BTPS Newsletter

The past couple of weeks have reminded me again how fortunate we are to be part of BTPS!

I really appreciated the opportunity to spend time with our Board, school administrators and division leadership team during our recent Board Leadership Workshop. There was lots of great conversation, learning and laughter along the way. Having our school administrators join us brought valuable perspectives from our schools and gave us time to strengthen relationships, learn from one another and reflect on how we can best support our students and staff.

I've also continued my Our Schools, Our Stories visits, and I love the opportunity to spend time in our schools. Hearing about the celebrations and challenges, connecting with staff and students, and seeing the many ways our BTPS team supports student learning and well-being reminds me how much each of you contributes. Whether in classrooms, hallways, buses, offices or behind the scenes, the work you do makes a difference for our students every day. There is so much to be proud of across BTPS!

The tragic incident at CFB Wainwright has also reminded us how connected our communities are. Spending time in our Wainwright schools following the incident, I was grateful to see the care and compassion shown for students, colleagues and families. My thoughts remain with everyone affected, and I appreciate the many ways people have supported one another during such a difficult time.

As we head into November, thank you for all you do for our students, one another and our communities. I hope you find time to enjoy the little moments that make each day special.

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!

Our hearts are with our military families, first responders, and all of the surrounding communities involved, following the tragic incident at CFB Wainwright and the MD of Wainwright.

We recognize that the impact of this tragic incident is being felt deeply throughout our communities and beyond. Our military families and first responders are an important and valued part of Buffalo Trail Public Schools and our communities.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to those who have lost loved ones. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone impacted during this difficult time.

H is for HEART: Ways to show care for each other

Feeling cared for, and caring for others, is important for our schools and communities. There are different ways to show you care (kind and encouraging words, helping each other, leaving small notes or gifts, spending time together, and smiles, comforting gestures & high fives), and each of us feels appreciated and valued differently.

One way we all feel valued and understood is when our colleagues and community show care through grace. Recognizing that others (or even ourselves) may have more on our plate, or other parts of our lives where we are struggling, and allowing some time, patience and support for ourselves and each other in these times is important.

Ways we can lead with understanding, and show empathy and grace for each other include:

• Recognize that everyone has challenges we may not see or understand.
• Give people the benefit of the doubt before making assumptions.
• Respond to mistakes with patience, understanding, and opportunities to learn.
• Offer second chances while maintaining healthy boundaries and accountability.
• Consider how another person might be feeling, even when their perspective differs from ours.
• Choose compassion over judgment and curiosity over criticism.
• Remember that people need connection and understanding, especially when they are struggling.

Feeling understood and cared for is an important part of feeling at home at work, in our schools and in our communities. Take a moment over the next few weeks to show care to someone in some small way.

Board Chair Tanya Ford and Superintendent Michelle Webb attended the 2026 Fall Board Chairs-Ministerial Engagement, hosted by the Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA).

The gathering provided an opportunity for Board Chairs and Superintendents from across Alberta to connect, share perspectives and engage in discussions about education priorities across the province.

Check out the highlights from the October 28, 2026 Regular Meeting of the Buffalo Trail Public Schools Board of Trustees.

You can also find highlights from previous meetings on our website.

At Wainwright High School, we take pride in offering students big opportunities while maintaining the strong relationships and sense of belonging that make rural education so special. With approximately 285 students in Grades 7-12, WHS is a place where students are known, supported, and encouraged to explore their interests, discover their strengths, and get involved.

October was a wonderful example of “Big opportunities. Small-community feel.” On October 22, we welcomed representatives from post-secondary institutions for an ELAA event, giving students in Grades 9-12 the opportunity to explore educational pathways and learn about their options after high school. Later that day, community members representing a wide variety of careers joined us for a career fair, sharing their experiences and insights with students. We were also pleased to welcome students from neighbouring schools to participate in this valuable day of career exploration.

Building connections and a sense of belonging is equally important at WHS. Our annual Thanksgiving Lunch brought students and staff together in their nation groups to share a meal, strengthen relationships, and celebrate our school community. These connections also extend beyond our school walls through meaningful mentorship opportunities. Our Grade 8 students visit Wainwright Elementary School to build relationships and participate in activities with Grade 1 students, while our Leadership 30 students connect with residents at Battle River Lodge through regular visits. These experiences foster leadership, kindness, and a sense of community while building meaningful relationships across generations.

