<p><i>Medicine Hat News - BY SAMANTHA JOHNSON LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER ON OCTOBER 17, 2023.</i></p><p>Prairie Rose Public Schools’ Badlands Baseball Academy has been running for about a dozen years and continues to attract players from across the country. This year’s team is comprised of five players in Grade 10, six in Grade 11 and eight in Grade 12, arriving at the academy from Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Ontario, Saskatchewan and Alberta.</p><p>From September through to the middle of October, the team plays about 35 games before spending the winter practising five days a week at an indoor facility in Oyen. In the spring they are back outside and normally play between 45 and 55 games to conclude the year. The team travels around Alberta and B.C. and play multiple tournaments in the U.S. each year.</p><p>Head coach Nolan Rattai moved over to Badlands Baseball after previously managing the Medicine Hat Mavericks.</p><p>“The aim (at Badlands) is to prepare them to be able to go succeed in college down south,” stated Rattai. He added that nearly all players from the academy manage to secure scholarships in the States.</p><p>Badlands Baseball Academy employs a full-time massage therapist and works with a strength trainer and nutritionist. Players choose to come to the academy because there is “better competition, better coaching, more resources,” said Rattai. “Just a better environment to prepare yourself for college and play better teams.”</p><p>All players on the team attend South Central High School in Oyen. The players’ final block of each school day is scheduled for baseball.</p><p>“In season we go six times a week and in the off season, five times a week,” said Rattai. “It’s at least two hours each time we go. In season, you’re looking at least 15 hours a week, and out of season, 10-12 hours.”</p><p>There are several ways for players to find their way to Oyen. Both Rattai and pitching coach Zach Zinc travel the country each year watching baseball, and if they see a player they like, they will approach them to discuss coming to Badlands. Other players interested in the academy will send in a video and if Rattai likes what he sees, he will go watch them play. Alternatively, a player can also travel to Oyen for a tryout.</p><p>Dryden Pidlisny is in Grade 12 and this is his third year with Badlands. He is originally from Burstall, Sask. and has played ball since a young age.</p><p>“I was looking for somewhere to play more baseball all year and I found out about Oyen,” Pidlisny said.</p><p>During his time at the academy, Pidlisny says his game has immensely improved. He plays second base and explained, “It gets lots of action on the diamond and you have to pay attention to lots of different things.”</p><p>Pidlisny doesn’t have any concrete post-secondary ambitions yet, but definitely has his eyes on playing ball at a college down south.</p>

<p><i>Contributed: MHC Communications</i></p><p>In an effort to provide mental health resources and education to the community, made possible through The Brandon Niwa Legacy Fund – The Beej Project, Medicine Hat College (MHC) is proud to launch a parent-focused workshop series this October to support children in their teen years.<br><br>Recommended for those with children between the ages of 12-18, Parenting Through Adolescence is being facilitated by clinical psychologist, Dr. Emily Wang, and master of social work/registered social worker, Shawn O’Grady, who aim to help parents navigate this transitory time of their children’s lives.<br><br>“In my experience, dysregulated kids often grow up to become dysregulated adults,” says O’Grady, who draws on his expertise in childhood trauma and family counseling. “This program will help parents better understand their child and learn strategies to effectively communicate, avoid conflict, and work through negative behaviours, in a way that helps instill positive mental health in children as they approach adulthood.”<br><br>The five modules within the workshop series are designed to help parents better understand their adolescent’s brain, develop strategies for relationship building, navigate neurodivergent diagnoses, and manage high-risk behaviours in adolescents. The first module begins on Saturday, Oct. 28.<br><br>Jennifer Kerslake, director of community engagement at MHC, says the need for the workshop was identified by MHC and its advisory panel, a group of professionals from the Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education, Medicine Hat Public School Division, Prairie Rose Public Schools, and Medicine Hat Police Service.<br><br>“At Medicine Hat College, we believe it is important to offer opportunities that help to meet the needs of our communities,” says Kerslake. “We are grateful to be able to provide our region with these exceptional mental health resources and partnerships because of the generosity of the Niwa Family.”<br><br>To learn more and to register for the upcoming workshop series, please visit <a href="https://mhc.augusoft.net/index.cfm?method=CourseSeries.CourseSeriesRegistration&amp;CourseSeriesGroupId=311" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.mhc.ab.ca.</a><br>For information about The Beej Project, visit <a href="https://www.mhc.ab.ca/about-mhc/community-engagement/current-initiatives/beej-project" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.mhc.ab.ca/BeejProject</a></p>

