BTPS Newsletter

Welcome to May. As we move into one of the busiest stretches of the school year, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the importance of caring for ourselves and one another.

“Compassion for others begins with kindness to ourselves.” – Pema Chödrön

May 4 to 10 is Mental Health Week, an important reminder that well being matters not only for our students, but for every member of our BTPS team.

At Buffalo Trail Public Schools, our mission is grounded in the work of a highly effective team, and our vision of empowering students to be caring, responsible citizens is only possible because of the people who support them each day. The compassion, patience, and care you bring to your roles help shape not only student learning, but the culture of every school and workplace across our division.

Our values of respecting all, working together, and recognizing excellence remind us that caring for one another includes caring for ourselves. When we prioritize wellness and extend grace to ourselves and others, we strengthen the communities where students and staff can thrive.

Thank you for all that you do and for the heart you bring to your work each day.

Our BTPS Alumni – Where Are They Now? campaign highlights the many paths our graduates have taken and celebrates the impact of public education in our rural communities.

Each of our graduates has a unique story. Whether they are continuing their education, building a career, exploring new opportunities, or contributing to their communities in different ways, these stories reflect the experiences, relationships, and opportunities that help shape our students during their time in BTPS.

This campaign was launched during Education Week as a way to celebrate our students, alumni, and the impact of public education. We are proud to share these stories and celebrate our alumni.

And we are just getting started! Help us continue highlighting the many journeys of BTPS graduates by submitting an alumni nomination.

Explore all of the alumni features so far, learning more about their journeys, what they are doing now, and advice they have for current BTPS students, here: BTPS Alumni: Where Are They Now?

Buffalo Trail Public Schools proudly hosted the 14th Annual Superintendent’s Public Speaking Competition on April 21, 2026. It was an inspiring showcase of student voice, confidence, and talent.

Congratulations to this year’s winners! Thank you to all participants, judges, staff, and families for supporting this incredible event.

Division II (Gr. 4–6)

Gold: Avaya Miles, Vermilion Elementary School

Silver: Tavis Carey, Wainwright Elementary School

Division III (Gr. 7–9)

Gold: Taya Reed, Wainwright High School

Silver: Ben Wennekamp, Kitscoty High School

Division IV (Gr. 10–12)

Gold: Ashlyn Rentz, Wainwright High School

Silver: Sofia Myhovich, J.R. Robson School

Buffalo Trail Public Schools was proud to have school leaders attend the uLead Conference this year.

This premier gathering brings together educators and leaders from across Canada and beyond to explore innovative approaches to leadership, strengthen connections, and reflect on the future of education.

We were pleased to have Jody Cook, Darren Grosky, and Alysha Grosky represent BTPS at this year’s conference, engaging in meaningful learning, collaboration, and professional growth.

“I’m very grateful for the opportunity to attend the uLead Conference in Banff this year. It was meaningful to connect with fellow school leaders to share ideas, ask questions, and reflect on the work we do every day. This experience helped me reconnect with my purpose and revisit my ‘why.’ As Dr. Brad Johnson reminded us, ‘Leadership is a people business.’ A simple message, but one that continues to resonate. I returned inspired to continue doing this important work.”

— Jody Cook

Buffalo Trail Public Schools is proud to support leadership development through our Leadership Academy.

This program provides teaching staff with meaningful opportunities to grow their leadership capacity through professional learning, reflection, and collaboration as they explore leadership in education and develop skills for future leadership opportunities across the division.

Thank you to the participants for their commitment to growth and learning, and to the facilitators who share their time, expertise, and leadership in support of this important work. Investing in leadership development helps strengthen our schools and supports continued success for students across BTPS.

Buffalo Trail Public Schools is excited to share that Alysha Grosky has been appointed Assistant Principal of Irma School, effective August 2026.

Alysha brings a strong commitment to student learning and well-being, along with a passion for supporting students and building positive school communities.

We are excited for this next chapter and all that Alysha will bring to the Irma School community. Please join us in congratulating her!

Buffalo Trail Public Schools is pleased to share that Lindsey Bates, Principal of J.R. Robson School, has been appointed to the Government of Alberta’s Teacher Advisory Council.

The Teacher Advisory Council brings together educators from across the province to provide direct input on emerging issues, education policy, and initiatives shaping Alberta’s K to 12 education system. Lindsey is one of 16 educators selected from 174 applicants province wide and will serve on the council through June 2027.

We are proud to see Lindsey representing Buffalo Trail Public Schools and serving as a strong voice for rural public education at the provincial level. Congratulations, Lindsey, on this well deserved appointment.

