Grande Prairie Public School District
September 11, 2018
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 Joan Nellis Trustees Andre Ouellette Lesley Craig Lynn Driedger Paulette Kurylo Rob Martin Superintendent Alexander (Sandy) McDonald Deputy Superintendent James Robinson Associate Superintendent, Secretary-Treasurer Norm Guindon Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources Nick Radujko Assistant Superintendent, Student Services Christina Farquharson
Next Board Meeting Tuesday, September 25, 2018 06:00 p.m., Central Office Future Board Meetings: October 9, 2018 October 30, 2018 November 13, 2018 November 27, 2018 December 11, 2018 January 15, 2019 January 29, 2019 February 12, 2019 February 26, 2019 March 12, 2019 April 9, 2019 April 23, 2019 May 14, 2019 May 28, 2019 June 11, 2019
Let’s Connect:
Photo taken the Superintendent’s Opening Address speech on August 30. In photo from left to right: Trustee Rob Martin, Superintendent of Schools Sandy McDonald, Trustee Lesley Craig, Board Chair John Lehners, Board Vice chair Joan Nellis, Guest Speaker Etienna Moostoos-Lafferty, Elder Darlene Cardinal, Trustee Andre Ouellette and Trustee Paulette Kurylo.
Superintendent’s Report A Great Start to 2018-19!
Superintendent’s Opening Address
Superintendent McDonald commended the entire staff of the Grande Prairie Public School District on an exceptional start to the 2018-2019 school year. The efforts of Maintenance and Caretakers to prepare the schools for the new year and the tremendous investment in getting things ready for the first day by our teachers, administrators, administrative support, and education assistants is greatly appreciated. On September 4, 2018, we opened our doors to over 8000 keen and eager students and their parents and the feedback from within and outside of the system has been excellent.
The Trustees had an opportunity to be introduced to the staff of the District during the annual Superintendent’s Address, which was held at Charles Spencer High School on August 30. After a greeting and blessing from Elder Darlene Cardinal, Superintendent McDonald’s talk focused on culturing a sense of belonging among all staff, students, and parents who are part of the GPPSD family. Highlighted in his talk was the significant improvements that the District has made over recent years and a need to continue to focus on our number one priority, which is student achievement.
GPPSD2357
www.gppsd.ab.ca
Read more news:
http://cli.re/gppsdboardnews
Page 2 | GPPSD BOARD HIGHLIGHTS
Culture & Engagement
September 11, 2018
Business Services
New Staff Orientation
2018-2019 Calendar
Minister of Education to Visit Aspen Grove School
SEPTEMBER Labour Day 3 First day of classes (PreK-Grd 9) 4 First day of classes (Grds 10-12) 5 International Literacy Day 8 GPPSD Elementary Fun Run 22 Professional Learning Day 28 Orange Shirt Day 30 OCTOBER World Teacher Day 5 Thanksgiving 8 World Mental Health Day 10 Professional Learning Day 19 NOVEMBER Daylight Saving Time Ends 4 Remembrance Day 11 Remembrance Day Stat 12 12-16 Bullying Awareness Week Professional Learning Day 23
Following the annual Superintendent’s Address and the keynote session, approximately 130 new staff members were invited to a lunch and learning opportunity at Charles Spencer High School. The session featured a greeting from Board Chair John Lehners and departmental information and contacts designed to help new staff members from all departments become familiar with the Grande Prairie Public School District.
10 Things Educators Need to Know
Honourable David Eggen, Minister of Education will be visiting Aspen Grove School on September 21. During his visit, the Minister will have an opportunity to experience a ‘Gator-Pride’ assembly and the Board of Trustees will have a brief audience with the Minister, as well. Grande Prairie Public looks forward to the opportunity to host the Minister and showcase an example of the excellence that exists within all our schools.
Etienna Moostoos-Lafferty, a product of Grande Prairie Public, gave an excellent keynote address to the entire staff on August 30th. Focusing on a number of topics that educators needed to know or explore, Etienna’s talk supports our teachers in acquiring foundational knowledge that will support them in achieving success in the competencies outlined in the newly developed Teaching Quality Standard.
DECEMBER International Volunteer Day 5 Day in Lieu 7 Professional Learning Day 14 22-31 Christmas Break JANUARY Christmas Break 1-6 First Day after Break 7 Professional Learning Day 18 Family Literacy Day 27 Semester two begins 31 FEBRUARY Professional Learning Day 8 Valentine’s Day 14 National Flag of Canada Day 15 Family Day 18 Pink Shirt Day 27 MARCH Teacher’s Convention 7-8 Daylight Saving Time starts 10 11-15 Substitute Teacher Week National Pi day 14 Professional Learning Day 15 23-31 Spring Break
Recognizing Excellence
APRIL 1 12 19 21 22 23 24
First Day Back from Spring Break Professional Learning Day Good Friday Easter Sunday Day Off in Lieu / Earth Day World Book Day Administrative Professionals Day
MAY 8 10 12 20
Hats On! For Mental Health Professional Learning Day Mother’s Day Victoria day
JUNE 7 16 21 27 28
Professional Learning Day Father’s Day National Indigenous Peoples Day Last Day for Students / Canada Multiculturalism Day Last Day for Staff
JULY Canada Day 1 2-31 Summer Break
The Board had the opportunity to recognize two staff members at a recent Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) meeting in Peace River. Kim Verbecky, Administrative Assistant at Aspen Grove School, is the GPPSD recipient of the ASBA Friends of Education Award. Kim was recognized for her extensive support for students in need and the Aspen Grove nutrition program. At the same meeting, Parkside Montessori teacher Megan Layden was recognized as GPPSD’s Edwin Parr nominee. Congratulations to Miss Megan on her excellent start as a educator in our District!
Let’s Connect:
GPPSD2357
Contact us:
MOHAMMAD HAIDAR Communications Officer 780-532-4491 Ext. 1013 mohammad.haidar@gppsd.ab.ca
www.gppsd.ab.ca
Read more news:
http://cli.re/gppsdboardnews