2011 – 2012
Report to the Community Saskatoon Public Schools Inspiring Learning
310 - 21st Street East Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Canada S7K 1M7 tel 306.683.8200 fax 306.657.3900 email spsdinfo@spsd.sk.ca web saskatoonpublicschools.ca twitter @StoonPubSchools facebook facebook.com/SaskatoonPublicSchools
Table of Contents
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Message from the Board Chair
Ray Morrison
8 Message from the Director
George Rathwell
17 Progress on Strategic Priorities 34 Partnerships with our Community 61 Celebrating Excellence 78 Fiscal Indicators 86 Trustee and Ward Directory
Marnie Howlett This graduate of Marion M. Graham Collegiate was awarded the 2011 Board of Education Award of Excellence. This award recognizes the Grade 12 student who most exemplifies excellence in areas including lifelong learning, critical and creative thinking, respect for others, world citizenship, a sense of personal worth and dignity, and moral, ethical and spiritual values. Marnie maintained a 99.14 per cent average in Grade 12. 4
2011
Outstanding Graduates
Payton Pederson
Lucy Liu
Sydney Lee
Joshua Fiss
Naomi Esau
Courtney Bluehorn
Mitchell Marquette
Dylan Ginter
Aden Bowman Collegiate
Bedford Road Collegiate
Centennial Collegiate
City Park Collegiate
Evan Hardy Collegiate
Mount Royal Collegiate
Nutana Collegiate
Tommy Douglas Collegiate
Scott Adams
Walter Murray Collegiate 5
Message from the Board Chair It has been another remarkable year for Saskatoon Public Schools. It has been defined by the achievements of our students and staff members, as well as by the challenges we faced as a division. Through it all, student success has remained our goal. We are seeing better outcomes as a result of this dedication. According to our bi-annual survey of student perceptions, Tell Them From Me, 58 per cent of surveyed students in Grades 6 to 12 felt confident in their academic skills and highly challenged in their learning. This is compared to the national average of 47 per cent. When asked about feeling accepted and valued by peers and others at school, 75 per cent of students had a high sense of belonging, compared to the Canadian norm of 72 per cent. We are also seeing an increased confidence in our work from parents. As part of our bi-annual survey of parents with children attending our schools, 98 per cent of those surveyed said they felt welcome at their child’s school. The survey also found 95 per cent of parents said their children have a positive attitude toward attending their school and 96 per cent said their child feels safe at their school. While remaining focused on the learning agenda, our division places great importance on forging partnerships in the community. Such collaborations strengthen our work as a division, create greater opportunities for our students and contribute to the success of our community. Building on our 19-year partnership, Saskatoon Public Schools is working with Whitecap Dakota First Nation to make the Whitecap 6
School an alliance school in our division. This exceptional relationship has received national attention; Director George Rathwell, Whitecap Dakota Chief Darcy Bear and I travelled to Quebec City in July to make a presentation about this interdependent governance partnership to the Canadian School Boards Association. The highlight of every board meeting is our Celebrating Excellence report, which spotlights the exemplary work being done in our division. In the pages of this report, you will see many of these accomplishments, which include several of the awards our students and staff members have received this year. The range of areas in which our division has been recognized demonstrates the comprehensiveness of our work. These awards include national recognition for Bob Shmon, who was named one of Canada’s Outstanding Principals. Also, the Board of Education was awarded the Premier’s Award for Innovation and Excellence in Education for Collegiate Renewal. This initiative is one of the board’s strategic priorities along with Literacy for Life, which has previously won the Premier’s Award. This year didn’t come without difficulty. As a board, we faced our toughest budget deliberations in recent memory. Working with a new funding model from the provincial government, rapidly increasing enrolment and diverse student programming needs, our board was forced to make some tough decisions. But we were able to pass a budget that will have little effect in the classroom and keeps student learning at the core of everything we do.
We are also saying goodbye to many valued members of our administration, most notably Director of Education George Rathwell. George has been the mastermind behind some of our most unique initiatives, including Royal West and the Saskatoon Trades and Skills Centre. He is a greatly respected educator and a remarkable champion for Saskatoon Public Schools. While we say goodbye to George, we are pleased to welcome Avon Whittles as the new director. With 25 years of experience working in our division, Avon will inspire and lead our students and staff to even greater success. The future is looking bright for Saskatoon Public Schools. With a focus on innovation and achievement, we are challenging our students to be engaged, think bigger, and reach higher. As you will see in this report, we are succeeding. We are making a difference—for our students, for our staff members and for our community.
Board Chair 7
Message from the Director Over the past academic year, Saskatoon Public Schools has celebrated much that is new to our division: new students and families, new achievements, new partnerships and new facilities. All of this has come while continuing to respect and celebrate our traditions, our values and our goals. In the past school year, Saskatoon Public Schools has seen significant student growth. We have welcomed 475 new students into our schools. These students didn’t just join us in September but steadily walked through our doors throughout the year. Many of them are new to Canada and their first introduction to Saskatoon Public Schools is through our Newcomer Student Centre. In its first year of existence, the centre has completed more than 850 language assessments for new students, determining what programming they need in order to be successful in our schools. In addition to this, the centre has helped familiarize these students and their families with the education system, our school division and our schools and programs. We have celebrated a number of achievements for our programs, our students and our staff members this year. Many of these accomplishments are detailed in this report but they could never be applauded enough. Collegiate Renewal, a strategic learning priority of our Board of Education, was awarded the Premier’s Award for Innovation and Excellence. This is a unique program that is aimed at engagement in learning and opportunities for success for each of our secondary students. The impact of Collegiate Renewal is universal—it is evident in every building and every classroom. 8
Our school division was also recognized internationally by the Business Continuity Institute with the North America Award for Business Continuity Team of the Year. For years, our dedicated team has worked on our education continuity plan, which prepares us to continue operations following a crisis or emergency. Saskatoon Public Schools is a provincial leader in this work and our plan is being used as a model for other school divisions. Saskatoon Public Schools has formed new partnerships this year while also continuing its dedication to long-standing collaborators. For years, we have worked with the Whitecap Dakota First Nation to improve student learning and retention, support staff and increase understanding of First Nations in Saskatchewan. We plan to extend this unique partnership by welcoming Whitecap Dakota School as an alliance school, further solidifying our dedication to student success for all young people in our community. Through the Saskatoon Public Schools Foundation, we have once again joined with PotashCorp to support student learning. Through a generous gift of $200,000, PotashCorp is helping to fuel our students’ bodies and minds by providing support for our school nutrition and community garden programs. While connecting lessons in science, health and wellness to nutrition, we are able to provide more students with much-needed nourishment.
