Grande Prairie Public School District
November 28, 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 Joan Nellis TRUSTEES Andre Ouellette Lesley Craig Lynn Driedger Paulette Kurylo Rob Martin SUPERINTENDENT Alexander McDonald ASSOCIATE SUPERINTENDENT, SECRETARY-TREASURER Norm Guindon 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 Monday, December 12, 2017 06:00 p.m., Central Office
GPPSD PRESENTATION Alberta Provincial Curriculum Update
Angela DesBarres, Director of Instruction, K-6, and Kimberly Frykas, Director of Instruction, grades 7-12 presented an overview of the upcoming curriculum changes in Alberta. They provided the Guiding Framework and the Curriculum Development Process. This project has been ongoing for a number of years with work in the six curriculum areas (Language ArtsEnglish, French, and Français); Mathematics; Social Studies; Sciences; Arts; and, Wellness. The Board heard that there are seven GPPSD teachers involved in the working groups creating the curriculum documents. A further six district teachers are actively involved in the focus groups connected to the development of the curricula. Implementation dates have not yet been established.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT (PRESENTED BY ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT JAMES ROBINSON)
Principal’s Meeting and University of Lethbridge leadership standards project Assistant Superintendent James Robinson noted the rescheduling of the new principal’s meeting. He also reported on this month’s focus for the University of Lethbridge Leadership Standards project for principals, vice-principals and district leadership team which was on finishing the review of each specific new leadership standard and preparing individuals to complete their inquiry-focused growth plans.
2017 Grade 7/8 Volleyball Wrap up Thanks was provided to Barry Longson, vice principal at Grande Prairie Christian School, for organizing the league and to the many schools staff and community members who coached again this year. This year’s champions are: • A Boys-Grande Prairie Christian School • A Girls-Isabel Campbell School • B Boys- Derek Taylor School • B Girls-Crystal Park School
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Regional Collaborative Service Delivery (RCSD) Leadership and Executive Meetings Assistant Superintendent Robinson gave an overview of the structure and purpose of the Regional Collaborative Service Delivery (RCSD) model and structure for this area. Peace Collaborative Services (PCS) is the RCSD provider to the school districts in the Peace Country.
Swanavon School Nutrition Program Update
Assistant Superintendent Robinson reported that, on November 23rd, Cathy Rasmussen, our Alberta Education liaison, visited Swanavon School for lunch, and to see the process where approximately 145 grade 1-6 students receive their free lunch each day.
2018-2021 Three Year Education Plan and Alberta Education Results Report The final copy of the Three Year Education Plan and Annual Education Results Report (3YEP and AERR) was provided by Superintendent McDonald in the Board package. Assistant Superintendent Robinson reported that the combined plan/report will be submitted to Alberta Education for the November 30th provincial deadline.
International Field Trip RequestDestination Imagination World Championships, Knoxville, TN. Superintendent McDonald provided a request submitted under Administrative Procedure 260: Field Trips for a Destination Imagination trip to the United States. The request has been reviewed by administration and the Board approved the request for our students to participate in this trip subject to continued compliance with the International travel rules under AP 260.
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ThoughtExchange (formerly ThoughtStream)
November 28, 2017
Replacement Composite High School Design Committee Report
NEWS & EVENTS
Assistant Superintendent Robinson provided the Board a write-up of Superintendent McDonald’s plan to have parents, staff and students participate in a ThoughtExchange activity this year. ThoughtExchange is an electronic engagement tool that will help build our understanding of the perspectives and priorities of our stakeholders.
Classroom Improvement Fund (CIF) Assistant Superintendent Robinson provided an update of the process utilized by the CIF committee on addressing the allocation of the $968,000 available to the district’s classrooms. The funding plan was approved by the province and the schools are currently addressing their requests.
CULTURE AND ENGAGEMENT District Christmas Donation Discussion
Assistant Superintendent Robinson provided the Board a report on the meeting held with the architects earlier in November. The design committee looked at some preliminary design ideas based upon the high school tours taken in late October by members of the Design Committee. The architects will take the ideas back with them to bring back in December at the next meeting.
ROY BICKELL PUBLIC SCHOOL GRAND OPENING: November 30, 2017 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
ALBERTA EDUCATION
Bill 28-School Act Amendments Assistant Superintendent Robinson presented information provided by Superintendent McDonald on the potential impact of these changes on GPPSD.
GPPSD CHRISTMAS EVENTS: Watch for Christmas events coming to your local school.
The report noted that there are four areas that do not seem to apply to our district and two areas that we are both already actively addressing through our professional Leadership Standards Project or have to work on and hold further discussions
A decision was made to provide a $200 donation to each school to assist them in planning a school Christmas activity.
Blanket Exercise A Blanket Exercise was held on November 16th at the district central office aimed at providing participants insight into the history of the First Nations experience in the past 500 years. This is a powerful exercise for people to engage in and 25 people took the opportunity to participate in this evening event.
BUSINESS SERVICES
2016-2017 Financial Auditor’s Report
CONTACT INFORMATION
Norm Guindon, Associate Superintendent, Business Services/Secretary-Treasurer and Wade Webb, Director of Finance provided an overview of the Audited Financial Statement with note that the audit found no issues with the district’s books and reported financial position.
Let’s Connect:
GPPSD2357
PHONE 780-532-4491 EMAIL communications@gppsd.ab.ca
www.gppsd.ab.ca
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