greg and Lyall will assume their new roles as vice-principals at Eagle Butte High School at the beginning of the 2022-2023 school year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They say third the time is a charm and after being delayed twice during the pandemic, this past weekend the first annual Drone Games took flight at Eagle Butte High School. In total, 16 students and six adults participated in the event which consisted of a trajectory drop, an agility obstacle course, a scavenger hunt and an XBox and flight simulator course. Prizes were awarded for winners in each of the three age categories.</p><ul><li>Grade 9/10: Arabella Allen</li><li>Grade 11/12: Ryan Porter (1st), Grade 11/12: Trigger Ellis (2nd)</li><li>Adult: Dana Marshall</li></ul><p>Prairie Rose would like to extend our thanks and appreciation to our community partners and volunteers who helped make the first annual Drone Games a big success.</p><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Super T Aviation</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Teri Super<br>Les Little<br>Doug Little<br>Sheri Little</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>QinetiQ</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Catherine Walton<br>Christopher Schneider<br>Deiredre Schneider<br>Erin Murray and Logan Murray<br>Jermaine Hoven<br>Jocelyn Arthur<br>Lukasz Trzcinka<br>Madison Aubry<br>Mike Mulder<br>Sunayan Mullick<br>Telisha Mielke</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Medicine Hat College</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Kevin Shufflebotham<br>Chad Flinn and Alex Flinn</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Canadian Forces Base Suffield</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Major Joe Kemp&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>AB Drones</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Andy Loignon<br>Cody Schenkey</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Other Partners</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Benjamin Weir - BEET / Octal 7<br>Ray Penner - Benchmark Geomatics<br>Marco Jansen - NAV Canada<br>Tammy and Katelyn Rozdeba</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><p>A big thank you also goes out to all the Prairie Rose staff who came out to support the event and ensure everything ran smoothly.</p>

<p>The Redcliff Scholarship Committee for Advanced Education, is pleased to announce that Eagle Butte High School graduates Eden McCarthy, Erica McCuaig, Breanne Neufeld and Amber Schneider are the recipients of the 2022 Redcliff Scholarship Awards. All four students will be attending post-secondary in the fall, with plans to pursue careers in education, nursing, science and history. Each student will receive one of four 2022 Redcliff Scholarships for $5,000 towards tuition costs for post-secondary studies. &nbsp;</p><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Eden McCarthy (EBHS)</strong>, plans to attend Medicine Hat College to pursue a career in nursing</td></tr><tr><td>“I will be attending Medicine Hat College in the fall with plans to pursue a career in nursing. It has been my dream for as long as I can remember to become a nurse. My goal is to become a travel nurse and then work in Calgary at the Alberta Children’s Hospital as a paediatric nurse."</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Erica McCuaig (EBHS)</strong>, plans to attend Medicine Hat College to pursue a career in education</td></tr><tr><td>“I will be attending Medicine Hat College in the fall in the education program. My goal is to be an elementary teacher for grades 3 to 6, which will give me the opportunity to inspire and mentor youth in our community."</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Breanne Neufeld (EBHS)</strong>, plans to attend Medicine Hat College to pursue a career in education and biology</td></tr><tr><td>“I will be attending Medicine Hat College for two years then transfer to the University of Lethbridge for three years to earn a combined degree in education and biological sciences. I want to become a high school biology teacher, so I can pursue my passion for sharing knowledge and science."</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Amber Schneider (EBHS)</strong>, plans to attend Medicine Hat College to pursue a career as an archivist</td></tr><tr><td>“I will be attending Medicine Hat College with a plan to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree in history. My goal is to become an archivist, believing that the history of places and events are important to how our society can connect to community.”</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><blockquote><p>“This year’s scholarship recipients were chosen from a group of extremely talented and hard-working individuals,” says scholarship administrator Pat Cocks. “The Redcliff Scholarship Committee is extremely pleased to be able to support these four exceptional students, who showed determination and strength through what was another unconventional school year. The Committee would like to wish them all the best in whatever their futures hold.”