PWPSD Board News - March 16, 2023

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MARCH 16, 2023
 
Inspiring all learners to become confident, collaborative and ethical citizens motivated with a passion to achieve a sustainable future.
 

2024-2027 Capital Plan approved


The Board has approved the PWPSD 2024-2027 Capital Plan, which highlights the Division's priorities for new schools and modernization projects. The four priorities in the three-year Capital Plan are:
  1. Replacement 8-12 Peace Wapiti Academy - PWPSD received planning funding for this project in the 2023 provincial budget
  2. New K-8 school north of Grande Prairie in the Whispering Ridge area
  3. New 9-12 school east of Grande Prairie
  4. Modernization of Bonanza School
In its School Capital Manual, the Province requires school divisions to update and approve their Capital Plans annually. You can find the complete PWPSD Capital Plan here.

Wellness Presentation

Trustees and Administration enjoyed a presentation from Dr. Lisa Belanger, where she spoke about Rebuilding Relationships and Managing Conflict.

Dr. Belanger, Founder and CEO of ConsciousWorks, a consulting firm that helps leaders apply the findings from leading-edge scientific research to maximize their mental capacity and performance, will be presenting at the upcoming PWPSD General School Councils' Meeting on April 19. Everyone is welcome! Find more information about the upcoming event below.

2023 General School Councils' Meeting

 
The 2023 General School Councils' Meeting will take place on Wednesday, April 19. Join us at your school for dinner and an evening of connection and learning, or join us remotely from your home. Everyone is welcome!

Please RSVP by Wednesday, April 5.

For more information and to see the meeting agenda click here.

Annual Facilities Report

During the March 16 Board meeting, Facilities Director David Michalko shared that all PWPSD schools, including daycare spaces, received upgrades over the summer of 2022. Upgrades also took place at Central Office, the Sub-Office in Spirit River, and the Transportation building and shops.

Ongoing money saving upgrades:
  • Change fluorescent lighting to LED
  • Install waterless urinals in schools
Scheduled for June 2023:
  • Whispering Ridge Community School is expecting four additional modular classrooms

Inclusive Education Report

In their annual report to the Board, Assistant Superintendent Heather Putio and District Principal Karen Chrenek thanked the Division's many partners for their collaboration in creating the best individualized programs for students.

Educators are tasked with developing individualized programs that meet the needs of students, while building on their strengths. It takes creativity and diverse skills to build learning environments that have space for exceptional learners to promote feelings of belonging and safety.

Thank you to all PWPSD Inclusive Education Services' partners:
  • PWPSD Curriculum Coordinators
  • PWPSD Education Technology Coaches
  • PWPSD Wellness Team
  • PWPSD Outreach Team
  • Peace Collaborative Services
  • Low Incidence Team
  • Children's & Family Services
  • RCMP
  • Inclusion Alberta
  • Reading University
  • NRLC
  • Zone 1 Inclusive Education Committee
Services and Supports

PWPSD offers a variety of services and supports to students, staff, and families, including:
  • Inclusive Educational Assistants
  • PUF Educational Assistants
  • Kindergarten Severe Disability Assistant
  • Early Literacy Assistants
  • Speech Language Assistants
  • Professional development for staff
  • Capacity building in all staff
In addition to those mentioned above, the Division supplies 49 students, from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12, who have complex communication disorders with Assistive Augmentative Communication devices. Students, staff and parents use the devices to communicate effectively both in the classroom and at home.

Life Skills Programming

What are life skills?
Life skills are the processes and abilities necessary for individuals to become confident, independent members of society with a sense of identity, belonging and purpose. Life skills include:
  • Functional literacy (i.e. Language development, social language, listening comprehension)
  • Functional numeracy (i.e. Measurement, time, money, shopping and budget)
  • Vocational skills (i.e. Time management, career exploration)
  • Wellness (i.e. Self-regulation, physical activity/gross motor development, personal hygiene)
Life Skills Programming is intended for the population of students who receive specialized programming; and the Inclusive Education team continues to develop a guiding document to support teachers and families develop Individual Program Plans that show a progression of skill development.

In partnership with NRLC, a series of virtual professional development sessions is offered to teachers to develop topic areas, strategies, and to build resource and assessment banks. The professional development sessions began last year and continue to be offered to staff.

Committee & Meeting Reports

  • Trustee Clarke presented the TEBA Meeting Report
  • Trustee McIntosh presented the Strategic Thinking & Learning Report
  • Trustee Riding presented the ASBA Zone 1 Meeting Report
  • Trustees Clarke, Kelm, Riding, and Piebiak presented their Rural Education Symposium Reports
  • Trustee McIntosh presented the Policy Review Committee Meeting Report

Upcoming Events

  • Kindergarten & New Student Registration Now Open: Registration is ongoing - visit www.pwpsd.ca/registration for more information
  • April Fools' Day: Saturday, April 1
  • Green Shirt Day: Friday, April 7
  • Good Friday: Friday, April 7, no school - all PWPSD offices and shops closed
  • Easter Monday: Monday, April 10, no school - all PWPSD offices and shops closed
  • Spring Break: April 10-14
  • General School Councils' Meeting: Wednesday, April 19 - dinner at 6:00 p.m., meeting begins at 6:30 p.m.
  • Earth Day: Saturday, April 22
  • Next Board Meeting: Thursday, April 27 at 10:30 a.m.
  • National Day of Mourning: Friday, April 28
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PWPSD BOARD NEWS
A report on news from Peace Wapiti Public School Division,
published following each Board Meeting.

Content and Design:

Kayla Klava, Communications Officer, [email protected] 
Peace Wapiti Public School Division,
Central Office, 8611A-108 Street, Grande Prairie, AB T8V 4C5  

For more good news, see the News & Announcements section on our website at www.pwpsd.ca