BTPS Newsletter

Building Belonging and Inclusion Together

As September unfolds, our schools and sites are alive with the energy of new beginnings. Students are settling into routines, colleagues are reconnecting, and the work of supporting learning is fully underway. I have had the opportunity to be out in schools and have witnessed engaging lessons, some 'aha' moments and most importantly, school climates that are welcoming, warm and caring. Thank you to all of our staff for the efforts you put in each day to make BTPS a wonderful place for students and staff to gather.

“We all do better when we all do better.” – Paul Wellstone

This month also asks us to reflect on something deeply important: belonging. At BTPS, our mission calls us to create safe and caring environments for every student and every staff member, too. We want all of us to know we are valued, respected, and included, no matter our role, background, or experiences.

Our vision is about empowering students to be caring, responsible citizens with a passion for learning. We model that by showing empathy, respect, and a willingness to learn about each other. We recognize that building true belonging takes listening, openness, and ongoing work.

This month includes the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30. It’s an important time to acknowledge our shared history, to commit to learning about the truths of residential schools, and to support reconciliation in our communities. We all have a role in this work, and I encourage us to reflect on how we can keep our classrooms, buses, offices, and work sites welcoming and safe for all.

Our values of diversity and belonging guide us. They ask us to see the dignity in every person, to celebrate what makes us unique, and to stand up for fairness and inclusion.

Thank you for all the ways you help create welcoming spaces every day. Thank you for greeting students with warmth, helping colleagues feel connected, and noticing when someone might need extra support. Together, we make BTPS a place where everyone can belong and thrive.

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 committed to keeping our staff informed about the ongoing provincial labour negotiations between the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) and the Teachers’ Employer Bargaining Association (TEBA). These negotiations are part of the province-wide collective bargaining process for teachers, and the outcomes may affect school divisions across Alberta.

We recognize that the possibility of job action can raise questions and create uncertainty. To support you, BTPS will continue to provide clear and timely updates as new information becomes available. Staff are encouraged to visit the Labour Relations page on the BTPS website regularly for the latest updates and resources.

The BTPS Board of Trustees remains committed to advocating for the needs of students, staff, and school communities. Current priorities include supporting hiring and retention, addressing aging facilities, and promoting wellness across the Division.

You can learn more about this work on the Board Advocacy page, where the Board shares ongoing efforts to strengthen and sustain rural public education.

The September 2025 Board Highlights are now posted on our website. You can also explore past highlights to see how the Board is working on behalf of students, staff, and communities across BTPS.

What We Love About Our School

Recently, we asked students and staff what they love most about being part of our school community.

Students shared that they value their friends and family-like environment, the caring teachers, our nice, clean building with a full-sized gym, and the benefit of small class sizes.

Staff highlighted the joy of our school traditions, the diverse student population, and the many events that bring the community together.

It’s clear that what makes our school special is not just the building or the programs, but the strong sense of connection and belonging we all share.

What Makes Our Rural School Community Special?

One of our teachers shared: "Being in a small community is something special! Everyone knows everyone, but in a great way—where we can always show up to support each other in both good times and bad. The community support in Paradise makes this a wonderful place to teach and to learn. Our school/community fitness center is a great example, as is our school’s involvement in the Fair. The support shown for fundraising is pretty spectacular too!"

Our rural setting is more than just a place—it’s a network of caring people who make our school thrive.

We’ve had a great start to the year at HPS. Volleyball is in full swing, and our teams are already showing a lot of Wildcat spirit. This year we have welcomed new staff members who are jumping right in and bringing great energy to our school. It’s been exciting to see students settling into routines, reconnecting with friends, and jumping into learning during the first few weeks of September.

At HPS, we believe that every student is part of the family. That’s what makes our school such a great place to learn and to work. We celebrate each other’s successes, support one another, and take pride in being part of a caring community.

— Kalee Foster, Principal

Mrs. Foster asked the students “Why is your school a great place to learn?” These were some of the responses…

• “It has a good learning environment" - Arley (Gr. 11)
• “Because… uh… there’s lots of classrooms.” - Laine (Gr. 7)
• “We have really good, kind, helpful teachers.” - Rylynn (Gr. 9)
• “We have caring teachers.” - Anna (Gr. 9)
• “My teacher always has fun ideas to help me learn.” - Aimee (Gr. 5)
• “We have fun Wildcat Wednesdays.” - Carter (Gr. 4)

We are now accepting nominations for this year's Outstanding Support Staff Award. This is your opportunity to recognize the remarkable contributions your support staff make to students, families, colleagues, schools, and the division.

Please refer to the Administrative Procedure for the award criteria and nomination form, which you may share with your staff.

Submit all nomination packages to Assistant Superintendent, Camille Quinton at camille.quinton@btps.ca prior to the last day of September.