At the end of the school year, we moved forward with one of our most anticipated projects: the new Willowgrove School. Work began on the site in August and the school is scheduled to open in the fall of 2014. This year, we also welcomed the end of three years of renovations to Nutana Collegiate with the reopening of Alumni Hall. The third floor theatre, renamed to reflect the generous donations of its graduates, was the final piece in a $13.5 million renovation to the century-old school. While paying respect to the history of the school, these upgrades help accommodate the evolving student population. These are just a few of the highlights from our year but so many more are detailed in the pages to come. The staff members of Saskatoon Public Schools are dedicated to seeing our students reach their potential. Every accomplishment, whether big or small, is celebrated. We are proud of the work we do every day and of the contribution we make to our community’s future.
Director 9
Facilities Facilities are a top priority for Saskatoon Public Schools. It is important to maintain and invest in positive environments for students to further encourage their achievement. In 2011-12, Saskatoon Public Schools made great strides in three areas when it comes to facilities: collegiate theatre upgrades, Nutana’s Alumni Hall and Willowgrove School.
In total, $1.8 million was invested into upgrading theatres at Marion Graham, Evan Hardy, Bedford Road, Aden Bowman and Walter Murray. Upgrades included construction of a control room, storage space, mezzanine and backstage loft; stage extensions; flooring improvements; new stage curtains; acoustic upgrades; retrofitting and upgrading stage lighting; and a new sound system.
Since 2008, the Board of Education has made upgrades to theatres in our high schools a priority. With great performing arts spaces being built in Centennial and Tommy Douglas collegiates—our two newest high schools—the decision was made to upgrade the theatres in the remaining collegiates.
At Nutana Collegiate, more than three years of renovations to the school and an investment of nearly $14 million from the division and the Ministry of Education resulted in several upgrades to the institution. Capital improvements to the school included new washrooms, flooring, high-efficiency
Footloose performance at Walter Murray Collegiate
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Grand Opening of Alumni Hall at Nutana Collegiate, Apr. 26, 2012
PROFILE
boilers, fire protection sprinkler system and sewer lines. There were also changes made to make the facility more efficient, a feat that isn’t easily accomplished with a century-old structure. But changes such as new windows and energy-efficient lighting will help achieve that end.
began on the site during the summer. The school is expected to open its doors to students in September 2014.
Three years of work culminated with the upgrading and reopening of the auditorium. Due to the generous support from Nutana graduates, the space was renamed Alumni Hall. Ground has been broken on the new Willowgrove School that will serve the thriving community in Saskatoon’s northeast. With the tender awarded in spring 2012, work
The $39.8-million building will house Willowgrove School and Holy Family School, as well as a child-care centre and a community facility. Willowgrove School will be 5,548 square metres over two storeys, with younger grades on the main floor and upper elementary classes on the second floor. During construction, Saskatoon Public Schools will continue to consult with the Willowgrove community regarding the school’s programming and identity.
Willowgrove School Design
Willowgrove School Site Blessing
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21,297 The number of students enrolled at Saskatoon Public Schools in 2011-12, representing an increase of 480 students from the previous year. Saskatoon Public Schools is Saskatchewan’s largest school division.
Saskatoon Public @StoonPubSchools
Congratulations also go out to the Brightwater Centre for winning the Saskatchewan EcoNetwork's Environmental Activist Award. 9:22 AM - 23 Apr 12
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Photo: The Saskatoon StarPhoenix
Students in the Grade 2/3 class at École Henry Kelsey raised a pair of ducks in their classroom. They named the ducks Romeo and Juliet.
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Avon Whittles On Jan. 16, 2012 the Saskatoon Board of Education announced the appointment of Mrs. Avon Whittles to the position of Director of Education, effective Aug. 1, 2012. 14
PROFILE
Early Learning Childcare Centres With an eye to setting students on the right path for educational success, Saskatoon Public Schools has taken steps to address the needs of its youngest learners. Meeting the needs of the child from their first introduction to school has been key to new early learning programs introduced by the division. Early learning childcare centres support families and communities by promoting high-quality care for children in healthy, safe and nurturing environments. These centres promote learning and development in young children while introducing them to a school environment. Children as young as infants are being welcomed into childcare centres located in our schools. The addition of the early learning childcare centres help set young children on the right path towards success in education and in life.
Through these centres, our school division has partnered with daycare providers to welcome young children into schools, providing them with seamless care and introducing them to a learning environment from the time they are infants. We are also providing further support for families and welcome them into our schools and our school communities when their children are at a very young age. Through this early introduction to our schools, we hope to form a long-term partnership with families to invest in the education and the future of their children.
In spring 2012, the new early learning childcare centre was opened at Princess Alexandra Community School. It is the ninth centre that our school division has opened, joining Alvin Buckwold, Brevoort Park, Confederation Park, Fairhaven, John Lake, Lester B. Pearson, Mayfair and Queen Elizabeth schools.
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Grade 5 and 6 French Immersion students shared details about their countries of birth with eager listeners of the École Lakeview School community during the 2011 culture fair. 16
Progress on Strategic Priorities Literacy for Life GOAL: All students, Kindergarten to Grade 8, will read and write at or above grade level in multiple subjects so they can act upon their potential in school and in life—ultimately creating a healthier democratic society for the 21st Century. In the 2011-12 school year, Literacy for Life celebrated its eighth year. While valued in the research, it is rare for a school division to be able to sustain a focus on one priority for this amount of time. This focus has been driven by the support of the Board of Education.
Strong evidence indicates that Just Read, a targeted initiative to increase the amount of reading our students enjoy outside of school time, has moved us towards our goal of nurturing a culture of readers. Students who read more and who view themselves as readers have more success in both school and in life. This year, we introduced Fountas and Pinnell Benchmark Assessment for measuring students’ reading comprehension. Goals were set for all students in Grades 1, 2 and 3. By year end, our students were reading on average at their grade level.
By the end of the year, 95 per cent of our Grade 1 students achieved the goal of recognizing all 26 letters of the alphabet.
Professional learning for teachers is an important component of Literacy for Life. Teachers design a professional learning plan based on both the needs of their students and knowledge of a variety of instructional strategies. Each school continued to monitor student progress by analyzing and interpreting a variety of sources of data and making instructional decisions for students based on what they learn.
Progress was also evident in our provincial assessment. Results indicated our Grade 5 and 8 students achieved well in all five writing outcome areas.
For more information on the progress of Literacy for Life in 2011-12 and on student results, visit the reports and publications section on our website www.saskatoonpublicschools.ca.
For early learners, we analyze student understanding of vocabulary and the alphabet. This year, Kindergarten students demonstrated substantial growth in their ability to recognize lower-case letters.
