After having to cohort our kids to keep them safe, we will never again take for granted how AMAZING it is to have all ages and grades playing together at recesses! Our littlest friends are so pleased when their siblings and cousins come to find them and say hi ❤️ #KindleHearts #ForgeFutures #WeAreAllPrairieRose

Our #EventPlanning CTF class presented a great introduction to #TerryFox's life and #MarathonOfHope. Staff and students were touched and engaged, ready to walk in Terry's memory. We met and surpassed our fundraising goal, too! #IgniteMinds #KindleHearts #WeAreAllPrairieRose

"Look how far my shadow goes!"

Burdett School will be hosting a book fair in our school library from November 23 - 29.

<p>The complete October 11, 2022 Agenda package can be found here: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Of5TfqkY2JtbaXAJYjMmXBYsq7wczxDT/view">https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Of5TfqkY2JtbaXAJYjMmXBYsq7wczxDT/view</a></p><p><strong>New Brigden School Presentation</strong></p><p>Principal Gayle Vass provided an overview of New Brigden School and highlighted several initiatives and programs taking place at the school. These included student awards and recognition, participation in area sports events and activities with Oyen and Acadia Valley, collaborating with the Agriculture in the North Prairie Rose Possibility project, and maintaining solid and consistent communication with parents/community. In addition to maintaining a strong focus on building early literacy, New Brigden students are always looking for creative ways to give back to their local community, which will be highlighted in the school’s learning exhibition this year. It was also shared that the school continues to grow enrolment, which reached 28 students this year. Examples of wellness, activities, field trips and citizenship were also shared. The full report can be found in the October 11, 2022, Board Meeting Agenda.</p><p><strong>Enrolment Update</strong></p><p>Chief Financial Officer Ryan Boser provided an enrolment update for information. Compared to the preliminary September 7, 2022, count, the division is up another 0.5 FTE of a student. It was noted that enrolment counts for 2022-2023 are overall very positive for Prairie Rose, with a total increase of 47 students compared to the previous year.</p><p><strong>Human Resources Report</strong></p><p>Deputy Superintendent Mark Heinricks provided the annual Human Resources report for information. Overall, PRPS employs 476 employees. It was noted that challenges remain with recruiting new employees in all positions (specifically in the very rural areas). Other highlights of the HR report include; lower on-average class sizes at all grade levels in PRPS (based on the recommendations defined by the Alberta Commission on Learning), increased FSLW support time to assist with mental health and wellness initiatives and projected PRPS salary and benefit costs for the 2022-2023 school year. The full report can be found in the October 11, 2022, Board Meeting Agenda.</p><p><strong>South Central High School Trip to Iceland</strong></p><p>The board approved the South Central High School proposed field trip to Iceland through tour provider Evolve to be scheduled for April 2023. The itinerary includes a day trip to the Golden Circle, a tour of the Hellisheidarvirkjun Geothermal Power Plant, a glacier hike and exploring downtown Reykjavik. The motion was put forward by Lois Bedwell.</p><p><strong>EBHS Cross Country Field Trip to New York/Boston</strong></p><p>The board approved the Eagle Butte High School Cross Country field trip proposal to visit New York and Boston from April 10-18, 2023. In addition to running in a couple of local races, the students will also tour both cities visiting historical locations that include the Statue of Liberty, Rockefeller Park, the Brooklyn Bridge, Times Square, Harvard University and the New England Aquarium. The motion was put forward by Shauna VanderSpruit.</p><p><strong>Other Items:</strong></p><ul><li>The board approved an ATB borrowing resolution for $750,000 for 2022-2023.</li><li>The board approved the rewording of GP#2 - Board Role and Responsibilities to change 8.1 to the following:<ul><li>Act as an advocate for the public school system to which we belong and our division.&nbsp;</li></ul></li><li>The board congratulated Nichole Neubauer for receiving The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee medal.</li></ul>

Our Thanksgiving trees :)

