Good News
The Peace Wapiti Public School Division (PWPSD)'s Good News is a collection of stories from schools throughout the division. Stories are published monthly, before the upcoming Board meeting. Please check back regularly for updates.
PWPSD News
NOVEMBER
PWPSD Teacher Bursary Program opens Dec. 2
The annual PWPSD Teacher Bursary Program opens next week! For more information, and to apply, click here.
PWPSD News
OCTOBER
Harry Balfour School is officially open
On Friday, September 27, students, staff and the greater community gathered to celebrate the official opening of the new Harry Balfour School. The celebration, hosted by Grade 8 students Sanay Friesen and Kacey Hrehoruk, was a big success and a great way to begin Harry Balfour School's next chapter. PWPSD Superintendent Bob Stewart expressed his immense gratitiude to everyone involved in ensuring the new school was open and ready for the start of the school year, and encouraged students to become active members of what makes Harry Balfour School a great place to learn, play and grow.
Left to right: Trustees Piebiak, Kelm, McIntosh and Turner, Secretary Treasurer Ralph Paquin, and Assistant Superintendent Shawn O'Shea pose with Harry Balfour School's newest mascot.
SEPTEMBER
Welcome back!
Alternative Education
NOVEMBER
Nature and Wellness
Brandon Mosenko enjoys his time outside.
PWEC students explored the benefits of relationships between plants, animals, and the environment as applied to the health and wellness of people.
Planning for the future
Allasten and Kailey Birkett visit the Philip J. Currie Museum
Students performed introductory investigations of employment opportunities in tourism at the Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum in Wembley.
PWEC students welcomed a guest from Northwestern Polytechnic who spoke about the programs the post-secondary institute offers, including certificates, degrees, and trades training.
OCTOBER
Virtual Equine Academy
As part of PWEC's Virtual Equine Academy, student Sonya Salopree has been competing in barrel racing. The virtual program offers students the opportunity to earn high school credits while working on improving their horsemanship.
Body and Mind
PWEC students enjoyed the beautiful fall weather as they participated in a day-long Body and Mind workshop with Assistant Principal Rob Robinson and Guidance Counsellor Bradi Baker-Brown.
SEPTEMBER
Congratulations to the Grad Class of 2024!
Staff at Peace Wapiti Enterprise Centre were honoured to celebrate PWEC's 2024 grad class. Congratulations to all 23 students who completed their graduation pathway last school year!
PWEC students kick off PE 10
Assistant Principal Rob Robinson is joined by a group of students as they start the new school year enjoying some physical activity outside.
Beaverlodge Elementary School
OCTOBER
BES gets new Gaga Ball ring
Thanks to NuVista Energy Ltd. and the Riendeau/Jones crew, BES students have a new Gaga Ball ring to enjoy!
Students attend Miwaskin Connections Hide-Making Camp
The Grade 6 students had the opportunity to attend Miwaskin Connections Hide-Making Camp, where they gained hands-on experience with different stages of preparing a hide. Thank you Monique Hommy, the Elders and Helpers, and PWPSD Indigenous Education Services for providing such a wonderful experience to our students.
SEPTEMBER
BES participates in Beaverlodge Heritage Parade
The 2024-2025 BES Leadership Team began their school year by participating in the Beaverlodge Heritage Parade.
Beaverlodge Regional High School
NOVEMBER
Royals volleyball teams reflect on impressive seasons
Congratulations to the boys' volleyball team on a very successful season! The team won five tournaments, including a Zone title defense, which sent the Royals to Lloydminister to represent the Northwest Zone at Provincials! Congratulations Eric Funk, Trenton Ostaszewski, Matthew Pfau, Adam Ray, Elliott Rourke, Henry Schmidt, Owen Schmidt, Spencer Taylor, Ethan Villiger, and Raeden Villiger on your bronze finish!
