BTPS Newsletter

As we approach spring break, I want to encourage all of us to pause and think about wellness.

“Rest and self-care are so important. When you take time to replenish your spirit, it allows you to serve others.” – Eleanor Brown

Our mission includes creating safe and caring environments, and that includes caring for ourselves. We can only support our students and colleagues well when we take time to rest and recharge.

Our values of accountability and collaboration remind us that we’re all in this together. Supporting one another, noticing when someone needs help, and encouraging time for rest are important acts of care.

Thank you for your dedication and hard work. Please take time over the break to rest, spend time with loved ones, and come back refreshed.

Be well,
Michelle

Buffalo Trail Public Schools is launching a new storytelling campaign called Where Are They Now? BTPS Alumni.

Every year, BTPS students graduate and begin new chapters in their lives. Some continue their education, some enter the workforce, some stay close to home, and others move to new communities. Each journey is unique, and each one begins with the experiences students have in our schools.

As Education Week approaches from April 13 to 17, 2026, it feels like the perfect time to celebrate BTPS graduates and the many different paths that begin in our schools.

Throughout Education Week, we will be sharing alumni highlights that reflect the lasting impact of public education and the many journeys that grow from the learning, relationships, and experiences students have while attending BTPS schools.

If you know a former BTPS student we should highlight, or if you are a BTPS graduate yourself, we would love to hear from you.

We are excited to host the upcoming 14th Annual Superintendent's Public Speaking Competition.

Date: Tuesday, April 21, 2026

Where: JR Robson School - North Training Centre

Time: 9:30am - Noon

The Buffalo Trail Public School Superintendent’s Public Speaking Contest provides an opportunity for students in BTPS to be involved in an event that will display their public speaking abilities. The competition is meant to acknowledge the importance of public speaking as an essential skill for today’s youth.

The contest is open to students who are currently enrolled in a BTPS school. Schools can nominate a maximum of 1 (one) candidate in each of the competition categories (A school level competition may be held to identify the candidates to be nominated).

Check out the Board Highlights from the March 2026 meeting.

On March 18, 2026, the Buffalo Trail Public Schools Board of Trustees made the decision to close Delnorte School, effective June 26, 2026.

This decision followed a formal review process conducted in accordance with the Education Act, Section 62, and Board Policy 802BP – School Grade, Division or Facility Reduction. Throughout the process, families, staff, and community members were invited to share their perspectives through a community conversation, online survey, written submissions, and meetings.

The Board of Trustees reviewed all information presented, including student enrolment, program delivery, financial considerations, transportation, facilities, staffing, and system implications, along with the feedback and written submissions shared by parents and community members throughout the process.

We know this decision impacts people across our division. Delnorte School is more than a building, it is a place of relationships, memories, and community. Many staff across BTPS have connections to Delnorte, and we recognize the emotions that come with this change.

We are grateful to everyone who shared their voice throughout this process. Your input was heard and thoughtfully considered.

In the months ahead, our focus is on supporting students, families, and staff with care and stability. This includes thoughtful transition planning, clear and ongoing communication, and ensuring students continue to feel a strong sense of belonging and support.

BTPS Board of Trustees is pleased to announce Sydney Joa, Vermilion Elementary School teacher, as our nominee for the 2026 Edwin Parr Teacher Award, presented annually by the Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) to six outstanding first-year teachers from across the province.

The Edwin Parr Award is given annually to one first-year teacher in each ASBA zone who has demonstrated excellence in teaching. Each school division nominates one candidate, and then a committee selects one recipient for the zone. The Edwin Parr Award recipients are recognized at the ASBA Fall General Meeting.

Vermilion Elementary School Principal, Sheila Doherty, shares:

“Miss Joa is an exceptional first-year teacher at Vermilion Elementary School, whose dedication, passion, and proactive approach to teaching have quickly made her an invaluable asset to both her students and the school community. Miss Joa has shown a deep commitment to fostering strong, supportive relationships and creating inclusive learning environments. She builds meaningful connections with students, families, and colleagues grounded in trust, empathy, and high expectations. Her classroom is a welcoming and respectful space where diversity is celebrated, and every student feels valued.”

Congratulations, Sydney!

Board Chair Jackson presented Trustee King with an Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) Long Service Award in recognition of his three terms serving Buffalo Trail Public Schools.

