SPS Report to the Community 2013-14

2013–2014

SASKATOON PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Report to the

Community

ADEN BOWMAN COLLEGIATE

BEDFORD ROAD COLLEGIATE

CENTENNIAL COLLEGIATE

CITY PARK COLLEGIATE

ROYAL WEST CAMPUS

TOMMY DOUGLAS COLLEGIATE

WALTER MURRAY COLLEGIATE

ÉCOLE ALVIN BUCKWOLD SCHOOL

CAROLINE ROBINS COMMUNITY SCHOOL

CASWELL COMMUNITY SCHOOL

ÉCOLE COLLEGE PARK SCHOOL

CONFEDERATION PARK COMMUNITY SCHOOL

GREYSTONE HEIGHTS SCHOOL

ÉCOLE HENRY KELSEY

HOLLISTON SCHOOL

HOWARD COAD SCHOOL

KING GEORGE COMMUNITY SCHOOL

LAKERIDGE SCHOOL

ÉCOLE LAKEVIEW SCHOOL

LAWSON HEIGHTS SCHOOL

PLEASANT HILL COMMUNITY SCHOOL

PRINCE PHILIP SCHOOL

PRINCESS ALEXANDRA COMMUNITY SCHOOL

QUEEN ELIZABETH SCHOOL

SILVERSPRING SCHOOL

SILVERWOOD HEIGHTS SCHOOL

SUTHERLAND SCHOOL

ÉCOLE VICTORIA SCHOOL

EVAN HARDY COLLEGIATE

MARION M. GRAHAM COLLEGIATE

MOUNT ROYAL COLLEGIATE

NUTANA COLLEGIATE

BREVOORT PARK SCHOOL

BROWNELL SCHOOL

BRUNSKILL SCHOOL

BUENA VISTA SCHOOL

DR. JOHN G. EGNATOFF SCHOOL

DUNDONALD SCHOOL

FAIRHAVEN SCHOOL

ÉCOLE FOREST GROVE SCHOOL

HUGH CAIRNS V.C. SCHOOL

JAMES L. ALEXANDER SCHOOL

JOHN DOLAN SCHOOL

JOHN LAKE SCHOOL

LESTER B. PEARSON COMMUNITY SCHOOL

MAYFAIR COMMUNITY SCHOOL

MONTGOMERY SCHOOL

NORTH PARK WILSON SCHOOL

ÉCOLE RIVER HEIGHTS SCHOOL

ROLAND MICHENER SCHOOL

SASKATOON CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

SASKATOON MISBAH SCHOOL

VINCENT MASSEY COMMUNITY SCHOOL

WESTMOUNT COMMUNITY SCHOOL

WILDWOOD SCHOOL

W.P. BATE COMMUNITY SCHOOL

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Jaxson Penno Wild Owl

watercolour, black glue on paper HOLLISTON SCHOOL Grade 4

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Table of Contents 6

Message from the Board Chair

Ray Morrison

8 Message from the Director

Avon Whittles

10 Academic Achievements 17 Facilities for Learning 31 Progress on Strategic Priorities 43 Partnerships with our Community 59 Saskatoon Public Schools Foundation 73 Celebrating Excellence 86 Fiscal Indicators 89 Trustee and Ward Directory 5

MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD CHAIR

I am proud to present the 2013–14 Report to the Community for Saskatoon Public Schools.

There is nothing I enjoy more in my role as board chair then to recognize and celebrate the incredible accomplishments of our students and staff members. This book is overflowing with inspiring moments from the past academic year. Thank you for taking the time to learn more about Saskatoon Public Schools and all our school division has to offer.

This past academic year was a busy one for all our staff members. While adjusting to a new school calendar, expanded programming, growing school enrolments and diversifying population, our division’s dedicated staff members rose to the task and our students thrived.

Once again our division welcomed hundreds of new students, many who were new to Canada.

In September, our enrolment grew by 682 students and continued throughout the school year. While such growth leads to a demand on resources, our schools have come up with creative ways to ensure we have supportive learning environments for all students.

Our division is also growing when it comes to the facilities we need to educate young people.

Construction work on Willowgrove School has been steady through the past year. While the opening date has been pushed back due to delays, we are anxiously awaiting the day this school year when we can welcome students into this incredible learning space.

We also received a welcome gift from the provincial government last fall. The province has committed to building four new schools in the rapidly growing neighbourhoods of Evergreen, Hampton Village, Rosewood and Stonebridge.

To say we are grateful is an understatement. It 6

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is our school division’s mandate to make free public education available and accessible to every child in Saskatoon. With the number of families moving into these four new neighbourhoods, the construction of these schools is a necessity to meet our community’s needs.

Our programming continues to diversify to meet the interests of students and further challenge them in their educational journey.

In 2013–14, we started two new French Immersion programs in the city’s northeast at École Forest Grove School (K to Gr. 3) and Centennial Collegiate (Grade 9). With more than 200 students joining French Immersion last year, the demand for more opportunities in this area is clear. Enrolment in these programs has been strong and both expanded by a grade level this year.

In the spring, our board renewed our two learning priorities—Literacy for Life and Collegiate Renewal. For Literacy for Life, we have expanded the goal for all Kindergarten to Grade 8 students to achieve at or above grade level in reading, writing and mathematics.

As part of both learning priorities, our board has committed to focusing intensively on the engagement, achievement and graduation rates of First Nations, Inuit and Métis students.

As always, the most important aspect of our work as board members is keeping students at the heart of any decisions we make. Our board has had numerous opportunities to interact with students, whether through gatherings with Youth Engaged in Leadership and Learning (YELL) or through regular school visits. At every board meeting, our first order of business is always hearing a Celebrating Excellence item, which is a presentation highlighting a successful program, initiative or partnership in

“As always, the most important aspect of our work as board members is keeping students at the heart of any decisions we make.�

our division. Last year, almost every Celebrating Excellence presentation brought students to the board room to tell trustees about their success story. You can read about many of these stories later in the book.

As always, we are looking ahead to providing more for our students. With expanded advanced programming and unique class opportunities opening this year for both elementary and secondary students, as well as a second International Baccalaureate program on the horizon, our division continues to open more doors for students.

Saskatoon Public Schools is a leader in education in Saskatchewan. We strive to offer valuable opportunities and supportive instruction to students to ensure they are meeting their potential. Through our committed staff members and responsive programming, we are truly making a difference in the lives of our students, families and our community.

BOARD CHAIR

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MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR

I am pleased to present the 2013-14 Report to the Community, which highlights the achievements and innovations from the past year at Saskatoon Public Schools. Thank you for taking the time to learn more about the amazing work of our 2,400 staff members, whom are dedicated to lifting up our students and seeing them reach their potential.

As Saskatchewan’s largest school division, we have a diverse slate of programming for students—French Immersion, Cree Language and Culture, International Baccalaureate, 21st Century Learning Academy, Media School, Autism and Asperger’s resource programs, the Cameco Centre for Excellence in Science and Mathematics—just to name a few. The list is endless in the ways we respond to the needs and interests of our students.

Guiding our efforts are our two board priorities, which were renewed in the spring: Literacy for Life and Collegiate Renewal. While maintaining focus on the goals of these two priorities (which you can read more about later in this book), we have also expanded our expectations for this work. These two priorities now specifically state that along with improving outcomes for all students, we will focus intensively on the engagement, achievement and graduation rates of First Nations, Inuit and Métis students. While a commitment to increasing the outcomes for First Nations, Inuit and Metis students has long been a part of our priorities, we have formalized this goal to align with the provincial Education Sector Strategic Plan.

In 2013-14, the Ministry of Education set an ambitious target to create a province-wide plan for education. This plan, which is supported by

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our province’s boards of education, guides our actions and goal setting to ensure the success of all our students. I joined my counterparts from the province’s 28 school divisions in working through the plan that will act as a roadmap for Saskatchewan schools for attaining better outcomes for all students. The work continues this year as we put the plan’s principles into action with our staff and in our schools. We hope to see some great achievements for students, not only in the short term, but for years into the future.

The success of our school division truly lies in the dedication of our staff and their shared belief in the potential of our students. Our staff work tirelessly on interventions, enrichment strategies and community partnerships in order to provide opportunities for all students.

We have fostered professional development opportunities and support networks for our staff members that provide them with more tools in order to respond to the needs of their students.

Much of what we do within our schools and to support additional endeavors for our students would not be possible without our valued community partners whom you will meet in this report. Through these connections in our community, we are able to care for the health and wellbeing of our students, provide enhanced educational opportunities and ensure we are responsive to not only our youth but also to families in our school communities. In particular, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Saskatoon Public Schools Foundation, through which several innovative programs and exciting initiatives have been made possible.

"The success of our school division truly lies in the dedication of our staff and their shared belief in the potential of our students."

Our division is also adapting to our changing world and the connections that can now be made thanks to advancements in technology.

Our belief as a school division is that technology must support learning. We know it can foster our students' understanding, expand their knowledge and spark their curiosity. In preparing our students for what’s ahead, we are also ensuring they have the skills they need to be responsible digital citizens. Graduates of Saskatoon Public Schools are walking into the world better equipped than ever before for what their future may hold.

The future looks bright for our school division.

With new and expanding programs coming in this school year, as well as updated facilities and planning for four more new schools, our division is moving forward at a rapid pace.

However, I am proud to say there is one thing that remains constant—keeping our focus on students and our collective effort to inspire learning.

DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION

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2013

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Award of Excellence Recipients

Graham Coulter

Rui Song

After overcoming dyslexia and dysgraphia, Coulter earned a 98.8 per cent average in Grade 12. He was valedictorian and senior watch/school co-president. Coulter was the lead in the school musical and participated in one-act plays and jazz band throughout his high school career.

He volunteered for numerous community organizations and events, including the Saskatchewan Abilities Council’s recreational programs for youth with disabilities. Coulter is currently studying history at the University of Toronto.

Song earned a 99.7 per cent average in Grade 12. She received high recognition at science fairs and competitions provincially, nationally and internationally. Song also gained volunteer research experience at the University of Saskatchewan, National Research Council and Harvard University.