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Strategic Priorities
Literacy for Life Conference
Keynote speaker Justin Trudeau and Trustee Vernon Linklater at the Literacy for Life Banquet. 18
In May 2012, the seventh annual Literacy for Life Conference was hosted by Saskatoon Public Schools. More than 5,500 student delegates from Saskatoon Public Schools and the Saskatoon Tribal Council attended the conference. This year’s event featured some of Canada’s finest authors, illustrators and storytellers. Once again, the event was supported by the school division, the University of Saskatchewan, local businesses, corporations, the Saskatoon Tribal Council and the provincial government. The keynote speaker for the banquet was Justin Trudeau while Minister of Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration Rob Norris addressed the crowd at the luncheon. Both presenters shared messages of inspiration and hope achieved through a community that is strengthened and measured by its literate citizenry.
Literacy Learning Fair The second annual Literacy Learning Fair was held on June 8 at Westmount Community School. It was a chance for our community schools to celebrate their accomplishments that align with our Literacy for Life learning priority. The focus of this year’s event was celebrating learning for both our students and our staff. Approximately 350 people participated in the event by highlighting student learning successes and sharing plans for the next school year.
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Strategic Priorities
Collegiate Renewal GOAL: Our collegiate students will be engaged in their learning so they will graduate as active participants in life-long learning and as responsible and caring citizens in the community, nation and world.
This year, student forums were conducted in many of our schools, allowing students and staff to collaborate on issues central to their individual school.
Collegiate Renewal completed its fifth year in 2011-12. This year, professional learning in collegiates focused on formative assessment. This involves teachers and students gauging how teaching and learning activities can be modified in order to increase engagement and achievement for all students.
The First Nations, Inuit and Métis Education (FNIM) unit worked with the Collegiate Renewal team to continue its focus on developing culturally responsive schools in order to engage FNIM students and families. Collegiate leadership teams met with the unit to embark on an inquiry that would identify interventions that would help heal the learning disparity of FNIM students.
Secondary schools used Teacher Learning Groups to collaborate regarding the use of formative assessment in their classrooms. Student voice is a critical piece of Collegiate Renewal. High school students contributed by expressing how they view their learning. They also lead projects in their schools that engaged a cross section of students in a conversation about how best to support all students’ learning. An example of this work is Youth Engaged in Leadership and Learning (Y.E.L.L.). Students and mentors from various high schools worked on an inquiry topic related to their school’s Collegiate Renewal learning focus. Tell Them From Me, a bi-annual survey of student perceptions, has become an invaluable tool at both the school and division level as we continue to empower students to share their perceptions with staff and each other. The survey has found multiple indicators of student engagement in a number of areas. 20
Secondary English as an Additional Language teachers remained focused on engagement for all students. Their work was guided by an inquiry question: How do we offer appropriate programming—culturally responsive, linguistically appropriate and individually relevant—for all students given their diversity? Along with numerous assessment instruments used in the division, the Canadian Achievement Testing protocol was introduced in collegiates this year. These results and all other large-scale assessments as well as Collegiate Renewal’s 2011-12 progress report is available under reports and publications on the division website www.saskatoonpublicschools.ca.
Collective Voice Collective Voice is an exciting integrated program at Aden Bowman for Grade 9 students offering the opportunity to further develop a worldview while connecting with the community of Saskatchewan. Through the study of history, stories and the culture of ancient civilizations and North American Indigenous Nations, students read, write and present their emerging worldview. Using the Saskatoon community as their classroom, a sense of place and sense of identity are integral aspects of the course outline. The First Nation worldview is threaded throughout the environmental and cultural
experiences and teachings. A portion of the research and writing time culminates each week with the airing of a radio documentary on Saskatoon’s community radio station, CFCR, where the students become producers, script writers, music directors and technicians. Students examine the role of technology in the rapidly changing social and natural environments. Culture and global sustainability are central themes that were celebrated with a week-long trip to New York City. The class visited the United Nations, students in Brooklyn and experienced many diverse cultural events. 21
Strategic Priorities
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Learning in the 21st Century At Saskatoon Public Schools, we strive to meet the diverse needs and interests of our students. The following new programs are examples of initiatives implemented in 2011-12. • New Pre-Kindergarten programs at Fairhaven, Howard Coad, Lester B. Pearson and W.P. Bate schools. • Grade 4 added to Nêhiyâwiwin Cree Language and Culture Program, which previously ran Kindergarten to Grade 3. • Alvin Buckwold School offering French Immersion Kindergarten to Grade 3 starting Fall 2012.
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Wynee Mak The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme student from Bedford Road Collegiate received the 2011 Youth in Philanthropy Award at the National Philanthropy Day celebration held at TCU Place on Nov. 15, 2011. [Volunteering] makes me feel like I am doing something that matters to somebody. If what I think of as simply a small deed could possibly mean a lot more to someone else, this is all I could hope for. Wynee Mak 24
Photo: Chuck Farrow
Saskatoon Public Schools' students participate in the Bob Adams City Track and Field Championship held May 29, 2012 at Griffiths Stadium.
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Innovation In 2011, Saskatoon Public Schools was named recipient of the Premier’s Award for Innovation and Excellence for its Collegiate Renewal strategic learning priority. This is the fourth time in nine years that Saskatoon Public Schools has won this provincial award for one of its unique initiatives.
83 This is the total number of Greystone Scholars at Saskatoon Public Schools in the 2011-12 school year. The University of Saskatchewan's Greystone Scholar Society is an elite group of students comprised of successful Grade 12 nominees who, in Grade 11, achieve an average of 95 per cent or higher.