<p><i>Medicine Hat News - BY SAMANTHA JOHNSON LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER ON OCTOBER 5, 2023.</i></p><p>The gym at Irvine School was packed full for the Agriculture Discovery Centre’s second annual Fall Production and Harvest Sale. The gala event raised $30,677 during the evening with all funds to be invested into new programming and initiatives for students at Irvine School.</p><p>Student MCs for the evening were Heather Vossler, vice president of the student executive for the ADC, along with Parker Bellamy, who each relayed amusing anecdotes about happenings at the ADC over the past year, before the formal speeches began.</p><p>Prairie Rose Public Schools superintendent Reagan Weeks spoke and gave praise to ADC’s creator.</p><p>“This incredible learning experience that has been created takes community,” said Weeks. “It also takes vision and, as you know, (ADC founder) Nichole Neubauer has that in spades. Congratulations, you did it again. You brought this transformative learning experience to life.</p><p>“One key factor the ADC addresses that we don’t often talk about is that it builds connection, belonging, a network and a team. That’s inoculation against sadness, depression and isolation.”</p><p>During Neubauer’s speech, she spoke of welcoming more than 150 students to the ADC from River Heights and Dr. Roy Wilson schools. The organizers decided to spend the entire day in Irvine to visit the museum, library, volunteer firehall and have ice cream at the muffin shop.</p><p>“It was a fantastic day to showcase the amazing things that happen down in Irvine and in this great community,” stated Neubauer. “On more than one occasion a teacher came up to me to say, ‘Wow, I had no idea there were so many cool things here in Irvine.’</p><p>“Anytime we can build a program that helps galvanize our rural communities and also invites others to come in and share things that we already know are so great, it’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate.”</p><p>A short video of images from the past year of students participating in the first Ag-Pro careers and technology option at Western Tractor preceded teacher Logyn Jacksteit’s speech. He also discussed what are now normal scenarios at Irvine School.</p><p>“One of our incredible students, who happens to be sitting up here, Heather Vossler, brought one of our baby goats into school this week with a diaper on … Everyone heard a goat down the hallway and not one singular teacher thought it was weird. That’s what’s funny about it, it’s just another goat in our school.”</p><p>Scott Hershmiller from Western Tractor followed.</p><p>“Seeing the student’s interaction, focus, reaction and involvement was priceless,” he stated. “It (Ag-Pro CTF) can help them choose classes in the future to help them get the career they really want to be in. John Deere has made a significant investment in R&amp;D and are making huge advancements in technology and in digital farming.</p><p>“It’s going to change the way we farm and ultimately the way we feed our families. It’s more important than ever that our youth are ready for what is coming today in the agriculture industry. Science and technology are merging to create a massive change that is going to come at us at a very fast pace.</p><p>“John Deere has already brought to our attention that we’ll see five times the technology five times faster than we are used to. Let’s have our children ready for what is to come and show them the opportunities that lie ahead for each individual.”</p><p>A representative from EQUS was also at the event. Neubauer explained that the ADC has received funding of near $25,000 from an employee-led initiative called EQUS Community Connection. The funding will be used to develop curriculum-linked agri-food toolkits that will be shared with educators across the regions of Medicine Hat, Innisfail, Claresholm and other communities EQUS serves. Kits will also be developed for Irvine staff and students and will be a way to bring the ADC to students who aren’t able to make the journey to visit.</p><p>“Community is one of our values at EQUS,” said Melinda Paplawski. “It’s important to raise funds that stay in our communities … we were all very clear immediately that Nichole would get anything done … we loved the idea of bringing hands-on connection to food supply and agriculture and sustainability into classrooms.”</p>

<p>Prairie Rose Public Schools and Ralston School would like to extend congratulations to PRPS teacher Jocelyn Encinas who is one of the 2023 recipients of the <i>Prime Minister's Award for Teaching Excellence</i>. With over a decade teaching Science &amp; Math, Jocelyn has illuminated the world of STEM for countless students at Ralston School on the Canadian Forces Base Suffield.&nbsp;</p><p>Jocelyn stands out for her innovative approach in the classroom. From pioneering robotics workshops and integrating cutting-edge tools like Microbits, to hands-on lab experiments, she offers real-world, experiential STEM learning. Her initiatives, like the 'Learning from the Land' project, merge outdoor education with STEM, even leading her class to victory in the Queen’s Jubilee Classroom Competition for their outstanding work in native plant identification.&nbsp;</p><p>But Jocelyn's dedication goes beyond just the classroom walls. She ensures every student feels seen and supported, adapting curriculum and projects to cater to their unique learning styles. Her commitment to community involvement and global citizenship shines through with her Kiva Microloans Math project, empowering students to understand global economic challenges, and her work on automating the greenhouse watering system which addresses real-world food scarcity concerns.&nbsp;</p><p>Thank you Jocelyn for igniting minds and instilling a passion for STEM in your students. We are incredibly proud to have you as part of our PRPS team!</p><p>Read the full write up: <a href="https://pmate-ppmee.ised-isde.canada.ca/site/pm-awards-teaching-excellence-stem/en/recipients/2023-recipient-biographies-teaching-excellence#Jocelyn-Encinas">Jocelyn Encinas Igniting the Scientific Spark</a><br>Read the write up in the Medicine Hat News: <a href="https://medicinehatnews.com/news/local-news/2023/10/25/ralston-school-teacher-wins-pm-award-for-excellence/">https://medicinehatnews.com/news/local-news/2023/10/25/ralston-school-teacher-wins-pm-award-for-excellence/</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><i>Medicine Hat News - BY JAMES TUBB ON OCTOBER 4, 2023.</i></p><p>The first year of the South Alberta Fire Rescue Academy is now in full swing. Students from Eagle Butte have been learning in the classroom while also receiving hands-on training at the Cypress County Fire Services Dunmore Station.</p><p>This year is a pilot project with Grade 11 students receiving six certificates and Grade 12s four. The students will receive the same certification a post-secondary institution would provide.</p><p>“Especially in a rural areas, we are trying to get new recruits, and maintaining volunteers is a struggle throughout Alberta. The sooner we get junior firefighters involved, the better for the community,” stated fire chief Jason Linton. “It’s a good partnership, they get to go to school, get credits and get certification as well.”</p><p>Eagle Butte vice principal Lyall Foran teaches the classroom part of the Fire Academy. Administration throughout Prairie Rose Public Schools can be seen still teaching in the classroom, allowing them to connect with students on a different level.</p><p>“You get to build that common ground and build a rapport with them,” said Foran.</p><p>This is Foran’s second year at Eagle Butte. Before that, he spent nine years teaching at Medicine Hat High School where he had the opportunity to create different programs. Having the background in creating class content and schedules, he was a good fit for putting together the program for the Fire Academy.</p><p>“There are two components to the class,” explained Foran. “One is the Career and Technological Studies program with outcomes based off Alberta Education, so that is how they are getting their high school credits. The second components are the fire modules to get certified as level 1 and level 2 firefighters.”</p><p>Cypress County delivers the fire modules online. The students also have a textbook and Foran’s focus is to deliver the Alberta Education credits so students not only get certified but also all the credits they need to graduate high school.</p><p>Grade 12 student Quade VanderSpruit enrolled because he wants to be a firefighter. He plans to return to Eagle Butte for an additional year to complete the program.</p><p>“Last week we were trying on all our bunker gear and getting on air, the SCBA’s (self-contained breathing apparatus) and then walking around and trying it out,” explained VanderSpruit. “It was good. Lots different than just breathing but it gets easier and easier.”</p><p>Zion Raible is in Grade 11 and thinks the academy is great because he can learn so much at a young age.</p><p>“I would love to be a firefighter. It’s been my dream since I was a little kid. I loved being outdoors and helping out.”</p><p>When he was younger, Raible would puncture a hole in a water bottle to use as a makeshift fire extinguisher for putting out campfires. Raible feels they have a strong group of students this first year who are making him a better person. The class also has workout sessions together at a fitness centre in the city to build up their strength.</p><p>Being the firehall has “been awesome, we’ve done so much stuff,” stated Raible. “Recently we put some air tanks on our backs and we got to breathe through masks. It was so cool.”</p>

