March 14, 2023 Board Meeting Highlights

Additional details and full reports from the March 14, 2023 Board Meeting can be found in the Agenda Package: Agenda Package - March 14, 2023 (In-Person).pdf

Above: PRPS trustees Lois Bedwell, Patty Rooks and Pam Cursons listen while Margaret Wooding students Conner Che and Lilly Green explain the different aspects of the school's exhibition of learning project focused around the book One and Only Ivan.

Margaret Wooding School Presentation
Margaret Wooding School principal Craig Corsie, teachers Megan Cross and Karen Bongaards, and students Conner Che and Lilly Green presented to the board, focussing on many instructional practices at their school. Mrs. Cross provided examples of the UFLI literacy learning and intervention tool the school has implemented to assist students who require additional reading and language support. Mrs. Bongaards spoke to the school’s exhibition of learning that will take place later this month. The exhibition is centred around the school’s ‘one school, one book’ project. The book chosen is One and Only Ivan, which is inspired by a real silverback gorilla focusing on hope and friendship. The book is a central theme for the student exhibition of learning projects. Students, Connor and Lilly, shared that they had to pick an animal of their own to explore in more detail for their projects. This involved brainstorming what they already knew about the animal, creating a project outline, journaling daily, creating illustrations, research and essay writing, peer review, and constructing a diorama display. Principal Craig Corsie shared that the school even raised enough money through student fundraising activities to adopt eight gorillas from the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. 

Technology Report Accountability Report
Director of Technology Wayne Rossler provided the Technology Accountability Report for information. The report includes a summary of the technical equipment used across the school division and a list of upcoming projects planned for the school year. It was also noted that considerable work is being done to meet technology insurance requirements and district systems due to the increased demand for cybersecurity enhancements. District technology expenses for the 2021-2022 school year were $939,469.

Irvine School Field Trip
The board approved the field trip request for the Irvine School grades 7-9 to visit eastern Canada from May 15th - May 23rd, 2024. The trip will include Montreal, Quebec City, Ottawa and Toronto tours. Trustee Shauna VanderSpruit put forward the motion.

2024-2027 Capital Plan
The board approved the 2024-2027 Capital Plan as presented. The plan includes a list of the division’s facility capital priorities which is then submitted to Alberta Education for approval consideration. It was noted that the Redcliff Solution, currently listed as number one on the PRPS plan, recently received design funding from the province in the latest round of capital announcements. The Redcliff project will remain number one on the plan until it receives construction approval and funding. The other three capital priorities include; the modernization of Burdett School, the Oyen Solution and the modernization of Foremost School. Trustee Patty Rooks put forward the motion. The complete Capital Plan can be found here: 2024-2027 Capital Plan.pdf

2023-2024 School Year Calendar
The board approved the school year calendar for the 2023-2024 school year. The calendar includes a first day of school start date after the Labour Day weekend, a two-day break in November and a late Christmas break starting on December 23rd. It was shared that the information gathered through a survey of staff and parents strongly supported beginning after the long weekend in September. The total number of student instructional days in the 2023-2024 calendar is 183. Trustee Pam Cursons put forward the motion. The approved calendar can be viewed here: 2023-2024 PRPS Calendar - Approved March 2023.pdf

EL18 - Diversity, Equity, and Human Rights Policy
The board approved the new Executive Limitations policy EL 18 - Diversity Equity and Human Rights. The policy was developed in collaboration with a subcommittee group of PRPS staff. The DEHR Committee was established to review current policies and propose new ones focused on removing barriers, prohibiting harassment and discrimination, establishing a complaints process and ensuring an education training plan is available for staff. Trustee Shauna VanderSpruit put forward the motion.