BTPS Newsletter

As we head into the November break, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible strength of our Buffalo Trail Public Schools team.

“Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean.” – Ryunosuke Satoro

The past few weeks have reminded me how truly remarkable our team is. Each one of you, whether you teach, drive, support, clean, repair, organize, or lead, brings something unique and essential to Buffalo Trail Public Schools. It’s your individual dedication that creates the collective strength of our division.

Our mission to maximize student learning depends on all of us working together with a shared purpose. When we collaborate across schools, departments, and roles, we not only make learning possible, but we also show our students what care, respect, and community look like in action.

As you take time to rest and recharge next week, please know how deeply I appreciate everything you bring to your work and to our team. Together, we are an ocean, strong, connected, and full of possibility.

Be well,
Michelle

Rural public education is at the heart of who we are. From close-knit school communities to the unique opportunities that come with learning and working in a rural setting, there are so many reasons to be proud of BTPS. We’d love to hear your story!

Each newsletter, we’ll randomly select one submission, and that person’s school or department will win a treat for their staff!

Buffalo Trail Public Schools is proud to congratulate and welcome the Board of Trustees for the 2025–2029 term. Trustees were officially sworn in on October 29, followed by the Organizational Meeting and the first Board meeting of the new term.

The results of the 2025 school board election are as follows:

Ward 1 - Kara Jackson (Acclaimed)

Ward 2 - Jim King (Elected)

Ward 3 - Arthur Block (Elected)

Ward 4 - Tanya Ford (Elected)

Ward 5 - Stephanie Cooper (Elected)

Ward 6 - Duane Skinner (Acclaimed)

Ward 7 - Nicole Gillies (Acclaimed)

At the Organizational Meeting on October 29, 2025:

• Trustee Kara Jackson was nominated for and accepted the position of Board Chair.
• Trustee Tanya Ford was nominated and accepted the position of Board Vice Chair.

The new BTPS ward structure came into effect with the 2025 election. More information regarding the new BTPS wards can be found on the website - Electoral Wards Bylaw

The Board extends its congratulations to all trustees, both elected and acclaimed, who will serve students, staff, and families across our division. Together, the Board remains committed to strengthening public and rural education and ensuring that every student has access to high-quality, inclusive learning opportunities.

Photo (Left to Right): Secretary Treasurer Matt Read, Trustee Duane Skinner, Trustee Nicole Gillies, Trustee Jim King, Superintendent Michelle Webb, Trustee Stephanie Cooper, Board Chair Kara Jackson, Vice Chair Tanya Ford

Missing from Photo: Trustee Arthur Block

Vermilion Elementary School has had an exciting start to the year!

We had beautiful weather for our Welcome Back Family Picnic and Terry Fox Walk, which gave us a wonderful opportunity to connect with families and learn about citizenship together. Many clubs are already underway, giving students the chance to try new things, improve their skills, and shine. Cross country running and three volleyball teams are in full swing, and Canley (floor hockey) begins soon. Grade 5 and 6 students had the opportunity to work with Band Clinicians at VES to get them started on their instruments, which is always an amazing process to watch unfold. The grade 6 art class engaged in a land-based art and science project, while the grade 1 classes headed to the Provincial Park for hands-on learning about seasonal changes.

It has been a wonderful beginning, and we look forward to all the learning and experiences still to come this year.

Wainwright High School is an inspiring place to learn and work, built on strong connections, dedicated people, and meaningful opportunities for students to get involved.

Our Leadership class set the tone for the year with a spirited Welcome Week. From whole-school activities on the football field to themed dress-up days, lunch-hour games, a car show and shine, and a free BBQ, the week was filled with energy and community spirit.

Athletics are also off to a strong start. Our junior high golfers brought home the BTJHAA Golf Banner, while our Commandos Football team hosted their annual Autumn Classic under the lights. This community event featured more than just football - families enjoyed food trucks, a silent auction, bouncy castles, and a car show, making it a true celebration.

Our annual Terry Fox Run was especially meaningful this year, as students, staff, and families from Wainwright Elementary School joined us in raising funds for the Terry Fox Foundation. With community support, we have already surpassed our $1,600 goal.

On September 29, we were honoured to welcome Kevin John and his daughter Elaina, who guided students and staff through blanket exercises and sharing circles. This hands-on learning experience deepened understanding of Indigenous history and the relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada. It was a powerful step toward building empathy, dialogue, and reconciliation within our school community.

One of Edgerton's strengths is our close-knit, familial school community.

There is something special about being in a K-12 school and being a part of an entire family's education journey! It is always a bittersweet day when the last sibling of a family graduates. While some teachers may be hesitant to teach a split class, it is something we celebrate here in Edgerton- we get at least two years to build strong relationships and memories with each group!

There is a warmth and positivity that is felt in our school. A big piece of that warmth comes from having a staff that believes in finding joy in the little things- whether that is participating in school spirit days alongside our students, hosting staff lunches, or simply bringing each other a coffee or sweet treat. We consistently show up for each other, which allows us to show up for our kids!