At Walter Murray, she competed in volleyball and cross-country while also performing in the Musical Art Club and Klezmer Band. Song is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Molecular Biology at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Bedford Road Collegiate

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Walter Murray Collegiate

Laura Goodmanson

Masooma Bhatti

Natasha Chief

Amy Bunyamin

Laura Owen

Hadia Butt

Shaquille Ethier

Ryan Turple

Aden Bowman Collegiate

City Park Collegiate

Marion M. Graham Collegiate

Nutana Collegiate

Centennial Collegiate

Evan Hardy Collegiate

Mount Royal Collegiate

Tommy Douglas Collegiate

2013

Outstanding Graduates

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Scholarships Our graduates have their choice of universities and other post-secondary institutions to attend across North America and beyond. Each year, several top graduates receive generous, prestigious scholarships to attend university. Here are some examples of scholarships accepted by our students in 2014:

Halim Adams Mount Royal Collegiate

Julianne Labach Aden Bowman Collegiate

› University of Saskatchewan Entrance

› University of Saskatchewan Entrance

Janeen Anderson Evan Hardy Collegiate

› Edwards School of Business Undergraduate

Scholarship (over 4 years) $16,200

› University of Saskatchewan Entrance

Scholarship (over 4 years) $16,200

Scholarship (over 4 years) $24,000

Scholarship (over 4 years) $16,200

Miranda Labrash Walter Murray Collegiate

Nathan Bell Bedford Road Collegiate

› Loran Scholar, McGill University

› Fred Chapman Memorial Bursary $10,000

Tayyaba Bhatti Centennial Collegiate › Schulich Leader Scholarship,

Queen’s University $60,000

Andriy Guravskyy Walter Murray Collegiate › Sarah Jane Abrey Bursary, University of Saskatchewan $10,500

Navdeep Hansra Centennial Collegiate › Western University’s Western

National Scholarship $30,000

Abby Holtslander Evan Hardy Collegiate › University of Saskatchewan

George & Marsha Ivany President’s 1st and Best Scholarship $24,000

Kaylie Jorgenson Marion M. Graham Collegiate › Northern Arizona University Athletic

Grant-in-Aid $31,747

Oksana Kishchuk Walter Murray Collegiate › Loran Provincial Award Winner, $2,000 › Chancellor’s Scholarship, Carlton University (over four years) $30,000

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(over four years) $100,000

Amos Mao Evan Hardy Collegiate › University of Saskatchewan Competitive

Scholarship $16,200

Chloe Woo Aden Bowman Collegiate › University of Saskatchewan Entrance

Scholarship (over 4 years) $16,200

Jingxuan Zhao Walter Murray Collegiate › Chancellors’ Scholarship,

University of Saskatchewan $20,000

Teah Zielinski Marion M. Graham Collegiate › Schulich Leader Scholarship,

University of Saskatchewan $80,000

Saskatoon Public Schools First Nations, Inuit and Métis Student Scholarships The Saskatoon Board of Education First Nations, Inuit and Métis Student Scholarships were presented at the annual Saskatoon Indian and Métis Friendship Centre graduation in May. Tanner Secord from Walter Murray Collegiate received the Academic Achievement Award and Tyra Lavallee from Marion M. Graham Collegiate won the John Dewar Spirit and Resiliency Award.

Secord, a Métis student, had an overall average of 87.9 per cent. He was able to maintain his high average while still committed to many extracurricular sports and activities, including hockey and football. Secord, after being accepted at both the University of Regina and University of Saskatchewan, has decided to attend the Edwards School of Business at the U of S. He is playing football for the U of S Huskies.

Lodge. Lavallee has had to overcome one of the most difficult challenges for a young person to face—the death of a parent. Last year, her father passed away. Lavallee has dealt with her father’s death by choosing a career in the health field. She writes, “I did not have the opportunity to help him, but I do have the opportunity to help others who are suffering.” Lavallee has been accepted into the nursing program at Saskatchewan Polytechnic in Saskatoon.

Lavallee is from the Flying Dust First Nation.

She has demonstrated commitment to her studies and has been an active volunteer in the community, including volunteering at Stensrud

SaskTel Aboriginal Youth Awards of Excellence At the 16th annual SaskTel Aboriginal Youth Awards of Excellence 2014, Saskatoon Public Schools had 24 students nominated for awards. Three students from Saskatoon Public Schools won major awards: Cheyenne Albert from Aden Bowman Collegiate won the Community Service Award, Sheldon Lacerte from Bedford Road Collegiate won the Technology/Science Award and Prairie Rose Littletent from Evan Hardy Collegiate won the Culture Award.

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Rittinger to the Rescue Tyler Rittinger, a teacher with the EcoQuest program, received the Award of Merit from the Saskatoon Fire Department. While out running with his students one day in early May, Rittinger spotted a person in the South Saskatchewan River requiring assistance. Rittinger called 911 and was able to provide assistance until emergency services arrived.

Dig Deeper The Grade 4/5 class at John Lake School won an award through the Saskatchewan Mining Association’s Digging Deeper Challenge. For their video, The Importance of Mining, students along with teacher Lisa Proctor received the Best Class Entry award. Their video can be viewed online http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZWCAMMmiaU&feature=youtu.be

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Adrian Linsangan Randomness in My Face marker, pen, gouache on paper EVAN HARDY COLLEGIATE Grade 10

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FACILITIES FOR LEARNING

With a focus on creating supportive learning environments for all students, facilities work in the school division remained hectic over the 2013–14 school year, with several exciting projects on the horizon.

In October, the provincial government announced plans to build nine new joint-use school facilities in the communities of Saskatoon, Warman, Martensville and Regina.

For Saskatoon Public Schools, this means new schools will be built in four flourishing new neighbourhoods: Evergreen, Hampton Village, Rosewood and Stonebridge. Since the announcement, the school division has been working with the provincial government on planning and design for the new schools.

This included a five-day workshop in March to determine design elements for the new jointuse schools, which was attended by a group of staff members, students, parents and trustees from each school division involved in the project.

It is hoped that construction on the nine facilities will begin in August 2015, with all expected to be ready for students and staff members in August 2017.

As planning is underway for four new schools, the next facility to open in our school division is close to completion. Willowgrove School—part of a joint-use facility with Holy Family School and the City of Saskatoon—is in the final stages of construction. This state-of-the-art school facility will set a new standard for exemplary

student learning environments when it opens its doors, which is expected to occur in early 2015.

As our school division has welcomed hundreds of new students, our facilities have adjusted to meet the needs of students and support important programming opportunities. During this school year, 12 new portable classrooms were added to six schools: Dr. John G. Egnatoff, Dundonald, École Lakeview, Silverspring and W.P. Bate schools, as well as Centennial Collegiate.

New portable classrooms are under construction for École Forest Grove, Dundonald and École Henry Kelsey schools. These new learning spaces are expected to be ready for the start of the 2014–15 school year.

Renovations to Caroline Robins Community School have been completed. The construction project that began in spring 2013 saw the creation of a 21st Century Learning Academy, renovated early years classrooms for preKindergarten and Kindergarten, as well as a new 50-space early learning childcare centre.

The school is home to a new learning resource centre and joint inquiry learning space, as well as additional technology provided to support learning in all classrooms.

The focus on healthy and safe learning environments is a top priority of the school division as it continues to invest in its existing schools—some of which are more than 100 years old—and all of which are significant educational and community assets.

Municipal Heritage Award Saskatoon Public Schools received a Municipal Heritage Award for Nutana Collegiate in the Restoration Exterior category. Nutana, which is the oldest high school in Saskatoon, received almost $14 million worth of renovations and upgrades to ensure it will continue to serve students and the community long into the future.

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Centennial Celebration Buena Vista School celebrated its 100th anniversary with a three-day celebration in May 2014.

Current students and staff members were joined by alumni, former staff and community members in marking the centennial of the grand castle school.

The following passage was shared at the celebration by Board Chair Ray Morrison. It is an excerpt from a letter received by the school board in 1959. It was kindly written by a Buena Vista parent upon the last of her three children finishing at the school. Her children completed a total of 25 years of schooling at Buena Vista School.

“They were good years. The children enjoyed learning, they enjoyed the companionship of wonderful friends and mostly, I think, they enjoyed their teachers…They received the fundamentals of their education parallel to their ability and no one could ask for more. As a parent, I do not countenance the phrase ‘When you are finished’, for I hope that they will never be finished learning.”

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The Debaters In the 2013–14 school year, 85 elementary and collegiate students from Saskatoon Public Schools took part in debate clubs in their schools. Walter Murray Collegiate student Jason Xiao (centre) will be part of Team Canada for debate in the 2014–15 year. Walter Murray has had more debaters on Team Canada than any other high school in Saskatchewan, with three making the team in the past seven years.

Carolynn Froats @fcarolynn @StoonPubSchools Special day for our Pleasant Hill grade 8 students, they helped create St.Paul’s mural 10:40 AM - 13 Sep 13

YWCA Saskatoon @YWCA Saskatoon Merci beaucoup to the students at Victoria School for collecting items on the wish list! Joyeux noel! #donate #shelter #christmas365 2:56 PM - 3 Dec 13

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Saskatoon Public @StoonPubSchools Green is the colour for @StoonPubSchools Central Office staff. Go @sskroughriders! #Riders #GreyCup101 #spslearn 2:54 PM - 22 Nov 13

SUM Performance Caswell Community School received a $9,000 Saskatchewan Arts Board ArtsSmarts grant to bring in Sum Theatre to work with students. For several weeks, students interviewed members of their community to learn more about Caswell Hill. In a final performance, students explored their community’s history through music, drama and dance.

Huskie Heroes At a University of Saskatchewan Huskie basketball game in November, 1,600 winter apparel items were collected and another 200 purchased through cash proceeds from the sale of Huskie mittens. Some of the winter apparel was donated to students and families at Confederation Park Community School.

Ali Peters @alimusicgeek Love when PD is insightful and productive... great @StoonPubSchools ArtsEd teachers’ discussion AND interesting tour/time in Misbah School.

3:42 PM - 27 May 14

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Team Players As part of the Saskatoon Secondary Schools Athletic Directorate (SSSAD), Saskatoon Public Schools supports collegiate athletic teams in 10 different sports, encompassing 3,459 team members.

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Saskatoon Public @StoonPubSchools Sara Stone, Grade 7 teacher at Brunskill School, was recognized by the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission for her work #spslearn 7:04 PM - 17 Jun 14

Saskatoon Public @StoonPubSchools SPS photographer @RobertGKunz in the thick of it at École Alvin Buckwold School today. #spslearn 4:50 PM - 20 Nov 13

Patrick Mooney @PatrickJMooney Howard Coad School is preparing for National Aboriginal Day in our assembly this morning! Recognizing & honouring our indigenous people!

