<p>On August 25, 2021, administration presented the Board of Trustees with updated information for New Brigden School. As part of the package, the revised data focused on scenarios beyond the current school year, based on the decision to delay the school review until 2021-2022. While some sections of the revised information remained unchanged from the spring (i.e. maintenance costs), trustees identified notable differences related to financial implications for the current year (2021-2022) and the one following (2022-2023). Senior Administration explained that these differences represent changes introduced last year as part of the new funding formula. To ensure accuracy of the document, the Prairie Rose financial team will be meeting with Alberta Education officials to confirm the new information. <i>Once this has been completed, the revised package will be shared with parents to review</i>.</p><p>Link to previously shared data package: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TRjurLltohdPASFpl81S_ta1B8qvn-kr/view">June 2021</a></p><p>In consideration of the timing of the new information and the pending community consultation meeting scheduled for next Monday, the board felt that it was in the best interest of parents and the New Brigden community <strong>to delay for two weeks to ensure all parties have appropriate time to review the new information in more detail</strong>. It is important to the board that all stakeholders, including trustees, have adequate time to examine the new data and consider how it may relate to the future of New Brigden School. The new meeting information is listed below:</p><p><strong>Meeting Date</strong>: Tuesday, September 21, 2021<br><strong>Meeting Time</strong>: 7:00 PM<br><strong>Meeting Format</strong>: In-person at New Brigden School (meeting format will be required to comply with COVID-19 pandemic health restrictions)</p><p>Following the public consultation meeting, members of the public will also have the opportunity to provide written submissions to the board for consideration and apply to make an in-person presentation.</p><p>A final decision regarding the notice of motion for closure of New Brigden School&nbsp;will come forward to the board at the October 13, 2021, public board meeting.</p>

WPS is jumping into summer. We hope everyone has a safe and happy summer break.