The girls' volleyball team showed tremendous growth this season. Despite being a very young team, the girls really stepped up at the Zones tournament and came home with silver medals! Congratulations Sadie DeSchipper, Brynn Funk, Loann McAlister, Marcella MacAulay, Brynn Martin, Shae Martin, Emily Merriam, Tayte Nordhagen, Tyller Rude, Reese Sather!
Bezanson School
NOVEMBER
Bezanson remembers
On November 7, students, staff, families, and community members gathered at Bezanson School for its annual Remembrance Day Ceremony.
Jr. Girls wrap up successful volleyball season
The Jr. Girls' volleyball team had a very successful season, earning two gold medals and a bronze finish! The team went on to host the 1J Zones tournament, where they went undefeated and brought home the gold medal and 2024-2025 banner. Congratulations to all players on your hard work and success!
OCTOBER
Girls volleyball off to a great start
Junior Girls AB volleyball team
The Jr. Girls A Volleyball team has had a strong start to the season with two golds; earning the top spot in both their home tournament and in Sexsmith. The AB team has shown great sportsmanship and has enjoyed all the cheering from their many fans. The girls also had the opportunity to participate in a team bonding sleepover where they spent the night in the school gymnasium!
September Trailblazers
Congratulations to our first Trailblazers of the year! Each Trailblazer received an award during a special recognition assembly.
Congratulations Moira and Axel!
Congratulations Moira and Axel (pictured) for being our top Terry Fox Fundraisers! Your hard work and contribution to the Terry Fox Foundation is inspiring!
SEPTEMBER
Meet the Teachers!
Bezanson School celebrated the first full week of school with a Meet the Teachers night. Students and parents were invited to the school, and had the opportunity to meet their teachers and explore the school. School Council members even helped organize and cook a BBQ dinner for everyone to enjoy.
Freaky Friday
Bezanson School enjoyed its first Spirit Day of the year with Freaky Friday! Teachers dressed as students, and students dressed as teachers for a fun day.
Bonanza School
NOVEMBER
Bonanza Spirit
Bonanza School's got spirit! Students have been proving that learning can happen in fun and different ways, including in pajamas, camo, and multiples (Twin Day)!
Science is cool!
The Grade 5 and 6 students learned about hydraulics, and built their own hydraulic models to show their new knowledge!
During their science unit, the students learned about compressibility of liquids and created and launched their own bottle rockets! The whole school got in on the fun!
OCTOBER
Little Spot
The Grade 5-6 students have spent some time learning about Little Spot with PWPSD's Mental Health Capacity Building team. Little Spot is a program that teaches students about basic and complex feelings, and how to manage their emotions. The students have been thoroughly enjoying the program.
Dreamer's Lake Run
On September 19, students in Grades 3-8 participated in the Dreamer's Lake Run. They enjoyed a fun-filled day of cross-country running and relationship building. It was a great event!
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
On September 27, Bonanza School recognized the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation by learning about our Indigenous history and culture. Students and staff wore orange to show their support, and raised $82 for Shannen's Dream through a mini fundraiser.
SEPTEMBER
Tourmaline donates to Nutrition Program
On September 17, Tourmaline Oil Corp. donated over $4,000 to the Bonanza School Healthy Foods and Nutrition Program. The donation was made possible thanks to Tourmaline's annual charity golf tournament.
Students grateful for new playground
Bonanza students have been enjoying their new playground equipment, which was installed over the summer. Students and staff would like to thank the Bonanza Bring It Society, parents, community members and Saddle Hills County for their impressive fundraising efforts and dedication to the school.
Clairmont Community School
OCTOBER
Students spread joy with Thanksgiving performance
The Grade 1 and 2 students brought smiles and warmth to the local senior centre with a special Thanksgiving performance! The students recited heartfelt poems, sang cheerful songs, and danced with enthusiam, spreading joy to the senior residents. This meaningful visit highlighted the spirit of community and gratitude that is at the heart of the holiday. We are proud of our students for embodying the Kodiak Code values of Respect, Responsibility, and Resilience during this memorable experience!
Eaglesham School
Check back for Good News from Eaglesham School.
