Grande Prairie Public School District
August 22, 2017
BOARD HIGHLIGHTS Central Office, 10127 120 Avenue, Grande Prairie, AB, T8V 8H8
The Grande Prairie Public School District is a learning community in which every student succeeds BOARD OF TRUSTEES BOARD CHAIR John Lehners BOARD VICE-CHAIR JoAnn Cazakoff TRUSTEES Brenda Howard Paulette Kurylo SUPERINTENDENT Alexander McDonald ASSOCIATE SUPERINTENDENT, SECRETARY-TREASURER Jeff Olson ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT, HUMAN RESOURCES Nick Radujko ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT OF PROGRAMS & PLANNING James Robinson ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT, STUDENT SERVICES Christina Farquharson
UPCOMING DISTRICT DATES REGULAR BOARD MEETING Tuesday, September 12, 2017 06:00 p.m., Central Office
BOARD CHAIR REPORT
Alberta School Council (ASCA) workshops
Measuring District progress Board Chair Lehners introduced a sample of a District Progress Summary that could be used by Trustees to show Evidence Based Continuous Improvement and support Board decision making for the district. Evidence Based Continuous Improvement is one of the pieces of the GPPSD District Strategic Framework. The Board intends to continue work on this document over the next few months.
20 years of service as a Trustee for GPPSD
Trustee Prokopowich resignation Karen Prokopowich submitted her official resignation to the Board. She is no longer eligible to serve as a Trustee because, according to the School Act, she is no longer a resident in the city of Grande Prairie. Reluctantly, the Board accepted her resignation praising her 20 years of service as a Trustee for GPPSD.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
New staff orientation format proposed Superintendent McDonald discussed a proposal from the Human Resources department to make the orientation event for new staff being held on August 31st from 10:00 AM to Noon also include an Induction component that would include Board of Trustee participation. The Board felt this was a great idea and would help streamline processes for everyone.
Visible learning institute Superintendent McDonald reported on a Visible Learning Conference he attended at the end of the school year led by Dr. John Hattie and Ainsley Rose. The conference focused on engaging students and using data to improve student learning. These areas align with the strategic framework of GPPSD which focuses on Quality Instruction, Evidence Based Continuous Improvement and Building Relationships and Engagement in our school community.
Let’s Connect:
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www.gppsd.ab.ca
Superintendent McDonald noted that arrangements have been made for ASCA to present to the Administrators during an afternoon followed by two parent sessions tentatively scheduled for the evening of October 25th. More details will follow on this exciting opportunity for administrators and parents to learn more about School Council operations and their role as an advisory council within schools.
70 plaques will honour local soldiers
Fallen Heroes Plaques
The Canadian Fallen Heroes Foundation has fundraised to support the production of approximately 70 plaques that will honour local soldiers who have lost their lives in service to their country. Superintendent McDonald has agreed to a request for us to display these plaques in our schools.
CULTURE & ENGAGEMENT Reading University
A number of Trustees were able to attend the Reading University graduation and shared their appreciation for the organizers, sponsors and staff. There were 140 young people who were recognized as completing the program. 64 of these graduates were GPPSD students. This is not only an exceptional experience for the participants, it is also a great benefit to the people who work at the Reading University.
BUSINESS SERVICES
Roy Bickell Public School update
Secretary-Treasurer Jeff Olson noted that the Roy Bickell School has been featured in an architectural magazine as recognition for its design that honours the sense of place as a building made for Grande Prairie. The shelter form at the front of the building was identified as a key feature to provide protection from wind, rain and snow. The school is in great shape and is ready to open to students on September 5th. Thanks to the Maintenance staff, Andy Farquharson, Principal Joanne Perrott, Vice-Principal Jason Mestinsek and the teachers for their efforts to ensure that the school is ready for opening.
Read more news:
http://cli.re/gppsdboardnews