<p><i>Medicine Hat News - BY SAMANTHA JOHNSON LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER ON SEPTEMBER 29, 2023.</i></p><p>Award-winning Blackfoot filmmaker Cowboy Smithx of southern Alberta’s Piikani and Kainai tribes, has been making the rounds speaking to students at Prairie Rose Public Schools.</p><p>He was at Parkside School in Redcliff on Wednesday with Grade 6 students from Margaret Wooding joining the assembly.</p><p>Smithx began his talk by explaining his name – explaining that it had to do with rodeo, which both his parents were involved in, joking about what his name might have been had they been plumbers.</p><p>Smithx spoke to the students about the importance of wearing orange shirts at this time of year.</p><p>“A very important subject,” he said. “It’s not just about Indigenous cultures or histories, it’s about Canada, Alberta and Redcliff (as well).”</p><p>He explained that 147 years ago, on Sept. 22, 1877, Treaty 7 was signed. Smithx used the example of a Pokemon card trade to explain an Indigenous pipe ceremony and how it was the historical method used by Indigenous peoples to confirm a contract.</p><p>There were several Oilers fans in the gymnasium and Smithx asked the kids to imagine someone taking away their jersey and never giving it back and how it relates to Phyllis Webstad’s story and the orange shirt campaign.</p><p>“That is why we wear the shirt in solidarity, to bring awareness about what happened in residential schools.”</p><p>Smith spoke about Truth and Reconciliation Day, likening Sept. 30 to Remembrance Day.</p><p>“We never forget our veterans, so why should we forget Indigenous people who went through lots of suffering as well? Who suffered through genocide? It’s very important to me that this is happening, as an Indigenous person,” Smithx said. “I’m very thankful this conversation is happening, but it’s not over. The conversation is ongoing, we are still dealing with lots of discrimination in this country, still dealing with lots of bullying and racism.”</p><p>He again used a Pokemon card exchange, this time to define reconciliation and how the breaking of treaties affected Indigenous people.</p><p>Smithx described characteristics of buffalo to discuss the importance of resilience. Buffalo are led by a matriarch, a single female who would sense danger in the distance, such as a large storm. Most animals run away or hide but the buffalo, which had herds the size of a small city, run into the storm.</p><p>“The lead buffalo turns her head towards the storm and she starts charging,” explained Smithx. “There are so many of them. They become such a powerful force that they become one … the barometric pressure changes and breaks the storm up.”</p><p>This is the lesson the buffalo gave the Indigenous people, he said. Each day brings a different storm, whether that be homework, chores or whatever someone wants to procrastinate on.</p><p>“When things get really hard, really difficult, you have to charge into the storm because if you run away from the storm, what happens?” asked Smithx. “It stays on top of you. If you stop and turn and run through it, you come out the other side to see the sunshine and rainbows.”</p><p>He taught the students a Blackfoot word that means ‘try your best,’ put your best your best foot forward and charge the storm.</p><p>“That’s the message all of the ancestors have given to all my grandparents and passed down to me, in spite of all the hardships we faced as Indigenous peoples,” said Smithx. “This is a Blackfoot story, and this is your story because when the treaty was made in 1877 we all became one big family. That’s the story we don’t hear enough and that’s the story I’m going to tell all of you.”</p><p>Asking how many remember the pandemic, Smithx talked about how his ancestors wanted us all to work together in uncertain times such as that.</p><p>“There is no reason for us to be at odds with each other. There is no reason you should be picking on each other and giving each other a hard time. There are enough natural forces out there in the world that could potentially harm us.”</p><p>It is dishonouring the treaty to be a bully, and this is part of the conversation around Truth and Reconciliation.</p><p>“The spirit and intent behind what we as Indigenous people wanted in the first place when we made treaty. We wanted new family, we wanted new friends, we wanted to trade.”</p>