Elmworth School
Check back for Good News from Elmworth School.
Harry Balfour School
NOVEMBER
The turtles are back!
Thanks to the Ballad group's WERC program and donations from Windsor Plywood, beloved turtles Stinker and Dozer have a brand new turtle sanctuary! The turtles are loving their new home in our Learning Commons, and have had a lot of excited student visitors.
Remembrance Day at HBS
Harry Balfour School took time to honour and remember those who served for our country during its annual Remembrance Day Ceremony. The day included student emcees, artwork, and poems. Families were asked to share their personal stories, and we acknowledged 39 Bengal family members who served in the military. We are grateful that so many HBS families shared their stories, and we honour their family members' commitment and sacrifice.
Fall Fair & School Family Teams
At HBS, each student belongs to a multi-grade team led by a teacher. Students stay with the same team throughout their time at school. When the groups get together, they move their bodies, work on collaborative art projects, share food, and new this year, participate in a community event! During their latest gathering, students toured the school, created self-portraits, enjoyed a veggie snack, and started filling the candy locker to donate to local shelters.
OCTOBER
Halloween dance and fundraiser
Join us on Friday, October 25 for our Halloween dance and fundraiser! We invite everyone to a night of family fun with prizes, a silent auction, and a chance to win two tickets to Taylor Swift in Vancouver! All proceeds from this exciting night will go toward our new playground!
Orange Shirt Day
Throughout the month of October, Harry Balfour School recognized Orange Shirt Day. Indigenous Education teacher Ms. April Price taught students the importance of acknowledging the truth behind residential schools, and move toward reconciliation. Students completed art projects rooted in remembrance and reconciliation. HBS is grateful to have Ms. Price share her knowledge and culture!
Gamemaster Groff encourages team bonding
To keep staff connected throughout the school year, Mr. Groff organizes fun staff challenges. The most recent challenge was Pop Darts, and the finale culminated in a rooftop drop. The five staff finalists competed while students cheered them on. During this challenge, the Grade 8 students practiced their leadership skills as they mentored the Grade 4 students, and all Bengals came together to cheer each other on in this positive game setting.
Bengals volleyball wraps up
Harry Balfour was fortunate to have two girls' and two boys' volleyball teams on the court this year! The Bengals worked hard, improved their skills, and had lots of fun. Thank you to the coaches for all their hard work in making this a memorable season.
New culture classes now being offered
This year, the junior high students have the option of choosing French or culture options. Ms. Webster's Personal and Ancient Culture class spent some time carving and painting hieroglyphic cartouches!
SEPTEMBER
Welcome to the new Harry Balfour School!
Staff were excited to welcome all new and returning Bengals to their new school. On September 13, students and staff gathered for their first assembly of the year. As Ms. Clevette welcomed everyone back to school, students were surprised with their new mascot, which they will have the opportunity to name in an upcoming naming contest!
Students test out their new gym
Ms. Small and Mr. Wright have kicked off their programming in their new space. They've designed a weekly schedule to keep students and staff active throughout the school year.
Movement Monday encourages students to focus on building their muscles through a variety of training forms, learning how to move effectively to stay active for life. Students will explore cardio workouts, strength training, mobility training, balance and stability training, plyometric training, and mind-body connections.
Teamwork Tuesday will give students the opportunity to dive into teamwork and strategy games. Recently, the PE team added a twist to a favourite recess game, Octoball, incorporating a team aspect to get more students involved.
Wilderness Wednesday will see students and staff heading outside to explore alternative environments and make the most of the new school grounds.
Thursday is dedicated to building skills used in sports, such as throwing, catching, receiving, batting, and more. Each month will be focused on a different sport and teach students the necessary skills to be successful.
Fun Friday will bring engaging games to help students develop their critical thinking and sportsmanship.
Helen E. Taylor School
OCTOBER
Cupcake Wars
This month, the Grade 9 students battled it out in Foods CTF at Beaverlodge Regional High School. Pictured above: First Place Winner
Second Place Winner
Third Place Winner
Hythe Regional School
NOVEMBER
HRS wraps up another volleyball season
To wrap up a fantastic volleyball season, our B Girls team won bronze at the St. Mary tournament in Beaverlodge. Great job everyone!