<p><strong>Eagle Butte and Hat High students awarded 2021 Redcliff Scholarships for Advanced Education</strong></p><p>The Redcliff Scholarship Committee for Advanced Education, is pleased to announce that Eagle Butte High School graduates Cheyanne Peters, Wesley Ewert and Breanna Gawel, and Medicine Hat High School graduate Hailey Schofield are the recipients of the 2021 Redcliff Scholarship Awards. All four students will be attending post-secondary in the fall, with plans to pursue careers in education, nursing and social work. Each student will receive one of four 2021 Redcliff Scholarships for $5,000 towards tuition costs for post-secondary studies. &nbsp;</p><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://prrdweb.com/images/content/93%20Cheyanne%20Peters.jpg" alt=""></figure></td><td><p><i>Cheyanne Peters (EBHS), plans to attend Lethbridge College to pursue a career in nursing</i></p><p>“My journey towards becoming a nurse is important to me as I aspire to be a positive role model by recognizing it is possible to set challenging personal goals and reach them. I am thankful for the support this scholarship offers as I move onto the next stage in my education journey."</p></td></tr><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://prrdweb.com/images/content/28%20Wesley%20Ewert.jpg" alt=""></figure></td><td><p><i>Wesley Ewert (EBHS), plans to attend Medicine Hat College to pursue a career in education</i></p><p>“I plan to attend Medicine Hat College for one year then transfer to the University of Lethbridge for four years to receive a combined degree in education and mathematics. I was drawn to teaching as a career, as it allows me to share my passion for learning and knowledge with others. This scholarship allows me to focus on my studies to reach this goal.”</p></td></tr><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://prrdweb.com/images/content/36%20Breanna%20Gawel.jpg" alt=""></figure></td><td><p><i>Breanna Gawel (EBHS), plans to attend Medicine Hat College to pursue a career in social work</i></p><p>“Supporting my school and community is important to me, which is why I plan to attend the Medicine Hat College this fall to pursue a career in social work. The Redcliff scholarship helps me reach this goal and I am thankful for the support.”</p></td></tr><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://prrdweb.com/images/content/IMG_20210618_0001.jpg" alt=""></figure></td><td><p><i>Hailey Schofield (MHHS), plans to attend Medicine Hat College to pursue a career in nursing</i></p><p>“I have spent a very large portion of time thinking about my post-secondary goals. I am very passionate about my career choice and will do whatever it takes to get me there. The Redcliff Scholarship supports my dreams and I look forward to accomplishing many great things.”</p></td></tr></tbody></table></figure><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“This year’s scholarship recipients showed great dedication to their studies during what was a very difficult year,” says scholarship chairperson Arnold Frank. “All four students have a passion for giving back to others which is evident in their choice of post-secondary studies. The Redcliff Scholarship Committee is extremely pleased to be able to support these four exceptional individuals, who showed determination and strength through what was a very challenging grade 12 year. I’d like to wish them all the best in whatever their futures hold.”</p><p>The Redcliff Scholarships were established in 2002 and have been awarded to 43 Redcliff students. &nbsp;The awards are possible thanks to two endowed scholarship funds, that were established and are sustained by ongoing contributions of Redcliff organizations, and present and past Redcliff citizens. &nbsp;A third, Frank King Tribute Scholarship Fund, was announced in the spring of 2018 in memory of the late Frank King, while a&nbsp;fourth was added in November of 2020 to honour the legacy of former Redcliff resident David Jon Thomson.</p><p>REDCLIFF SCHOLARSHIPS FOR ADVANCED EDUCATION</p><p><strong>The Redcliff Scholarship for Advanced Education “Original Fund”</strong> was launched at the Reunion of the Redcliff 1944 Grade 1 Class held in September 2002. The aim was to create an endowed scholarship fund, whereby interest and dividends from the invested principal would earn enough money to finance the annual scholarship. &nbsp;To date, contributions to the fund total $249,410.</p><p><strong>“The Four Friends Fund”</strong> scholarship was established in 2006 in memory of the value of the lifelong Redcliff Friendships of Jack Fairhurst, Ron Hodges, John Hudak and Gerald Berkhold. The scholarship has been endowed with contributions of $232,975.</p><p><strong>“Frank King Tribute”</strong> scholarship was established in 2018 in memory of Frank King. &nbsp;As a legacy of the young Frank Walter King, his family and friends established the Frank King Tribute Scholarship that is awarded alongside the other two Redcliff scholarships for advanced education. To date, contributions totaling $31,500 have been received in support of this scholarship.</p><p><strong>“David Jon Thomson Scholarship”</strong> was established in 2020 in memory of David Jon Thomson. Thomson was a well-known business man and lifelong proponent of education with roots in the Medicine Hat and Redcliff communities. As a legacy, his family established the David Jon Thomson Scholarship that is awarded alongside the other three Redcliff scholarships for advanced education. To date, contributions totaling $25,000 have been received in support of this scholarship.</p><p><br>&nbsp;</p>

A great time was had by all as we celebrated our grade 9 students at the Warren Peers School farewell. Congratulations 🎉 We wish you well in all your future endeavours.

WPS grade 4-6 enjoyed the last day of the equine program with Mrs. Mendenhall. Thank you to the Big Country Ag. Society, to April and Tim Hegg and Tim Peers for their support of the program. It was a great way to learn about respect, responsibility, relationships, boundaries, empathy, choice and consequences.

WPS grade 9 students had a unique experience today learning about how to use a smoker to make delicious chicken. Thank you Roger Didychuk from Didy smoke it for sharing your expertise. Yummy.

Thank you Skappak Farm Supply from WPS staff and students for the cool treat on this warm day.