9:42 AM - 20 Jun 14

Ambassador Frerichs Jamisan Frerichs, a student from Hollliston School, was named the Easter Seals Ambassador for 2014-15. The 11-year-old was recognized during an assembly at his school.

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Photo: Saskatchewan Abilities Council

Saskatoon Public @StoonPubSchools @donnyparenteau visited 2 of our schools today. First he was at Princess Alexandra this am. #spslearn 12:57 PM - 22 Nov 2013

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PROFILE

French Immersion French Immersion is a program designed for students whose first language is not French. It was first introduced in Saskatoon Public Schools more than 30 years ago. Today, the program is thriving with more than 200 new students entering French Immersion in September 2013.

The program uses French as the primary language of instruction and communication in the school setting to enable students to acquire functional language skills. The goals of Saskatoon Public Schools’ French Immersion program are to offer a comprehensive French education allowing for the personal development of students, and increase French language learning competence while also developing students’ English skills.

The French Immersion program aims for students to communicate effectively in Canada’s two official languages. Upon completing the program, students are able to: pursue post-secondary education/training in both French and English; pursue employment in both languages; and possess an understanding of global perspectives on cultures and peoples, including their own.

At the elementary level, Saskatoon Public Schools offers two programs—elementary French Immersion and Late French Immersion.

The elementary immersion program is offered from Kindergarten to Grade 8, with most entering the program in Kindergarten or Grade 1.

Using the new provincial curricula for early learners, our French Immersion program maintains a strong focus on student identity and language development while fostering students’ achievement in multiple subjects.

Saskatoon Public Schools has six dual-track elementary schools offering parallel English and French programs. The schools are: École Alvin Buckwold School, École College Park School, École Forest Grove School, École Lakeview School, École River Heights School and École Victoria School. One elementary school— École Henry Kelsey—offers a single-track French Immersion program.

Our school division offers Saskatchewan’s only Late French Immersion program in two schools: École College Park School and École Henry Kelsey. Late French Immersion allows students to begin immersive second language study at a later age. Students enter the program in Grade 6 and will be able to successfully graduate with a bilingual diploma upon completing Grade 12.

French Immersion at the collegiate level builds on students established language skills while also building competency in curricular subjects. Saskatoon Public Schools provides French Immersion programming at four of our high schools: Centennial Collegiate, Marion M. Graham Collegiate, Tommy Douglas Collegiate and Walter Murray Collegiate.

In both elementary and high school, French Immersion students are offered unique learning opportunities through excursions and exchanges to further their understanding and appreciation of French language and culture.

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Ministerial Morning Superintendent Donnalee Weinmaster toured Education Minister Don Morgan around John Dolan School.

Candace Bloomquist @CDBloomquist Congrats to Walter Murray Senior Girls Flag Football team, City Champs. @StoonPubSchools @SMF_2002 #stoonrushfootball 9:44 AM - 11 Jun 14

Darren Zary @DZfromtheSP Former NHLer Mike Bossy, one of greatest scorers ever, about to talk to @StoonPubSchools students at Bedford Road. Stay in school. #SPnews 9:05 AM - 17 Oct 13

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Wise Words University of Saskatchewan education professor Dr. Debbie Pushor launched her book, “Portals of Promise: Transforming Beliefs and Practices through a Curriculum of Parents” in November 2013. The book includes chapters written by three Saskatoon Public Schools’ staff members—(from left)Amy Basaraba, Laurel Lindgren, and Cec Chambul.

Global Best The PotashCorp Kamskénow program is a joint winner of the Global Best Award for the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math category for North America. The program is a partnership between PotashCorp, Saskatoon Public Schools, Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools and the University of Saskatchewan. The program provides engaging hands-on science and mathematics activities to community schools in Saskatoon with the goal of increasing science literacy and the participation of Aboriginal people in the sciences.

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CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE ADVISORY COMMITTEE First Nations, Inuit and Métis Education Unit Saskatoon Public Schools is guided by an advisory committee for the development and implementation of culturally responsive schools. The committee is comprised of lifelong advocates for the protection and advancement of First Nations, Inuit and Métis cultures.

The role of the committee is to provide guidance, direction and feedback with respect to the development of culturally responsive schools. In addition, the advisory committee supports professional development both at the school and division level.

MEMBERS: DEXTER ASAPACE—Cree Elder, Kawacatoose First Nation BOB BADGER—Nakawé Traditional Knowledge Keeper, Kawacatoose First Nation CHIEF PERRY BELLEGARDE—Cree/Nakota Traditional Knowledge Keeper, Little Black Bear First Nation RITA BOUVIER—Métis Traditional Knowledge Keeper TOM CHRISTIAN—Nakota/Dakota/Lakota Traditional Knowledge Keeper, Wood Mountain

and Fort Peck First Nation CORT DOGNIEZ—Métis Traditional Knowledge Keeper OTTO FIETZ—Cree Traditional Knowledge Keeper, Lac La Ronge Indian Band JEAN OAKES—Cree Elder, Nekaneet First Nation CHIEF ALBERT SCOTT—Nakawé Traditional Knowledge Keeper, Kinistin First Nation DARLENE SPEIDEL—Lakota Traditional Knowledge Keeper TRACY WILSON—Nakota/Dakota/Cree Traditional Knowledge Keeper, White Bear and Little Pine First Nation

Elder Ken Goodwill Toka Kuwapina Chased by the Enemy Dakota Elder, STANDING BUFFALO FIRST NATION APRIL 16, 1936 - SEPTEMBER 24, 2010 In September 2013, the classroom in the PotashCorp Eco-Science and Indigenous Learning Centre at Brightwater was dedicated to Elder Ken Goodwill.

Elder Goodwill was a member of the Saskatoon Public Schools Cultural Advisory Committee.

Through his guidance, Saskatoon Public Schools developed its cultural responsiveness framework to ensure the inclusion of all students and community members within the school division’s work. Elder Goodwill was also instrumental in the development of the First Nations, Inuit and Métis Education Unit within our school division.

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2014 University Cup @UniversityCupSK 7000+ kids fr @StoonPubSchools @GSCSNews & area will be at #ucup14 today thx to @camecocommunity Power Play Program, supported by @SaskPower 10:16 AM - 21 Mar 14

Bronwyn Eyre @bronwyneyre Incredibly moving to attend John Dolan grad, class of 2014, this afternoon.

Not a dry eye in the place.

2:42 PM - 13 Jun 14

Saskatoon Public @StoonPubSchools Matthew Love, a History, ELA and Arts Ed teacher at @ABCSaskatoon, was recognized as @CBCSask Future 40 #spslearn 7:06 PM - 17 Jun 14

A Lifetime of Learning The Saskatchewan School Boards Association presented the 2013 Life Membership Award to Dan Danielson.

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PROGRESS ON STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

Literacy for Life GOAL: All students, Kindergarten to Grade 12, will read and write at or above grade level in multiple subjects so they can act upon their potential in school and in life — ultimately creating a healthier democratic society for the 21st Century.

This year marked the 10-year anniversary of Literacy for Life at Saskatoon Public Schools.

In 2013–14 we introduced a newly created embedded teaching model, which saw our literacy teachers offer small group support to our new Kindergarten to Grade 2 teachers. This model permits smaller group sizes conducive to conversation and differentiated learning opportunities within the classroom setting.

Evidence collected from our new teachers and the literacy team overwhelmingly supports the continuation of this model to enhance student learning.

The Picture Word Inductive Model (PWIM) continues to be used in our early learning classrooms. PWIM forms the basis for strong language acquisition, reading achievement and enhanced inquiry learning in our classrooms.

Inquiry learning is supported throughout elementary schools with expertise and modeling by our teacher librarians.

In our work, we have placed a strong emphasis on using our Response to Intervention model to address diverse learning needs. Classroom teachers, resource teachers and principals

received extensive professional development in the area of “Tiers of Intervention”. This process allowed a greater understanding of how to differentiate for diverse learner needs.

The ninth Literacy for Life Conference was held in May. The conference theme, Understanding the World through Literacy, spoke to the importance of language and communication in our classrooms as we welcome newcomers to our community. This year, close to 5,000 students attended conference sessions focused on reading, writing, illustrating, French language and culture, financial literacy and the significance of storytelling.

In the spring, the Board of Education renewed its commitment to Literacy for Life as a learning priority for another three years. The goal for the program was updated to include an intense focus on the engagement, achievement and graduation rates of First Nations, Inuit and Métis students.

To view the Literacy for Life 2013–14 prog ress repor t, visit our website www.saskatoonpublicschools.ca

Colleen Dueck @ColleenDueck First time experiencing Library Cup ceremony at École Alvin Buckwold School today. Now that’s a celebration of literacy! @StoonPubSchools 12:33 PM - 19 June 14

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COLLEG I AT

E

™

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Collegiate Renewal GOAL: All collegiate students will be engaged in their learning so that they will graduate as active participants in lifelong learning and as responsible and caring citizens in the community, nation and world.

Collegiate Renewal, a key strategic learning priority for Saskatoon Public Schools, completed its seventh year. Student voice in school decision-making remains a central theme for Collegiate Renewal. During 2013–14, evidence of student voice came in the form of student forums, Tell Them From Me student surveys and through the Youth Engaged in Leadership and Learning (YELL) committee. Of particular note, YELL developed a leadership class at Aden Bowman Collegiate and some YELL school groups participated in TEDx talks based on their collaborative learning.

During the year, professional learning in collegiates connected formative assessment and responsive instruction. Formative assessment is used to increase student learning and academic achievement though excercises undertaken by teachers and students that provide feedback for modifying learning activities. Introduced this year, responsive instruction is a cycle of strong teaching practices that respond to each student’s learning needs. Secondary teachers continued to collaborate during Teacher Learning Group (TLG) time around topics related to instructional best practice, formative assessment and responsive instruction.

This school year was the second of a three-year project that supported five schools with Learning Leaders: First Nations and Métis (FNM) Student Success—a position designed to support FNM students. Supported through funding from the Ministry of Education, these learning leaders focus on culturally responsive instruction and assessment, with the goal to increase student success, retention of FNM students and future graduation rates. These learning leaders encourage the adoption and expansion of programs designed to address potential barriers to success through cultural supports, positive relationships and staff communication about the needs of specific students. Assistance was also provided to support staff in valuing diverse worldviews.