Throughout this school year, the BTPS Leadership Team has been engaged in a division-wide book study of Culturize by Jimmy Casas, exploring the powerful role school culture plays in creating positive learning environments for students and staff.

As an exciting extension of that learning, BTPS Principal Tyler Comeau recently welcomed Jimmy Casas to The Elemental Educator Podcast for a conversation focused on leadership under pressure, maintaining alignment with core values, and building strong team culture.

🎧 Listen to the episode:

Leadership Under Pressure: How to Stop Drifting From Your Core Values with Jimmy Casas

Apple - Spotify

Check out the Board Highlights from the April 2026 meeting.

Buffalo Trail Public Schools is pleased to congratulate the Irma Enhancement Committee on being named the recipient of the Friends of Education Award.

Presented on behalf of the Board of Trustees by Tanya Ford, this award honours individuals and groups whose dedication and service make a lasting impact on education in our division.

The Irma Enhancement Committee is being recognized for its ongoing commitment and support of school based initiatives, including the Wall of Support at Irma School.

Through years of advocacy, fundraising, and partnership, the committee has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to enhancing learning opportunities for students and strengthening education in their community. Thank you to the committee for your dedication to students, schools, and the Irma community.

What makes Vermilion Elementary School special is the sense of belonging you feel the moment you walk through the doors. Students, staff, and families work together to create a safe, caring community where learning is engaging and every child matters. When asked, students will tell you about all the things at VES that help them shine and give them a sense of belonging.

We have many clubs at VES during the noon hour, including our badminton club that just wrapped up. Choir Club participated in our first Fine Arts Night, and Creative Kids has been busy creating cards, string art gifts, and painting bird houses for our friends at the Vermilion Lodge. Fifty-five students participated in our Science Fair, which was a huge success again this year and a great opportunity for both participants and community members. Another highlight was having one of our students win first place in the Superintendent’s Public Speaking Contest for the second year in a row. At VES, we continually strive to “Be the Best We Can Be.”

Being a rural school means opportunity. We welcome community members into our classrooms, and our students step out into the community to learn firsthand, building pride, responsibility, and real-world understanding. In recent months, kindergarten students visited the Lakeland College farm, Child and Youth Care students helped with Literacy Day Book Bingo, and several classes took swimming lessons at the LLC Aquatic Centre.

The Vermilion Credit Union supports our Literacy Program through monthly visits from Fat Cat, reading with our Grade 1 students, and helping with our Hot Lunch Program during Celebration of Learning Night. That evening was bursting at the seams with families who came to celebrate student learning, visit the Book Fair, and participate in Drum Fit.

Additional highlights included a numeracy collaboration project between Grade 8 and Grade 4 students, a Band Clinic for Grades 5 and 6, Orff instrument instruction for Kindergarten to Grade 3 students with Bonnie Bauer, and Wellness Wednesday activities led by local lacrosse, soccer, and pickleball coaches. So many connections and so many opportunities!

Our BTPS Colony Schools are very pleased to be able to share a bit of news and excitement happening in our schools and colony communities. As winter is over at last, in many ways life begins again after the long season where nature rests. Inside our schools, we continue to learn and work together and are very aware of how seasons change and the exciting new things each one brings.

In our colonies, over 150 Hutterite children in grades 1 to 9 walk every day to schools in their own community where they are served by caring, effective, and creative educators. Our staff and students put in tremendous effort to prepare learners for life on the colony once they complete their English schooling, knowing the future of each colony community is closely tied to the strength of the education we diligently provide them.

Our focus continues to be very similar to our colleagues in larger community schools, with a deep commitment to literacy, numeracy, and high quality learning. We work hard to ensure students meet the same rigorous curricular outcomes as their peers across the division, but without the use of modern technologies in accordance with our Hutterite families’ wishes. This respectful partnership inspires creativity, flexibility, and inventive lessons and experiences.

Life outside of English school hours is also very busy. The life of a Hutterite child is carefully designed to help them recognize the value of community and the importance of sharing life with others. A typical day begins early as many children start their chores before most of us are even out of bed. Their day continues with German school, English school, daily church, supper, and often more work on the colony before heading off for a well earned sleep.

Throughout each week, students also work alongside adults in many areas of colony life. While there is a great deal of work to do on the colony, there is also meaningful time spent with family and friends enjoying life together.

All of your colleagues and friends of the BTPS Colony Schools team want to let you know that we are honoured to be your colleagues as we serve the children and families of our communities no matter where they live and go to school. We send wishes for a safe and successful conclusion to this school year as well as for a restful and recharging summer break!

“I love coming to your school!” This is a common refrain we hear when people enter our building. What is it that people love?