<p>From September 26-29, students and staff in Prairie Rose Public Schools (PRPS) will observe and participate in Truth and Reconciliation week leading up to the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation on September 30th.&nbsp;</p><p>Respecting the calls to action from Indigenous leaders towards reconciliation in Canada, September 30th is a non-instructional day in PRPS and school facilities will be closed. This is in line with <i>Call to Action 80</i> from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which calls for the establishment of a federal statutory holiday to honour survivors, their families, and communities, to ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.</p><blockquote><p>“As educators, it is our role to listen and reflect on the history and teachings of our Indigenous peoples,” says Superintendent Reagan Weeks. “To do this, not only must we provide opportunities for our students to learn about reconciliation, but we as a staff must also actively participate in the learning and teachings ourselves.”</p></blockquote><p>At the PRPS division-wide staff professional learning day on September 29th, a significant focus will be on building understanding and knowledge related to reconciliation. A keynote session will be led by Cowboy Smithx, a Blackfoot filmmaker from the Piikani Nation and Kainai Nation in Southern Alberta. Smithx is best known for his work on a featured documentary entitled <i>Elder in the Making</i>, which focuses on reconciliation between non-Aboriginal and Aboriginal Peoples of Canada.</p><p>Leading up to the PD day, students across PRPS schools will actively participate in their own learning opportunities. This will include Orange Shirt Day, where students and staff wear orange t-shirts to recognize the legacy of the residential school system. Additionally, through partnerships with members of local Indigenous communities, students will participate in traditional activities focused on culture and traditions. These traditional learnings will be enhanced through dedicated literacy centres featuring books and poems about the Canadian Indigenous experience.</p><p>To find out more about specific activities related to Truth and Reconciliation in Prairie Rose, please contact your local school or PRPS Communications.</p>

Whitebear Creations is with us today to speak about Truth and Reconciliation. We are honoured to host them to speak on this important topic. #WeAreAllPrairieRose #TruthAndReconciliation

<p>On September 19, 2022, Prairie Rose Public Schools will participate in a <i>Day of Mourning</i> in solemn recognition of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, as per the direction of the Province of Alberta. All Prairie Rose schools will remain open.&nbsp;</p><p>Schools are encouraged to commemorate the passing of Her late Majesty by observing a moment of silence or discussing her life and public service in the classroom. The Province will also be live-streaming a ceremony at the Alberta legislature at 10:00 a.m. Schools are invited to participate via the online link which is available at <a href="https://www.alberta.ca/queen-elizabeth-memorial-services.aspx">https://www.alberta.ca/queen-elizabeth-memorial-services.aspx</a></p>

<p>Are you a Prairie Rose Public Schools student who loves to sing, act and dance?</p><p>If so, we invite you to be a cast member in the musical theatre production Elf being put on by Prairie Rose and Eagle Butte High School in early December. A parent/guardian &nbsp;and student information meeting is being held on Saturday, September 17th at 11:00 AM at Eagle Butte High School.</p><p>Those students wishing to participate will be a member of the ensemble as chorus members which will include singing, dancing and acting. Parent volunteers are also needed for props, costumes, sets, and backstage. &nbsp;We hope for a parent group that will work in the art room on Saturdays during our rehearsals to prepare for the show.</p><p>Please note the extensive tentative rehearsal schedule below. If your child is unavailable for show times, or a significant portion of the rehearsal times, he or she should decline this invitation. Students involved must be responsible, and committed to our show. &nbsp;This is an Eagle Butte, and a Prairie Rose production, and so all school rules apply at all times of involvement, including rehearsals.</p><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Rehearsals will be on the following dates from 11:00 AM until 3:00 PM.</td></tr><tr><td><ul><li>Saturday, September 17th: parent and student meeting</li><li>Saturday, September 24th</li><li>Saturday, October 1st-long weekend (T &amp; R)</li><li>Saturday, October 8th-long weekend (Thanksgiving)</li><li>Saturday, October 15th</li><li>Saturday, October 22nd</li><li>Saturday, October 29th</li><li>Saturday, November 5th</li><li>Saturday, November 12th-long weekend—extra rehearsals–Principals run-through with band</li><li>Saturday, November 19th-Act I Run Through</li><li>Sunday, November 20th</li><li>Saturday, November 26th-Act II Run Through</li><li>Sunday, November 27th</li><li>Saturday, December 3rd</li><li>Sunday, December 4th-move into Esplanade</li><li>Monday, December 5th-After School Dress rehearsal</li><li>Tuesday, December 6th-Full Day Dress rehearsal</li><li>Wednesday, December 7th-Matinee and Evening Shows</li><li>Thursday, December 8th, Matinee and Evening Shows</li><li>Friday, December 9th, Matinee and Evening Shows</li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table></figure><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Please complete the following and bring it to the September 17th information meeting: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/19uHYH_mok3cWo0ECyTc0BbndG2_d2ESb/view?usp=sharing">ELF Participation Consent Form</a>&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>

<p>To honour the life and legacy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II who passed away on September 8, 2022, Prairie Rose Public Schools will be lowering all school division flags to half mast.&nbsp;</p><p>In addition to being part of Canada and the Commonwealth, Prairie Rose has a special connection with the United Kingdom through its partnership with Canadian Forces Base BATUS and the British military families who attend Ralston School. Our condolences and thoughts go to our fellow Canadians, other Commonwealth nations and our Ralston families as they mourn the passing of the 96 year old monarch who was loved and admired by the people around the world.</p>