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Photo: The Saskatoon StarPhoenix
Marion Graham Collegiate Drumline in the 2011 Saskatoon Santa Clause Parade
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Earthkeepers In November 2011, Earthkeepers from Aden Bowman Collegiate received the YMCA Peace Medallion. The medallion has become a symbol for honouring those who are actively engaged in peace in their everyday lives. Students in the Earthkeepers program promote peace through sustainable living and active citizenship. 28
Saskatoon Public @StoonPubSchools
Hockey legend Gordie Howe attended King George—one of the thousands of students who have attended the school in the past 100 years. 8:34 AM - 1 Jun 12
Gordie Howe took facilities staff by surprise when he stopped by his former school King George this summer. 29
Gold Medals Six students from Mount Royal Collegiate received top honours at the Skills Canada Provincial Competition held in March 2012: • Avery Eremondi—Electronics • Logan Timmer–Architectural Technology and Design • Nathan Smith and Jacob Copeland–Computer Animation • Kerissa Wright and model Storm Ironchild–Aesthetics
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Natty, Saskatoon Public Schools’ smart car, charms the crowd at the Mount Royal Powwow. 31
In 2012, King George Community School celebrated a century of inspiring learning. 32 32
Scholarships Our graduates have their choice of universities and other post-secondary institutions to attend across North America and beyond. Each year, several top graduates receive generous, prestigious scholarships to attend university. Here are some examples of scholarships offered to our students in 2012: Logan Martin Arcand Bedford Road Collegiate › $20,000 Wally and Mavis Piezonka Bursary
Kenzie Friesen Tommy Douglas Collegiate › $150,000 Scholarship to Liberty University
Jeff Peng Centennial Collegiate › $5,000 University of Toronto Scholarship
Surath Gomis Walter Murray Collegiate › $20,000 University of Saskatchewan Chancellor’s Scholarship
Kyle Sonntag Centennial Collegiate › $11,000 WolfPACT Scholarship Northern State University Lauren Zary Centennial Collegiate › $36,740 Brown University Scholarship Bryden Wudrich Marion M. Graham Collegiate › $24,000 University of Saskatchewan Edwards School of Business Undergraduate Scholarship
Yuhao Wu Walter Murray Collegiate › $20,000 University of Saskatchewan Chancellor’s Scholarship Anqi Dong Walter Murray Collegiate › $17,000/per year Princeton Engineering Scholarship Bronwyn Edwards Walter Murray Collegiate › $20,000 University of Ottawa Admissions and French High Honours Scholarships
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Partnerships with our Community
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Restorative Action Program
Whitecap Dakota First Nation
The Restorative Action Program (RAP) aims to transform the cycle of bullying, conflict and crime that into opportunities for personal growth, learning and change so young people can find the way to academic success and personal growth. RAP began as a partnership between The Rotary Club of Saskatoon and Mount Royal Collegiate in 2003. It provides service in Saskatoon Public Schools at Bedford Road, Mount Royal, Tommy Douglas and Walter Murray. RAP is a community-driven initiative providing conflict resolution training and services, leadership development and life skills to youth in Saskatoon through the services of a RAP worker in each participating school. Funding for the program comes from a wide variety of community sponsors, including all five of the city’s Rotary Clubs, the Government of Saskatchewan, the City of Saskatoon and the school divisions.
Saskatoon Public Schools has had a relationship with the Whitecap Dakota First Nation for approximately 20 years. This partnership has been built on common goals for all students—to increase their school and life success, to improve graduation rates, to instill an appreciation and greater level of knowledge of Dakota history and culture, and to ensure a smooth transition between our schools and into post-secondary education and employment. We have created a harmonious relationship between our school division and the First Nation. With this unique partnership, we share staff, students, cultural experiences and all the success that it affords. In June, more than 450 Grade 5 and 6 students took part in the War of 1812 commemorative ceremonies. The event reflected on the history of the Whitecap Dakota Sioux and their important role in the war. The ceremonies were an important piece of the students’ education and understanding of First Nations history in our community.
Saskatoon Public Schools' students and staff took part in the War of 1812 commemorative events in June. 35
Students from the Let’s Lead Nikanetan program take to the water for canoe training. 36
community partnerships
Saskatoon Industry-Education Council The Saskatoon Industry-Education Council (SIEC) provides youth with career development opportunities such as Cardboard Boat Race Challenge, Spotlight on Careers, Mining 4 Society, Digitized, Healthlink, Boot Camps and the Summer Youth Internship Program. During 2011-12, the SIEC worked with more than 3,000 students from Saskatoon Public Schools in Grades 4-12. Through the website www.futurepaths.ca, youth, educators and parents can find labour market information, links to careers and the educational requirements, and register for events. The Summer Youth Internship Program placed 38 SPS students with companies in the trades and information and communication technology sectors. Many of these students received high school credits and safety training during the six-week program. Saskatoon Public Schools values its partnership with the SIEC, and appreciates the substantial benefits and career knowledge this partnership brings to our community.
The Nêhiyâwiwin Cree Language and Culture Program The Nêhiyâwiwin Cree Language and Culture Program, – sponsored by the Okicı yapi Partnership, is an early learning strategy focusing on a communicative approach to language instruction and cultural awareness. The program is offered for students in Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 4 at Confederation Park Community School. The Nêhiyâwiwin Cree Language and Culture Program uses an ongoing community engagement model to ensure the respectful and meaningful transfer of knowledge from community to classroom. An advisory committee helps in providing vision, direction and support for the project. Parental and extended family involvement are crucial to the success of the program.
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community partnerships –
The Okicı yapi Partnership –
The Okicı yapi Partnership is comprised of the Saskatoon Tribal Council (STC), Central Urban Métis Federated Inc. (CUMFI) and Saskatoon Public Schools (SPS). The leaders of these organizations collectively provide direction to the partnership towards the following goals: improved learning outcomes for First Nations and Métis students; smooth transitions for First Nations and Métis students within and out of the educational system; a representative workforce; develop culturally responsive and inclusive learning environments and curricula, with an emphasis on the cultural teachings and practices of the Dakota, Cree, Nakawé and Métis peoples; commit to teaching Treaty Essential Learnings honouring the spirit and intent of treaties; enhance and maintain the Nêhiyâwiwin Cree Language and Culture Program; and develop and implement anti-racist policies. To achieve these goals, the partnership engaged in an ambitious shared staff development plan. Educators and consultants worked together to deepen their understanding of assessment, literacy instruction and Treaty Education within a culturally responsive schools model. This learning took place by visiting each other’s communities to observe and discuss good teaching and what makes a difference to our First Nations and Métis students.
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Students, staff and volunteers took part in the annual turkey dinner held at Bedford Road Collegiate in December. 39
Photo: PotashCorp
community partnerships
Saskatoon Public @StoonPubSchools
@PotashCorpSask has donated $200,000 to support nutrition programs at Saskatoon Public Schools 3:26 PM - 28 Mar 12 40
Saskatoon Public Schools Foundation The Saskatoon Public Schools Foundation is an organization dedicated to positively impacting schools and making a difference in students’ lives. Its mission is to further enrich the lives of students through educational experiences at Saskatoon Public Schools while encouraging community engagement in public education. The foundation provides our staff with funds to pursue educational initiatives with their students that they would not be able to pursue otherwise. •
In 2011-12, our schools used foundation grants to fund newly-created initiatives that focus on citizenship, cultural responsiveness, student leadership, healthy active living, environment and arts.
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PotashCorp generously donated $200,000 to the foundation for our nutrition program and community gardens project. The funding will create a positive, healthy and nutritious impact for 21 schools. The funding will also create fourteen new community gardens at Saskatoon Public Schools. This endeavour will serve to teach students about gardening as well as providing healthy food for the students.
• The foundation received substantial donations from several businesses throughout the year. The foundation is immensely grateful to these organizations for their commitment to its success: John Arcand Fiddle Fest, Deloitte, KPMG, Rempel Bros. Construction and Robertson Stromberg.