They are delighted with the students. EPS students are generally engaged, trusting and enthusiastic about life. EPS staff like being here and go above and beyond what is expected in order to ensure students succeed. We are serious about the mental health of both staff and students and appreciate the support we receive through WOW and the SEC. Our community is generous with gifts of time, funds and creativity, all of which show the value of the school in Edgerton. Simple needs are met through food, love and inspiration, which facilitates learning and growth.

EPS fosters an environment of caring, respect and trust – we aren’t perfect, however we strive to be honest, faithful and present.

We are proud to recognize and thank the principals and assistant principals across Buffalo Trail Public Schools for the important role they play in our schools each day.

Your leadership helps create welcoming, caring environments where students feel supported and staff can do their best work. Your guidance, encouragement, and steady presence make a difference in the lives of students, staff, and families.

Thank you for the time, energy, and heart you bring to your schools and communities. We are grateful for all that you do, today and every day.

Every day, our bus drivers play an important role in the lives of our students and school communities. They offer a friendly smile, create a welcoming start to the day, and ensure each journey is safe and caring from beginning to end.

Through changing seasons and early mornings, they show up with patience, kindness, and a genuine care for every student. Behind the wheel, they carry a big responsibility, and they handle it with consistency and heart.

To our bus drivers, thank you for the care you bring and the important role you play in our school communities each and every day.

Mental Health Week is an opportunity to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the people and communities around us. This year’s theme, Come Together, Canada: Stronger connections, better mental health, highlights the important role that connection plays in our well-being.

Across Buffalo Trail Public Schools, we see every day how meaningful relationships support students, staff, and families. A simple check-in, a conversation, or time spent together can make a real difference.

Connection helps us feel supported, builds resilience, and reminds us that we are not alone. Mental health is something we build together. This week, take a moment to connect with someone in a way that feels meaningful. Even small moments can make a difference. Learn more and explore resources

On May 5, Buffalo Trail Public Schools recognizes Red Dress Day, the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People.

Red Dress Day honours the lives of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People across Canada and recognizes the profound impact their loss has on families, loved ones, and communities. Inspired by the REDress Project created by Métis artist Jaime Black, red dresses displayed in communities have become a powerful symbol of remembrance and of the lasting absence felt by families and communities across the country.

Red Dress Day is an important opportunity to reflect, learn, and continue conversations that deepen understanding and support truth, justice, and reconciliation. At BTPS, we remain committed to fostering learning environments where these important conversations can take place with care, respect, and a spirit of learning.

BTPS is proud to take part in Hats On! for Mental Health on Wednesday, May 6.

This special day encourages students and staff to wear a hat to school to raise awareness and spark conversations about the importance of mental health. By wearing our hats, we are showing that mental health matters and helping to create safe, supportive spaces for everyone.

Classroom resources and activities to support these conversations are available through the Alberta Teachers’ Association’s Can We Talk? campaign. Together, we can help reduce stigma around mental health, one conversation at a time.

Buffalo Trail Public Schools is proud to recognize Educational Assistant Appreciation Day on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, which BTPS celebrates each year on the second Wednesday in May.

Educational Assistants play an important role in our schools each day, supporting students, staff, and classrooms in meaningful ways. Their care, patience, and commitment help create safe, welcoming environments where students can learn, grow, and succeed.

From working one-on-one with students to supporting classrooms and school activities, Educational Assistants are a valued part of our BTPS team. Their impact is seen in the relationships they build and the support they provide every day.

We are grateful for all that our Educational Assistants do across BTPS. Thank you for the difference you make each and every day!

Every school, every classroom, and every role in Buffalo Trail Public Schools helps shape the heart of our division, and we know there are countless stories worth sharing.

Our Why We Love BTPS campaign celebrates the moments, people, and experiences that make BTPS such a meaningful place to learn and work. Whether it is a colleague who made a difference, a student success story, a moment of belonging, or simply what makes your school community special, we would love to hear your “why.”

Share your “why” for a chance to be featured in an upcoming newsletter and win a staff treat for your school or department!

Supporting your well-being matters, and your ASEBP benefits include access to the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) through GreenShield at no cost to you.

EFAP offers confidential support for you and your eligible dependents in many areas of life, including mental health counselling, nutrition, financial and legal guidance, career coaching, sleep support, wellness resources, and more. Services are available virtually, making it easy to access support whenever and wherever you need it.

Whether you are navigating a challenge, looking for guidance, or simply wanting to invest in your overall well-being, this resource is available to support you.

To get started, create your GreenShield+ account using your ASEBP ID number and employer organization code. If you need help locating your organization code, contact ASEBP at 1-877-431-4786 or benefits@asebp.ca. We encourage all staff to explore this valuable resource and access support whenever needed.