<p>Starting this fall, Alberta school divisions will begin implementing the new K-3 curriculum in the subjects of <i>English Language Arts and Literature (ELAL)</i> and <i>Math</i>. In addition, students in grades K-6 will be receiving the new <i>Physical Education and Wellness (PEW)</i> curriculum. As the topic of the new curriculum has been widely reported and debated in the public realm, Prairie Rose Public Schools would like to ensure parents are well informed about how the new curriculum rollout impacts their child. If you have any questions after reading through this documentation, please bring them forward to your classroom teacher who can provide you with additional information and resources.</p><p>Within Prairie Rose Public Schools, the following grades will be receiving the new curriculum:</p><ul><li>Kindergarten (ELAL, Math, PEW)</li><li>Grade 1 (ELAL, Math, PEW)</li><li>Grade 2 (ELAL, Math, PEW)</li><li>Grade 3 (ELAL, Math, PEW)</li><li>Grade 4 (PEW)</li><li>Grade 5 (PEW)</li><li>Grade 6 (PEW)</li></ul><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Subject Abbreviations</strong></td></tr><tr><td>English Language Arts and Literature (ELAL)&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Mathematics (Math)</td></tr><tr><td>Physical Education and Wellness (PEW)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><i>Note: A small number of Prairie Rose teachers will also be participating in the 2022-2023 optional implementation of the 4-6 English Language Arts and Literature (ELAL) and Math curriculum, as well as the K-6 Science curriculum pilot. If your child's class is participating in the implementation or pilot of any of these subjects during the 2022-2023 school year, you will be informed of your child's participation directly by your classroom teacher.&nbsp;</i></td></tr></tbody></table></figure><p>Below you will find important links to the Curriculum or Programs of Study used by Alberta Education. In addition, we have put together a list of ‘frequently asked questions’ that parents may have and a timeline for the rollout of future subjects and grades.</p><h3><strong>Alberta Education Links</strong></h3><ul><li><a href="https://curriculum.learnalberta.ca/cdn/ciihub/docs/K-6%20Curriculum%20Implementation%20and%20Supports%20Timeline.pdf">K-6 Curriculum Implementation and Supports Timeline</a></li><li><a href="https://curriculum.learnalberta.ca/cdn/ciihub/docs/English%20Language%20Arts%20and%20Literature%20Subject%20Overview_Final.pdf">Overview of K-6 Language Arts and Literature Curriculum</a></li><li><a href="https://curriculum.learnalberta.ca/cdn/ciihub/docs/Mathematics%20Subject%20Overview_Final.pdf">Overview of K-6 Math Curriculum</a></li><li><a href="https://curriculum.learnalberta.ca/cdn/ciihub/docs/Physical%20Education%20and%20Wellness%20Subject%20Overview_Final.pdf">Overview of K-6 Physical Education and Wellness Curriculum</a></li></ul><h3>Frequently Asked Questions</h3><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Are PRPS teachers ready for the new curriculum?</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Implementing a new curriculum is an exciting opportunity and an important part of the evolving practice of teaching. Curriculum implementation is a process and PRPS teachers have already been planning and preparing, and will continue to be well supported with professional learning opportunities throughout the upcoming school year.&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Will there be gaps in my child’s learning from content or material being moved from one grade to another?</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Regardless of the curriculum being taught, teachers continuously work to meet each student where they are at in their learning. While curriculum is grade-specific, many concepts are revisited each year, giving students ample opportunity to build on their previous knowledge or be introduced to new material.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>How much is different? What is the same?&nbsp;</strong></td></tr><tr><td>While the curriculums are new, a significant amount of the content has been carried over from the previous Alberta Programs of Study.&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Will PRPS be buying all new library books/resources/etc.? Does PRPS have funding for this or will parents/guardians need to fundraise for these new resources?</strong>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Teachers will continue to use existing resources where they align with the new curriculum. Alberta Education has provided school districts with some funding to purchase new resources where required. In Prairie Rose Public Schools, the Board of Trustees requested that the 2022-2023 budget included funds to support teacher professional development and resources for the implementation of the new curriculums.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Is the curriculum developmentally appropriate for K-3 children? Is there too much to cover in the new curriculum? Will there still be time to play/be creative/take breaks?</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Teachers work to plan the delivery of curriculum content in ways that are engaging, creative, and inspiring for students. Personalizing learning to ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed to the best of their ability continues to be important work for PRPS schools.&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>How much of what my child does at school every day is directed by the new curriculum? How much memorization/fact recall is required?</strong></td></tr><tr><td><p>The curriculum outlines what students are expected to learn. The <a href="https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1TDPd9dnuzgQYk5swGGGAg2MhGplIF1rM">PRPS Education Plan</a>, and other documents and strategies such as a school’s School Development Plan, provide insight on the PRPS’s approach to how students learn.&nbsp;</p><p>Throughout the year, you will be encouraged to attend celebrations of learning, parent teacher conferences, meetings and discussions with your child’s teacher, and events at your child’s school. These events help demonstrate what your child is doing at school and start conversations about their learning.</p><p>Alberta Education has developed a series of resources for parents on their website, <a href="https://curriculum.learnalberta.ca/home/en">curriculum.learnalberta.ca</a>. We encourage you to explore these resources and learn more about the content and structure of the new curriculum.</p></td></tr></tbody></table></figure><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Will support for children change?</strong>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>No, teachers continuously work to meet each student where they are at in their learning and supports will not change as a result of the new curriculum.&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Will Grade 6 Students participate in Provincial Achievement Tests (PATs)?</strong>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>For the 2022-2023 school year, students participating in the small-scale optional implementation of Grade 6 English Language and Literature (ELAL) and Math, and the Grade 6 Science pilot, will not be writing PAT exams for those subjects. If your child is part of the optional piloting of these courses during the current school year, you will be informed of this by your classroom teacher.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>