Our students and staff also demonstrated tremendous compassion following the tragic military training accident at CFB Wainwright on October 17. Students created signs of support and lined the football field as military personnel departed Wainwright for Edmonton. Our Grade 10 students also baked cookies and delivered thank-you cards to local first responders in appreciation of their service. These thoughtful gestures reflected the strong connections between our school and the wider Wainwright community.

At WHS, we are proud to offer a wide range of academic, athletic, fine arts, leadership, and hands-on learning opportunities. But what truly makes our school special is the way our students, staff, families, and community come together to support one another. Big opportunities, meaningful connections, and a community where everyone belongs is what rural public education looks like at Wainwright High School. Inspiring Success… Every Way, Every Day.

The new school year brought excitement and joy to the hallways of Provost Public School, and they have been abuzz ever since. From school kick-off to new opportunities in Rec Leadership and Mentorship, our Panthers have had a great start to the school year.

Bringing our student body together to create belonging, develop positive relationships, and build school spirit is always a priority at the start of the year. Our Student Leadership Advisory Committee (SLAC) organized some back-to-school fun and kicked off the school year with school-wide activities. Mother Nature did not cooperate that day, but the rain could not dampen our spirits. With our students in cross-grade groups, they enjoyed playing bingo, lawn games, running an obstacle course, and playing board games in the different spaces in our school. Laughter was heard, smiles were seen, and connections were made.

New and very exciting this year is our Rec Leadership Option for high school students. Introducing our students to different aspects of recreation, fitness, sports, and wellness, Rec Leadership has provided many new and exciting opportunities. Rec Leadership students have left the traditional classroom behind and are expanding their knowledge while utilizing many of the facilities our local community has to offer. Perhaps even more exciting is how experts in the field, both local and from outside our community, have been consulted to bring knowledge and expertise, as well as introduce students to potential careers in the field of recreation. This initiative creates rich learning opportunities for our students and also strong collaborations with our community.

One of the most meaningful developments and additions to our school has been the launch of our Mentorship program. What began as a buddy program with a few students last year has grown into a program providing meaningful relationships for students. The mentorship program is built on a strong foundation, providing opportunities for students to build connection, create belonging, and foster growth. Building these positive relationships within our school helps create safe spaces for students to learn and supports learning success for all students.

At the heart of our school is a simple but powerful belief: Panthers create belonging, engage in active learning, and persevere. These values are reflected in the opportunities our students embrace, the challenges they overcome, and the connections they build with one another. Whether competing on a team, celebrating academic achievement, participating in school-wide activities, or supporting a meaningful cause, our students are learning and growing together. "Big Opportunities. Small Community Feel.", truly captures what makes our school special. We are fortunate to offer meaningful experiences for students while maintaining the strong relationships and personal connections that define our Panther community.

We are grateful to the staff, families, community members, and volunteers who make these experiences possible. Together, we are creating a school where students feel they belong, are encouraged to participate, and are supported as they persevere toward their goals.

To help maintain the security of division data and systems, BTPS has limited Google authentication to applications that have been reviewed and approved by BTPS.

As a result, you may be unable to sign in with your BTPS Google account to applications that have not been authorized. This change helps ensure that applications accessing division information meet our security, privacy, and compliance requirements.

If you require access to an application that is currently blocked:

1. Select Request Access on the application's Google login screen.

2. Submit a Helpdesk ticket to techhelp@btps.ca with the name of the application and a brief explanation of your educational or operational need.

Requests will be reviewed to determine whether the application can be approved for use within BTPS.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we work to protect staff and student information.

The nomination period for the 2027 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 13, 2027 (11:59 PM Pacific Standard Time). Visit canada.ca/pm-awards

On November 11, Buffalo Trail Public Schools joins Canadians in remembering and honouring the courage, service and sacrifice of those who have served and continue to serve our country.

Across our schools, students and staff will take time to learn, reflect and remember. These moments remind us of the sacrifices made by so many, the families who have stood alongside them and the importance of never taking the freedoms we enjoy for granted.

This Remembrance Day, we remember those who gave their lives, those who returned home forever changed and those who continue to serve our country.

To our veterans, Canadian Armed Forces members and military families, thank you for your service and the sacrifices you and your loved ones have made. We remember. We honour. We give thanks. Lest we forget.

Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week takes place during the third week of November (November 16-20, 2026). It serves as an important reminder of our shared role in fostering belonging, kindness, and respect in our schools and communities.

At Buffalo Trail Public Schools, we know that when students and staff feel welcome, included, and valued, they are better able to learn, grow, and thrive. This week encourages all of 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 safe, caring 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