GPPSD Board Highlights 04-25-2017

Grande Prairie Public School District

APRIL 25, 2017

BOARD HIGHLIGHTS Central Office, 10213-99 Street, Grande Prairie, AB, T8V 2H3

The Grande Prairie Public School District is a learning community in which every student succeeds GRANDE PRAIRIE PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT Board of Trustees Board Chair John Lehners Board Vice-Chair JoAnn Cazakoff Trustees Brenda Howard Karen Propokowich Paulette Kurylo Superintendent Alexander (Sandy) McDonald Associate Superintendent - Secretary-Treasurer Jeff Olson Assistant Superintendent - Curriculum Services Nick Radujko Assistant Superintendent - Student Services James Robinson

UPCOMING DISTRICT DATES

GPPSD Board of Trustees photo of their last board meeting at the 10213-99 Street Central Office location

The Academy Grande Prairie

PRESENTATION TO THE BOARD

Regular Board Meeting Tuesday, May 9, 2017 06:00 p.m., Central Office

GRANDE PRAIRIE Brett Stephenson, Director of The Academy and Michelle Blair, Principal at Charles Spencer High School, provided an overview of their programming for the Board. Trustees were given an in-depth look into the high quality programming offered by The Academy. The student centered aspect of the programs (Hockey, Golf, Dance and Soccer) appealed to the Board as they look for ways to engage our students and support them

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engaging with their passions. Trustees were also presented an overview of The Academy planning for the future. The Board was excited to hear about the engagement occurring in the program and its exciting plans for their work at the high school level for the future. The Board Chair took the opportunity to thank the presenters and to also challenge them to continue to strive to be the best program in Alberta.

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Page 2

GPPSD BOARD HIGHLIGHTS

APRIL 25, 2017

GPPSD mission and guiding principles

International

John Lehners, Board Chair, provided an update on the work being done on this Self-Evaluation policy for the Board. Administration has been asked to work on some details to help build the structure of this policy.

The Board of Trustees provided permission for The Academy Dance Program to take a Dance focused field trip to London, England during Easter Break 2018. The trip will include opportunities to see many of the sights along with two plays in the “West End”.

Their days will be taken up participating in Master Dance classes at the Royal Academy of Dance, Studio 68, The Contemporary Dance School and the Pineapple Dance Studios. As well, what trip to England would be complete without taking in a soccer game? The Board noted that they were especially pleased with the amount of “work” time that the planners had incorporated into this trip.

BOARD POLICY 2

Information for prospective Trustees

RUNNING FOR TRUSTEE

Mr. Lehners gave an overview of a document that administration created to provide background information on what it means to be a trustee and the processes, procedures and plans used within the school district. As well, the District has received some brochures from the Alberta School Board’s Association regarding the role of a School Board Trustee.

These resources will be made available for interested candidates to review at as they determine if they are going to run. The Board encourages any interested person to pursue the goal of becoming a leader in the Grande Prairie community by running for trustee.

Benefits of leasing iPads

PRINCIPAL’S MEETING

Superintendent Sandy McDonald made note of the following topics: First, he thanked the Trustees for all of the visits they have made to schools to speak to grade 6 students about the role of the Board of Trustees within the local government unit. Mr. McDonald discussed a presentation made at the Principal’s meeting by Justin Vickers, IT Director, which explored the potential benefits of leasing iPads instead of making capital purchases. This should provide a more manageable control structure to maintain the iPads over the length of any lease.

Alberta Education Funding

NUTRITION PROGRAM

Mr. McDonald provided the Board with more information on the Alberta Government’s Nutrition Program Funding project. The Board has tasked administration to develop a plan to address ways to develop nutrition programming that feeds students in a school, helps educate them, and aligns with nutritional guidelines as well.

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FIELD TRIP REQUEST

Taste of Magic & Taste of Crystal Park School

CULTURE & ENGAGEMENT

Superintendent McDonald provided the Board an update of two events he attended just prior to Easter break. A Taste of Magic at I.V. Macklin focused on students providing the meal and entertainment for the evening. A tapas style menu was well done and attendees enjoyed the food and the atmosphere. The annual Taste of Crystal Park School was structured similarly and occurred the same night. It was noted that these two events are well received by parents and staff and contribute greatly to the community in both schools.

Maude Clifford and Alexander Forbes student

HERITAGE FAIR

Mr. McDonald reported on the Maude Clifford and Alexander Forbes student Heritage Fairs, in which he and other members from the central office team judged the work of the grade 5 and 6 students. The Board was informed of the excellent student work and the quality of their presentations. In both cases the Board heard about the excellent work being done by GPPSD students.

Project update

GPCHS REPLACEMENT

The Board discussed the new Composite High School and are meeting with potential partners to maximize the potential of this new building, and possible redevelopment of the existing site, forming new community and government partnerships.

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