Our school is backed by a dedicated Parent Foundation that strives to provide our students and staff with opportunities! They work hard to fundraise for free hot lunches each month, class wishlists (which provide funding for field trips and the "extras"), swimming lessons, and wellness experiences. The Foundation members are active and engaged in our school events- showing up and participating in events like the Terry Fox Run, Grad vs. Staff Ball Game, monthly assemblies, and class parties. We appreciate their commitment to our school community!

Several of our BTPS students attended the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame’s Discovery Days in Health Sciences at the University of Alberta and found it to be an inspiring and educational experience. They enjoyed the engaging keynote lecture and hands-on workshops that explored various areas of medicine and health sciences.

The event offered valuable insight into different career paths within the healthcare field. Hearing from professionals about their experiences helped students better understand the many opportunities in health sciences. Overall, the day strengthened their passion for pursuing future studies and careers in the medical and health fields.

As we continue settling back into our school routines, many of us are still finding our rhythm and reconnecting with students and colleagues. It is completely normal if things still feel a little off-balance. Re-establishing our momentum takes time.

Over the next couple of weeks, consider small ways to recharge and reconnect:

• Pause – Take a moment to breathe and reset before moving to the next task.
• Connect – Share a positive story, a laugh, or a quick check-in with someone you have not seen much lately.
• Nourish – Make time for something that fills your cup, whether that is a walk, music, or a quiet coffee break.
• Reflect – Notice the small wins. They matter.

Please remember that support is available. Our Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) provides confidential, 24/7 wellness resources and counselling services for you and your family. To learn more, visit asebp.ca/efap.

Thank you for continuing to show up with care for your students, your colleagues, and yourselves. Here’s to steady steps forward as we settle back in.

Criterion-on-Demand enables teachers and students to access a large variety of feature films online, at the click of a button. BTPS has a subscription for streaming movies in your classroom. All other streaming services are not legally permitted.

www.criterionondemand.com

username: 92002

password: BRpsrd

As we come together this November 11, Buffalo Trail Public Schools honours the courage, service, and sacrifice of those who have served and those who continue to serve our country.

Across our schools and communities, students and staff will take time to learn, reflect, and remember. These moments of reflection remind us that the freedoms we experience today were shaped by the dedication of countless individuals and families.

We invite everyone to observe a moment of silence on November 11 to honour their legacy, acknowledge their bravery, and recognize the continued commitment of the Canadian Armed Forces. We remember. We honour. We give thanks. Lest we forget.

World Kindness Day is November 13!

At Buffalo Trail Public Schools, we believe that kindness creates connection. We recognize the impact that small, genuine gestures can have in our schools and communities. A kind word, a helping hand, or a moment of encouragement can make a meaningful difference in someone’s day.

Let’s continue to foster caring, welcoming, supportive environments where every student, staff member, and family feels valued and included.

Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week takes place during the third week of November. It is a time to focus on fostering belonging, kindness, and respect in our schools and communities.

We know that when students and staff feel welcome, included, and valued, they are better able to learn, grow, and thrive. This week encourages us to continue standing up against bullying, supporting one another, and celebrating the individuality each person brings to our school communities.

BTPS remains committed to providing welcoming, caring, safe, and respectful learning and working environments for all.

Support and Resources

• Bullying Helpline: Call or text 310-1818, or chat online at www.alberta.ca/bullying-get-help
• Kids Help Phone: Call 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868 for free, 24/7 support

Youth Mental Health Canada has launched a self-paced online certificate course designed to equip education professionals with proactive tools to support student well-being. The Youth Wellness Action Plan (YWAP) course introduces an evidence-informed, strengths-based approach to help students create personalized wellness strategies. This course may be useful for teachers and support staff seeking practical resources that can be implemented immediately in schools. Developed by an experienced educator and grounded in international research, the course includes a printable resource booklet for classroom use. The certificate takes five to seven hours to complete and is available for a limited time at a reduced rate of $250/participant.

The Terry Fox Humanitarian Award is open to students graduating from high school, students completing their first year of post-secondary, or students working toward their first university degree or diploma at a Canadian post-secondary institution. This prestigious award is valued at up to $28,000 over four years.

The award recognizes students who show:

• Courage in overcoming challenges

• Perseverance in the face of adversity

• Compassion and service to others

• Initiative and positive impact in their communities

The application deadline is December 1, 2025. More information, eligibility criteria, and the online application portal are available at: www.terryfoxawards.ca

The nomination period for the 2026 Prime Minister’s Awards is now open.

The Prime Minister’s Awards are a chance to celebrate educators for their leadership and exemplary education practices. Any person or group (i.e. parents, colleagues, principals, board members or students) can nominate educators in three different categories:

• Teaching Excellence
• Teaching Excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
• Excellence in Early Childhood Education

The nomination deadline is January 14, 2026 (11:59 PM Pacific Standard Time). Visit canada.ca/pm-awards