<p><strong>Occupational Health and Safety Report</strong><br>Occupational Health and Safety Officer Derek Beck provided his annual report to the board for information. Highlights of the report include an update on Prairie Rose’s participation in the AHS ARTSSN student absenteeism program, school safety inspections, fire inspections at all Redcliff schools, first aid training for PRPS staff, an update on incidents and accidents over the 2020-21 school year and annual emergency response training. It was noted that the division had an increase in injuries reported among staff this year leading to an increase in WCB premium surcharges. School leaders have been asked to spend additional time at staff meetings discussing health and safety processes to increase awareness amongst staff. COVID-19 has also made it a challenging year for all schools, with additional protections required to adhere to pandemic requirements such as mask wearing, hand sanitization, and cohort groups.</p><p><strong>South Central High School Trip - Acadia Valley Municipal Reservoir</strong><br>The board approved a request from South Central High School for a trip from June 21-23 to the Acadia Valley Municipal Reservoir that involves canoeing and overnight camping. As it is a level 3/4 fieldtrip request it required board approval. As the group is in the same cohort, it adheres to COVID-19 restrictions.</p><p><strong>Financial Accountability Report</strong><br>Assistant Secretary Treasurer Candice Hintz provided a financial update to the board. The report contains information for 90% of the 2020-21 school year. It was noted there were minor revenue and expenditure changes from the last report. Overall, Prairie Rose is expected to come in $695,400 over budget, with the projected deficit decreasing by $100,000, for an overall projected deficit for the year of $251,220. Reduced PD, lower than budgeted substitute staff costs and reduced travel due to COVID are contributing factors for the decrease in spending.</p><p><strong>Literacy Status Report</strong><br>Due to the move to at-home learning, the MAP testing used for student literacy testing was delayed by two weeks this spring. Testing is now&nbsp;being completed and a full report will be brought to the board in the fall. It was also noted that growth projections are not expected to be on target, due to the varying dynamics each child and family has needed to navigate through the pandemic.</p><p><strong>Accountability Pillar Summary</strong><br>Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this report has been delayed by the province. Also, due to the move to the new assurance model, this report will likely look different coming to school divisions this fall.</p><p><strong>New PR Partnership and Field Trip Request</strong><br>Deputy Superintendent Reagan Weeks shared that Prairie Rose has secured a new partnership with Outward Bound, a globally renowned outdoor education program, who will work in collaboration with the DR Flight Academy program. The academy was seeking board approval for a field trip&nbsp;to Kananaskis through Outward Bound from June 28 – July 2. As part of the trip, students will participate in map and compass navigation, self care, risk management, leadership, communication, group work, plane crash simulation are all part of the program. Throughout the expedition and airplane incident scenario, students will become proficient in mountain travel and technical skills while developing a tolerance for uncertainty and discomfort relating to weather, physical and emotional challenge and group dynamics. The board approved the fieldtrip request. Learn more about Outward Bound here: <a href="https://www.outwardbound.ca/">https://www.outwardbound.ca/</a></p><p><strong>Trustee Election: Additional Voting Stations</strong><br>Secretary Treasurer and Returning Officer Ryan Boser asked the board to approve by-law #1/2021 which allows Prairie Rose to establish more than one voting station within each ward boundary for the upcoming fall municipal election. The board approved all three readings.</p>

<p>Superintendent Roger Clarke is pleased to announce that Linda Asham, who has been serving as acting-principal of I.F. Cox School in Redcliff has accepted the principal position, starting this fall.&nbsp;</p><p>Asham has many years of school leadership, having worked as the vice-principal at the I.F. Cox School for the past seven years, vice-principal at Margaret Wooding School for five years, and principal of Jenner School for four years.&nbsp;</p><p>“I am thrilled to be given this opportunity,” says Asham. “I love this community and I am pleased to continue working with our families in this new role. I.F. Cox also has an amazing staff and I look forward to collaborating with our team as we build unique, engaging and creative learning experiences for our students.”</p><p>Linda Asham transitioned into the acting-principal position in late February, as a result of Catherine Usher accepting the principal position at Seven Persons School.</p>

<p>On Wednesday, June 9, 2021, at 12:45&nbsp;PM the Prairie Rose Public Schools Board of Trustees will be holding their regular public board meeting. All members of the public are welcome to join.</p><p>The complete agenda package can be found here:&nbsp;<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mkygEMdxeA4BBV9_5RaXW6dz8nvVU1uK/view?usp=sharing">https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mkygEMdxeA4BBV9_5RaXW6dz8nvVU1uK/view?usp=sharing</a></p><p><strong>Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the public board meeting will be streamed online.</strong></p><p>The online stream can be accessed here: <a href="https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_NGMwYTkyMTAtM2VkNy00YjQ5LTk5MDUtYzI1NGEyOTBkODM1%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22c1a7f361-4369-4e63-af8a-db541e2c097b%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%2248a6a9b8-2a7b-494f-9523-0206f91ffcad%22%2c%22IsBroadcastMeeting%22%3atrue%7d&amp;btype=a&amp;role=a"><strong>Join the Online Meeting</strong></a><br><i>Once you click the link, click cancel (on the pop up), watch on the web instead, join anonymously.</i></p>