Wellness Word Challenge 🌟

As September routines begin to settle, it is a perfect time to set an intention for the year ahead. Choosing a single guiding word such as balance, courage, patience, or joy can help increase focus, motivation, and resilience. Your word becomes a simple daily compass to keep you aligned with what matters most.

This week’s challenge: Pick one word to guide you this year. Write it on a sticky note, post it at your desk, or keep it in your planner as a daily reminder.

👉 Click here to share your word and be part of our division wide Wellness Word Cloud. Everyone who participates will also be entered into a wellness themed prize draw

Bodo Archaeological Site and Centre

Here is a link to the Bodo Archaeological Site and Centre. They offer excellent field trip opportunities as well as in-school visits. Bodo

Social Studies

Below you will find recently developed K-6 Social Studies Resources including the K-6 New Curriculum Toolkit and recordings of sessions that were presented at the Summer Symposium. All of these resources can be found at The Consortium Website.

• Social Studies K-6 New Curriculum Implementation Tool Kit
• Charting the Course: Exploring the New K-6 Social Studies Curriculum
• Classroom Assessment in Social Studies
• Getting Started with Planning in the Social Studies Curriculum
• Connecting Social Studies Curriculum with the Website: Indigenous Culture Based Learning in the Alberta Curriculum
• Where are the Resources for the Social Studies Curriculum?

National Day For Truth and Reconciliation

Below are some links to short videos that support honouring Truth and Reconciliation. I think many will pair well with the 94 Calls to Action released by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. These particular videos are especially well-suited for high school students, as they invite thoughtful discussion and deeper critical thinking. I hope you find them helpful as you plan activities and discussions with your students.

• Murray Sinclair - How can Canadians work towards reconciliation
• Murray Sinclair - National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
• Nigaan Sinclair - What does an Indigenous University look like?
• Understanding Treaties - Nigaan Sinclair
• Truth and Reconciliation - Kevin Lamoureux

September 19, 2025, is Military Family Appreciation Day

Buffalo Trail Public Schools is proud to recognize Military Family Appreciation Day, celebrated annually on the third Friday of September. This day honours the important role that military families play in our communities. Their resilience, strength, and support make a lasting difference in the lives of those who serve and in the places we all call home.

We honour and value the immense contributions of military families who face long deployments, frequent moves, and countless sacrifices to support their loved ones in service. On this day, and every day, we extend our gratitude for their sacrifices and contributions to our schools and communities.

September 30, 2025, is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Buffalo Trail Public Schools recognizes this day as a time to pause, reflect, and honour the children who never returned home, as well as Survivors of residential schools, their families, and their communities.

This day reminds us of the importance of truth, healing, and the ongoing journey of reconciliation. At BTPS, we are committed to fostering understanding and compassion, and creating space for meaningful conversations in our schools and communities.We stand together with respect and remembrance as we continue to learn, grow, and walk the path of reconciliation.

On October 2, 2025, we celebrate Custodian Appreciation Day

We are proud to recognize the custodial staff at Buffalo Trail Public Schools for the essential role they play in our schools. From early mornings to late evenings, your efforts ensure our classrooms, hallways, and gathering spaces are cared for and ready for learning.

Thank you for your dedication, attention to detail, and the pride you take in your work. You make a lasting impact on the well-being and success of our students and staff every single day.

October 5, 2025, is World Teachers’ Day

Buffalo Trail Public Schools is proud to recognize and celebrate our own incredible teachers. Every day, you bring learning to life in classrooms across our division and make a meaningful difference for students and families.

Your passion, creativity, and commitment ensure that students in BTPS are supported, challenged, and inspired to reach their full potential. The relationships you build and the example you set have a lasting impact on the lives of our students and families. Thank you for the care and dedication you bring to your work.

Reading, Give it a Shot! is a literacy program available for students from grade 1-9 that aims to boost classroom literacy rates by rewarding students for reading. In partnership with local businesses, this program links literacy in a child's most formative years to the reward of having the opportunity to attend a live hockey game at Rogers Place.

Registering for Reading, Give it a Shot is easy! All students have to do is start reading. Once every student in a classroom completes their required reading in one month’s time, the teacher can submit an entry form online for their chance to win tickets to an Oilers or Oil Kings game! The entry form can be found on the Oilers and Oil Kings Reading, Give it a Shot! Website pages, or can be found directly below:

For reference, please use the below links:

• Classroom Registration Link
• Reading, Give it a Shot Website

If you or your teachers have any questions, please feel free to contact us at readinggiveitashot@edmontonoilers.com at any time.

The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) National has released a new resource to help us move beyond awareness into action. Lean in and Listen is a practical guide designed to support deeper conversations. These are the kinds of conversations that can make a life-saving difference.

Inside, you’ll find:

• What to say (and not say) when someone reaches out for help

• How to be a “trusted person”

• Steps to create a plan to keep yourself or someone else safe