education / greater / edmonton
An Advertising Feature
GUIDE TO EDUCATION
SO MUCH
WELCOME EDUCATION WEEK By Sarah Pratt
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n 1928, the Alberta Teachers’ Alliance recognized the first Alberta School Week from Dec. 2 to 8. For more than 80 years, educators across the province have been celebrating what is now known as Education Week. It is a time to focus on the importance of education in all forms and for all people and to emphasize the vitality of an educated, inspired person. Education Week runs May 6-10 this year, and activities are planned throughout the province at various locations. Parents, students, teachers and support staff will work to show what’s happening in schools and the importance of partnerships and communication between everyone involved. The value of these relationships must not be underestimated.
Learning happens inside and outside the classroom. Extra-curricular activities, clubs, teams, playgrounds, vacations, volunteer work, jobs, chores, siblings – all are opportunities for learning. The ongoing success of Alberta’s teachers (in the school and the home) and students shows in the achievements we see and hear and read about day after day.
Looking into all the educational options available and recognizing the importance of education for all ages is part of the focus of Education Week.
A university dean once said, “We are helping these students become citizens of the world.” As young students grow and mature, it is hoped they evolve into lifelong learners. Education affects the way a pupil thinks, acts, reacts, interacts and how they see the world.
Photo: Sarah Pratt
Inspiration comes in many forms. Talk to the woman who thanks her high school English teacher for setting her on a once-meandering path to success and fulfillment. Hear the story of the post-secondary student whose position on student council led to a political career. Watch the artist who began drawing as an elementary student and
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“I always wanted to go to MacEwan University because of the experience students get here.”
mbodying the MacEwan University spirit, Peter Lee has served as a MacEwan Ambassador, sat on the City of Edmonton Youth Council, and is a member of the Students’ Council. Peter is also a student with a developmental disability, and is the first such student in Alberta and possibly Canada to be appointed to a general assembly student council. His place on council is the catalyst for a historic Students’ Council policy change and the reason the Alberta Association for Community Living (AACL) presented SAMU with a Community Living Award in April. Peter enrolled at MacEwan University through Campus Connections, an initiative with the AACL that aims to include persons with developmental disabilities in post-secondary life. After the October 2012 student election, Peter decided to run for
Cameron McCoy is determined to get the most out of his university education. Passionate about community involvement since high school, he recently particpated in 5 Days for the Homeless. He’s also been a member of student council, the UN Club and is the current president of the student business club, Enactus. And if that’s not enough, he’s just been elected president of the Students’ Association of MacEwan University for 2013/14. “I want to get involved because I think it’s important. When you come to university your primary focus may be your degree – but your experience really matters too.”
one of the vacant spots to get an inside look at what’s happening in the council. He learned that to be a member of the council, a student must have a GPA of 2.0 or higher. Because Campus Connections students audit classes, they don’t receive GPAs. But after Peter completed the intensive interview process and gave a speech to the council, the Executive Committee decided to re-interpret the bylaws to state that a full fee-paying student classified as having a developmental disability is qualified to sit on Students’ Council, thereby allowing for greater inclusiveness in an already-inclusive environment. For Peter, joining Students’ Council wasn’t about being the first, or paving the way for others. “I’ll always do as much as I can. It doesn’t have to be about leaving a mark.”
TO ADVANCEMENT NAIT ADVANCES YOUR CAREER WITH BUSINESS DIPLOMA COURSES We promise relevant knowledge, real skills and rewarding careers to our students in business programs. As a leading polytechnic, NAIT’s JR Shaw School of Business offers industry-driven education that provides a competitive advantage when it comes to career advancement or second career choices. Learn from industry experienced instructors to get the leading edge. NAIT’s evening and weekend class options allow you to fit classes around your personal and professional commitments. Continuing Education Spring/Summer Business Administration diploma classes:
Our uniquely personal learning experiences enable our students to thrive and grow not just as learners, but as individuals. Learn more at MacEwan.ca.
for EDGE advertising information call Arlene Lauer-Krueger 780-429-5105
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ucation — structure d education, training development that ta or professional kes place in a set en vironment with set deadlines. Results in rules and a formal certificatio n. Non-formal educat ion — more flexible education, training professional develop or ment activities offer ed by education ins community organiz titutions, ations and training ag encies. Does not alw result in a formal ce ays rtification. Informal education — the process of ga ining knowledge, sk values from daily ex ills and periences at home, in the community or at Individuals learn for work. self-fulfillment. May result in a certi fication.
