School start is 2 weeks away! School Timetables can be found on the Senator Gershaw website under Student Resources. If you have not already registered for the 2024/25 school year, it is a great time to count you in for this year at SGS! SGS office opens Monday, August 26th. New student come and go orientation/walk through is on Friday, August 30th from 1-3pm. School starts for all grades 4-12 on Tuesday, September 3rd. If you have any questions please contact Scott Angle, Principal at [email protected]. Enjoy the rest of Summer break!

Please welcome Kris Albers to the Senator Gershaw Team. Mr. Albers will be teaching Social 8 and 9, Language Arts 8, CALM/Financial Management, and option classes. Mrs. Melissa Hanna will be teaching Home Economics 7-12, as well as Language 7 and 9. Welcome Mr. Albers!

<p>The two embroidery machines in the classroom at Eagle Butte High School where The Butte operates out of were bought by teacher Sean Longmore from Customs Print &amp; Stitch, where he worked while he was in high school. Longmore was always interested in business and, with no official business training, has learnt by trial and error.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“I always wanted to be a teacher, my uncle was a teacher, and I loved the way people respected him. People really admired him and what he’d done, and I thought that was awesome,” stated Longmore.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Longmore completed his education degree in Saskatoon, although he and his two brothers had already taken over the Labels store on 3 Street SE and created the Boys on Third brand. He worked at Medicine Hat Public School Division for the first seven years and moved over to Eagle Butte this past January.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“It’s kind of crazy because this is exactly how I stared Boys on Third, doing something exactly like this, printing and pressing t-shirts. I love business, I love the business side of things, I love being able to create,” explained Longmore. “It’s not like teaching, it's better. I get to share all my experiences and I think if I would have had something like this in high school, I can only imagine where I would be. All the mistakes I’ve run into or had to overcome, I can hand them on a plate to the students and say these are the things you need to look for or change.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Of the 15 presenters Longmore brought in this semester, only one of them had a formal business background. All were successful, local business owners and Longmore feels hearing them speak gives students’ awareness that having an official piece of paper isn’t required to start a business. “From what I saw it’s those people who are willing to take the risk and think outside the box, they are the ones who get rewarded for it. Why not teach students to think critically and solve problems in a way that could benefit them,” said Longmore.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Recently graduated Samantha Lentz enrolled in the course this January as a 20-level student, having taken the option in her Grade 10 year as well. “I’ve learned lots this year. We got to create our own websites, which was really helpful because as a 20-level student in this class, I got to do something I wanted to do,” explained Lentz.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>The website was her own project and, although working within a few guidelines, she was able to select the topic and had free reign to design the website how she wanted. Lentz has a small sheep flock of Canadian Arcotts, which “started with my 4-H background when I went out and bought my first couple of sheep,” said Lentz. “I really wanted to create my own herd in 2021, so I went out and bought six ewes and a ram and that’s when everything started.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>The website is already live, although updates still need to be made, and Lentz plans to continue with her business. Her post-secondary plans are to attend the University of Lethbridge in September for their nursing prep program and apply for the Bachelor of Nursing degree next year.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“My biggest learning in this class was team building and leadership skills. We did lots of morning bell works, which consisted of connections and strands, that all involved team building and working with others within the class to try and solve problems,” stated Lentz.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Educational Assistant Neil Braun, who has been working at Eagle Butte for the past three years, has training as a graphic designer and works exclusively with the School of Business students. “I get to design and make art; I really feel like I come to work and hang out. I help students be creative and with their design work. A student can have all these cool ideas, but if they don’t know how to apply it, then that’s what I’m here for, to help them finalize it.”&nbsp;</p><p>By Samantha Johnson, Prairie Rose Public Schools Content Writer&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kristine Vizza teaches Grade 3 and is also the teacher for the Southern Alberta School of Softball at Seven Persons School within Prairie Rose Public Schools (PRPS). There are 15 students between Grades 4 to 7 in the academy, some with experience and others just starting out. The founding principles of the academy are teamwork, leadership and the spirit of sportsmanship, which Vizza hopes the students carry forward in all areas of their lives. Within the classroom portion, which will be expanded next year, students learned the basics of softball, setting goals, nutrition and player development.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“Currently, we are only in Seven Persons School and hope to expand the program further into PRPS. Softball is one of the fastest growing sports in Canada for girls, particularly in the age range of students that we see within our building,” explained Vizza.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>The academy runs on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons and has the option of training in Redcliff or using the Seven Persons Community Hall for practice when the weather doesn’t permit them to be outside. “We are very lucky to have other spaces we can utilize for the kids to practice,” said Vizza. “We’ve been working lots with the rain and making do and are excited about the new South Alberta Collegiate facility we’ll be able to use.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Coach Kassidy Hart attends college in Douglas Lake, North Dakota where she received a half-ride scholarship to play softball. “It’s an opportunity to get my education and play softball and I am studying business and marketing,” stated Hart.&nbsp;</p><p>Hart attended Seven Persons for Grades K-9, so coaching there feels like coming back to her childhood. She was late to softball and has only been playing for about five years, although wishes she’d started sooner.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“These girls have lots of potential and I’m excited to see how they turn out in the future, whether they continue with softball or just do it for fun,” said Hart. “I see a lot in these girls and feel they could go far, even at such a young age.”&nbsp;</p><p>Coach Mia Kelly has been playing softball since she was young and coaches with the Medicine Hat Minor Softball Association. She is currently taking her education degree at Medicine Hat College and has completed two French immersion practicums at Ecole Connaught.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“I chose education because I like helping out kids who are lost and don’t know where they belong, to give them some confidence that I never got when I was younger. I like being the support and person my players can go to whenever they need to talk with someone,” explained Kelly. “At the beginning they knew nothing about softball or what to expect. How to catch, throw, use their bodies, move their feet or swing a bat and it’s been really cool watching them progress and grow as players and individuals.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Grade 5 student Charley wanted to join the academy because she thought it would be fun and a good experience. She’s been using this year to try out lots of different sports to find the ones she likes best.&nbsp; In softball, Charley prefers to pitch and has already hit a home run this year. “It’s really fun and you get to show your personality and get yourself out there and make new friends,” said Charley.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Harper is in Grade 4 and has played softball before but said her skills have improved significantly since she started with the academy. “Softball is really fun, especially with these coaches because they will help you through things you don’t really understand. They are really nice and can help you if you are stuck. They can do things that you can’t do to show you what you can do,” stated Harper. “I’ve never gotten a home run, but I’ve hit one that is pretty far. I made it to first base.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>By Samantha Johnson, Prairie Rose Public Schools Content Writer&nbsp;</p>