</p></blockquote><p>The Redcliff Scholarships were established in 2002 and have been awarded to 47 Redcliff students. &nbsp;The awards are possible thanks to two endowed scholarship funds, that were established and are sustained by ongoing contributions of Redcliff organizations, and present and past Redcliff citizens. &nbsp;A third, Frank King Tribute Scholarship Fund, was announced in the spring of 2018 in memory of the late Frank King, while a fourth was added in November of 2020 to honour the legacy of former Redcliff resident David Jon Thomson.</p><p>If you require further information, please contact Fund Administrator Pat Cocks at the number listed below.</p><p>Pat Cocks<br>Redcliff Scholarship Fund Administrator<br>403-526-0548</p><p>--------------------------------------------</p><h3>REDCLIFF SCHOLARSHIPS FOR ADVANCED EDUCATION</h3><p>The <strong>Redcliff Scholarship for Advanced Education “Original Fund”</strong> was launched at the Reunion of the 1944 Grade One Class held in September 2002. The aim was to create an endowed scholarship fund. Ongoing public contributions credited to this fund have been contributed by, or in tribute to, past and present citizens of Redcliff and by Redcliff organizations.</p><p><strong>“The Four Friends Fund”</strong> was established in the memory of the value of the lifelong Redcliff friendships of Jack Fairhurst, Ron Hodges, John Hudak and Gerald Berkhold. &nbsp;This second scholarship is administered parallel to the initial scholarship. &nbsp;It enabled two separate but equal scholarships to be awarded commencing in 2006.</p><p><strong>“Frank King Tribute” </strong>scholarship was made available through the generosity of the family and friends of Mr. King, a former resident of Redcliff and the Chair of the 1988 Calgary Olympic Games.</p><p><strong>“David Jon Thomson Scholarship”</strong> was established in 2020 in memory of David Jon Thomson. Mr. Thomson grew up in Redcliff and was a well-known businessman and a lifelong supporter of higher education.</p><p>The scholarships are to support the brightest and most able Redcliff high school graduates to explore fully their potential. The scholarships have as priorities the student’s financial need and overall abilities. &nbsp;The award criteria include financial need, leadership and citizenship and academic merit, with preference to first year students. Applicants must have been residents of Redcliff for at least their full year of Grade 12.</p><p>Payment of the scholarships are governed as follows:</p><ul><li>There are four separate annual scholarships for tuition at an institution of advanced education to a maximum of $5,000 each.</li><li>The $5,000 scholarship will be applied to the student’s tuition with two equal payments of $2,500 being sent directly to the post-secondary institution in mid-August and mid-December by Prairie Rose Public Schools.</li></ul><p>Comments or inquiries regarding the Scholarship Fund and contributions to the fund can be directed to Ryan Boser, Chief Financial Officer, Prairie Rose Public Schools (403) 527-5516.</p><p><i>The PDF version of the announcement can be found here: </i><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1c-eEPNiqf9pM2txlfVAb-cWTPdPezXXN/view?usp=sharing"><i>https://drive.google.com/file/d/1c-eEPNiqf9pM2txlfVAb-cWTPdPezXXN/view?usp=sharing</i></a></p>

<p>The June 14th Board Meeting Agenda and attachments can be found here: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xNtrBfr401XVztLP838zAV0xFfhjwDQX/view?usp=sharing">PRPS June 14, 2022 Board Meeting Agenda Package</a></p><p><strong>Foremost School Presentation</strong></p><p>Foremost School principal Corey Steeves made a presentation to the board focused on current and future learning initiatives taking place at the school. In his report, he shared that through student and parent engagement staff heard that there was a desire for more option classes focused on building connections between what students were learning and life skills. As a result, the school added fitness, outdoor education, agriculture, coding, shop and food classes to the school timetable. The Foremost hockey academy was also expanded to add grade 4 - 6 students to the current 7-12 program. In terms of new and growing projects, the school has established a FARM program (Foremost Agriculture Resource Model) which involves the students growing, harvesting and selling the produce they grow. It was shared that a student has been hired as a caretaker and will oversee the garden throughout the summer months, with the goal of opening a student-led farmers market this fall. Another notable addition to the school next fall is a rodeo academy. The school has offered rodeo clinics in the past and plans to expand the program by offering a rodeo and life on the ranch course for the first semester, followed by a rodeo program in conjunction with the high school rodeo season the following spring. The full Foremost School presentation can be found in the June 14th Agenda Package.