<p>Every year, schools across Canada participate in various activities and learning focused on Orange Shirt Day and the findings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report. The 30th of September was chosen for this day as it represented the time of year when the Indigenous children were collected from their homes, forced to leave their families and attend Residential Schools. The day also allows schools and teachers to settle into their school year, teacher students about Residential Schools an event for Orange Shirt Day. &nbsp;Additionally, by having the day fall at the start of the school year, it sets the stage for anti-racism and anti-bullying policies to inspire inclusion.</p><p>In Prairie Rose, schools planned a variety of events, activities and lessons focused around indigenous teachings and culture. Some of these included bringing in guest speaker Cowboy Smithx who is a Blackfoot filmmaker from the Piikani Nation and Kainai Nation in Southern Alberta, having Whitebear Creations work with students to create indigenous artwork, incorporating indigenous games into PE classes, cooking traditional indigenous foods, and class lessons focussed on understanding Truth and Reconciliation and the impacts of Residential Schools.</p><p><strong>The Day for Truth and Reconciliation</strong> is about learning and understanding what happened as a result of Residential Schools. Listed below are some of the primary understandings and education shared with students about Canada's history with Residential Schools and what is currently being done to work towards reconciliation.</p><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Why do we recognize the Day for Truth and Reconciliation?</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Orange Shirt Day, September 30th, is a day to honour Residential School Survivors, their families and remember those children who didn’t come home. It is recognized annually on the same day as Canada’s federal statutory holiday - the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>The vision that inspired Orange Shirt Day.</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Orange Shirt Day is a legacy of the St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School Commemoration Project held in Williams Lake, BC. The vision for reconciliation, inspired by Chief Fred Robbins from the Esk’etemc First Nation, involved all people remembering and learning what happened at St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School, honouring and helping the Survivors to recover from their experiences and ultimately reconciling together.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Understanding our past history. THE INDIAN ACT</strong></td></tr><tr><td><p>In 1876, the Canadian Government passed a law called the Indian Act. The Act gave the government political power enabling them to control the Indigenous population by regulating their languages, traditions, customs and lands. Indigenous people were required to register themselves and live on government allotted land.</p><p><i>“Under the act, the Canadian Government assumed control of Indian peoples’ governments, economy, religion, land, education, and even their personal lives. The act empowered the federal cabinet to overturn band decisions. The act also placed new restrictions on Aboriginal hunting rights. The government had the power to move the bands if reserve land was needed by growing towns and cities.”&nbsp;</i></p><p><i>- Interview excerpt Phyllis Webstad</i></p></td></tr></tbody></table></figure><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>The Truth and Reconciliation Commission</strong></td></tr><tr><td><ul><li>The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) was founded in June 2, 2008 and aimed to reveal the truths of Residential Schools and provide support for Survivors and their families. It was created out of the Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement (IRSSA) which was announced in 2006.</li><li>Between 2008 and 2015, the TRC revealed the dark truths about Residential Schools and provided a platform for Indigenous peoples to be heard and begin their journey of reconciliation.&nbsp;</li><li>As a result of the TRC’s conclusion in 2015, 94 calls to action were created to provide steps for reconciliation on topics that included education, child welfare, language and culture, health and professional development.</li><li>The TRC’s report can be found online: <a href="The TRC’s report can be found online: https://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2015/trc/IR4-8-2015-eng.pdf">https://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2015/trc/IR4-8-2015-eng.pdf</a></li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table></figure><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>The creation of the Residential Schools System.</strong></td></tr><tr><td><p>In 1879, John A. MacDonald declared <i>“it has been strongly impressed upon myself, as head of the [Indian] department, that Indian children should be withdrawn as much as possible from the parental influence, and the only way to do that would be to put them in central training industrial schools where they will acquire the habits and modes of white men.”</i></p><p>To assimilate children into European culture, John A. MacDonald moved a measure through his cabinet authorizing the creation of three Residential Schools for Aboriginal children. This was the start of Canada’s Residential School System. By 1931, there were 80 government sponsored Residential Schools across Canada. All aboriginal children were required to attend these schools whether they wanted to or not. This was enforced by Indian Agents. Some children were taken to attend Residential School as young as the age of four.&nbsp;</p></td></tr></tbody></table></figure><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>The impact of Residential School on Indigenous People.</strong></td></tr><tr><td><p>It is estimated that approximately 150,000 Indigenous children attended government-sponsored Canadian Residential School. At least 6,000 of those children died at Residential Schools due to variety of reasons including overcrowding, malnourishment, neglect, poor health and trying to run away. Many schools were in isolated locations across Canada.</p><p><i>“The school was supported by a federal grant, but funding was a constant issue and often inadequate to support quality education, care of children, or facility maintenance. Hunger was common, food often poor, and sickness rampant in the poorly constructed buildings. The school attempted to destroy students’ pride in their heritage, their families and themselves. The student death rate was high, and some who died were not returned to their families.”</i></p><p><i>- Written by Ordell Steen, Jean William and Rick Gilbert in the Orange Shirt Story</i></p></td></tr></tbody></table></figure><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Intergenerational trauma from Residential Schools.</strong></td></tr><tr><td><p>The trauma created by Residential Schools has created long-term impacts that have affected family members who did not attend Residential Schools themselves. Many of the former students were unable to care for themselves or their families which created trauma passed down through the generations.</p><p>Intergenerational trauma occurs when the trauma experienced by a parent or grandparent is also experienced by future generations. The results of the intergenerational trauma caused by Residential Schools have taken many forms including alcoholism, abuse, mental illness and children being forced into foster care.</p><p><i>“We need to break the cycle and start having our people become healthier. It is an interesting and long journey.”</i></p><p><i>- Former Chief Ann Louie of Williams Lake First Nations (T’exelcemc)</i></p></td></tr></tbody></table></figure><p>Material Source: <i>Orange Shirt Day Every Child Matters</i>, Phyllis Webstad &amp; the Orange Shirt Society</p>

<p><i>Medicine Hat News - BY SAMANTHA JOHNSON LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER ON SEPTEMBER 19, 2023.</i></p><p>It was a perfect day last Thursday for the HALO Emergency Services Schools Day. A long line of school buses dropped off hundreds of excited Grade 4-6 students from across all three local school divisions.</p><p>Katie Albers brought her Grade 5 class from Southview Community School. Last year, Albers taught a split 4/5 class and is pleased some of her Grade 4 students from last year are now in her Grade 5 class. Having a field trip in September is a way for Albers to work with her students on expectations.</p><p>“It’s important for them to see how and why these emergency services are provided to them in our city. I was really impressed by the fact that we were going to see the program from Eagle Butte High School, the Flight Academy. I think that’s a great option for some of the kids going forward.”</p><p>Hussein is a student in Albers’ class and the News caught up with him after he had been at the Medicine Hat Police Service table checking out the two guns they had on display, handling the one that shoots rubber bullets. Before that, the class had checked out one of the various fire trucks onsite.</p><p>“They showed us what they do when there is an emergency,” said Hussein. “I didn’t know they were going to let us go inside them.”</p><p>Deputy chief of the Burdett Fire Department Nick Dykstra explained to the News the new automatic CPR machine they had just acquired.</p><p>“Eventually they are going to be in every truck, but right now are only in the commander’s truck.”</p><p>CPR is tiring to administer and Dykstra explained it takes time to build up pressure in the body, which can be lost when one person takes over from another.</p><p>“We are firefighters and not these big, scary guys in gear,” said Dykstra. “We are here in public to bring awareness and so the kids can play with what we work with.”</p><p>Over at the Flight Academy displays from Eagle Butte High School, Grade 11 student Reid Vossler talked about the Xboxes they brought.</p><p>“They have flight simulators installed on the computer and we are letting kids take turns flying all across the world. I had kids up in Tokyo and all over, they are having a blast. We used to have drones set up, except we had trouble with GPS so we couldn’t do that.”</p><p>High school is going well for Vossler.</p><p>“It’s not often you get to fly a plane and get a licence out of high school. It’s an awesome opportunity and I honestly can’t say enough about it.”</p><p>It took from September until May in his Grade 10 year before Vossler was able to fly a plane. He was in the air all summer as well and, if all went well, was scheduled to take his first solo flight last weekend.</p><p>CEO of HALO Paul Carolan commented, “The thing we heard most, even before they got inside, was thank you, thank you, thank you. It’s amazing to hear that from the kids and to have so many of our partners here. Every fire department, AHS, police, it’s a really cool opportunity for kids to get the experiential learning and see what it’s like to be in emergency services, and Prairie Rose is here, too. I couldn’t be more thrilled.”</p>