<p>Burdett School kicked off their new softball program in May with a school-wide softball game where three cross-graded teams played against each other. “Everybody had a partner and when they played a game, the older kids weren’t the one catching or hitting the ball, they had a little person they assisted,” explained Vice Principal Amber Pinchin.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>For six weeks this spring, each Friday afternoon has been dedicated to softball with the school split into three divisions by grade. Two softball sessions occur each Friday, with two divisions getting to participate each week.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p><p>“For every kid in the school, I sent home a survey/sign-up sheet and gave them an option to either play, which was our preference, but for those who were not interested I set up a score keeping session. My husband, Chris, is a certified umpire in the States and he’s volunteering to come out and we have some kids learning to be umpires,” said Pinchin.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p><p>Helping each Friday is Diedrich Knelsen, a parent who has three children attending Burdett School. Involved with the local Mennonite league, which has lots of youth on the teams, he thought it was a good idea to bring softball to the school.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“I started in Grassy Lake, and I posted I was playing with kids. I saw so many kids coming who liked the game, so we decided to start it in school too. Our oldest boy plays in that league along with others in the school,” said Knelsen. “It’s going well at the school. It’s a little harder to organize with so many kids compared to just 12 or 13. It seems like everybody likes it and they are having fun. At first, I wasn’t sure how we were going to do it, but the plan in place makes it easier when you have 30 or 40 kids around and you want to keep everybody busy.”&nbsp;</p><p>The hour the students have for baseball is split into 15-minute rotations with all participating in warmup, stretches and some throwing practice for the initial 15-minutes. “For the next 15 minutes, two teams play against each other, and the third team is working on a skill. Richard Pomreinke (teacher at the school) is often the one who runs the skill station because softball is one of his personal passions.&nbsp; Mr. Knelsen is in charge of running the game and other teachers are outside as assisting supervisors and actively involved,” stated Pinchin.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>After 15 minutes, one of the groups rotate to skills, which means each group gets to play for 30 minutes. At the end of the hour, the division on the field goes back to class and the other division scheduled for that Friday comes outside. “We’ve tried to coordinate it so that our junior high students, as they get into finals and Grade 9 farewell, they will be having their weeks off baseball,” said Pinchin. “We’ve made a point of not scheduling field trips and other events on Fridays as well.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Abram Hamm is in Grade 7 and batting is his favourite part because he gets to hit the ball and run. Baseball has made Fridays a day to look forward to and each week Abram hopes the weather will cooperate. When asked what it’s like playing softball, Abram said the game makes him feel alive.&nbsp;</p><p>Grade 7 student Isaak Neufeld also said batting was the best part of the game because when he gets a far hit, which he’s managed a few times this season, it makes him feel successful.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Carrying on with the theme, Grade 4 student Herman Knelsen also likes batting the most. “I get to hit it hard, and it’s gone almost to the green and I went straight to first base. My friend hit it and I went to third base then someone else hit it and I made it home. It makes me feel happy and I’m a fast runner. I wanted to play all of them – umpire, scorekeeping and playing – because they are all fun.”&nbsp;</p><p>By Samantha Johnson, Prairie Rose Public Schools Content Writer&nbsp;</p>