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On Mar. 30, 2012, the foundation held its second annual fundraising event—The Fool’s Roast—at Mount Royal Collegiate. Nearly 370 people from across Saskatoon attended this dinner and witnessed George Rathwell being roasted by his peers. This successful event raised approximately $33,000 for the foundation. Darrell Utley did an outstanding job as Master of Ceremonies for a second year in a row. We would also like to acknowledge the generosity of the following sponsors of the Fool’s Roast: SIGA, Cuelenaere Kendall Katzman and Watson, Leland Kimpinski, Mulberry’s, Price Waterhouse Coopers and The Co-operators.
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Many of Saskatoon Public Schools’ staff and trustees supported the foundation during 2011-12 through monthly payroll deduction donations, other monetary gifts and volunteering. The foundation is incredibly fortunate to have the support of the school division’s staff and trustees, and greatly appreciates their generosity, encouragement and enthusiasm.
SASKATOON PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Saskatoon Public Schools Foundation Board of Directors Donna Banks • Garry Benning • Lee Braaten • Tad Cherkewich • Don Ewart • Lynda Grunert • Randy Katzman • Doug McDonald • Wanda MacLeod • Shane Skjerven • Janet Uchacz-Hart • Kevin Waugh 41
Thanks PotashCorp!
The Saskatoon Public Schools Foundation wishes to convey its heartfelt appreciation to PotashCorp for donating $1 million towards construction of the PotashCorp Eco-Science and Indigenous Learning Centre. Located at Saskatoon Public Schools’ Brightwater site, 16 kilometres south of Saskatoon, this centre will have a profoundly positive impact on the environmental education of Saskatoon’s public school students for many years to come. Programming at the centre will incorporate Western science and Indigenous Ways of Knowing.
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On May 14, 2012, Garry Benning, President of the Saskatoon Public Schools Foundation, joined Bill Doyle, President and CEO of PotashCorp, and George Rathwell, Director of Saskatoon Public Schools, in a ceremony to mark the start of construction of the centre at Brightwater.
Daily time-lapse photos of PotashCorp Eco-Science and Indigenous Learning Centre construction through summer into the fall.
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community partnerships
School Community Councils School Community Councils are an integral piece of a school’s success. Councils are made up of elected individuals from a community that help advance the educational objectives of their school. While individual councils meet throughout the year, three school community council assembly meetings were held in 2011-12, bringing together all council members from the division’s schools. Through the assembly meetings, council members received board and division updates from the board chair and director of education. Assembly meetings also provided information regarding important issues facing schools including the impact of immigration and how the division is supporting new families as they transition to our education system; treaty education and the incorporation of First Nations content and perspectives in the curriculum; school calendar options; and student survey data and how it can be used to inform the work of school community councils.
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PotashCorp Children’s Festival of Saskatchewan Through our partnership with the PotashCorp Children’s Festival of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon Public Schools sponsored several drama and musical productions with application to literacy. These shows, selected with curriculum outcomes in mind, provided an opportunity for students to experience live theatre. This year’s selections celebrated storytelling through puppetry, music and dance. We are proud that 53 of our collegiate students volunteered for the festival’s youth volunteer program, and 42 of our elementary schools participated in this literacy-based, fun-filled community event.
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John Dolan School students enjoy the SCC-sponsored Barbecue and Fun Day in June. 45
AP Math Out of 54 students who wrote the exam for the AP Calculus class at Centennial Collegiate, 42 received the highest score possible. Along with seven more students who received high marks, 48 students earned a credit for the class at the University of Saskatchewan and one student will receive credit when he attends university in the U.S. 46
Gridiron Grads Two Saskatoon Public Schools graduates joined the CFL this season. Former Aden Bowman Bear Keenan MacDougall, a defensive back, is with the Calgary Stampeders and Graig Newman, an Evan Hardy Soul, is playing defensive back for the Saskatchewan Roughriders. 3:09 PM - 3 May 12
Dorothy Ross & Sylvia Woodward In December 2011, the organization Breakfast for Learning presented these individuals at Pleasant Hill Community School with the national Breakfast for Learning Volunteer Award for Inspiration and Leadership. The annual award recognizes people who are making significant impacts in the area of child nutrition by working to ensure that all children are properly nourished and ready to learn.
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community partnerships
Students in the High School Carpentry Apprenticeship Program (HCAP) built a home that is housing a family on the Whitecap Dakota First Nation. Fourteen students from six schools—Aden Bowman, Bedford Road, Evan Hardy, Marion M. Graham, Mount Royal and Walter Murray—began building the house Sept. 1, 2011. The house was completed and handed over in January 2012. As part of the HCAP program, students develop valuable skills through hands-on experience and have the opportunity to write the first level exam for trades apprenticeship. 48
Saskatoon Trades and Skills Centre (STSC) Saskatoon Public Schools joins several partners in supporting the centre located at Mount Royal Collegiate: Canadian Home Builders Association (Saskatchewan), Dumont Technical Institute, Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools, Regina Trades and Skills Centre, Government of Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies, Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission, Saskatchewan Construction Association, Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology (SIAST), Saskatchewan Apprenticeship & Trade Certification Commission, Saskatchewan Tourism Education Council and Skills Saskatchewan.
• All of the students who completed our last Environmental Services Worker course are currently employed by the Saskatoon Health Region.
Saskatoon Trades and Skills Centre has achieved significant milestones in the 2011-12 academic year. Some of the highlights include:
• Development of an efficient and effective recruiting process that has enabled us to achieve better student employment outcomes.
• Recognition as a training centre of choice and increasing demand for our programs is increasing. Attendance at a Program Orientation Session ranges from 50 to 90 applicants—all hoping to fill one of the 14 training seats in the course In 2011-12 we delivered 20 skills training courses. Of the 304 students enrolled: • 45 per cent were of Aboriginal ancestry • 41 per cent were new Canadians • 48 per cent were women • 78 per cent of the students completed the training • 80 per cent were working after the training
• Expanded employer partnerships have led to stronger connections for students seeking steady jobs. • 100 per cent success for the past two Construction Labourer courses—all those who completed training were employed at the end of the course. • Increased demand from employers seeking skilled employees. 49
community partnerships
Royal West Adapting to the needs of its students has made Royal West an invaluable initiative for Saskatoon Public Schools. Royal West—a satellite campus of Mount Royal Collegiate— offers daytime and evening classes for students 18 years of age and older. Starting in the 2011-12 school year, Royal West’s daytime program became formally non-semestered, allowing students to enrol in a class any time before the end of March. It also enables students to go at their own pace and complete the course around the other demands they may have in their lives. Royal West’s total enrolment for the year was 747 students, which includes students enroled in the daytime program and students only taking an evening class. This was also the second year that Royal West offered an Adult English as a Second Language program. In a recent survey of Royal West’s daytime students, 95 per cent stated that they feel they have been successful at Royal West, with the majority (26 per cent) noting that the reason for their success is due to being able to work at their own pace.