In May 2014, the Board of Education renewed its commitment to Collegiate Renewal for another three years. The goal of the learning priority was also adapted to include a focus on the engagement, achievement and graduation rates of First Nations, Inuit and Métis students.

To r e a d m o r e a b o u t C o l l e g i a t e Renewal, view the year-end repor t at www.saskatoonpublicschools.ca.

PROGRESS ON STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

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New programs, new opportunities Saskatoon Public Schools is launching several new programs and expanding other exciting opportunities for students in the 2014–15 school year: • iGen—Saskatoon Public Schools is partnering with Sherbrooke Community Centre to offer a full-year, inquiry-based classroom program for Grade 6 students that will be held in Sherbooke. This new intergenerational classroom is the first of its kind in Saskatchewan.

• Cameco Centre for Excellence in Science and Mathematics—the program will offer pre-engineering classes at Bedford Road Collegiate.

• Advanced Program—the Grade 9 advanced program is expanding to Evan Hardy Collegiate, joining Walter Murray and Bedford Road collegiates in offering the program for gifted students.

• AcTal—the program for academically talented students will begin at Silverspring School. It is also offered at Caswell and Greystone Heights schools.

• French Immersion—the program will be expanded to Grade 5 at École Alvin Buckwold School, Grade 4 at École Forest Grove School and Grade 10 at Centennial Collegiate.

Saskatoon Public @StoonPubSchools Sherbrooke residents and staff listening to teacher Keri Albert explain the new iGen program. #spslearn 1:20 PM - 12 May 14

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Where has your Saskatoon Public Schools education taken you?

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PROFILE

Dance Academies When Centennial Collegiate first opened its doors in Saskatoon’s northeast in 2006, it also opened the first dance academy in the school division. Dance academy is offered as an arts education credit allowing students in Grades 9 to 12 to take dance in one period per semester for all four years of high school. There is no expectation of previous experience; any student can enroll in the academy.

The academy opened after division staff researched similar program offerings at schools in Calgary and Edmonton. With planning for it underway as Centennial was being built, the academy’s first teacher, Coralee McNarland, assisted with the design of the studio space and necessary flooring in the new school.

Today, six sections of dance are offered at Centennial, allowing for 80 to 100 students to study dance each school year.

Since the creation of the first dance academy at Centennial, another has begun at Marion M. Graham Collegiate. With a designated dance studio that features a sprung hardwood floor, wall-to-wall mirrors and dance barres, students can study dance at school with a qualified dance teacher. Through differentiated instructional techniques, dancers with years of training work alongside those who are new to the discipline.

Students get credits for dance courses and have multiple opportunities to perform in school productions and at special functions.

In Grade 9, the academy class is designed to be an active and energetic introduction to foundational dance techniques. The focus is on four different dance styles to start: hip hop, jazz, lyrical and cultural. The program also makes connections to music, drama and visual art, as well as to social justice.

By Grade 12, students explore a variety of dance forms to understand a wide range of styles.

The three main components for the student’s work is on composition, performance and analysis with Dance 30 students performing in a year-end dance showcase.

Alongside the academies, strong dance programs are available at Bedford Road, Evan Hardy, Tommy Douglas and Walter Murray Collegiates. These secondary schools offer dance in Grades 10–12 for students to attain an arts education credit in a focused area.

Dance academies have proven to be a popular offering at several Saskatoon public high schools, carrying a strong reputation and drawing in students seeking educational opportunities involving dance.

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Britainy Robinson @britrobcbc A mixture of screams and cheers as students at W.P. Bate school meet Baby T #walkingwithdinosaurs #cbcyxe #skcbc 12:47 PM - 16 Apr 14

Lakeridge Bands @Lakeridgebands I am happy to announce that the Lakeridge Jazz Band got first in their class at the Saskatoon Music Festival!!

7:26 AM - 16 Apr 14

Living in Harmony 2013 Award winners Several students were recognized through the City of Saskatoon’s Living in Harmony Awards:

Visual Art Awards (Elementary School Level): Carl Songco - Brownell School Marione Pangilinan - Brownell School Visual Art Awards (High School Level): Mehar Un-Nisa - Royal West Campus.

Literary Awards (Elementary School Level): Shaye Currie, Wildwood School École Alvin Buckwold Grade 6/7 class Recognition Award (Elementary School Level): Vincent Massey Community School

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Cameco Community @camecocommunity Cameco is proud to bring Andrew Albers - a true SK role model - to Tommy Douglas Collegiate today @StoonPubSchools 10:47 AM - 20 Jan 14

Finnish Lessons Alana Krug-MacLeod, a Grade 11 Student at Aden Bowman Collegiate, was selected to take part in the 2014 Millennium Youth Camp at the Technology Academy Finland, focusing on climate and climate change. Krug-MacLeod was also recognized as a national winner in the 2014 Canada Day Challenge in the digital photography category presented by the Department of Canadian Heritage.

Cst. Derek Chesney @SPSDerekChesney @deeannmercier@TheLighthouseSK Great video by Evan Hardy students, shining a light on mental illness. “Everybody has a story� well done!!!!

11:26 AM - 31 Jan 14

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PARTNERSHIPS WITH OUR COMMUNITY

School Zone Safety Student safety is Saskatoon Public Schools’ number one priority. Our school division has well-developed partnerships with community agencies to help ensure the safety of students in our school zones.

In September 2013, Saskatoon Public Schools, Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools, the City of Saskatoon and Saskatoon Police Service launched a major school zone safety campaign called “A Safer You, A Safer Me.” A unique aspect of this campaign is that the safety message is being presented by students. Students created six-word memoirs and two student submissions were chosen to be featured in the campaign that highlights school zone regulations.

School Safety Patrols are another partnership to enhance school zone safety. This partnership between Saskatoon Public Schools, Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools, the Saskatoon Police Service and CAA Saskatchewan support the work that School Safety Patrollers do in our schools. The School Safety Patrollers instruct and direct students in crossing the roadways at or near their schools. This leadership opportunity in seven of our elementary schools assists teachers and parents in the instruction of safe pedestrian practices. Each year the partners recognize exemplary School Safety Patrollers at an awards celebration and with a province-wide jamboree held in Regina. These young volunteers play an important role in creating safer school zones at their schools.

Everbridge Mass Notification System As part of our commitment to student safety, Saskatoon Public Schools believes in providing comprehensive means for communicating with families. It is our goal to provide parents and caregivers with important information promptly when necessary. In 2013–14, our school division partnered with the City of Saskatoon Emergency Measures Organization to use the new mass notification system provided by Everbridge. Using this notification system, our

division will be able to notify families of urgent situations that cause a disruption to school operations. This may include severe weather, water main breaks, power outages and school lockdowns. Our division values having open communication with parents and caregivers.

This new system will help to efficiently address challenges and effectively communicate pertinent information to families.

Saskatoon Public @StoonPubSchools Some Alvin Buckwold students meeting Police Chief Clive Weighill @SaskatoonPolice 10:26 AM - 24 Jun 14

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Saskatoon and Area Community Threat Assessment and Support Protocol (CTASP) In November 2013, Saskatoon Public Schools, as part of its Safe, Caring and Accepting Schools core strategy, joined 13 previous partners and six new partners in re-signing the Saskatoon and Area Community Threat Assessment and Support Protocol. The protocol is a major initiative in the area of violence threat risk assessment. This unique multi-agency protocol, first signed in August 2011, is guided by the

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principle that violence prevention in schools and neighborhoods is a community responsibility.

The protocol facilitates proactive sharing of information among agencies, allowing for the development of strong intervention and support plans for children, youth and families.

Each agency that signed the protocol recognizes that working together is a necessity to meet the goal of safe schools and healthy communities.

Child Hunger Education Program (CHEP) The Child Hunger Education Program (CHEP) continues to support positive nutrition in the Saskatoon public schools that have the greatest need. CHEP plays an important part in providing nutrition support to impoverished families.

students with a nutritious fruit, vegetable, yogurt or milk that allows every student a better opportunity to learn and perform academically.

The lunches that CHEP supplies are essential in supporting learning for young students in need.

Our school division had 20 schools that accessed the CHEP program in 2013–14 and there is potential for more schools that have families in need in the future. The universal snack program in these schools provides all

Our division looks forward to its ongoing partnership with CHEP as we work to reduce barriers and increase learning opportunities for all students.

Restorative Action Program (RAP) The Restorative Action Program (RAP) was piloted at Mount Royal Collegiate in 2003 through a partnership with the Rotary Club of Saskatoon. This community partnership has expanded to seven collegiates (four public) in Saskatoon and celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2013. In Saskatoon Public Schools, the program can be found in Mount Royal Collegiate, Bedford Road Collegiate, Walter Murray Collegiate and Tommy Douglas Collegiate.

The school-based program provides conflict resolution training and services, leadership development and life skills to Saskatoon youth. The goals of RAP are guided by three

core principles: prevention, intervention and reconnection. This initiative aligns with Saskatoon Public Schools’ Safe, Caring and Accepting Schools core strategy. Students, staff, administration and parents/guardians work closely with RAP workers to resolve issues that have the potential to stand in the way of academic success and personal growth.

In January 2014, Jack and Shirley Brodsky donated more than $100,000 to RAP. This generous donation will be used to support the RAP Program and its expansion into more Saskatoon high schools.

John Dewar Award Jade Dulle, a Tommy Douglas Collegiate student, received the John Dewar Award from the Restorative Action Program. The bursary is awarded to a student attending a RAP school who will be continuing their education after high school or will be entering an apprenticeship program.

Photo: Nina Henry

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Roots of Empathy The founder of the Roots of Empathy “The Roots of Empathy program is letting my program, Mary Gordon, believes that empathy students engage in conversation—talking about development in school-age children supports their feelings and how they see or understand a more caring, safe and accepting society. In something. When I ask students what they have 2013–14, Vincent Massey and Confederation learned from the program, this is what one Park community schools participated in student said: ‘I know what respect looks like the Roots of Empathy program. For eight now. It’s like loving everybody.’ Another student months, students in Grades 3-6 interacted told me, ‘I learned to be nicer to other people with a newborn and its parents. The baby and I try to understand where they are coming was welcomed into the classroom through from. Like if a student is grumpy, I understand observation, questioning and physical contact. that maybe he didn’t get enough sleep just Students measured and weighed the baby like baby Aria or someone else was rude to to monitor physical growth. They also wrote him. That’s me understanding empathy.’ I was letters and stories, and questioned how the surprised at one of my students who is a shy baby matured emotionally. newcomer to Canada. She said: ‘If someone is being a bully, we won’t hide it, we know how to tell them or a teacher. I have feelings, too’.”