<p>Lois Bedwell, Board Chair for Prairie Rose Public Schools (PRPS), is in her second and final term as a trustee. She worked as a librarian at South Central High School for 17 years and wanted something to do after retiring. There were two open positions for trustees at that time, so she was able to join the board immediately.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“Meeting the people and working with the staff at division office, they are an awesome group,” are what Bedwell enjoys most about being a trustee. “It’s an outfit that you want to be associated with because they do such a good job. I have grandkids in school here now and I’ve always had an interest in education and lifelong learning. It also keeps me up to date, if you don’t stay current you get left behind with technology.”&nbsp;</p><p>Bedwell grew up in Oyen and attended Oyen Public School, where two of her seven grandchildren now attend school, for her elementary years. Apart from a couple of years in Calgary and just over a decade in Nanaimo, Bedwell has lived in Oyen her whole life.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Over the past eight years, there have been numerous changes within PRPS, many which have been positive. “We were going down in attendance and now we are going back up. Our enrollment is increasing mainly because of the academies and it’s making kids glad to be back in school and wanting to be in school, especially after COVID.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>The pandemic altered how board meetings were held, which carried over after it ended. Now, every second meeting is usually virtual along with most of the shorter ones, which Bedwell said is an improvement over a conference call or having to drive the two hours from Oyen to Dunmore each time.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>While being a trustee doesn’t feel like work to Bedwell, it keeps her busy. There are five public schools – Oyen Public School, South Central High School, Warren Peers School, New Brigden School and Jenner School – along with four colony schools in her area. She tries to attend all parent council meetings along with events – graduations, Christmas, Exhibitions of Learning, etc. – at each of the schools.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Heading into her seventh decade, Bedwell feels the time is right for her to step down. "My one regret is I wish I had become a public-school trustee earlier; it has been incredibly rewarding. Trusteeship meant to me being partners with parents in ensuring that children, our greatest natural resource, are provided with the best possible educational opportunities to become the future citizens the community wishes them to be."&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;By Samantha Johnson, Prairie Rose Public Schools Content Writer&nbsp;</p>

Senator Gershaw is hiring! Full-Time Home Economics (Foods and Fashion)/Language Arts Teacher! See the link below for full details. Apply today! https://www.myprps.com/hr-jr-sr-high-teacher-senator-gershaw-school.

Gr 8s enjoyed their year end field trip with an overnight camping experience in Elkwater. From geocaching, shelter building, fire building, hiking Old Baldy, wiffle baseball, mini golf, students had a ton of fun and made some great memories!