Triple Ball takes over HRS
To support young athletes, HRS hosted a super-successful Grade 5 and 6 triple ball tournament. It was an excellent way to build skills and experience competition in a very supportive environment.
Boo to you!
We wrapped up Halloween with an extraordinary school-wide pumpkin contest! A big shout out to Krystal Miller for providing over 100 pumpkins and some fantastic prizes donated by local businesses.
Thank you CNRL
We are very grateful, and would like to send a big thank you, to Canadian Natural Resources Limited (CNRL) for their extremely generous donation to our Christmas lunch.
We will remember them
On November 7, HRS honoured Canadian veterans during its annual Remembrance Day Ceremony.
Jr. High Options
Our latest round of junior high options have started, and students have enjoyed working on small engines and cooking in Cree!
Movember
Movember is a great way to support men's health and show school spirit! Polo, our therapy dog, even got involved!
OCTOBER
Golf team brings home silver
Congratulations to our Boys' Golf team for winning silver at Zones! We are extremely proud of you!
Volleyball success
The Boys' A volleyball team with their silver medals at the Bezanson tournament.
The Boys' A volleyball team with their bronze medals at the Grande Prairie Composite High School tournament.
Congratulations to the Girls' B team on an impressive showing at the Composite High School tournament! They performed well on the big, competitive stage, and won consolation.
A+ for Energy
As part of our successful application to A+ for Energy and Inside Education, we recently had an array of solar panels installed at the school. Students will be researching the impact of solar power on a small scale, and applying it to bigger scenarios. We are very excited for this project, and extremely grateful to A+ for Energy, Inside Education, and Last Call Electrical for their support.
Thank you to our community supporters!
We'd like to thank PGI for their extremely generous support of our hot lunch program, and Ovintiv for helping us get our STEAM program off the ground!
We are looking forward to doing more innovative programming surrounding Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics!
HRS honours Orange Shirt Day
Orange Shirt Day was a huge success and helped build everyone's understanding of Canada's past, and the legacy of residential schools. HRS held a school-wide parade around town in honour of truth and reconciliation.
Students welcome special guests
The junior high personal learning time blocks are off to a fantastic start. Students even had the opportunity to visit with some very special guests!
Just keep swimming
Some of our elementary classes have started their swimming lessons! Students are having a wonderful time learning some life-long skills.
Fire Safety Week
During Fire Safety Week, we welcomed the County Fire Department. Firefighters spent some time with our younger students, and shared some amazing hands-on skills.
La Glace School
NOVEMBER
Students host Remembrance Day service
On November 7, students participated in the La Glace School's annual Remembrance Day service. A variety of poems and songs were performed to remember those who served, and still serve, our country.
A special thank you to Stephen Chatenuf for performing during the service, your musical abilities are truly remarkable!
Congratulations Reata Conrad for earning first place in the junior colour poster category of the Legion's annual Remembrance Day contest!
Métis Week at La Glace School
Rock Your Mocs was a hit! Students rocked their mocs, extra hair pieces, and bracelets for Métis Week.
Mrs. Harris, Early Childhood Instructor, and her boys show their Métis pride by sporting their Métis Cup jerseys during Métis week.
Students create political cartoons
The La Glace Public Library invited students to participate in a political cartoon learning activity, they even had the chance to draw their own!
Junior high hot lunch
Junior high hot lunch has been a hit! Each Tuesday, Courtney Kinderwater and Kristin Strand organize and cook a homemade hot meal for our junior high students. Oh my, our hallways smell delicious!
OCTOBER
Volunteer Firefighting
Students enjoyed a number of fire safety presentations hosted by the County Fire Department. They had the opportunity to dress in full gear and complete different fire challenges, all while learning about what opportunities volunteer firefighting offers.