Thank you, Trustee King, for your continued dedication and commitment to supporting students across the division!

At Amisk School, our Kindergarten to Grade 3 students learn in an environment where relationships come first. As a small rural school serving the communities of Amisk, Hughenden, Czar, and Metiskow, every child is known, valued, and supported both academically and socially.

Our size allows us to be responsive to student needs while building strong partnerships with families. Multi-age connections, hands-on learning, and school-wide activities foster a deep sense of belonging from the very start of each child’s educational journey.

The past few weeks have been filled with excitement and school spirit from St. Patrick’s Day celebrations and the 100th Day of School, to recognizing reading success at our AR Store. Students enjoyed engaging workshops with Teacher’s Pet Educational Services and were inspired by Steve Harmer’s “Amazing Kids – 6 Secrets to Amazing!” show. We also came together to celebrate Pink Shirt Day and Random Acts of Kindness Day, reinforcing the importance of kindness and connection.

With generations of families connected to our halls, Amisk School is proud to be at the heart of our rural community, providing a nurturing foundation where young learners grow in confidence, resilience, and community spirit.

What makes our rural school community special is the incredible support we receive from the people and organizations around us. Our school truly reflects the spirit of the community, with local businesses, volunteers, and families working together to create opportunities for our students.

Over the past few months, our students have taken part in several activities that support both literacy and numeracy, including Pi Day activities and a school-wide book tournament that encouraged students to engage with math and reading in fun ways.

Our community also helps provide valuable hands-on learning experiences. Our CTS construction classes have been supported by local carpenter Cam Kuzio in partnership with the Village of Innisfree Public Works, giving students the chance to learn practical skills. Students also participated in archery lessons supported by the Innisfree and District Fish and Game Society, including Clint Taylor and Aaron Cannan, with help from Newt’s Bussing.

Winter activities have been another highlight. We of course enjoyed following the Winter Olympics and cheering on team Canada together, using the Olympic fever as a classroom learning tool. Students had opportunities for skating, supported by the Innisfree Agricultural Society, and curling instruction with community coaches Deanna Jackson and Derek Saskiw. Our Grades 4–12 ski trip was supported by the School Council, and our Grades 1–3 Winter Carnival was organized in partnership with the private ECS program and supported by parents and community members.

In addition, our free hot lunch program, funded through local grants and donations from businesses, helps ensure every student has access to a meal during the school day.

All of these opportunities are possible because of the people who support our school. Their involvement helps make our school a place where students can learn, try new things, and feel connected to the community. We truly are a community school.

Buffalo Trail Public Schools is proud to be featured in the CASS Connection – Spring 2026 edition, Leading Towards Unity in Education.

“Student Voice at the Board Table” by James Trodden, Camille Quinton, and Michelle Webb (BTPS) explores how incorporating student voice into governance strengthens accountability, assurance, and shared responsibility in rural education systems.

Read the full article here!

Students at Hughenden Public School and Provost Public School recently explored hands on trades learning through a CTS and Dual Credit pilot project.

Through Dual Credit funding, students took part in short, intensive modules delivered by BTPS Facilities staff. This approach expanded access to trades programming for students in rural communities and provided experiences similar to those offered through Lakeland College.

BTPS Facilities team members Mike and Harlie led the sessions, creating engaging, real world learning opportunities that were very well received by students. This initiative helps strengthen access to trades exploration while supporting opportunities for students in our southern schools.

April 13 to 17 is Education Week in Alberta, led by the Alberta Teachers’ Association to celebrate public education and the people who make it strong every day.

Education Week recognizes the important role that teachers, school staff, families, and communities all play in supporting student success and creating places where students can grow and thrive. At Buffalo Trail Public Schools, we see this impact every day in our classrooms, schools, and communities.

Thank you to all staff, families, and community members who support learning and help make our schools strong.

April 19 to 25 is National Volunteer Week, a time to recognize and celebrate the people who give their time to support others and strengthen our communities.

At Buffalo Trail Public Schools, we are grateful for the many volunteers who support our schools. From helping in classrooms to supporting events and activities, your time and care make a meaningful difference for students and staff. Your contributions help create welcoming schools and strong communities across our division.

Thank you to all BTPS volunteers for the important role you play!

Check out our Kindergarten registration video for the 2026–2027 school year below and see our classrooms in action!