</p><p><strong>Ralston School Growcer’s Modular Farm</strong></p><p>Ralston School Principal Stacey Nunweiler and teacher Wade Carrier made a presentation to the board requesting support for establishing a Growcer’s Modular Farm on the school site. The addition of a hydroponic growing farm would help further develop the school’s Prairie Rose Possibility project focused on ‘learning from the land.’ The program focuses on three key learning areas for students which include FNMI learning, sustainable food production and outdoor education. The goal for the school is to apply for grants and establish community partnerships that can assist with funding the vertical hydroponic farm which has the capacity to produce 600 heads of lettuce each week. While still in the planning phase, the school’s goal would be to sell produce to local Ralston residents and community businesses, support other PRPS school food programs and donate 25% of the product to a food scarcity issue. The cost of a single Growcer’s unit is approximately $270,000. The full school presentation and proposal can be found in the June 14th Agenda Package.</p><p><strong>Health and Safety Report</strong></p><p>Health and Safety Coordinator Derek Beck shared the annual health and safety report for information. Highlights of the report include updates related to staff emergency response training, safety inspections, fire inspections and participation in the AHS ARTSSN illness reporting program. An update regarding injuries reported during the 2021-2022 school year was also provided. In total there were 107 student injuries across 15 schools reported with the most common occurring on the playground. 11 staff also reported injuries this year, primarily related to strains/sprains and slips and falls. It was noted that PRPS WCB rates continue to remain high, as they are based on averages from staff injuries reported over the past three to five years.</p><p><strong>Locally Approved Courses</strong></p><p>The board of trustees approved the following locally approved courses which are either new, or will be continued for use at all PRPS schools over the next three to five years:</p><ul><li>Aviation - Structures 25</li><li>Aviation - Structures 35</li><li>Aviation Navigation Aids 15&nbsp;</li><li>Mental Health Literacy -15&nbsp;</li><li>Developing Personal Integrity - 15, 25, 35</li><li>Competencies in Math (2022) 15</li><li>Learning Strategies 15</li><li>Learning Strategies 15</li><li>Learning Strategies 25</li><li>Learning Strategies 25</li><li>Learning Strategies 35</li><li>Learning Strategies 35</li><li>Psychology - Abnormal 35</li></ul>

<p>The next public board meeting for the Prairie Rose Public Schools Board of Trustees will take place on Tuesday, June 14th starting at 12:45 pm. The meeting will be streamed online and held in-person at the Chamber of Commerce Office in Medicine Hat located at:</p><p>413 - 6 Avenue SE<br>Medicine Hat, Alberta</p><p>Due to limited space at the meeting location, attendees are encouraged to join via the online stream: <a href="https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_NWY5ZTFkNGUtYWQxMS00ZDlmLTk2YjYtOGNmZjM3M2IzMDY5%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22c1a7f361-4369-4e63-af8a-db541e2c097b%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%2248a6a9b8-2a7b-494f-9523-0206f91ffcad%22%2c%22IsBroadcastMeeting%22%3atrue%7d&amp;btype=a&amp;role=a">Click here to watch the live stream</a> (<i>Once you click the link, click cancel on the pop up, watch on the web instead, join anonymously.)</i></p><p>The meeting agenda can be found here: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xNtrBfr401XVztLP838zAV0xFfhjwDQX/view?usp=sharing">https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xNtrBfr401XVztLP838zAV0xFfhjwDQX/view?usp=sharing</a></p>

<p>Prairie Rose Public Schools would like to congratulate PRPS Board Chair Cathy Hogg who was honoured with the Dick Baker Legacy Award at the Public School Boards' Association of Alberta Spring Assembly this past weekend.</p><p>The award is bestowed on a public school board trustee who models the values of integrity, compassion, respect, mentoring and leadership with a focus on always putting children first.</p><blockquote><p>“I am honoured and humbled,” says Cathy Hogg. “There are many incredible individuals who have received this award over the years and I feel proud to be recognized in the company of these amazing people.”</p></blockquote><p>Cathy Hogg was first elected to the Prairie Rose Public Schools board in 2013. During her time as trustee she has been active on the provincial scene advocating for public school education, serving on the PSBAA executive from 2015-2017 and as the President of the Public School Boards' Association from 2017-2021.</p><p>Read the PSBAA media release here: <a href="https://public-schools.ab.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/06-06-2022-Dick-Baker-Award-MEDIA-RELEASE-PSBAA.pdf">https://public-schools.ab.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/06-06-2022-Dick-Baker-Award-MEDIA-RELEASE-PSBAA.pdf</a></p><p><i>In the photo: PSBAA President Dennis McNeil and PRPS Board Chair Cathy Hogg</i></p>