No Matter What
Congratulations to La Glace students for raising a whooping $6200 for the Terry Fox Foundation! Raylee Meejarrd was crowned our top fundraiser, raising $1425 for the cause!
Peace Wapiti Academy
NOVEMBER
Students get into the Halloween spirit
Students in Foods 20/30 decorated cakes and cupcakes to celebrate Halloween!
Boys volleyball celebrate another successful season
After a strong season, the Senior Boys volleyball team headed to Lloydminster for the 3A Boys Volleyball Provincials.
Cosmetology 30
Guest artist, Sarah Jane, joined our Cosmetology 30 class to demonstrate the art of eyebrow shaping and waxing.
Using science for fashion
Simeon created his own design and put it on a shirt using a sublimation technique in Ms. Knudtson's class.
Cake anyone?
Mrs. Kendall's Foods 20 students baked and decorated their own angel food cakes!
OCTOBER
PWA raises money for Terry Fox Foundation
Mr. Bowen and Mr. Camsell motivated PWA students to fundraise for the Terry Fox Foundation with a fun challenge, promising to shave their heads in creative ways if the students reached their goal. Thanks to their enthusiasm, students raised over $1000 for the cause. At a school assembly, students had the exciting opportunity to shave the assistant principals' heads as part of the celebration!
Miwasin Connections Camp
Dr. Vavrek's Outdoor Education classes participated in the Miwasin Connections Camp, hosted by Monique Hommy, where students learned the art of hide preparation using traditional methods. In addition to this hands-on experience, students explored a variety of land-based activities, deepening their connection to the natural world.
DELF success
Congratulations to the 48 Grade 9 and 10 students who succeeded in passing their French DELF A1 exam! Additionally, 16 Grade 10 students passed the A2 exam, and one Grade 12 student passed the B1 exam. As FSL students this is a huge accomplishment, as typically only students in French Immersion are this successful.
Students prepare MYLUVPAKs
PWA Leadership students were invited by former PWA teacher, Kim Houlder, to help organize and prepare materials to pack in backpacks for MYLUVPAK. MYLUVPAK is a local non-profit that provides backpacks filled with personal belongings to children who are entering the foster care system, living on the streets, or experiencing poverty. This is a partnership the PWA Leadership group hopes to continue as it was a fun and rewarding experience.
Cross-country provincials
Congratulations to the 20 PWA athletes who qualified to participate in the cross-country provincials in Grande Prairie this past weekend!
SEPTEMBER
Bull Riding Champion
Congratulations to PWA's very own Kayden Budde for earning the provincial title of Bull Riding Champion! Kayden participated in the Alberta High School Rodeo Association's competition back in May, but just finally received his well-deserved banner.
Co-op donates to PWA's Snack Program
Thank you to the Grande Prairie Co-op for generously donating to the PWA snack program! The program provides lunch and snacks to students in need to support their learning.
Volleyball off to a strong start
Congratulations to the Junior Varsity Ladies Volleyball team for finishing third overall in the Fairview tournament. They played against a mix of senior and junior varsity teams.
Penson School
NOVEMBER
Students welcome MLA Wiebe
The Grade 6 students welcomed MLA Ron Wiebe to speak about the provincial government. They enjoyed learning about what it's like to represent the people of Grande Prairie-Wapiti in the Legislative Assembly of Alberta.
OCTOBER
Penson hosts annual Terry Fox Run
On September 19, Penson School held its annual Terry Fox Run. Students raised $2935 for the Terry Fox Foundation and, because of their dedication and hard work, earned an extra recess and popsicles for the whole school! Congratulations to Scarlett Simpson for being the school's top fundraiser!
Panthers cheer on GP Storm
On October 4, the Grade 5 students attended the Grande Prairie Storm game. They had an amazing time, and one of our students even won the Chuck a Duck contest!
Volleyball season coming to an end
Penson School's mixed and boys' volleyball teams have recently participated in the Phoenix and Mavericks Invitationals. Their seasons will wrap up before Halloween with a tournament in Beaverlodge this weekend, and two league games against Harry Balfour School and Helen E. Taylor School.
