BTPS Newsletter

As we settle into October and head into Thanksgiving weekend, I find myself reflecting on just how much there is to be grateful for across BTPS.

The past couple of weeks have been busy across BTPS! From learning, assessments, bus evacuations, IL and OLC meetings, Terry Fox Runs, award celebrations, cross-country runs, golf and volleyball tournaments, National Truth and Reconciliation Day activities, and so much more! I have been fortunate to attend many of these events, visit schools and connect with staff and students along the way. Each visit reminds me of the wonderful things happening in our schools and the people who make them possible.

One of the things I appreciate most about rural public education is how our schools are truly part of their communities. Whether it is cheering on students at a tournament, celebrating their accomplishments, supporting their learning or simply taking time to connect, there is a genuine sense of belonging. These moments, big and small, are what make Big Opportunities. Small Community Feel. so meaningful.

As we head into Thanksgiving, I want to share how grateful I am for each of you. The care, creativity, dedication and heart you bring to your work make a difference for our students every day. I hope you also take a moment to recognize the difference you make and the many reasons we have to celebrate being part of BTPS.

I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend with family and friends and find some time to enjoy the things that make you happy. Thank you for all that you do for our students, for one another and for our communities. We have so much to be thankful for!

Be well,

Michelle

This year, I’d like to hear more from you about your experiences and perspectives on rural education and what makes BTPS special to you. Responses are anonymous, with the option to enter a draw!

October's HEART Team theme is Gratitude!

Taking a moment to appreciate the people and little things around us can make a difference in our day. Whether it's a kind word, a simple thank-you or time spent together, there are so many ways to show gratitude in our schools and workplaces.

For this month's feature, Sandra Grunow from Wainwright High School shares how their school community recently came together to celebrate gratitude.

Wainwright High School was demonstrated Gratefulness through a shared Thanksgiving meal together. Students also created a gratefulness chain sharing with each one thing they are grateful for. We are fortunate to share time together as a school family. Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

At Mannville School, our guiding philosophy of “Big opportunities. Small-community feel.” really does show up in so many of the things we do. Over the first few months of the school year, we’ve seen that small-town sense of community come together with some pretty big opportunities for our students — from athletics and special events to guest speakers, local partnerships, and families coming together to support our school.

One of the highlights so far was our school-wide assembly with Hall of Fame speaker and TEDx presenter Alvin Law. Alvin shared a powerful message about resilience, gratitude, and overcoming obstacles, and having him speak directly to our students in such a personal setting made the experience even more meaningful. His message connected with students across all grade levels and gave everyone something to think about.

Our Royals have also had a great fall season so far. On the golf course, our Senior Boys brought home a Zone Championship banner, while our Junior Boys captured the BTJHAA banner as well. On the volleyball court, our Junior Girls showed tremendous growth and determination throughout the season, including a tournament win in Irma. Our Senior High Girls also battled hard in Hughenden to earn a well-deserved consolation victory. And there is still more to come, with our Grade 5–12 girls volleyball teams continuing to compete and represent Mannville with pride.

In our classrooms, we continue to look for ways to get students excited about learning and reading. Our Accelerated Reading program received some great support from our local Credit Union and their mascot, Fat Cat. Their sponsorship helps provide the funding and incentives that encourage our younger students to keep reading and working toward their goals. We are incredibly grateful for local businesses that recognize how important it is to invest in our kids and our school.

That sense of community has been evident outside of the classroom as well. We started the school year with our annual Back-to-School Breakfast, hosted by the Mannville School Council, bringing families, staff, and community members together over a hot breakfast. Our students have also had opportunities to share their voices, including a forum in September where 18 local youth met with representatives from MMI FCSS, the School Council, and municipal leaders to talk about their ideas and hopes for our community.

And, of course, none of these things happen without the incredible volunteers and families who continue to give their time and support. From the School Council’s support of the hot lunch program to showing up to cheer on our teams, our community continues to show what it means to support kids.

Mannville may be a small community, but our students continue to have big opportunities — and it’s the people around them who help make those opportunities possible.