<p>On Thursday, September 2023, Neubauer Farms and Prairie Rose Public Schools hosted the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, Her Honour, the Honourable Salma Lakhani AOE, BSc, LLD (hon) and His Honour Dr. Zaheer Lakhani CM MBChB FRCPC FACP FACC FRCP (London), at a small gathering of local dignitaries and community organizations hosted by Neubauer Farms. The evening presentation focused on the unique programming offered at Prairie Rose Public Schools through the academy options and the Irvine School Agriculture Discovery Centre.</p><blockquote><p>"Prairie Rose Public Schools and Neubauer Farms are thankful for the opportunity to share some of the unique programming options we have developed for students in southeast Alberta," says Superintendent Reagan Weeks. “These programs not only ignite minds and forge futures for our students but are designed to kindle hearts by building compassion, empathy, community and wellness - something we know is at the heart of student success and wellbeing.”</p></blockquote><p>In addition to creating programs that students get excited about, Weeks pointed out that there is also a strong connection between student success and inclusion, which counteracts loneliness, depression, anxiety and addiction. A 2019 study published by Johns Hopkins University found that positive childhood experiences (PCEs) were known to counteract co-occurring adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), many of which tie directly to the work happening in schools. These include students having a sense of belonging in high school, two important non-parent adults who were genuinely interested in them, feeling supported by friends and participating in community traditions outside the home.</p><p>One of the primary topics for the evening focused on the modern agriculture industry and the importance of educating youth about food sustainability. Host Nichole Neubauer shared the importance of learning where your food comes from and the challenges facing agriculture over the next 25 years. She also spoke about the partnership with Prairie Rose Public Schools with the Irvine School Agriculture Discovery Centre (ADC) and the benefits of students learning about possible career opportunities in the agriculture sector.</p><blockquote><p>"The ADC is so fortunate to have incredible industry partners who support this program," says Neubauer. “Short Grass Ranches has donated two Angus steers for two years. This year, we were also able to partner with Western Tractor to provide students with an option course that focused on farm equipment and maintenance. We look to including more partners as the program grows.”</p></blockquote><p>The second focus of the evening was on the Dave Rozdeba South Alberta Flight Academy program, a partnership program with Super T Aviation in Medicine Hat. The flight academy is a three-year program based out of Eagle Butte High School in Dunmore, allowing students to earn their private pilot's license upon graduation. This past spring, the program was granted Collegiate status. This allows the program to add a fourth year to the program. The fourth year will operate as a dual credit option for graduated students, where they can complete additional courses in their chosen aviation stream - something they decide in their second year of the program. The options include commercial pilot training, aircraft maintenance engineering or air traffic control and drone certification.</p><blockquote><p>"Prairie Rose Public Schools is excited about how these programs are impacting youth and building capacity in our communities," says Weeks. “Adding programs, like the flight academy and the ADC, are part of our commitment to providing a one-of-a-kind education experience that ignites minds, forges futures and kindles the hearts of our students, staff and communities. We are committed to creating programming that students love, addressing deficits and building on strengths, developing programs that lead to healthy children with high self-esteem and creating skills for our students to compete and contribute as adults.”</p></blockquote><p>The Neubauer Farms and Prairie Rose Public Schools event was the first Her Honour will be attending in Medicine Hat, who is in town for the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Distinguished Artists awards at the Esplanade Theatre on September 16, 2023.&nbsp;</p>

<p><i>Medicine Hat News - BY SAMANTHA JOHNSON LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2023.</i></p><p>Prairie Rose Public Schools secretary treasurer Ryan Boser presented to the board this week the PRPS Board/Teacher Agreement Ratification. Negotiations finished in late June when a memorandum of agreement was reached, and ratification by teachers occurred Aug. 29.</p><p>Board chair Lois Bedwell and trustee Pam Cursons were part of the committee along with members from the local ATA, who talked about their interests, and Boser commented that PRPS appreciated working with them.</p><p>“This covers the Sept. 1, 2020 timeframe to Aug. 31 of 2024. It was a four- year agreement, we are three years through agreement and are entering the final year of that collective agreement.”</p><p>Professional development was one of the main aspects in the memorandum as it was not something that was part of collective agreements in the past. Each teacher on the roster as of Sept. 30 will get $550 toward professional development.</p><p>ATA local members will be able to use PRPS emails when communicating with teachers, vice principals will move from one day in lieu to two days in lieu and there will be more clarity around work assignments for substitute teachers.</p><p>“Part-time teachers talked about the expectation of having a continuous assignment where possible,” explained Boser. “So, their day is not broken up based off one assignment and then on to the next. Where we can, where possible, we’ll try to make their days as continuous as possible.”</p><p>A teacher who parents a child graduating from high school will receive one day of leave per year to attend the ceremony.</p><p>“The division is expected to continue to have a deferred salary plan in place so nothing has changed there. We’ve already had one in place. The expectation in the collective agreement is that you continue to have one.”</p><p>Three letters of understanding have also been added on extracurricular activities, substitute teacher travel and creating a professional development committee.</p><p>“We have an admin procedure outside the collective agreement where we compensate our substitute teachers based off of mileage thresholds that they travel each day. That’s an important one to us because at times it can be difficult to get substitute teachers to our schools. That’s one thing that I think helps from a recruitment standpoint.”</p><p>Bedwell said, “We went right down to the wire. They wanted to settle and we wanted to settle and we met in the middle.” Boser added that having a good working relationship with PRPS teachers helped move the negotiations forward.</p><p>Once the agreement is complete, it will be posted on the PRPS website.</p>