Ridgevalley School
Check back for Good News from Ridgevalley School.
Robert W. Zahara School
NOVEMBER
RWZ goes skating
The winter weather means the start of skating season, and RWZ is fortunate to be right next door to the arena! Mr. Froehlick, the arena manager, kindly makes space in the schedule for local students to enjoy this sport. The community fully embraces the opportunity, and the students benefit from the help of so many parent and grandparent volunteers who donate skates and helmets, tie skate laces, and cheer loudly. The students are always excited for this extension of the gym program, and their skating improves tremendously each winter!
OCTOBER
RWZ honours Orange Shirt Day
Leading up to September 30, teachers and students took a look at a few of the 94 Calls to Action recommended by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. Each class chose one Call to Action to work on in their classroom this year. Discussions with teachers and classmates led to concrete action ideas that could be taken throughout the year to make these Calls to Action a reality at RWZ.
Each class took a turn sharing their plan at the school-wide Orange Shirt Day assembly, and the signed commitments are now posted in the hallways for everyone to see. We look forward to seeing how these ideas expand understanding and reconciliation throughout the rest of the year.
SEPTEMBER
Welcome Back BBQ
On September 9, students, staff and families gathered for the annual RWZ Back to School BBQ. Sponsored by Dynamic Energy Group Inc., families enjoyed dinner, met their new teachers and toured the school. Students were very excited to bring their parents and siblings to show off their new classrooms and learning spaces.
After dinner, everyone gathered in the gym for a formal introduction of the staff, and new principal Stacy Rorem welcomed returning and new families for another great year of fun and education at RWZ.
Rycroft School
Check back for Good News from Rycroft School.
Savanna School
Check back for Good News from Savanna School.
Sexsmith Secondary School
NOVEMBER
Volleyball GOLD
Sabres Senior Men's volleyball team won their second gold medal at the Peace Classic tournament in Peace River.
Congratulations to the Senior Women's volleyball team for being named the 2A Girls Zone Champions! According to Coach Kotyk, "These young ladies are dedicated, talented, and the epitome of sportsmanlike athletes." The team earned their way to the provincial stage, where they earned the bronze medal.
Alumni and Seniors Night
SSS hosted an Alumni and Seniors Volleyball Night, where they hosted two amazing volleyball matches between current players and alumni. It was great to see some competition, light-hearted rivalries, and a chance for family and friends to get to spectate it all.
We have an amazing group of Grade 12 athletes, and it was very special to get to recognize and honour them on their home court one last time.
Exploring Cultures
Junior high students in our Exploring Cultures class have been busy creating their own Day of the Dead skulls, and studying Métis culture during Métis week.
OCTOBER
Teeing off
The PE 20/30 class has spent some time enjoying golf lessons out at Spruce Meadows Golf Club. Mr. Spence says their swings are definitely better than before!
Biology in real life
Local Aquatic Biologist, Morgan Ellis, presented to our Biology 20 students as part of their Ecology unit. It was a unique opportunity to see hands-on application of class content!
Water Bears
Water bear animation
Water bear under the microscope
The Grade 8 students have been working with microscopes and made a groundbreaking discovery! After watching a video about the tardigrade (water bear), students made it their goal to find one. They targeted the ideal water bear habitat (moss) and were actually able to find one! "In all honesty, this might be one of the most exciting moments of my teacher career," exclaims Science teacher Michelle Zarowny.
Outdoor Education
The weather wasn't great, but the hike was worth it! Members of our Outdoor Education class had a great time outside.
Building Construction
To honour truth and reconciliation, the high school construction class tried Inuit carvings in wood. It was a great experience!
SEPTEMBER
Senior Men's Golf takes silver at Zones
Congratulations to our Men's Golf team, Owen Siebert, Tim Siebert, Michael Fehr, and Cy Nelson, on competing in the 1A/2A Golf Zones in Fairview on September 16. It was a great day with some very strong golf being played.