— Vincent Massey teacher Trudy Williams describing the prog ram’s success in her classroom.

Settlement Support Worker in Schools (SSWIS) Saskatoon Public Schools celebrates its continued partnership with Saskatoon Open Door Society.

As a facet of this strong partnership between our school division, Saskatoon Open Door Society, Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools, Conseil des écoles fransaskoises and Citizenship and Immigration Canada, the Settlement Support Workers in Schools (SSWIS) program supports new Canadians transitioning into the school setting.

The school-based outreach team of eight settlement support workers and one SSWIS

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team leader are often the communication link between schools and families. In addition, they provide settlement assistance to families in a variety of ways including a newcomer orientation in August, parent information evenings, interpretation support for parent-teacher interviews and referrals to community programming.

Saskatoon Public Schools greatly appreciates the many supports provided by this program and others at Saskatoon Open Door Society.

The Okicı–yapi Partnership –

Okicı yapi—working together for the better good (common purpose) –

The Okicı yapi Partnership represents a valued relationship Saskatoon Public Schools has with the Saskatoon Tribal Council (STC) and Central Urban Métis Federation Inc. (CUMFI). The partnership was originally signed between the school division and STC in 2003. In June 2006, CUMFI joined the partnership.

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In 2013–14, the Okicı yapi Partnership had working group meetings over the course of the year focusing on progress made in working towards the core values and key goals of the partnership. The partnership had representation at the Confederation Park Cree Language and Culture talking circles in February 2014, which discussed next steps in cultural programming taking place at the school.

The school division’s First Nations, Inuit and Métis educational unit facilitated training of Treaty Catalyst teachers, increasing the number in the school system to more than 110. At – the Okicı yapi year-end celebration, which took place at Whitecap Dakota First Nation in May 2014, elders from all three organizations enjoyed the celebration of partnership work and encouraged the partnership to have a larger elder sharing session in future years. Based on this directive, STC has organized an Elder’s Gathering for the fall with all three organizations planning to have elder representation at the event.

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Representatives from all three of the Okicı yapi partners presented on “Honouring Indigenous Learning Through Educational Partnerships” at the World Indigenous Peoples Conference on Education (WIPCE) in Honolulu, Hawaii in May 2014 .

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Métis Cultural Program The Métis Cultural Program celebrated its second year of operation in 2013–14 at Westmount Community School. The program is the first of its kind in Saskatoon Public Schools.

Westmount is the first provincial school to initiate a Métis program that supports both the cultural and academic needs of the students.

The Métis Cultural Program was created to preserve, strengthen and transmit Métis culture and traditions in Saskatchewan. The participants are all Kindergarten to Grade 8 students at Westmount. All of the students

receive three 50-minute periods of Métis culture per week. The program aims to involve parents as volunteers to share their knowledge of Métis culture and their expertise in beading, cooking, sewing, weaving, dance and music.

In order to provide ample opportunities and experiences for students, the program has partnered with Gabriel Dumont Institute, Saskatchewan Urban Native Teacher Education Program, Central Urban Métis Federation Inc. and the Métis Friendship Center.

Whitecap Dakota First Nation Historic work continues between Saskatoon Public Schools and Whitecap Dakota First Nation as they move towards signing an alliance agreement between the two organizations.

The agreement is expected to be formally in place in fall 2014. The forthcoming alliance agreement is based on a foundation of sharing and trust created over a more than 20-year relationship between the school division and the First Nation.

For years, students who attended Whitecap School through Grade 6 transitioned to Caswell Community School in Grade 7. To

support students making the move, the school communities came together several times during the 2013–14 school year for events like gym blasts and joint field trips. Several classes from Caswell also attended the Remembrance Day service at Whitecap School.

After three years as principal of Whitecap School, Jeff Shepherd has transitioned to a principalship elsewhere within the school division. He was gifted with a star blanket from the Whitecap Dakota First Nation community in recognition of his leadership and good work.

Whitecap School @whitecapschool Whitecap students in grades 4–6 transitioning into John Lake are feeling very welcome. #spslearn #makingfriends 10:35 AM - 17 Jun14

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Nêhiyâwiwin Cree Language and Culture Program The Nêhiyâwiwin Cree Language and Culture Program is a bilingual/bicultural program, which started in the fall of 2005 at Confederation Park Community School. The program offers Pre-K – Grade 5 programming. It is a joint – project of the Okicı yapi Partnership involving the Saskatoon Tribal Council, Central Urban Métis Federation Inc. and Saskatoon Public Schools. Transportation is provided for any interested students in Saskatoon.

Cultural teachings are an integral part of the program. Students attend feasts, ceremonies, powwows and round dances. In 2013–14, students sang O Canada in Cree at the Living in Harmony Awards, as well as performed for a gathering of elders at Whitecap Dakota First Nation. The program’s drum group performed at many events and put on workshops for a handful of elementary schools in Saskatoon.

PotashCorp Children’s Festival of Saskatchewan During the first week of June, Literacy for Life— in partnership with the PotashCorp Children’s Festival of Saskatchewan—sponsored 1,300 K–Grade 5 students to attend the annual festival. This year’s program featured a variety of curricular connections, including the celebration of cultural differences and several performances to support English as an Additional Language (EAL) learners.

music performances and imaginative storytellers. Many performances were available in English and French. One particular favorite was ERTH’s Dinosaur Zoo, which allowed the audience to encounter dinosaurs in a highly realistic way. These opportunities contribute to enhanced critical and creative thinking skills, which contributes to greater language development and reading success.

Our students enjoyed puppet shows, improv theatre, magic shows, interactive activities,

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Saskatoon Industry-Education Council (SIEC) The Saskatoon Industry-Education Council (SIEC) is a bridge between Saskatchewan’s career opportunities and Saskatoon-area youth.

Through partnerships with business, secondary and post-secondary schools, unique hands-on career exploration events and programs are designed and delivered to students, helping them find a career that connects their passion and natural talents with current and future workforce needs.

SIEC's mandate is to provide career development and discovery opportunities for youth, educators and career practitioners through the following programs: • Spotlight on Careers (highlighting more than 85 careers); • Skills Boot Camps (Construction, Automotive and Culinary); • Digitized and Connected (careers in computers); • Health Link (careers in health care); • Cardboard Boat Race Challenge, which engaged more than 600 Grade 8 students building boats from cardboard and then racing them across Harry Bailey pool;

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• Summer Youth Internship Program; and • Contact Conference (career development conference for counsellors and teachers involved in career development.)

The Summer Youth Internship Program placed 46 Saskatoon Public School students with companies in the trades, culinary, and information and technology sectors. Many of these students received high school credits and safety training during this six-week program.

Saskatoon Public Schools values its partnership with the SIEC, and appreciates the substantial benefits and career knowledge this partnership brings to our students. More than 2,500 students in Grades 7–12 participated in opportunities presented by the SIEC in 2013–14. The number of students participating continues to grow from year to year as students and parents, working together with our schools’ career facilitators, become increasingly aware of the value of career development.

Mount Royal Partnerships Saskatoon Trades and Skills Centre (STSC) The Saskatoon Trades and Skills Centre continues to grow and develop in Saskatoon at its Avenue W Campus attached to Mount Royal Collegiate. This centre operates under four basic pillars as set out by its Executive Director and the Board of Directors: 1. Engage vulnerable youth and adults in entry-level skill training.

2. Transition learners to meaningful employment.

3. Build communities through partnerships.

STSC assists all people with an opportunity for employment based on skills acquired. The Saskatoon Public School Division is one of the key partners that works with STSC in helping with growth and prosperity for many young adults. The facility is second to none in regard to providing building programs and space for learning. Each year there is an increase in the number of trained skilled labourers for whom STSC is able to help secure jobs. There are continued growth opportunities in STSC in the 2014–15 school year.

4. Ensure organizational stability and accountability.

High School Carpentry Apprenticeship Program (HCAP) The High School Carpentry Apprentice Program (HCAP) continues to create opportunities for hands-on learning for more than 30 youth in the Saskatoon Public School Division. Once again we were able to offer the HCAP program in both semesters of the 2013–14 school year.

This year the focus was on a variety of building projects ranging from complete garage packages to garden sheds and a variety of

renovation projects around Saskatoon. It was once again a great opportunity for students to apply practical skills to a variety of construction situations. All students were thoroughly engaged in their projects and this allowed them to gain valuable skills, as well as accumulate apprenticeship hours that will benefit them as they move in to an employment opportunity in the construction trade.

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Royal West “Many Pathways to Success” Royal West Campus operates much differently than other collegiates. It is an adult campus where students can negotiate the pace at which they progress through their course(s) to best meet their individual learning needs and to ensure deep understanding of content. Each student comes to us with a different story as to why they are here and what their goals are, and we work with them to find their path to success.

Royal West offers an Adult EAL LIFE program, which has completed its fourth successful year. The program is for those English and an Additional Language students who are learners with interrupted formal education, between 18 and 22 years old. Students’ education in their home country may have been interrupted by war, displacement, social or political unrest, or famine. Typically, candidates for this program have limited literacy skills in their first language due to a lack of opportunity to attend formal school and no or low English skills. The Adult EAL LIFE program recognizes the unique needs, ways of learning and goals these diverse learners have and is built around the individual needs of the students. The main focus of the program is on providing students an environment in which they can acquire English language skills at the same time they develop literacy skills. If students acquire the necessary English language skills, they may also enrol in academic courses at Royal West in conjunction with the Adult EAL Program.

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Two partners located within Royal West’s facility provide further assistance for students: The University of Saskatchewan Arts and Science Transition Program and the Early Learning Centre.

The U of S transition program was designed specifically for students whose high school grades fall below the College of Arts & Science’s admission requirements. The program provides a supportive and close-knit learning environment that helps students make the jump from high school to university. This program moved to the U of S campus in June 2014.

Royal West Early Learning Centre is a licensed infant, toddler and preschool daycare program.