<h3>2022 Kaleidoscope Art Winners</h3><p>Click here to see the complete list of winners in the art categories: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_GY5-YT6P4Uqr3fBssXpdnWS5xp_kt7L/view?usp=sharing">2022 Kaleidoscope Art Winners</a></p><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="/images/eeabf7b2-e195-4e66-836f-301cab82bc59?fingerprint=ppb20251217025517" alt=""></figure></td><td><figure class="image"><img src="/images/f8374be6-0e65-4878-867d-38c2b98ce044?fingerprint=ppb20251217025706" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2"><a href="https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/13Ci7djbA6m8ggZdxLC_i5GAPKBI-iyZb?usp=sharing"><strong>Click here</strong> to check out all the photos from the 2022 event.</a> A special thanks to Kyla Darr at Little Reflections photography for capturing this year's event.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><h3>PRPS Institute of the Arts Program</h3><p>Thank you to everyone who came out and bid on the student art work. Total sales from the 2022 Silent Auction and Art Exhibit Student Sales totalled $3,245. All sale proceeds goes back to the student artists.</p><p>If you are interested in enrolling your student in the PRPS Institute of the Arts for the 2022-2023, complete the registration form: <a href="https://prrdweb.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3ZVjFItvPIYyb2e">https://prrdweb.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3ZVjFItvPIYyb2e</a></p><p>____________________________________________________________________________</p><p>Prairie Rose Public Schools will be hosting the 13th annual Kaleidoscope of the Arts on June 1st and June 2nd at the Esplanade in Medicine Hat. The format has been changed from previous years and will include the following:</p><h3><strong>June 1, 2022</strong></h3><p><i>Silent Auction and Art Exhibition&nbsp;</i></p><p>The Prairie Rose Institute of the Arts students will be holding a Silent Auction and Art Exhibition running from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Students will be on hand to talk about their work and present it in an exhibit format. Highest bidders in the silent auction will purchase the student's work. All money raised goes directly back to the student artists.</p><p>The list of participants can be found here: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ag7raZBPlmrF0ogtAvd7nbJMLbCgqJjk/view?usp=sharing">Art Showcase</a></p><p><i>Musical Showcase</i></p><p>Starting at 7:00 p.m. students from Seven Persons School, Margaret Wooding School, Bow Island Elementary School, Senator Gershaw School, Eagle Butte High School and Parkside Jr High School will perform on the Esplanade main stage. The show is free to attend and will be approximately one hour in length.</p><p>Musical program lineup can be found here: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/14ON1AjcuRNWvj0vxVCJ4YP6glULTZbdk/view?usp=sharing">Music Showcase</a></p><h3><strong>June 2, 2022</strong></h3><p>Classes from across Prairie Rose will be transported to the Esplanade for a day of workshops focused on art, FNMI/mixed media, music creation, ukulele, and chorale. The day will end with a group performance with all students on the main stage of the Esplanade.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prairie Rose Public School would like to congratulate Rocheal Howes, who will become the new Eagle Butte High School Principal at the start of the next school year.</p><p>Howes holds a Master of Education in School Leadership and Bachelor’s degrees in Education and Kinesiology. Throughout her 22-year career, she has taught overseas in Japan, in the Medicine Hat area, at both the high school and junior high levels, and as a teacher and vice-principal of Parkside Junior High School in Redcliff. Currently, Howes is one of two vice principals at Eagle Butte High School; a role she has had since 2020.</p><blockquote><p>“Eagle Butte is such a vibrant and innovative school,” says Howes. “There’s always something exciting happening, whether in our Back to Business class, through the South Alberta Hockey and Flight academies, our sports and athletics programs, fine arts initiatives, and noticeably at the heart of all other classroom activities. The school is a vibrant learning community, and I am honoured to be chosen to lead our team as we continue to create unique and impactful learning experiences for students.”</p></blockquote><blockquote><p>“Having worked at the junior and high school levels for many years as both a teacher and a school administrator, Rocheal has a strong leadership foundation which will serve her well in this new role,” says Superintendent Reagan Weeks. “She is a passionate school leader who is always looking for new ways to engage the school community. We look forward to seeing what the Eagle Butte staff, students, parents, and community will accomplish together.”&nbsp;</p></blockquote><p>Rocheal Howes will officially assume the role of Eagle Butte High School principal at the start of the 2022-2023 school year.</p>