Spirit River Regional Academy
OCTOBER
SRRA raises over $10K for cancer research
This year, SRRA students raised a remarkable $10,398 for the Terry Fox Foundation! On October 7, the top ten fundraisers participated in a fun pie in the face activity during a school-wide assembly.
Congratulations to our top fundraisers!
- Tied for 10th place, raising a total of $900: Vince Thomi, Lilly Coldwell, and Levi Day
- 9th place, raising $315: Ava Hickman
- 7th & 8th place, raising $350 each: Harlynn Yanishewski and Anita Thomi
- 6th place, raising $385: Alex Aiton
- 5th place, raising $437.15: Lincoln and Clarity Curtis
- 4th place, raising $500: Camron Paradis
- 3rd place, raising $577: Eli, Emma, and Grace Stone
- 2nd place, raising $603: Kendall and Donovan Viel
- 1st place, raising an amazing $950.20: Jace Stanich
Emma Stone won the bonus draw, which gave her the opportunity to pie principal Mr. Daren Pullishy in the face.
SRRA would like to thank all the families and community members for supporting this worthwhile cause. In addition, thank you to the school staff who bravely faced the tossing, or smooshing, of the pies!
Teepee Creek School
OCTOBER
Terry Fox Run
Teepee Creek students participated in their annual Terry Fox Run, and raised over $2000 to support the fight against cancer. Students ran through Sorkenville and would like to thank community members Orval and Betty Sorken for the privilege of running through such a beautiful setting!
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Our school's Kindness Club marked National Day for Truth and Reconciliation by bringing students together and making a sign to mark the importance of September 30. The Kindness Club was started by TCS Librarian Kim Green to help promote kindness within the school community. This was the first event of the new school year with many more to come!
Wembley Elementary School
NOVEMBER
WES gets spooky
Wembley Elementary School's SPOOKTACULAR event was a great success! Students from Junior Kindergarten through Grade 3 arrived in creative costumes, ranging from friendly monsters to fairytale characters. The day was filled with fun activities, including a potion station, a spooky entrance, and a dance floor.
We'd like to thank the WES School Council, parents, and other sponsors who made this event a success. SPOOKTACULAR was a fantastic way for the school community to come together and enjoy Halloween!
R0B0 Warriors
On November 15, the Grade 3 students had the opportunity to spend time with the R0B0 Warriors. They arrived with all sorts of Lego and coding activities for the students to try. Students analyzed different wheel sizes to determine which would work best for their car; examined different axles to ensure there wasn't too much friction; and some students were able to build their cars while others helped code the directions for the cars on a large map. There were many obstacles for the students to dodge and, needless to say, everyone had fun. The students are excited about their learning, and hope the R0B0 Warriors return in the new year.
Granny Dolls
Lindsy from the Grande Prairie Friendship Centre visited Ms. Waldron's Grade 1 class to share the wonderful story of Indigenous Granny Dolls. These special dolls are not just fun to play with, but also help the kids feel safe and loved, and teach us about caring for others and being responsible.
OCTOBER
Veggie Share
Thank you to all the families who contributed cut and washed vegetables to the annual Wembley Elementary Veggie Share! Students enjoyed fresh veggies as a healthy snack, while classes engaged in discussions about the importance of community and giving, all in the context of the Thanksgiving holiday.
Stone Soup
Students enjoyed their Stone Soup as they learned about the importance of working together. Stone Soup is a story of a traveler who uses a stone and water to make soup, getting villagers to add what little food they have. It teaches us that when we all contribute, we can create something much better than we could alone. Students participated in lessons and activities focused on the story.
Learning about colours
Grade 1 students have been having a blast with coloured water and droppers! They're exploring the exciting world of colours by mixing and experimenting, all while having fun, and learning together. These creative activities spark their curiosity and imagination!
SEPTEMBER
Welcome back!