<p>Prairie Rose Public Schools would like to extend a our greatest thanks and appreciation to ATB Financial and the United Way of Southeast Alberta who donated 53 new Chromebooks for PRPS students. The new Chromebooks were distributed this month to grade 2 students from Bow Island Elementary School (19), Foremost School (16), Oyen Public School (11), Warren Peers School (4) and Jenner School (3).</p><blockquote><p>“We are incredibly grateful to ATB for their generous donation of 53 Chromebooks to Prairie Rose Public Schools,” says Superintendent Reagan Weeks. “The support of our communities is key to thriving schools and ATB is a valued education partner.”</p></blockquote><p>This is the second year that Prairie Rose Public Schools students have been the recipients of this donation. Thank you for your support!</p><p>Read the full announcement from ATB Financial here: <a href="https://www.atb.com/company/news/stories/united-way-laptop-donation/">https://www.atb.com/company/news/stories/united-way-laptop-donation/</a></p>

We have made it to the end of another school year. We commend each of you for the perseverance you have shown this year. We wish you a joyful and safe summer!

Our annual awards ceremony recognized our students’ successes. Congratulations on your dedication to your education. We are proud of the accomplishments of every Burdett School student.

Wetlands visit #2

The grade 5 class had their wetlands visit today. The students found frogs, snails, cattails, and red-winged blackbirds at a new spot in Bow Island.

<p>On June 21st, Prairie Rose Public Schools recognizes <strong>National Indigenous Peoples Day</strong>. In alignment with the summer solstice, the day marks the opportunity for people in Canada to learn more about the rich and diverse cultures, voices, experiences and histories of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. Prairie Rose is proud to learn and be guided by the knowledge of our indigenous community partners and elders. We recognize and celebrate the culture of our 101 FNMI self-identified students and their families.</p><p>More information about the history and importance of National Indigenous Peoples Day can be found on the Government of Canada website: <a href="https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1100100013718/1534874583157">https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1100100013718/1534874583157</a></p><h3>Treaty 4 and Treaty 7</h3><p>Prairie Rose Public Schools acknowledges that we are situated on Treaty 7 and Treaty 4 territory, traditional lands of the Siksika, Kainai, Piikani, Stoney-Nakoda, and Tsuu T’ina as well as the Cree, Sioux, and the Saulteaux bands of the Ojibwa peoples. We also honour and acknowledge that we are on the homelands of the Métis Nation within Region 3.&nbsp;</p><h3>Treaty 7</h3><p>Prairie Rose Public Schools acknowledges the Treaty 7 territory; ancestral and traditional territory of the Blackfoot Confederacy: Kainai, Piikani and Siksika as well as the Tsuu T’ina First Nation, Stoney Nakoda First Nation.</p><h3>Treaty 6</h3><p>Prairie Rose Public Schools acknowledges Treaty 6 territory; the ancestral and traditional territory of the Cree, Dene, Blackfoot, Saulteaux, Nakota Sioux, as well as the Métis.</p><p>We acknowledge the many First Nations, Métis and Inuit whose footsteps have marked these lands for generations. We are grateful for the traditional Knowledge Keepers and Elders who are still with us today and those who have gone before us. We recognise the land as an act of reconciliation and gratitude to those whose territory we reside on or are visiting.&nbsp;</p>