<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>

We at Coulee Collegiate count our families, staff and students among our blessings and send our warmest wishes to you and your family this Thanksgiving. #givingthanks #wearegratefulforyou #prairierosesd8 #mhcollege #mhpublicschools

<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>

We are closed for a Division-Wide Wellness Day. #wellness #prairierosesd8 #couleecollegiate

<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>

Thank you to MHC for donating the swag bag for our Student Spotlight. Congrats Tyrell! #studentspotlight #swagbag #mhcollege #prairierosesd8 #mhpublicschools

<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>

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# #TruthandReconciliation, #OrangeShirtDay #EveryChildMatters #prairierosesd8 #mhcollege #mhpublicschools

<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>

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<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>

We still have a couple spots available! First Aid - November 9 & 10 Forklift - November 9 Skid Steer - February 23 Confined Spaces - March 15 Fall Protection - April 26 First Aid through Coulee Collegiate MUST be completed before the student is eligible to take any other training.

<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>