Staff were so pleased to see everyone at the Wembley Elementary School Welcome Back BBQ! A huge thank you to Teresa and the County of Grande Prairie for supplying the BBQ, Dusty Rowland for barbequing for everyone, and Trustee Wendy Kelm and Martina Brewer for serving hot dogs, chips, and juice boxes. It was a great way to start the new school year.
Hula Hoop Circus
Amanda Panda of Hula Hoop Circus visited WES and amazed students and staff with her talent! The entire school attended a presentation and then participated in a workshop with Amanda to learn new skills and play fun games!
Whispering Ridge Community School
NOVEMBER
Cosmetology students visit Sephora
The junior high cosmetology students enjoyed a trip to Sephora where they learned about skincare and make up for different skin types. Students even got to take home some free samples! A big thank you to the staff at Sephora for making this such a memorable experience for our students.
Welcome to STEM
The Grade 4 STEM students got some hands-on engineering experience when they designed and built their own bridges!
Rock Your Mocs
Students and staff came together to show their support of Indigenous culture on Rock Your Mocs day!
Triple ball comes to WRCS
Grade 5 and 6 students have been enjoying triple ball! A big thank you to Ms. Murphy and the junior high volleyball team for volunteering their time to coach after school.
WRCS hosts annual Remembrance Day Ceremony
The WRCS choir performed during the school's annual Remembrance Day Ceremony. Students, staff, and family members loved hearing their beautiful singing voices! Thank you Mrs. Tomke and Mrs. Breitkreuz for providing students with this wonderful opportunity.
OCTOBER
Students honour Orange Shirt Day
For Orange Shirt Day, students participated in a school-wide Orange Hands activity.
WRCS raises nearly $10,000 for cancer research
Congratulations to everyone who participated in this year's Terry Fox Run. Your hard work paid off as our school raised close to $10,000 for the Terry Fox Foundation!
School Bus Safety
Our Kindergarten students spent some time learning the importance of school bus safety!
Motivational Magic
Students in Grades 1-6 enjoyed a Motivational Magic show, centered around kindness and gratitude, presented by Steve Harmer.
Finch Robots
Grade 5 STEM students had the opportunity to spend some time with Mrs. Montes, one of PWPSD's Educational Technologists, who taught them about the Finch Robots!
SEPTEMBER
Teachers participate in professional development
WRCS staff participated in a professional development day before welcoming students back to their classrooms. Teachers were surprised with welcome back gifts of fresh flowers from the Gypsy Blooms Flower Truck.
PJ Day
Ms. Brown's Grade 1 class enjoyed their first PJ Day of the year!
Grade 8s bond over fun activities
The Grade 8 students enjoyed some bonding time, and experienced the exciting activities that Bear Lake Bible Camp has to offer. Students conquered some challenges, while supporting one another, setting the stage for a great school year.
Science Explorations and Inquiry
Mrs. Miller's Grade 6 students have been enjoying their Science Explorations and Inquiry options class.
Quickdraw Math
Mrs. Green started the school year by engaging her Grade 4 students with a Quickdraw Math lesson.
Upcoming Events
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PWPSD Teacher Bursary Program Opens: Monday, December 2
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PWPSD Board Meeting: Thursday, December 12
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Christmas Break: December 23 - January 3
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Christmas Day: Wednesday, December 25
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Boxing Day: Thursday, December 26
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PWPSD offices and shops closed: December 25 - January 1
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Classes Resume: Monday, January 6
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PWPSD Board Meeting: Thursday, January 16
Recent Announcements
Recent Media Coverage
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Nov. 28, 2024 PWPSD accepting applications for Teacher Bursary Program on December 2nd, MyGrandePrairieNow
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Nov. 25, 2024 Three teams bring home medals from Volleyball Provincials, EverythingGP
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Nov. 04, 2024 Three Peace Region groups benefitting from FCC AgriSpirit Fund grants, EverythingGP
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Oct. 30, 2024 PWPSD Superintendent announces retirement, Education News Canada
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Check out our online media room.
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Sign up to receive Board News, Division Updates, and other PWPSD publications at www.pwpsd.ca.