The play-based, problem-solving learning environment offers children the opportunity to explore, discover and create. Developmentally appropriate activities are planned to enrich cognitive development as well as social and emotional growth. The center has access to the services of a Speech and Language Pathologist and Behavioral Consultant. What it provides Royal West student parents is a safe, educational environment for their children as they too are learning and growing.

Care and Share Since 1997, Saskatoon Public Schools have benefited from the generosity and kindness of the Care and Share program. Care and Share works through our school community coordinators to identify needs within community schools. Schools are partnered with local businesses. These businesses enhance the lives of our children by: providing a holiday lunch to over 3,800 students and staff, purchasing books for classroom libraries, creating parent spaces in our schools, purchasing playground equipment and much more.

The mission of Care and Share is to ensure all children have an opportunity to develop to their potential in sports, culture and recreation.

Examples of this work include: Little KICS soccer, learn to bowl, babysitter program, cheerleading/dance, wrestling, Recess Guardians, yoga, learn to curl and the creation of school rinks. The Dignity Fund allows our community coordinators to work with children, youth and their families to buy needed supplies in a self-respecting manner.

Of special note was the generous donation of time and talent creating the new playground at Mayfair Community School by Wright Construction. Saskatoon Public School children and youth value the ongoing partnership we have with Care and Share.

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Love Your Language, Speak with Pride Indigenous Language Festival Nearly 400 students from Grades 3–5 gathered at E. D. Feehan High School in February for the Love Your Language–Speak With Pride Indigenous Language Celebration.

Saskatoon Public Schools, Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools and Saskatoon Tribal Council hosted the event. Students from all three partner organizations were in attendance to celebrate indigenous languages.

The theme of this year’s celebration was sharing traditional knowledge. With that in mind, students had the opportunity to attend morning sessions to learn about drumming, storytelling, dance, uses of the buffalo, plant uses and tipi raising. In the afternoon, various classrooms performed poems and songs in –.

Cree, Dakota, Michif or Nakawe The event is designed for students to celebrate and express their Indigenous language and culture.

School Health Initiative with Nursing Education (SHINE) The School Health Initiative with Nursing Education, or SHINE Program, has been operating at North Park Wilson School since 2007 and later expanded to Brunskill School.

Nursing students from the University of Saskatchewan’s College of Nursing complete a senior clinical course while working at the schools under the guidance of a program coordinator.

The program has made a valuable contribution to the health, well-being and education of

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students and their families. The program provides the following services: • Health education in the classroom • Health and wellness promotion • Illness/injury prevention and first aid • Resource development and support for school staff

PARTNERSHIPS WITH OUR COMMUNITY

School Community Councils (SCC) School Community Councils (SCC) are an excellent example of how schools partner with their communities to meet schools’ educational goals. SCCs are made up of elected community members. These councils advise schools and, in turn, share responsibility for students’ achievements and successes. SCCs play a vital role in school planning and provide input for areas of improvement.

Individual councils meet regularly throughout the year to discuss, plan and collaborate. They also have three opportunities to come together with councils from across the school division during SCC Assembly meetings. As partners in education, SCC members receive updates and information from the board chair, the director of education and administrative council. The school division acknowledges the work of SCCs in our ongoing effort to create the best schools for our students.

School Community Councils are always thinking about parent and community engagement in education. We are very lucky in Saskatoon, because we have so many SCCs with conscientious, engaged parent and community members who give their time and efforts to enhancing our children’s learning in an endless variety of meaningful ways.

Three times per year, the SCCs of all Saskatoon public schools gather for an assembled meeting. When dedicated parents and staff from all over the city sit down together, let’s just say it’s a prolific meeting of minds! For the past two years, I have had the privilege to stand next to the inimitable Ray Morrison as co-chair of the assembly, and therein had the good fortune to meet and work with a group of people who are far more than individuals— they are a driving force for success in education and they are in it all the way.

I look forward to the new energy and collaboration the fall will bring.

Sue Gauthier SCC Assembly Co-Chair

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Hingley Honour Jennifer Hingley, coordinator of the First Nations, Inuit and Métis Education Unit, received an Aboriginal Achievement Award from the Indigenous Students’ Council at the University of Saskatchewan. According to the university, the award recognizes “her academic achievements and honours her approach to education.”

Saskatoon Public @StoonPubSchools Silverwood Heights students are wrapping gifts for families staying at the Ronald MacDonald House 7:59 PM - 20 Dec 20

Pamela GouldenMcLeod @McPam42 Greystone Heights School is School Safety Patrol team of the year in @StoonPubSchools. #safety 7:59 PM - 16 Apr 14

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SASKATOON PUBLIC SCHOOLS FOUNDATION

The Saskatoon Public Schools Foundation is an independent non-profit organization established in 2008 to support enriched educational opportunities for students attending Saskatoon Public Schools. Students are at the heart of the foundation’s work and its collaborations in the community allow the school division to go above and beyond, removing barriers, levelling the playing field and facilitating student success.

The foundation’s extraordinary partnerships with generous people and organizations are proof this community cares about the future of our young people. The foundation is grateful to its generous and thoughtful donors who are inspired to make a difference. With their support, the foundation donated $1.2 million for enhanced educational opportunities that went above and beyond for students. Below are a few of this year’s highlights.

• Thanks to the an anonymous $500,000 donation pledged over five years, the Early Learner Literacy Tutor Program was launched to allow students with intensive reading needs the opportunity to receive one-on-one support. An excellent team of tutors and volunteers provided 82 learners with the gift of reading. The goal of the tutor program is to bring students to grade level in their reading scores and the results have been simply amazing!

• Cameco donated $586,000 to create the Cameco Centre of Excellence in Science and Mathematics at Bedford Road Collegiate. Opened in September 2014, this specialized program provides students with practical hands-on experience and problem-solving skills in an interactive state-of-the-art lab environment. The centre will foster students’ curiosity and skills in math and sciences through a focus on pre-engineering and design.

• Summer Reading Camp in its second year will support up to 200 learners in a two-week camp designed to prevent the ‘summer slip’. Great books, snacks

and action-packed mornings help students become stronger and more confident readers.

• The foundation worked with Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada to secure a grant that contributed $100,000 for a literacy and numeracy coaching program at both Bedford Road and Mount Royal collegiates. This highly successful program provided intensive support to 231 students, making a profound difference in their learning and academic achievement. Also through this federal department, a grant of $58,000 supported students at Mount Royal with bus passes to facilitate transportation to and from school. Over 200 students benefited from this program.

• An extraordinary gift of $200,000 from PotashCorp supported the Food4Thought Nutrition Program in 20 schools. This generous donation provided much needed nutrition to students by supplying 75,000 breakfasts, 292,000 lunches and 600,000 snacks. PotashCorp’s total gifts of $400,000 in the past two years to support student nutrition and the development of community gardens is remarkable and making a tremendous difference to student learning and achievement.

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• This year’s Celebrity Roast (formerly Fools’ Roast) featuring Lorne Wright was a huge success raising $68,000. Evan Hardy Collegiate hosted the roast and, with help from students, it was a memorable event for everyone in attendance while raising funds for the foundation.

Saskatoon Public Schools Foundation Board of Directors:

Zeba Ahmad

• The Enhanced Education School Grants program provided all 54 schools with a $1,000 grant for their unique initiatives that had a focus on citizenship, student leadership, cultural responsiveness, healthy active living, the environment or the arts.

Bruce Bradshaw

Kathleen Brannen

Lee Braaten (Chair)

Don Ewart

Randy Katzman

The foundation extends a sincere thank you to all the Saskatoon Public Schools’ staff and trustees who made monthly contributions through payroll deductions during the 2013–14 school year. We would also like to acknowledge outstanding support received by so many people at Saskatoon Public Schools.

The caring nature of everyone in the school division makes great things possible and allow us to go above and beyond for students.

Ray Morrison

Jim Propp

Jesse Radu

Shane Skjerven

Janet Uchacz-Hart

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Saskatoon Public @StoonPubSchools Bedford Road Collegiate is the new home of the Redhawks. #bedfordstrong #spslearn 10:00 AM - 3 Jun 14

marylea @metisluv @StoonPubSchools public school teachers are the reason my children are succeeding academically and they don’t get enough recognition 8:18 PM - 30 May 14

Chandra McIvor @McIvorCM Youngest gender & sexual diversity 101 student presentation to date was an incredible success!! :) Grade 7, KG Elementary 9:18 AM - 31 Jan 14

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Patenaude Prix Celine Patenaude, a Grade 2 teacher at École River Heights School, received the Prix Rezansoff. This is an award given by the Saskatchewan Association of Teachers of French to a deserving teacher who encourages the teaching of French in Saskatchewan and is dedicated to encouraging French language learning in the province.

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2013-14 SASKATOON PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Superannuated

Employees

Pam Beatty

Shirley Figley

Linda Klassen

Gerry Postnikoff

Carrie Berry

Lori Florence

Daryl Koroluk

Brenda Prefontaine

Elaine Binner

Brent Forrester

Beverley Lackie

Sylvia Regnier

Jeffrey Black

Jean-Luc Gaudet

Ford Mantyka

Linda Reynolds

Linda Blair

June Gervais

Keven Mapes

Edna Selski

Anne Bocking

Catherine Graham

Sandie McCaig

Bonnie Semenoff

Yves Bousquet

Becky Hanson

Brian McCaig

Teresa Styles

Dave Carlston

Dwight Harnish

Judy McFadden

Doug Swain

Trudy Cook

Janice Harrison

Pat Megaw

Janet Symon

Jean Currie

Laurie Jay

Dawn Merrilees

Wilma Terlesky

Eileen Deneiko

Hilton Jay

Jackie Millich

Brent Terry

Ghislaine de Tilly

CarolineJensen

Sharon Mirtle

Myrna Thode

Patricia Dubets

Gloria Kaiser

Ray Morris

Bev Vermeulen

Renee Duddridge

Donna Kaminiski

Donna Nazar

Arlene Wharington

Sheryl Ens

Linda Kaminski

Donna Olain

Muriel Ziegler

Sheila Erickson

Irene Kindrachuk

Lousie Pancyr

Dean Faris

Cole Kirby

Celine Patenaude

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Saskatoon Public @StoonPubSchools Congratulations to James Funk, @AdenBowmanBears teacher and distance running coach, for winning the Sask Marathon! #spslearn 8:36 AM - 26 May 14

GoodLife Kids Fdn @GoodLifeKids Thanks for the shout out Hugh Cairns @StoonPubSchools #Win4Kids @GoodLifeFitness @GoodLifeSASK 6:59 AM - 11 Mar 14

Darryl Isbister @Darryl_Isbister Looking forward to a day of Indigenous Knowledge Sharing with staff and students at Brevoort Park School.