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I believe that Royal West is the best of both worlds: a traditional school setting where you have a teacher there to help you combined with you setting your pace and taking extra time where needed. I have experienced success because I can spend more time on topics that require it…. Survey response from a Royal West student
On A National Stage Director George Rathwell, Whitecap Dakota Chief Darcy Bear and Chair Ray Morrison made a presentation about the unique interdependent governance partnership between Saskatoon Public Schools and Whitecap Dakota First Nation at the Canadian School Boards Association Congress in July. 51
community partnerships
Care and Share Care and Share is a community-based organization that brings much-needed resources to Saskatoon’s community schools. Whether it is financial or personal assistance, Care and Share has a myriad of programs designed to help students who have a need identified by their community school co-ordinator or a school-based administrator. Care and Share programs include: • A holiday lunch program provides a hot turkey meal, prepared and provided through the generosity of Saskatoon businesses. • The Dignity Fund enhances the self-esteem of students who may require basic necessities, such as clean clothes or personal hygiene products, by allowing co-ordinators to respond to these immediate needs. • A school supplies program provides the required tools for learning. • A babysitter certification program for 12 year olds, who are often caregivers in their families. Saskatoon Public Schools is indebted to Care and Share for its generosity and passionate commitment to the health and well-being of children and youth that attend our community schools.
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BRIT In June 2012, it was announced the Bedford Road Invitational Tournament will be inducted into the Saskatoon Sports Hall of Fame as Sports Organization of the Year. The induction ceremony will be held in November. 53
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Treaty Education The vision for Treaty Education is to build greater harmony in our communities by improving the understanding of treaties and the treaty relationship. In Saskatoon Public Schools, our goal is that our staff and students will have an understanding of the history in Saskatchewan and Canada that includes multiple perspectives and experiences. This allows individuals to make informed comments and decisions. This will enhance our ability to become culturally responsive to First Nations students, parents and community members. It is critical that we understand the historical and contemporary contexts of the treaty relationship and the impact that the Indian Act has had on our communities. This year we engaged all members of our learning community in developing understanding around Treaty Education—trustees, parents, administrators, teachers and students. Our effort to support teachers and schools has resulted in a greater emphasis around the importance of Treaty Education. Our students are benefiting from this learning as they have a greater understanding of what it means to be a treaty person. Ultimately, we want all of staff and students to understand the meaning of “We are all Treaty People�.
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PROFILE
Truth and Reconciliation Conference In June, staff and students of Saskatoon Public Schools attended the Truth and Reconciliation conference. Approximately 450 students attended the event from schools across our division. Many more learned about residential schools and the impact on First Nations people in their classrooms. Several schools supported the Project of Heart campaign where students created artwork on tiles in memory of a specific residential school student. The hope of the Truth and Reconciliation conference is to promote healing and understanding in our communities. Our students and staff demonstrated their commitment to honouring the memory of the residential school survivors and being a part of creating a hopeful future.
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@SaskatoonPolice Congrats to Silverspring School, who was 1 of 2 schools named as Safety Patrol Team of the Year! Retweeted by Saskatoon Public 8:08 AM - 2 May 12
Best School (K-12) In Planet S Magazine’s 2011 list of Best of Saskatoon winners, École Victoria School took top spot in this category. Brunskill School earned second place and Aden Bowman Collegiate finished third.
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Don Speidel In April 2012, this Traditional Helper with the First Nations, Inuit and MĂŠtis Education Unit was honoured with a Saskatoon Police Exemplary Service Award in recognition of service to the community "characterized by good conduct, industry and efficiency that serves as a model for others." Sgt. Tony Nadon nominated Mr. Speidel for this honour in the category of Chief's Award for Community Service. 57
Caswell School Culture Day Celebration
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Women of Distinction At the 31st annual YWCA Women of Distinction Awards Dinner held June 7, 2012, the following individuals from Saskatoon Public Schools were honoured, among other distinguished members of our community: Janet Christ, Teacher, Walter Murray Collegiate Award nominee in the Education Category Shelly Loeffler, Teacher, Aden Bowman Collegiate Award nominee in the Education Category
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Photo: The Saskatoon StarPhoenix
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The number of students enrolled in the International Baccalaureate program at Bedford Road for the 2012-13 year.
Celebrating Excellence King George Community School— “The Story of Grey Owl” video project During the 2011-12 school year, there were a number of accomplishments to celebrate in the King George learning community. One example of outstanding achievement is the accomplishment of the Grade 7 and 8 class and their teachers Judy Butler and Jim Klenz. Through a class inquiry the students, with the support of their teachers, created a three-minute video titled, “The Story of Grey Owl”. During the production of the video, the students were involved in research, script writing and editing, set construction and special effects/props, costume design, music composition, acting, filming and editing. The video was entered in a Parks Canada contest, Canada’s Coolest School Trip, where the class finished in the top 10 videos in Canada. This is an outstanding accomplishment considering the competition included 61 schools, a number of which were high schools. Recently the students were nominated for a SaskTel Aboriginal Youth Award of Excellence in the Fine/ Performing Arts (group) category. To view the video, please search for "The Story of Grey Owl" on YouTube.
Newcomer Student Centre Over the past two years, Saskatoon Public Schools has seen a significant increase in the number of students registering in the school division who require English as an Additional Language programming. To meet the needs of this growing student population, the Newcomer Student Centre opened its doors on Aug. 15, 2011. The goal of the Newcomer Student Centre is to assist newcomer families with initial reception and registration, and provide an orientation to our school division and the Canadian education system. At the centre, students’ language needs are assessed and recommendations are made to the school for programming and placement. The ultimate goal is to assist the schools in providing an optimal learning environment for each newcomer student. The Newcomer Student Centre assessed and registered 850 students in its first year. The Newcomer Student Centre project is a testament to the forward thinking and vision of many individuals in our division.
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celebrating excellence
SaskTel Aboriginal Youth Awards Saskatoon Public Schools celebrated the accomplishments of its students following a successful night at the 14th annual SaskTel Aboriginal Youth Awards held on Apr. 27, 2012. In total, Saskatoon Public Schools had 51 students nominated for awards. Three of our students won major awards:
• Male Sports and Recreation Award—Kieran Johnston, Evan Hardy Collegiate
• Fine and Performing Arts Award—Shaquille McGonigle, Marion Graham Collegiate
• Education Award—Christopher Dogniez, Centennial Collegiate
Photos: SaskTel
“Once again, our students shone at the annual awards,” said Director George Rathwell. “We are proud of all our students, staff and school communities that were celebrated through nominations. A special congratulation goes out to Kieran, Shaquille and Christopher for all their hard work and dedication that was recognized with their award wins.”