<p><strong>Join the 2023 Echo Dale Cross Country Running Meet!</strong></p><p>📅 <strong>When</strong>: September 23, 2023 (10:45 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.)<br>📍 <strong>Where</strong>: Echo Dale Regional Park, just outside of Medicine Hat (1001 Echo Dale Rd)</p><p>Attention schools and budding athletes! The Echo Dale Cross Country Running Meet is just around the corner and we're calling for participants. This year, the event is open to <strong>students of all ages</strong>—from energetic elementary kids to the dynamic junior high and high school runners.</p><p><strong>Key Details:</strong></p><p>👟 Open to students of all ages (elementary, junior high, high school)<br>👟 Entry fee: $12 per student payable via Trackie at time of registration. Post entries will be $20.<br>👟 Registration link: <a href="https://www.trackie.com/event/2023-echo-dale-cross-country-running-high-school-junior-high-and-elementary-meet/1000782/">2023 Echo Dale Cross Country Running Meet</a><br><strong>👟 Registration Deadline</strong>: September 20th at midnight.</p><p>Complete details including age categories, schedule of events and course information can be found here: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eRIMUdCLQvpthD4gBQSKm3vFTx3Qa9Ju/view?usp=drive_link">Echo Dale Meet Details</a></p><p>Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to showcase your athletic prowess, meet fellow runners, and potentially win some accolades for yourself and your school!</p><p>For more details or queries, get in touch with: 📧 <strong>Darryl Smith</strong>: darrylsmith@prrd8.ca</p><p>Secure your spot, lace up those running shoes, and let's hit the trail! See you at the starting line!</p>

<p>The September 12, 2023, PRPS Public Board Meeting will take place at the Prairie Rose Public Schools Division Office starting at 9<strong>:</strong>00 a.m. with the annual Organizational Meeting. The Public Board meeting will begin at 10:00 a.m.</p><p>The complete agenda package can be found here: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RVzxCka1h2YeUWs3jOoOw0KrvNFtN-PD/view?usp=drive_link">September 12, 2023 Board Meeting Agenda</a></p>

<p>The School Bus Driver Grant is available to all school authorities to support the training of Class 2 and Class 4 school bus drivers that transport students to and from their schools. &nbsp;</p><p><i>To be eligible for the grant, drivers must have started training on or after April 1, 2023.</i>&nbsp;</p><p>School authorities will apply on behalf of drivers employed by a school bus contractor that are operating a route for their school division. For the Training Costs and Driver Reimbursement Grant, school authorities must ensure that the driver reimbursement portion of the grant is passed along to the contractor so that they can reimburse their driver. Applications should only be submitted for full-time, part-time or spare drivers that will be transporting students to and from school. School staff that are only transporting students for extracurricular trips are not eligible for this funding.&nbsp;</p><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Training Costs and Driver Reimbursement Grant</strong></td></tr><tr><td><ul><li>As described in Section 3.2.7 of the <i>2023/24 Funding Manual for School Authorities</i>.</li><li>The grant is available for new Class 2 and Class 4 drivers upon successful completion of driver training and testing.</li><li>Driver reimbursement amount is provided directly to the driver, less any amounts retained by the driver’s employer for payroll premiums, including CPP/EI and WCB.</li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table></figure><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td>New Class 2 Driver</td><td>Driver Reimbursement: up to $1,200</td></tr><tr><td>New Class 4 Driver</td><td>Driver Reimbursement: up to $600</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><p>Interested parties are asked to contact Prairie Rose Public Schools Director of Transportation Derek Beck at 403-527-5516 or derekbeck@prrd8.ca.</p>

<p><img src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php?fingerprint=20260719T0030Z/v9/tfa/1/16/1f68d.png" alt="🚍"><img src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php?fingerprint=20260719T0030Z/v9/tfa/1/16/1f68d.png" alt="🚍"> Our school bus transportation department has been busy this summer planning out 86 bus routes for the fall. Families who are eligible for bus transportation were notified at the start of July with information regarding their designated route.</p><p>Our preliminary maps are now available at <img src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php?fingerprint=20260719T0030Z/v9/t9e/1/16/27a1.png" alt="➡️"> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.myprps.com%2Fbus-transportation%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR2ZUsBvKaFqnNsULF_n-H0t5LqWIVccpfMdPdZeyydldE4CZUo_zGi-BH4&amp;h=AT2zr9sHx9zY7u8uEVsrXPGWJHMSdW1zscUI9f8pB0cd-JFKspsJVL-6h18p7A4qi37DhG4n8EUWKH2uUHJzWp166S7ai51u7lW3OGM5TzMpoDLRCIuvpz-zydh5vN2T7A&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT1CnoB9uEJLORlHFwmtvEe65G4Njk2uNUtOHw8VvqAMHB7oWk67WGWY3Po1zd4Io1tPw7fwv2TJFLGvuPy2pCdi-ZXuXFssPXAF1-gnL9-3GJVJfg_eqV_mw8UIXsS9MI5eDxiTIieyRq5mwLLZl6NszmuOJ-zZkCD_fJiLskDC6Er39i-TggkawtVQa2j7Mg3ZWDuUv0h7">www.myprps.com/bus-transportation</a></p><p><img src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php?fingerprint=20260719T0030Z/v9/t50/1/16/2757.png" alt="❗"><img src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php?fingerprint=20260719T0030Z/v9/t50/1/16/2757.png" alt="❗"> As a reminder, final decisions regarding pick up and drops off times and the route order are determined by the individual bus driver. This information will be shared with families by your bus driver before the start of the new school year.</p>