<p>Superintendent Roger Clarke and Bow Island schools principal Scott Angle would like to congratulate Paul Brocklesby who has accepted the position of Vice Principal at Bow Island Elementary and Senator Gershaw schools.</p><p>Paul has spent his entire 16-year teaching career working at Northern Lights School Division in northern Alberta in the communities of Bonnyville and Lac La Biche. During this time, he has taught students across grades K-6 focusing on early literacy, language arts, music and learning about indigenous culture. In addition to a Bachelor of Education from the University of Calgary, Paul also holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Lethbridge.</p><p>“I am really excited about this opportunity,” says Brocklesby. “I am originally from the Bow Island area and as a student I attended both Bow Island Elementary and Senator Gershaw schools. Becoming part of the school leadership team is a logical next step in my career as it allows me to move back to my hometown and reconnect with the community, my family and friends. There are many great learning opportunities happening in Bow Island schools and I look forward to exploring and building on these options with my colleagues and students.”&nbsp;</p><p>Paul Brocklesby will officially assume the role of vice principal at the start of the 2021-2022&nbsp;school year.</p>

Learning at the equine program today about choices and consequences. Thank you April and Tim for the horses, Mr. Peers for the bus, Mrs. Mendenhall and Mrs. Kellington. A great way to learn important life skills.

Please come out and join us as we celebrate our WPS grade 9 students.

<p>This past weekend the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc (Kamloops Indian Band) announced that a mass grave of 215 children had been found on the grounds of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School. Of particular sadness, was the absence of no markers and no signs of respect for any of these young children who were left to be forgotten.&nbsp;</p><p>While we cannot change history, we can acknowledge this dark part of our Canadian past by acknowledging these young lives as part of ongoing Truth and Reconciliation efforts. Starting at noon today (May 31, 2021), Prairie Rose Public Schools will join school jurisdictions across the country in lowering the flags at all school facility locations for 215 hours to represent each of the children who were found. All flags will remain down until noon on Wednesday, June 9th.</p><p>Throughout the operation and existence of residential schools in Canada (1880-1997), it is estimated that 150,000 children were taken from their families and sent to school to “assimilate them” to Canadian society. The Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc is one of many indigenous communities who have received funding through the Missing Children Project to locate the burial places of children who died while attending these residential schools. Since the project began, more than 4,100 children who attended residential schools have been identified.</p><p><strong>References:</strong><br>Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc confirms the discovery of a mass grave containing 215 children: <a href="https://tkemlups.ca/wp-content/uploads/05-May-27-2021-TteS-MEDIA-RELEASE.pdf"><strong>https://tkemlups.ca/wp-content/uploads/05-May-27-2021-TteS-MEDIA-RELEASE.pdf</strong></a><br>Missing Children Project: <a href="https://tkemlups.ca/wp-content/uploads/05-May-27-2021-TteS-MEDIA-RELEASE.pdf"><strong>http://www.trc.ca/events-and-projects/missing-children-project.html</strong></a><br>A History of Residential Schools in Canada: <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/a-history-of-residential-schools-in-canada-1.702280"><strong>https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/a-history-of-residential-schools-in-canada-1.702280</strong></a></p>

Catapult Contest to finish up our wheels and levers science unit. Congratulations to Cade and Skylar on their wins.

<p>Prairie Rose Public Schools board chair Stuart Angle would like to inform the public and Prairie Rose staff that he has accepted the resignation of fellow board member Stacy Hammel who has served as a trustee representing the area of Foremost and Forty Mile since 2017.</p><p>“Serving as school board trustee has been an incredibly rewarding experience,” says Hammel. “I have appreciated the opportunity to serve my community and represent all students in Prairie Rose Public Schools. &nbsp;As trustees it is our job to look at the system as a whole and bridge community needs with division-level approaches. From this experience, I take away a whole new appreciation for the work school staff do and the decisions that are required as part of overall school operations.”&nbsp;</p><p>“Stacy has brought a fresh perspective and approach to the Prairie Rose board,” says Angle. “While I understand and respect her decision to step down at this time, her contributions will be missed. On behalf of the entire board, I’d like to wish her all the best.”</p><p>The next municipal and trustee election date is set for October 18, 2021. &nbsp;As per the Education Act, Prairie Rose School Division is not required to hold a by-election.</p>