Vermilion Elementary School’s start to the school year has been fantastic, and it certainly exemplifies what “Big opportunities. Small-community feel.” looks like in action! At VES, students have had many opportunities to connect, learn, lead, and celebrate together. From clubs and athletics to assemblies, family events, community connections, and division-wide learning opportunities, our students are showing their “Being the Best We Can Be” attitude every step of the way.

One of the highlights of the fall has been our Cross Country Running Club. Our Grade 4–6 Cross Country team made us incredibly proud at the JR Robson, Kitscoty, and Riverdale races. From start to finish, our students demonstrated determination, teamwork, perseverance, and plenty of Jaguar spirit. These events gave our students the opportunity to challenge themselves while cheering on and supporting their teammates.

Our Creative Kids Club has also been busy creating! Students put their creativity to work making beautiful fall arrangements to take home and share with their families. It has been wonderful to see students explore their artistic talents while working together.

Our monthly assemblies have quickly become a favourite VES tradition. Each assembly includes a Spirit Day, and this month students and staff showed their school spirit with Crazy Hair and Wacky Socks. Our Grade 6 students take on important leadership roles by leading the Land Acknowledgment, sharing the Grandfather Teachings, and drawing names of students who have demonstrated the teachings throughout the month. Classes also take turns sharing how they have put the monthly teaching into action.

For our October assembly, the Grade 6 students impressed us by memorizing and performing a poem about the teaching of Love. We have also added some fun new traditions to our assemblies, including the VES Family Challenge and the Battle of Staff versus Grade 6. This month’s challenge was “Finish That Song,” followed by a spirited game of foosball between the teachers and Grade 6 students. The fun doesn’t stop there—during Wellness Wednesday, the rest of our students will have a chance to take on the foosball challenge!

Building connections with families is another important part of life at VES. We kicked off the school year with a Family Picnic and Terry Fox Walk, providing a wonderful opportunity for students, staff, and families to spend time together outside of the classroom. Even rainy weather can’t keep us apart on these special days.

Our connection to the wider Vermilion community has been just as meaningful. VES students created artwork to send to residents at Vermilion Valley Lodge and Vermilion Long Term Care. It was equally special when one of the residents gave several students painted rocks to place around the community to bring joy to others. These moments remind us that even small acts of kindness can create big connections.

We are also fortunate to have Fat Cat from the Credit Union visit our assemblies and encourage our students to read. His visits are always a fun reminder of the many people in our community who support and celebrate our students.

The opportunities at VES extend beyond our school walls. VES recently hosted a Band Clinician Day, bringing together 175 band students from Kitscoty High School and Provost Public School. We are incredibly grateful to the talented clinicians who shared their time, knowledge, and expertise with our beginning band students. It was a wonderful opportunity for young musicians from across the division to learn from one another, build confidence, and make music together.

At Vermilion Elementary School, “Big opportunities. Small-community feel.” looks like students discovering their strengths, families coming together, staff creating memorable experiences, community members supporting our learners, and students across the division learning alongside one another. It looks like connection. It looks like belonging. It looks like learning and growing together. And most importantly, it looks like being part of the VES community!

Congratulations to Wainwright High School teachers Katherine Campbell, Jessica Oracheski and Kara Waddell on receiving a 2026 Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence Certificate of Achievement!

Katherine, Jessica and Kara were recognized for the teamwork, creativity and commitment they bring to their classrooms at WHS. They understand that their classes work best when they work together. As a team, they plan lessons, reflect on their practice and push each other to find new ways of teaching. Whether they are designing projects, looking at assessment tools or planning a field trip, they work with a shared purpose. Together, they have built a program that challenges students academically while helping them feel included, motivated and inspired to learn.

Their approach includes hands-on learning opportunities through community partnerships, interactive technology and digital tools that make learning engaging, and opportunities for students to explore real-world applications of science. They also tailor instruction and assessment to make learning more accessible for all students.

We are proud to see their teamwork, leadership and dedication to their students recognized nationally. Congratulations, Katherine, Jessica and Kara!

Mentors and protégés from the Buffalo Trail Public Schools/Park Plains East Local No. 31 Mentorship Program recently came together for their first Meet & Greet and Learning Event of the year.