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Education Continuity Team Saskatoon Public Schools’ Education Continuity Team came together in 2008 to develop a pandemic response plan for our division. The complexity of the task led to a review of a number of division procedures and plans that included our emergency response plans, tragic events procedures, crisis management and IT disaster recovery plans, which at that time were stand-alone responses. Development of the framework was possible with the coaching and successful guidance of our business continuity professional, Dave Arnott. His contribution, along with the direct support of the Saskatchewan School Boards Association, allowed our division team to navigate the unfamiliar waters of continuity planning and design a framework that has become the standard for other school divisions in the province. In March 2012, the accomplishments of our Education Continuity Team were acknowledged by winning an award from the Business Continuity Institute (BCI), the leading international organization for business continuity practitioners. Saskatoon Public Schools was given the BCI—North America Award for Business Continuity Team of the Year.
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celebrating excellence
Saskatoon Public Schools Aboriginal Student Scholarships On June 7, 2012, the Saskatoon Indian Métis Friendship Centre held its 28th annual Native Graduates Recognition Night. Three scholarships were presented to youth who demonstrated academic success, were role models and whose actions contributed positively to community, school and family. The recipients of these $1,000.00 scholarships were: Academic Award • Christopher Dogniez, Centennial Collegiate Christopher has been accepted into the College of Engineering at the University of Saskatchewan. • Cody Secord, Walter Murray Collegiate Cody has been accepted into the College of Arts and Science at the University of Saskatchewan and aspires to study family medicine. Spirit/Resiliency Award • Risa Naytowhow, Nutana Collegiate Risa has been accepted into the Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of Regina. She plans to specialize in film.
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Bob Shmon In January 2012, the King George Community School principal was named one of Canada’s Outstanding Principals by The Learning Partnership. He was the only recipient from Saskatchewan to receive this award in 2012. Mr. Shmon received the award in February while he attended a five-day management course at the Joseph L. Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto. Mr. Shmon later received the Distinguished Principal Award from the Saskatchewan School Based Leaders organization on May 25, 2012. 65
celebrating excellence
Trustee Colleen MacPherson speaks to student Tori LaPlante about her usage of the Alternate Format Materials Library. 66
Saskatchewan Alternate Format Materials Library Saskatoon Public Schools is committed to providing learning supports to all students so that they may achieve their potential in school and in life. One such example is our newly created Alternate Format Materials Library. This collection, funded through the Ministry of Education, secures or creates, and lends printed materials to students who have a visual impairment. Materials in Braille or large print are loaned to students from within our school division—and across the country—so that they can access the same or similar reading materials as their classmates. In a similar fashion, materials that one of our students may require—and that we do not have in our library—may be borrowed from any Alternate Format Materials Library from across Canada. Saskatoon Public Schools is well positioned to host such a library. Our Printing Services area, along with our Mail Services, are effectively and efficiently run branches of our organization and well poised to provide this service to our youth.
Saskatoon Public @StoonPubSchools
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Saskatoon Public Schools
ALTERNATE FORMAT Materials Library
Approx. 150 students with visual impairments in Saskatchewan borrow books from Alternate Format Materials Library. 7:23 PM - 24 Apr 12 67
celebrating excellence
Community Gardens Sharing the importance of healthy eating and the connection to food production has been a focus at several Saskatoon Public Schools. Last year, Confederation Park Community School infused a sense of community into their school yard by creating a series of garden boxes and a community-usage garden plot. A feast was prepared for more than 500 people from the fruits of their labour for the annual Meet the Staff evening. This year, a larger community garden was created and 40 volunteers along with Child Hunger and Education Program members helped prepare the grounds. In May 2012, Grade 6, 7 and 8 students at Vincent Massey Community School, along with a group of volunteers, built several large garden boxes. Students learned about measuring, cutting, drilling and the value of hard work. Students followed the transition from seed to table by caring for the gardens over the summer. A donation from PotashCorp contributed to the development of several more gardens on school grounds in the division.
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celebrating excellence
Project Mobile In partnership with SaskTel, Nutana Collegiate implemented a new initiative called Project Mobile, which was designed to support students with attendance, retention and academics. The project aimed to enhance communications between staff and students; to strengthen relationships among Nutana staff, students, and their families; to encourage innovative thinking around how cellphones can be used to support and enhance student learning; and to enhance student learning and engagement. In the first quarter of the 2011-12 school year, 25 students from an English 10 class participated in the project with each student given a cellphone with a voice and data plan. The program was so successful that the program was extended into the second quarter.
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Nutana Collegiate staff members are extremely proud of the results, which exceeded their initial goals. In the first quarter, 96 per cent of the students in Project Mobile remained in the English 10 class for the entire term. Although they didn’t all receive credit for the course, the staff maintained contact with all 25 students for the entire term. Project Mobile has been successful in improving attendance and enriching the academic experience. Participating students were more engaged in class activities and displayed a stronger connection with staff and fellow students. While Project Mobile has had a considerable impact on students, it has also changed the way staff members interact with students.
Scholarly Souls Evan Hardy Collegiate students Kate Morrison and Connor Anear each won a $75,000 Loran Award, a scholarship presented by the Canadian Merit Scholarship Foundation. Only 30 Canadian students were chosen to win this prestigious award.
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$20,000 The amount Best Buy awarded to John Lake School to support its technology in the classroom.
1,483 The total number of high school graduates at Saskatoon Public Schools in the 2011-12 school year.
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Photo: Dennis Fisher, Saskatoon Public Schools Resource Center
The Fisher Collection
A Treasured Collection of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Photographs
The Fisher Collection represents almost 30 years of photographs taken by Dennis and Jean Fisher while experiencing powwows and other First Nations, Inuit and Métis celebrations across and beyond Saskatchewan. We believe our photographs have a value to and for future generations from all backgrounds and wondered where they could be best preserved and used. Knowing the growing population of First Nations and Métis youth in Saskatoon, what could be better than our local public school system to use these photographs as a resource for young learners? Knowing the work that Kim Newlove and Donald Speidel have done in our schools, we thought our photographs should be donated to the Saskatoon Public School Division in their honour. With warm regards and hopes for our future generations, Dennis and Jean Fisher
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Artwork by Grade 10 Evan Hardy student Abby Holtslander
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Heavy Lifting In May 2012, three Saskatoon collegiates received a share of a more than $50,000 donation of workout equipment from the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Aden Bowman Collegiate, Bedford Road Collegiate and Marion M. Graham Collegiate were the recipients of the top-of-the-line equipment formerly used by the Roughriders. The equipment will be used in the schools’ weight rooms.