8:14 AM - 22 May 14

Sister Schools Students from Prince Philip School joined their counterparts from their twin school in Port Carling, Ontario for a steamship cruise on Lake Muskoka.

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Ian Wilson @PrincipalMrW Principal Cody Hanke honoured for his good work at start of Bedford Road Powwow 11:09 AM - 4 Apr 14

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PROFILE

Education for Sustainable Development Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) is an overarching theme in the provincial curriculum. At Saskatoon Public Schools, there are three pillars we focus on within this area: social sustainability, economic sustainability and environmental sustainability.

ESD encourages students to develop attitudes, skills and knowledge in order to make informed, actionable decisions regarding the immediate and long-term benefit of themselves and others.

Along with classroom learning, Saskatoon Public Schools offers numerous opportunities to enhance students’ education in this area. Our school division welcomes students daily to our Brightwater site, located south of Saskatoon near Beaver Creek, which upper-year elementary and high school classes frequently visit for day trips and overnight camps. Our school division also offers several specialized, application-based programs at the elementary and secondary level that focus on the principles of ESD. These programs include EcoQuest and Science Trek at the elementary level, and Earthkeepers and Outdoor School for secondary students.

Our school division’s partnership with Free The Children also falls under the ESD mantle.

This partnership creates rewarding educational opportunities for our students to learn more about the plight of people in need in their community and around the world. For students, this kicks off every year with We Day Saskatchewan and leads

to a year-long focus on sustainable development and charitable projects.

In fall 2013, Saskatoon Public Schools entered into a multi-agency partnership for the Student Action for a Sustainable Future (SASF) project.

This project provides inquiry-based learning opportunities for students with an action focus on sustainability. Support, resources and professional development are available to teachers who deliver ESD principles both inside and outside of the classroom.

The SASF partners include Saskatoon Public Schools, City of Saskatoon’s Environmental and Corporate Initiatives Division, Saskatoon Light & Power, Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools, the Saskatchewan Environmental Society and the University of Saskatchewan’s Sustainability Education Research Institute.

The project culminated in a student tradeshow held in April 2014 at the Western Development Museum. Five classrooms from Saskatoon Public Schools engaged in different types of sustainability projects. Each classroom devised their projects to reflect grade-appropriate curriculum outcomes with students’ interest at the heart of the work. At the tradeshow, students displayed their work and answered questions regarding their findings. Projects focused on recycling, vermicomposting, water conservation, climate change and reducing greenhouse gases.

Sustainable Students The Student Action for Sustainable Future Program has been awarded the 2013 Saskatchewan Waste Minimization Award for the youth schools category. SASF also received an award from the Saskatchewan Regional Centre of Expertise on Education for Sustainable Development.

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Heck Yes Dawn Heck, a physical education teacher at Queen Elizabeth and École College Park schools, received the Quality Daily Physical Education Professional of the Year Award. The award is presented by the Saskatchewan Physical Education Association (SPEA).

Mount Royal Mustangs @mrcimustangs Hey Mustangs, a HUGE shout-out to our own Zach Brown for winning GOLD in the Nat’l Skills Challenge this past weekend! #gomustangsgo 10:31 AM - 10 Jun 14

Colleen Dueck @ColleenDueck More learning about Treaty 6 at Fort Carlton today with Dundonald school. @StoonPubSchools #placebasedlearning #fieldtrip 2:00 PM - 16 Jun 14

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Saskatoon Public @StoonPubSchools Celebrating #dayofpink at central office. Our work towards safe, caring and accepting schools runs all year round.

3:48 PM - 9 Apr 14

DAY OF PINK

Dr. John .G. Egnatoff School

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Prowse Puts Students First In fall 2013, Patricia Prowse was named one of two Student First advisors by Education Minister Don Morgan. Ms. Prowse along with fellow advisor Russ Mirasty spent the academic year traveling across Saskatchewan to speak to students, parents, educators and community members about the best ways to put students first in education.

They presented their findings to the education minister in September 2014.

Lisa Sookerokoff @LSook17 Dundonald choir performing O Canada at Blades game! @bladeshockey @StoonPubSchools Go Blades!

Photo: Steve Hiscock

6:12 PM - 17 Dec 13

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COMMUNITY GARDEN John Dolan School

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CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE

At every Board of Education meeting, there is an agenda item titled Celebrating Excellence. This report to the board highlights the accomplishments and achievements of our students, staff members and schools. It provides an update on our continuous work to strengthen our learning community and meet our organizational goals.

OUR ORGANIZATION GOAL STATES: “Our organization will be principled, innovative, collaborative, accountable, and effective.”

OUR STUDENTS’ LEARNING GOAL STATES: “Our students will engage in relevant and challenging learning opportunities to enhance their academic, personal, and social/cultural growth.”

OUR PEOPLE GOAL STATES: “Our people will be committed to a constructive educational culture that values people, excellence, and life-long learning.”

OUR COMMUNITY GOAL STATES: “We seek to build with our community shared ownership and responsibility for the well-being and education of our children and youth.”

Songwriters’ Education and Training (SWEAT) Program Creating a sense of belonging through the promotion of the arts was integral to the accomplishments of music students from three Saskatoon collegiates. Debbie Tilk (Tommy Douglas Collegiate), Stacey Mortenson (Centennial Collegiate) and Brett Balon (Nutana Collegiate) used ArtsSmarts grants to fund the Songwriters’ Education and Training (SWEAT) program.

As part of the program, Jesse Davis Selkirk, a professional writer, spent time at Nutana

working with students on their songwriting skills. They created a class song about a historical Saskatonian—Two Guns Cohen.

The opportunity was further enhanced when students recorded their work at a professional studio. This time of self-reflection was described as “enhancing your quality of life” and “the story your sound can portray”. Formative assessment practices were used and the initiative had a positive impact on student attendance.

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Early Learning The Ministry of Education outlines the goals of prekindergarten programs in the handbook, Better Beginnings, Better Futures: Effective Practices, Policy and Guidelines for Prekindergarten in Saskatchewan.

Prekindergarten focuses on active, experiential learning through play in a prepared environment using child-centered, self-directed choice for developing the whole child.

One of the key program components of the early learning initiative is parent and family engagement. Dr. Debbie Pushor from University of Saskatchewan's College of Education

has worked with Saskatoon Public Schools on shared authentic family engagement principles and best practice. According to Dr. Pushor, families and parents play an important role in creating ideal learning environments for children. Innovative strategies to host family and community in a classroom setting are being used in schools within the system, such as Sutherland School. When families and schools come together, the social, emotional and academic needs of our youngest learners are met through the partnership of authentic engagement.

Summer Reading Camps Ensuring our early readers receive additional support during the summer months became a reality for 144 Grade 1-3 students in Saskatoon Public Schools. Eleven schools hosted Summer Reading Camps in August 2013. The funds for the camps were provided through a generous donation from the Turnquist family to the Saskatoon Public Schools’ Foundation.

Using the Picture Word Inductive Model and components of Leveled Literacy Intervention, 22 teachers spent the mornings creating

rich and varied literacy tasks for students. In addition to reading and writing, children also received a healthy snack and participated in physical activities to stimulate brain learning receptiveness. The two-week camp culminated with a trip to the Saskatoon Forestry Farm and Zoo. Children and their families arrived on a bus, shared a picnic lunch together and then toured the zoo before receiving a certificate of completion and a Saskatoon Public School tote filled with ‘just right’ books.

Saskatoon Public @StoonPubSchools Fleming: 11 schools, 22 teachers, 144 students, 10 days of literacy camps.

Culminated with celebration at the Forestry Farm. #spslearn 7:07 PM - 25 Sept 13

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We Grow Together We Grow Together is a partnership between Centennial Collegiate (through its Spirit of Youth club) and Caswell Community School Grade 2 students. Students from both schools come together several times per year. The program began three years ago with the following goals: • Create engaged citizens today and in the future by having students in both schools work together in a meaningful way using literacy as a common focus;

• Demystify the transition between elementary school and secondary school by establishing strong ties with caring individuals at both schools; • Create strong positive relationships between secondary and elementary students; and • Provide leadership/mentorship opportunities for Spirit of Youth secondary students.

• Assess whether students who are exposed to social responsibility at a young age will be more likely to continue this socially responsible behavior;

CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE

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McClure Foundation Award In June 2013 at the McClure Place Foundation 11th Annual Golden Heart Dinner, Mrs. Anna Scott and her Grade 1/2 class at Wildwood School were recognized for providing exceptional service to seniors in our community.

Throughout the year, Scott’s class visited McClure Place several times as a care partner activity and participated in activities while visiting and entertaining the residents. The visits throughout the year enabled the students and seniors to learn from and develop an appreciation for each other.

Philosophy for Children The University of Saskatchewan’s Department of Philosophy has joined a group of Grade 5 to 8 students at Hugh Cairns V.C. School to develop and expand philosophical thinking skills. University students and elementary students sit together and ponder: “What makes something beautiful?” or “If you could go back in time, would you change historical events— why or why not?” Philosophical questions emerge over an eight-week period through rich dialogue, thoughtful reflection and a deeper

understanding of philosophy. The importance of critical and creative thinking, social skills and metacognitive abilities all become strengthened.

The Philosophy for Children project is another example of Saskatoon Public Schools’ strong link to the University of Saskatchewan and philosophy’s historical and methodological connection to inquiry-based learning.

Esri Canada Award of Excellence In September 2013, Saskatoon Public Schools was presented with an Award of Excellence

by Esri Canada for its outstanding use of GIS (Geographical Information Systems). The award recognized the division’s efforts to design and develop new web-based mapping applications that support school division planning and provide the public with information on program and school locations within the city.

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The award was accepted on behalf of Saskatoon Public Schools by Daryl Koroluk, Chief Technology Officer, and Susan Bonnor, Programmer/Developer, at the Esri Regina Users conference.

Marion M. Graham Drum Line Arts Education programming at Marion M. Graham Collegiate is thriving. Students have access to five arts strands in the school: band, choral, musical theatre, visual arts and dance.