Check out alis.alberta.ca.occinfo. OCCinfo© provides up-to-date information about occupations in a format called occupational profiles. There are more than 500 occupational profiles in OCCinfo©. Each profile presents information about occupations under various headings.
The Learning Resources Centre is a branch of Alberta Education dedicated to the delivery of authorized resources in support of the Kindergarten to Grade 12 curriculum. The Learning Resources Centre also provides a range of Specialized Services to enhance access to learning resources for visually impaired students. The LRC loans schools alternate format learning resources and student equipment for use by these students. Audio resources for students with perceptual disabilities are also available. Check out lrc.education.gov.ab.ca.
MacEwan University student councillor paves the way for more inclusiveness
Cameron McCoy Third-year Bachelor of Commerce student
If you’re looking to be one of those wonderfu l life-long learners, check this out. Continuing educat ion is often divided into thre e categories: Formal ed
Everyone has a story about their education experience, so share yours during Education Week.
Parents, teachers and the set curricula have an incredible influence on students, not only for where they are at now, but also where they will be in the future.
“Learning is not just about tests and homework. It’s about looking at learning as a much broader topic.”
to investigate…
can remember stories of specific art projects and teachers and the role art played in his personal, professional and social life.
The Canada Learning Bond (CLB) is money If you’re saving for a child’s the Government of Canada puts into an education, look into the Canada RESP (Registered Education Savings Plan) Education Savings Grant (CESG). This to help you start saving early for your federal government grant can help child’s education after high school. you save for your ch ild’s education Are you eligible for the Canada Learning after high school. Yo ur child can Bond? use the money for fu ll-time or partThe Canada Learning Bond is available to: time studies in an ap prenticeship program, CEGEP, tra -children born after Dec. 31, 2003 de school, college or university. The CE SG is based on -children’s families who receive the contributions made to an RESP in National Child Benefit Supplement respect of an eligible beneficiary. (NCBS) also known as “family allowance” More information at or “baby bonus.” canlearn.ca. More information is available at canlearn.ca.
orkload of w e g r la e h Due to t , ry students a d n o c e s t pos er study ff o ls o o h c s some elling where skills couns advice on t e g n a c s t studen topics like:
ducation According to E our most Alberta, the f bullying are: f o s e p y t n o m com m,
Managing your time — applying tips like todo lists with estimate d times for each tas k, and making the mo st of down time Dealing with procras tination — even ‘A’ students procrastina te, so learn how to de al with this bad habit Staying healthy — ex ercising regularly, eating “brain foods” that are good for yo ur body, staying hydra ted and getting sleep , and studying effectiv ely
For more informatio
n go to canlearn.ca.
, sarcas g—name-calling Verbal bullyin reatening, th , rs ing rumou ad re ity, sp g, in as te culture, ethnic nces to one’s n, io at nt ie making refere al or gender, or sexu race, religion, . ts men unwanted com apegoating, g—mobbing, sc Social bullyin humiliating p, ou from a gr rs he ot g in ud excl tended to put es or graffiti in ur st ge , rs he ot others down. , king, pinching ing—hitting, po , ng yi Physical bully ro st g, coercing, de chasing, shovin . ng hi uc to al unwanted sexu rnet or text using the Inte g— in ad lly bu er Cyb t down or spre intimidate, pu to ng gi sa es m t someone. rumours abou and how about bullying n io at rm fo in For more n.alberta.ca. , visit educatio to deal with it
THERE IS STILL TIME TO APPLY. Concordia University College of Alberta offers full degrees in Arts, Science, Management. APPLY TODAY! This year’s 26th convocation celebrates the success of our students.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2013 GRADUATES
EDUCATION FOR THE REAL WORLD nait.ca
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7128 Ada Boulevard Edmonton, AB T: 780.479.9220 TF: 1.866.479.5200