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Living in Harmony Awards At an awards ceremony held in March 2012, students from Saskatoon Public Schools received three Living in Harmony Awards presented by the City of Saskatoon's Cultural Diversity and Race Relations Committee: Living in Harmony Elementary School Awards • Mrs. Iricini's Grade 3 class from Wildwood School • Jared Marquette and Hunter Brooks from Dundonald School Living in Harmony Secondary School Awards • Paolo Andrea Sanchez from Royal West Campus
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Brooke Kleiboer & Aiden May In 2012, these students from Saskatoon Public Schools won a National Youth Award from the Canadian Lung Association for their youth ambassador leadership and volunteer work in encouraging their peers and community to make healthy lifestyle choices. Brooke (Brownell School) and Aiden (Forest Grove School) received the award along with a student from Landis, Sask. 77
Fiscal Indicators Consolidated actual revenues of Saskatoon Public Schools for the year ended Aug. 31, 2011 totalled $210,443,751. Revenues were attributed to the following sources: Provincial grants $106,339,501 Property taxation 91,066,452 School generated funds 4,918,784 External services 4,846,135 Tuition and related fees 1,341,316 Other 1,003,837 Complementary services 927,726
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Total revenue
$210,443,751
The school division's consolidated actual expenses for the year ended Aug. 31, 2011 totalled $197,903,296. Expenses were attributed to the following sources: Instruction Plant School generated funds Administration Transportation Complementary services External services Interest and bank charges Governance Tuition and related fees Total expenses Surplus for the year*
$146,297,773 29,602,089 4,978,053 4,240,029 3,890,621 3,411,110 3,300,946 1,226,711 709,070 246,894 $197,903,296 $12,540,455
* The surplus for the year relates to the grants received for capital projects and the estimates used by the Ministry of Education for the operating grant calculations. The capital grants are recognized as the project progresses. The only related expense that is recognized in the financial statements is the amortization and this is recognized over the useful life of the asset (and for a building this is over a period of 50 years). In 2010-11, the capital grants totalled approximately $11.1 million. In addition, the Ministry of Education under estimated the property tax revenues when calculating the provincial grants. If the actual property tax revenues was used in the calculations, the provincial grants would be reduced by $2.5 million. There was a projected shortfall of $900,000 caused by the increased enrolment in September 2010 that was not funded by the province. This was funded with past reserves of Saskatoon Public Schools.
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fiscal indicators
2010-2011 Consolidated Actual Revenues 43.3% 50.5% 6.2%
Property taxation Provincial grants Other *
$91,066,452 $106,339,501 $13,037,798
Total revenue $210,443,751 * Other revenues include tuition and related fees, cafeteria, investment and rental revenues, and provincial grant revenue for Pre-Kindergarten and the associate schools.
2010-2011 Consolidated Actual Expenses
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73.9% 15.0% 7.0% 2.0% 2.1%
Instruction Plant Other ** Transportation Administration
Total expenses
$146,297,773 $29,602,089 $13,872,784 $3,890,621 $4,240,029
$197,903,296
** Other expenses include governance, teachers' salaries for the associate schools, Pre-Kindergarten costs, interest and cafeteria expenses.
Saskatoon Public @StoonPubSchools
@PremierBradWall at Mount Royal for a scholarship announcement and had a chance to meet students.
Photo: Government of Saskatchewan
11:49 AM - 14 Jun 12
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Photo: The Saskatoon StarPhoenix
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Saskatoon Public Schools' band students gathered on May 7, 2012 to celebrate Music Monday, a national movement to unite students from across the country by having them all play music at the same time.
Brenda Newbigging In December 2011, the Lakeridge School teacher received the Heritage National Excellence Award for Teachers. This award gives school communities the opportunity to honour talented, inspiring and dedicated teachers whose efforts often go unacknowledged. Mrs. Newbigging was recognized for introducing innovative teaching strategies in her classroom and, in doing so, widening the horizons of her students. 83
Alana Krug-MacLeod In 2011, the Montgomery School ScienceTrek graduate was awarded a Students on Ice Scholarship valued at $13,500. Students On Ice is an award-winning organization offering unique educational expeditions to the Antarctic and the Arctic. From December 2011–January 2012, Alana spent two weeks in Antarctica working with educators and scientists from around the world participating in inspiring educational opportunities. In doing so, these experiences helped the participants foster a new understanding and respect for the planet. In June 2012, Alana was named Saskatchewan’s Junior Citizen of the Year. 84
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Kim Johnson The teacher-librarian at Roland Michener School and Lakeridge School was the 2011 recipient of the John G. Wright Award. The award recognizes teacher-librarians who, throughout their career, have made outstanding contributions to school library service in Saskatchewan.
Olympian Alumni Two former Saskatoon Public Schools' students participated in the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, England. Kelly Parker is a graduate of Evan Hardy Collegiate and brought home a bronze medal from the games for women's soccer. Krista Phillips, a member of the Canadian women's basketball team, is a graduate of Aden Bowman Collegiate.
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2011-12 Trustee and Ward Directory
WARD 1 Holly Kelleher
kelleherh@spsd.sk.ca 683-8461
WARD 2 Vernon Linklater
linklaterv@spsd.sk.ca 683-8462
WARD 3 Donna Banks
banksd@spsd.sk.ca 683-8463
WARD 4 Dan Danielson
danielsond@spsd.sk.ca 683-8464
WARD 5 Colleen MacPherson
macphersonc@spsd.sk.ca 683-8465
WARD 6 Anna Ringstrom
ringstroma@spsd.sk.ca 683-8466
WARD 7 Robin Bellamy
bellamyr@spsd.sk.ca 683-8467
V E R N O N L I N K L AT E R
K E V I N WA U G H
colle
acp en m
hers
on
WARD 8 Darrell Utley
utleyd@spsd.sk.ca 683-8468
WARD 9 Kevin Waugh
waughk@spsd.sk.ca 683-8469
WARD 10 Ray Morrison
morrisonra@spsd.sk.ca 683-8460 87
Champions of Children At its annual awards dinner held on Apr. 20, 2011, the Saskatoon Preschool Foundation recognized individuals from across the community who have made a difference in the lives of children. Several of these champions were from Saskatoon Public Schools: Jim Klenz, King George Community School Judy Butler, King George Community School Kim Newlove, Superintendent Shammi Rathwell, Retired Educator
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George Rathwell, Director of Education Bob Bevan, Tommy Douglas Collegiate Lyn Carduner, Buena Vista School
Building Global Citizens
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