<p>Alberta Health Services has issued a letter to families reminding them to review their child's vaccination records to ensure they are up to date. If you were unable to participate in the in-school vaccination program this year, details on getting your child's vaccinations up to date are available by clicking on the link below.</p><p><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fWg3FnqbBmRpVdTRXeskrGrIiFXc7zck/view?usp=drive_link">2023 AHS Letter to Parents - Vaccination Program</a></p>

<h3><strong>Additional details and full reports from the June 21, 2023, Board Meeting can be found in the </strong><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eHqhYplUnoND7Du3oaylaN4IovMQhpjE/view?usp=drive_link"><strong>Agenda Package</strong></a><strong>.</strong></h3><p><img src="/images/be491707-c88b-48de-8f3d-5c749df6b8c5?fingerprint=ppb20251217024702" alt=""></p><p><strong>Locally Approved Courses</strong></p><p>Superintendent Reagan Weeks explained that Prairie Rose would like board approval for several locally developed courses that would allow PRPS students to access additional credits in courses they were already participating in based on the learning outcomes. These courses have been designed by teachers in the province and approved for use by Alberta Education. The Board of Trustees approved locally developed courses:</p><ul><li>Design Thinking for Innovation 15, 25 and 35</li><li>Engineering and Design 15</li><li>Fire Rescue Services 15</li><li>Capstone 25 and 35</li><li>Social Emotional Wellbeing 15</li><li>Social Skills 15</li><li>Speech and Debate 15, 25 and 35&nbsp;</li></ul><p><strong>Occupational Health and Safety Accountability Report</strong></p><p>Health and Safety Coordinator Derek Beck presented the 2022-2023 Occupational Health and Safety Report for information. Report highlights include an update on the division’s emergency response planning program (Hour Zero), new legislation implications to PRPS, staff training and development, the AHS ARTSSN program and an overview of reported injuries during the year. It was shared that half of all the student injuries reported occurred on the playground, and 101 resulted from falls or collisions. A total of 11 adult injuries were reported, with the majority also related to slips and falls. The full report can be found in the June 21, 2023, Board Meeting Agenda package.</p><p><strong>Inclusive Learning Services Accountability Report</strong></p><p>Superintendent Reagan Weeks presented the Inclusive Learning Services Report on behalf of Director of Student Services Camille Quinton. The budget for student services and support during the 2022-2023 school year was&nbsp;<strong>$4,965,159</strong>. It was shared that PRPS has 415 coded students, 579 English language learners and 97 self-identified FNMI students. Most students with severe codes have severe communication delays or require severe physical/medical support, while mild-moderate codes are primarily for mild/moderate communication delays or learning disabilities. A breakdown of specialized support staffing was shared. This includes inclusive learning teachers, speech-language pathologists, therapy assistants, a school psychologist, behaviour supports, Family School Liaison Workers, a teacher for the visually impaired, and contracted occupational and physical therapy hours. Caseload statistics and services provided to students throughout the year were also provided. The full report can be found in the June 21, 2023, Board Meeting Agenda package.</p>

<p><img src="/images/ff35e775-7e83-4263-95a5-aab929334daa?fingerprint=ppb20251217025816" alt=""></p><p>The June 21, 2023, PRPS Public Board Meeting will take place at the Prairie Rose Public Schools Division Office starting at <strong>10:00 a.m. </strong>The meeting will be held in-person only.</p><p>The complete agenda package can be found here: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eHqhYplUnoND7Du3oaylaN4IovMQhpjE/view?usp=drive_link">June 21, 2023 Board Meeting Agenda</a></p>

<h3>Additional details and full reports from the May 23, 2023, Board Meeting can be found in the <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1a3hYP7XJ_hxsysaOxA5AEQDg6ydZHQ3I/view">Agenda Package</a>.</h3><p><img src="/images/4907d0d4-3020-45ff-ab92-f0e79d9e43ba?fingerprint=ppb20251217022751" alt=""></p><p><strong>Ralston School Presentation</strong><br>Ralston School Principal Stacey Nunweiler provided the board with an overview of the school's&nbsp;<i>Learning from the Land</i> Prairie Rose Possibility project. The project focuses on connecting the school community with the Southern Alberta environment, highlighting learning opportunities in the local area to build an appreciation for where we live and creating an understanding of indigenous cultures' connection with the land and natural environment. Some of the activities students have participated in include; planting an indigenous garden, outdoor cooking and learning about food preservation, building indigenous flutes, outdoor education activities, creating landscape art and visiting local natural landmarks. This is the third year the school has implemented&nbsp;<i>Learning from the Land</i> into the learning curriculum. The full presentation can be found in the May 23, 2023, Board Meeting Agenda package.</p><p><strong>Locally Developed Courses</strong><br>The board approved locally developed courses Social Literacy 15 and Social Literacy 25. The classes, focussing on health and personal wellness, will be instructed by Alberta Health Services. A total of one credit will be awarded to students who complete either course.</p><p><strong>FNMI Report</strong><br>Student Services Coordinator Carol Carlson presented the 2022-2023 First Nations Metis Inuit (FNMI) Report for information. It was shared that 3.2% of Prairie Rose are self-identified FNMI students. Three outcomes identified as part of the PRPS Three-Year Education Plan for Truth and Reconciliation include ensuring all FNMI students are successful, acknowledging and supporting the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, and prioritizing integrating Indigenous perspectives into education. A list of PRPS FNMI learning initiatives and teaching resources was also shared as information. All links are available as part of the presentation in the May 23, 2023, Board Meeting Agenda package.</p><p><strong>2023-2026 Three-Year Education Plan</strong><br>Superintendent Reagan Weeks presented the updated 2022-2023 Education Plan for approval. It was noted that the 2023-2024 year will be the second year of the three-year plan focused on the new learning goals of ignite minds, kindle hearts, forge futures and truth and reconciliation. As such, only minor changes were made to update learning progress and evaluation. The board approved the plan as presented. The 2023-2026 Education Plan can be found on the Annual Reporting page of the Prairie Rose website&nbsp;<a href="http://www.myprps.com/annual-reporting">www.myprps.com/annual-reporting</a>.</p><p><strong>2023-2024 Budget Report</strong><br>Chief Financial Officer Ryan Boser presented the 2023-2024 Prairie Rose Public Schools Budget Report for approval. PRPS will receive additional Alberta Education funding of $3,256,184 next year based on new grants and grant increases compared to the 2022-2023 school year. Total revenues for the school division are expected to be&nbsp;<strong>$57,861,807</strong>, with expenses coming in at&nbsp;<strong>$58,029,188</strong>. Overall, the school division is forecasting a deficit budget for the year of&nbsp;<strong>$167,381</strong>. Some notable highlights of the budget include:</p><ul><li>Projected enrolment decrease of 32 funded FTE students from 2022-2023</li><li>Alberta Education will fund teacher salary increases of 2% in 2023-24.<ul><li>2023-24 will include a budget assumption of a 2% wage increase for support staff (match teachers 2% for 2023-24).</li></ul></li><li>An expected increase in division insurance premiums for the 2023-2024 year (property 5%, liability 2%, cyber 15%)</li><li>A 10.3% increase in ASEBP benefit premiums</li><li>An increase of 4.9 FTE certified staff from basic staffing allocations</li><li>An increase in EA hours and a continuation of additional supports and services hours (speech, behavior, therapy assistants)</li><li>An operating deficit in Operations and Maintenance of $1,136,661</li><li>A new transportation funding model resulted in the addition of an estimated four new bus routes and the purchase of new location-tracking software for the buses.&nbsp;<ul><li>A surplus in Transportation of $844,388</li></ul></li><li>Spending under the maximum allowable for Board and System Administration of $170,603</li></ul><p>The full budget report can be found on the Annual Reporting page of the Prairie Rose website&nbsp;<a href="http://www.myprps.com/annual-reporting">www.myprps.com/annual-reporting</a>.</p>