<p><strong>Trustee Resignation</strong><br>Secretary Treasurer Ryan Boser informed the board that Ward 6 (Foremost and County of Forty Mile) trustee Stacy Hammel has submitted her resignation from the board, effective immediately, due to personal reasons. Trustee Hammel was thanked for her contributions over the past four years and her dedication to students. Trustee Lucille Hertz suggested that a letter be sent to Stacy Hammel from the board thanking her for her service.</p><p><strong>Jenner School Presentation</strong><br>Jenner School principal Kirby Stensrud gave a presentation to the board highlighting a number of learning initiatives taking place at the rural K-9 school. It was noted that the school has focused on literacy for their primary school goals, emphasizing building comprehension, creating opportunities that create life connections, and developing a passion for literacy and reading across the grades. Some initiatives at each division level were also shared that focus on leadership and healthy lifestyle projects, using technology to build and create, and promoting attitudes of respect and kindness across the school community. &nbsp;It was noted that while COVID-19 has required outside the box thinking, the school has been able to successfully keep students engaged and excited about learning. It was also shared that the school was excited about their approved Prairie Rose Possibilities project that will support bringing outside experts to the school to focus on CTF options such as carpentry, electrical, mechanical, outdoor education, etc. The full presentation can be found here: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/135NVcp5iY2qeCpi7fMtaWG1Kqjq4sP8B/view"><strong>https://drive.google.com/file/d/135NVcp5iY2qeCpi7fMtaWG1Kqjq4sP8B/view</strong></a></p><p><strong>FNMI Presentation</strong><br>FNMI Coordinator Kameko Ballantyne provided an update to the board about the work being done in Prairie Rose to support Status First Nations, Non-Status, Métis or Inuit (FNMI) students and promote indigenous learning. In the 2020-2021 year, 94 students in Prairie Rose self-identified as FNMI which is an increase from previous years. It was noted that while some planned FNMI learning activities for the current year needed to be moved online or cancelled due to COVID-19, many initiatives were still able to take place across the division. Some of these included; Digital Orange Shirt Day, the distribution of literacy books to Prairie Rose schools without indigenous library resources, online learning opportunities through Canadian Geographic and Truth and National Centre for Reconciliation, FNMI learning kits for schools that include dreamcatcher and soap sculpture projects, and the introduction of indigenous social media influencers to students. &nbsp;More details regarding FNMI learning in Prairie Rose can be found here: <a href="https://fnmiprrd8.weebly.com/"><strong>https://fnmiprrd8.weebly.com/</strong></a></p><p><strong>Education Plan</strong><br>Superintendent Roger Clarke presented the 2021-2022 Education Plan for approval. The plan outlines four goals to evaluate student and division success. These goals include PRPS students are successful (literacy and deeper learning), PRPS is well governed and managed, and First Nations Metis and Inuit students in PRPS are successful. It was noted that this past spring the division sent out assurance survey’s to parents, students and staff to gather local context and gauge satisfaction in a number of areas. The results from the surveys were used to help build the plan and are highlighted in the report. &nbsp;The full presentation can be found here: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/135NVcp5iY2qeCpi7fMtaWG1Kqjq4sP8B/view"><strong>https://drive.google.com/file/d/135NVcp5iY2qeCpi7fMtaWG1Kqjq4sP8B/view</strong></a></p><p><strong>2021-2022 Budget</strong><br>Secretary Treasurer Ryan Boser presented the 2021-2022 Preliminary Budget for approval. The budget includes the following assumptions; back to normal operations in the 2021-2022 year, equivalent operational funding as the current year from Alberta Education, a decrease in enrolment by 9.0 FTE students, no change to support or certified staff grids, and an increase in insurance premiums of 15%. Overall, the division is forecasting a deficit budget for the 2021-2022 school year of $733,873, with revenues for the year of $51,443,598. Of the total budget, 72% is allocated to Instruction, 13.35% to Plant Operations and Maintenance, 10.40% to Transportation, 4.20% to Board and System Administration, and 0.04% to External Services.&nbsp;The complete budget document can be found here: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/135NVcp5iY2qeCpi7fMtaWG1Kqjq4sP8B/view"><strong>https://drive.google.com/file/d/135NVcp5iY2qeCpi7fMtaWG1Kqjq4sP8B/view</strong></a></p><p><strong>Other Items:</strong></p><ul><li>The board approved spending $867 to support their continued membership in the Alberta Rural Caucus.</li></ul>