Each program offers students the opportunity to move from an introductory level in Grade 9 to levels of excellence in senior grades.

The Marion Graham Drum Line receives requests for performances throughout the city, including at this year’s Telemiracle, and brings amazing energy to any venue. Marion Graham students have countless opportunities to develop a lifelong love of the arts or to nurture a future career in the arts.

One of the unique offerings is the Falcon Drum Line Ensemble. The ensemble members display their skills and talents using a wide variety of atypical instruments. The result is a cacophony of musical finesse.

Saskatoon Public @StoonPubSchools Hey #yxe teachers: Marion Graham’s drum line will be @tcu_place Thurs a.m. to raise $ for @Telemiracle. Enjoy the tunes @stoonteachers 1:01 PM - 18 Feb 14

CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE

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Autism Diagnostic Clinic at John Dolan The incidence of autism has increased significantly over the past decade. Saskatoon Public Schools has responded to the demand for diagnostic and intervention supports by establishing an autism diagnostic clinic. The clinic, in operation since December 2012, is housed at John Dolan School and provides diagnostic services for students in Saskatoon Public Schools suspected of having autism spectrum disorder.

The clinic is currently serviced by pediatrician, Dr. Karen Streilein, who volunteers her services, as well as a team of professionals from our division.

Speech Language Pathologists To celebrate Better Speech and Hearing Month in May, the Saskatoon Public Schools’ speech language pathologists (SLPs) prepared a brief video presentation celebrating student success.

The video presentation demonstrated the various ways in which the SLPs are able to shape and facilitate student success throughout the school year.

SLPs are an important part of each school’s collaborative team, and their consultation and expertise are highly sought out by teachers and staff working with students who have complex communication needs. Whether the progress made is rapid or gradual, the growth and evolution of students’ functional communication skills is the most exciting and rewarding part of the SLP profession.

Saskatoon Public @StoonPubSchools Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs) are problem solvers & team enhancers. Leave other staff members w/skills to enhance learning for students 7:04 PM - 20 May 14

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Chloe Woo 3 Little Birds

acrylic on paper ADEN BOWMAN COLLEGIATE Grade 12

Visual Art Arts education is an avenue for creating a strong sense of belonging and self-expression in Saskatoon Public Schools. Over the past few years, Karon Guttormson, the division’s arts education consultant, has enhanced Saskatoon Public Schools’ relationship with the Mendel Art Gallery. Students and staff have greatly benefited from the expertise and professional development offered by the Mendel staff. By reflecting curricular outcomes, the Mendel

has designed programs to enhance Arts Education at all grade levels through the ART is FUNdaMENDEL program.

School Art is a long-standing partnership between the Mendel, our division and Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools. Students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 submit artwork that reflects the interests of our children and youth.

CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE

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Journey the Rezdog—Saskatoon Tribal Council Mascot Throughout January and early February, the Saskatoon Tribal Council’s mascot visited rural and city schools to introduce a creative contest for students to name him and tell his life story. The contest was highly successful with more than 1,170 entries from 25 participating schools.

Kielyn Scott from the Grade 6 class at Westmount Community School was awarded the best name

prize for her entry, Journey. Tallyn Eagle from the Grade 5 class at Whitecap School won the prize for best story. The name Journey complements the story about perseverance despite the real-life challenges that many youth face. The name speaks to the many different kinds of journeys in life such as personal, healing, educational, health, and spiritual. Journey’s message is to live a positive life and make healthy choices.

Journey @STCRezDog Awesome day at Westmount School with @StoonPubSchools Superintendents and Tribal Chief Felix Thomas @StoonTribalCncl 12:43 PM - 18 Mar 14

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Fit Kits Through the financial support of the Board of Education, two physical education resources were created and provided to each elementary school in fall 2013.

• Saskatoon Public Schools’ innovative Physical Education Kit helps teachers explore non-traditional activities and equipment that can be used to create engagement, competence and confidence in all students.

fitkit

• The Saskatoon Public Schools Fit Kit was

designed in partnership with the University of Saskatchewan to help foster a positive and challenging environment that will encourage students to be aware of, and interested in, their fitness and take steps to engage in a lifetime of physical activity. The kit contains resources that enable teachers to infuse vigorous movement physical education activities that focus on the various components of functional fitness.

Teachers from every Saskatoon public elementary school have participated in a series of workshops supporting the implementation of these kits.

CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE

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David Crowell @davidncrowell Long track speed skater @KaliChrist shared her Sochi Olympics journey with students at #WMCI today. @StoonPubSchools 10:12 AM - 16 Apr 14

Saskatoon Public @StoonPubSchools Many of our schools are hosting their own Olympic games. Here is milk jug curling at École Alvin Buckwold School 1:53 PM - 13 Feb 14

Marnie Ross @marnieabigail History PD today for SPSD teachers...digging into the Big Six Historical Thinking Concepts...it was a good day! Great job @StoonPubSchools 10:49 PM - 21 Feb 14

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In June, the University of Saskatchewan unveiled a statue of celebrated Canadian author Farley Mowat.

Grade 2 students from École Lakeview School attended the event at the special invitation of Mr. Mowat himself. Earlier in the school year, the students each wrote a letter to the author about his books, which they were studying in class. Mr. Mowat wrote back and asked the students to attend the statue unveiling on his behalf because he would be unable to due to his health. Mr. Mowat passed away in May, five weeks before the event. However, his widow Claire Mowat was in attendance and visited with the students at the event.

The students each brought the letter they had written to Mr. Mowat.

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Roots and Wings, ArtsSmarts Murals 2014

Created by Holliston School students with Artist-in-Residence, Bevin Bradley

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FISCAL INDICATORS

Consolidated actual revenues of the Saskatoon Public Schools for the year ended August 31, 2013 totaled $230,435,947. Revenues were attributed to the following sources:

Provincial grants

Property taxation

98,901,263

External services

6,272,287

School generated funds

4,809,190

Complementary services

3,113,356

Tuition and related fees

1,825,408

Other

Total revenue

$114,221,888

1,292,555 $230,435,947

The school division’s consolidated actual expenses for the year ended August 31, 2013 totaled $221,771,851. Expenses were attributed to the following sources: Instruction

$165,276,319

Plant

31,671,441

School generated funds

5,330,566

Administration

4,220,907

Transportation

4,894,040

Complementary services

3,064,528

External services

5,313,436

Interest and bank charges

902,281

Governance

851,453

246,880

Tuition and related fees

Total expenses

Surplus for the year*

$ 221,771,851 $ 8,664,096

* The surplus for the year is in accordance to Public Sector Accounting Principles. The budget is prepared using a cash basis. The cash basis takes into account the capital projects, debt repayment and adjusts for the non-cash items such as amortization. The cash budget for 2012-13 had a deficit of $2.8 million. This planned deficit was as a result of the timing difference for funding the September 2012 enrolment increase. The enrolment increase occurred in September 2012 and there was unexpected funding from the Ministry of Education for this increase in 2012-13.

The board decided to spend this funding on needs within the school division as a result of the enrolment increases over the past few years. The actual cash flow in 2012-13 resulted in a deficit of $1.3 million.

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2012 –13 Consolidated Actual Revenues 42.9%

Property taxation

$98,901,263

49.6%

Provincial grants

$114,221,888

7.5%

Other *

Total revenue

$17,312,796 $230,435,947

* Other revenues include tuition and related fees, cafeteria, investment and rental revenues and provincial grant revenue for the associate schools and Pre-Kindergarten.

2012 –13 Consolidated Actual Expenses 74.5%

Instruction

14.3%

Plant

$31,671,441

7.1%

Other **

$15,709,144

2.2%

Transportation

$4,894,040

1.9%

Administration

$4,220,907

Total expenses

$165,276,319

$221,771,851

** Other expenses include governance, teachers’ salaries for the associate schools, Pre-Kindergarten costs and interest and cafeteria expenses.

FISCAL INDICATORS

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MacLean's Legacy Effie MacLean, former teacher librarian at Wildwood School, left more than $72,000 to the school’s Learning Resource Centre, which had previously been named in her honour. The money will be used to update the library and its collection, as well as support literacy programming at the school.

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2013 –14 TRUSTEE AND WARD DIRECTORY

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WARD 1 Holly Kelleher

kelleherh@spsd.sk.ca, 306.683.8461

WARD 2 Vernon Linklater

linklaterv@spsd.sk.ca, 306.683.8462

WARD 3 Donna Banks

banksd@spsd.sk.ca, 306.683.8463

WARD 4 Dan Danielson

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danielsond@spsd.sk.ca, 306.683.8464

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macphersonc@spsd.sk.ca, 306.683.8465

WARD 6 Kathleen Brannen​

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brannenk@spsd.sk.ca, 306.683.8466

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WARD 5 Colleen MacPherson

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WARD 7 Bronwyn Eyre​

eyreb@spsd.sk.ca, 306.683.8467

WARD 8 Darrell Utley

utleyd@spsd.sk.ca, 306.683.8468

WARD 9 Kevin Waugh

waughk@spsd.sk.ca, 306.683.8469

WARD 10 Ray Morrison

morrisonra@spsd.sk.ca, 306.683.8460

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Diefenbaker Centre @DiefCentre Welcome to LBP and Hugh Cairns for our Democracy to Active Citizenship program! #SPSlearn #cdnpoli #skpoli 9:51 AM - 28 May 14

Dear Dianne Dianne Young, an educational assistant at Caroline Robins Community School, received the SaskEnergy Children’s Literature Award at the Saskatchewan Book Awards. She received the award for her picture book, Dear Flyary.

Saskatoon Public @StoonPubSchools Check out @JuliaBClark on Jeopardy tonight! She’s a proud alumnus of Brevoort Park, Greystone Heights & Walter Murray Collegiate. #spslearn 9:17 AM - 13 Feb 14

Saskatoon Public @StoonPubSchools In last two years, @StoonPubSchools has grown by more than 1,400 students.

That is equivalent to Walter Murray Collegiate. #spslearn 8:08 AM - 10 Oct 13

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Science Trek, Montgomery School PotashCorp Allan Mine tour

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Saskatoon Public Schools 310 - 21st Street East Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Canada S7K 1M7

306.683.8200 spsdinfo@spsd.sk.ca @StoonPubSchools facebook.com/SaskatoonPublicSchools saskatoonpublicschools.ca

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