<p>Additional details and full reports from the April 18, 2023, Board Meeting can be found in the <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LWMf-FYWiyffdQfKcDwV6dK3pSrviAL3/view?usp=share_link">Agenda Package</a>.</p><p><img src="/images/7b1b1147-e81b-4a1d-a8b8-42da905799e3?fingerprint=ppb20251217023604" alt=""></p><p><strong>Jenner School Presentation</strong><br>Jenner School principal Kirby Stensrud provided an overview of the school and the learning students and staff have been doing to support the school division goals of kindling hearts, igniting minds and forging futures. It was noted that literacy continues to be a strong focus for the school, with students preparing to showcase some of their work at the upcoming Exhibition of Learning on May 25, 2023. Stensrud shared that staff gave students considerable flexibility in choosing their topic for the exhibition based on feedback from the recent assurance survey that suggested students would like to have more input on what they are learning about. Information about the school's Prairie Rose Possibility program called Jr High Options was also shared. With the program, the school brings in outside experts on various topics, and students work through modules. Some of the options students have participated in this year include carpentry, photography, stained glass, leather working, art, welding, cooking and outdoor education. The full presentation can be found in the Board Meeting Agenda package.</p><p><strong>Trustee Awards of Recognition</strong><br>Trustee Shauna Vanderspruit shared that starting this spring, the Board of Trustees will be implementing a new award of recognition program that acknowledges the contributions of Prairie Rose stakeholders towards making the school division and our rural communities an amazing place to learn, work and pursue joint partnership opportunities. This program will allow our staff and community members to nominate those who go above and beyond to promote PRPS's core principles and our education goals. Additional awards will be added in the following years, but the first three awards available for nomination starting the 2022-2023 school year include; the Grade 9 Student Leadership Award, the High School Student Leadership Award and the Community Champion for Education Award. Award details and information on how to make a nomination can be found here: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/19V45LK5dInfZZxBoEYOOnS_WNON6DMQN/view?usp=share_link">https://drive.google.com/file/d/19V45LK5dInfZZxBoEYOOnS_WNON6DMQN/view?usp=share_link</a></p><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><img class="image_resized" style="width:41.63%;" src="/images/76c892ce-1785-4927-b4c5-67217f078321?fingerprint=ppb20251217023516" alt=""><img class="image_resized" style="width:41.85%;" src="/images/ceb8d81f-fcde-47d9-b0d8-3e9e0be1f9bb?fingerprint=ppb20251217024943" alt=""><img class="image_resized" style="width:44.02%;" src="/images/c54d043d-fae1-49a8-8e58-2e1fbec1fae8?fingerprint=ppb20251217024807" alt=""></td></tr></tbody></table></figure><p><strong>Financial Report</strong><br>Assistant Secretary-Treasurer Candice Hintz provided a financial update to the Board for information. As of February 28, 2023, the division was 50% of the way through the current fiscal year. It was shared that due to an increase in expected revenues of $665,150, the division is now expecting a $27,712 decrease in the projected deficit from ($926,606) to ($898,894). The complete financial report is available in the Board Meeting Agenda package.</p><p><strong>Interim Vice-Chair Elected</strong><br>Acting PRPS Board Chair Lois Bedwell asked for nominations for interim Board Vice-Chair, as the position is currently vacant due to the leave of absence of trustee Cathy Hogg. Trustee Patty Rooks was acclaimed to the position.</p>

<p><img src="/images/1057aa10-13e6-410f-9f58-8ce57113816f?fingerprint=ppb20251217021813" alt=""></p><p>The April 18, 2023, PRPS Public Board Meeting will take place at the Prairie Rose Public Schools Division Office starting at 12:45 p.m. The meeting will be held in-person only.</p><p>The complete agenda package can be found here: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LWMf-FYWiyffdQfKcDwV6dK3pSrviAL3/view?usp=share_link">April 18, 2023 Board Meeting Agenda</a></p>