The evening was all about making connections, getting to know one another and starting the year of mentorship together. The program gives both mentors and protégés opportunities to share ideas and experiences, learn from one another and support each other throughout the year.

Thank you to Mary Frank and Alysha Grosky, ATA Mentorship Co-chairs, for their work in bringing the program together, and to all of our mentors and protégés for being part of it. We’re excited for the year ahead!

It’s time to celebrate YOU! Join us for a special night at Rogers Place dedicated to recognizing the incredible educators who make such a meaningful difference in our communities every day.

We’re excited to invite you and your guests to experience our Educators' Appreciation Game on Monday, November 9th vs. New York Rangers at 7 PM.

When you purchase your tickets through the dedicated link below or through Ciara LeBoeuf directly, you’ll receive an Oilers Educators’ Appreciation tote bag or notebook & the chance to take a post-game photo on Rogers Place ice with your fellow educators! The instructions for each opportunity will be emailed to purchasers closer to the game.

Important: Purchase Through the Dedicated Link Below by Sunday, October 25 at 11:59 PM.

Tickets purchased directly through Ticketmaster or through any third-party/secondary resale website will NOT be connected to our educator group. As a result, you will NOT receive a take-home item or be eligible for the exclusive in-game experiences. Any tickets purchased through the dedicated link after Sunday, October 25th will NOT receive a take-home item or be eligible for the exclusive in-game experiences.

Purchase your special rate tickets here: Educators' Appreciation Game Ticket Offer - Nov. 9

If you have any issues or a group of 10 or more, please contact Ciara LeBoeuf at 780-409-5927 or cleboeuf@edmontonoilers.com!

Personal Leave Starting Balances for the 2026 2027 school year have been added onto the September 2026 Employee Earning Deduction Statement. This addition should make it easier for teachers to track their personal leave days throughout the school year.

Any teachers that were on the grid at 10 years experience have been updated as per the new 2026 2027 grids - it will now show on the Employee Earning Deduction Statement statement as 9 years experience as that is the maximum. If there are any questions please email hrteachers@btps.ca

Cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility. As more of our teaching, communication, and daily work takes place online—and as AI tools become increasingly common—understanding how to recognize and respond to cyber risks is an important skill for all BTPS staff.

The Government of Canada offers a Introduction to Cyber Security for Educators course designed specifically for K–12 educators. The course is free, takes approximately 90 minutes to complete, and is offered online in a self-paced format, allowing staff to complete it when it works for their schedule.

The course covers common cybersecurity terminology, threats affecting schools, and practical steps educators can take to protect themselves, their students, and BTPS. It also explores what makes a safe online learning environment and provides resources teachers can use to introduce cybersecurity concepts to students.

This is a great optional learning opportunity for any BTPS staff member interested in building their cybersecurity knowledge and confidence. It also complements the cybersecurity awareness training and practices already in place across BTPS.

The Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) is bringing its School Leaders Speaker Series to Wainwright on October 27, 2026.

Join Dr. Ryan Dunn for an evening of professional learning, meaningful discussion and connection with colleagues. See the postcard below for event details and registration information.

October 10 is World Mental Health Day 🌎

This year’s theme, “Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change,” highlights the importance of listening to and learning from the experiences of others.

Across BTPS, supporting mental health and well-being is an important part of building strong school communities. Taking the time to check in, listen and show care can help students, staff and families feel connected, supported and understood.

World Mental Health Day is an opportunity to keep the conversation going, learn from one another and recognize the difference we can make through connection and support.

October 19–23 is School Bus Safety Week 🚌

School Bus Safety Week is an important reminder that keeping students safe on and around school buses is a shared responsibility. Whether waiting at a bus stop, getting on and off the bus or sharing the road with a school bus, staying alert and paying attention makes a difference. Remember, red lights flashing means no passing!

This week is also an opportunity to recognize the people who help make safe student transportation possible each day. Our bus drivers and contractors do so much more than drive a route. They are a familiar face each morning and afternoon, a trusted part of our school communities and an important part of getting students safely to and from school.

Through early mornings, long routes, changing weather and everything in between, our drivers, contractors and Transportation team work together to provide safe and reliable transportation for students across our division. Thank you for the care and commitment you bring to our students, families and school communities. We appreciate you!