Our Gr 4 lass enjoyed an amazing year end field trip. Hiking the hoodoos, learning how to make a cast of a fossil and the best part-sleeping with the dinosaurs!

Congratulations to all our artists who submitted pieces to the Legion Remembrance Day Contest in the fall. Winners were announced this month.

Did you forget to order clothing? It's not too late - we'll extend the ordering time until July 15. Click on the link below. https://gershaw-pre-order-clothing-order-copy.cheddarup.com

Just like that another school year is over! Thank you to all students, parents, staff, and community members for your support! Another fantastic year and Senator Gershaw staff would like to wish all students and parents a fantastic summer break! The school office will be closed until August 26th, if you need assistance or have questions over summer break please contact Scott Angle (Principal) at [email protected]. Have a great summer break!

Just a reminder - please fill in your demographic updates as soon as possible! This is the official enrollment form for your student for the 2024-2025 school year.

<p>Solidifying the Prairie Rose Public Schools (PRPS) strategic plan with intentional practice has been one of the primary goals for the executive team this year. Last year was about implementation and refining the plan and next year, the third and final year for the current strategic plan, will be when the finishing touches are added, and everything is taken across the finish line.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“One of the things I’m particularly proud of is the work our primary teaches have done around structured literacy and focusing on developing mastery with our students in the various components of reading. That work is always ongoing for teachers but launched last year with the division-wide approach using UFLI, a structured literacy program to improve reading,” stated Weeks.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Since UFLI was implemented, steady gains and growth in reading have been shown by students across the division. Weeks discussed the importance of the work for young students at the age where automaticity develops. Automaticity allows students, as they get older, to take on more complex dynamic work because the cognitive load shifts from sounding out letters, or even letter formation with printing, to more complex ideas and thoughts.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“Prairie Rose has historically had phenomenal teaching staff who really dig in to do this work and this hasn’t been an exception. Probably one of the most fulfilling days this year was attending the Exhibition of Learning at Schuler School where I was able to move throughout the grades and each one had a focus around literacy,” explained Weeks. “I was with some Kindergarten and Grade 1 students who explained to me details about diphthongs and how they were mastering that work to help them read. I couldn’t believe the level of skill and fluency they were demonstrating at such a young age. As someone who taught primary for a long time, I was very impressed.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>To supplement UFLI, PRPS introduced Writing Revolution and evidence, primarily displayed at Exhibitions of Learning, of growth in writing is evident through that focus. “Many enthusiastic teachers tackled that approach, helping us come out of that time during the pandemic where the gaps were really evident. This group of phenomenal teachers and educational assistants are closing that gap quickly and doing excellent work in this area,” said Weeks.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Another exciting event for PRPS is the addition of international students into schools and programming. This year, 31 individuals from various countries joined the division, bringing an opportunity for students and staff to learn about and interact with other cultures. “We look forward to that program continuing to thrive next year,” said Weeks. “I think we will continue to enrich the program and look for ways to really learn from those visiting cultures.”&nbsp;</p><p>As inflation has escalated, transportation has become a challenge for PRPS. The division was faced with cost increases exceeding 50%, which would have made it financially difficult to maintain current staffing levels and keep the budget balanced. “Immeasurable amounts of creativity and hard work, including collaboration with various government entities, ensued and we were fortunate to receive the support we needed to begin operating a fleet in our most rural routes,” explained Weeks. “We learned throughout the process that many rural divisions in the province internally operate transportation because they found some savings from that approach. The financial projections indicate we will be able to follow suit.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Operating a fleet of buses for the most rural routes in PRPS will allow the division to sustain current staffing levels. “The most important thing for us as a division is ensuring we have the people because that is the difference maker in Prairie Rose, the people who work here and we certainly didn’t want to lose any of them,” stated Weeks.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Some compromises within transportation were required for the division to find additional savings. The acquisition of buses for 39 of the 81 PRPS routes will result in projected savings of just under $700,000. This year there were 87 routes and those additional route adjustments allowed the division to reach the $1.1 million savings required. “We have consulted, or are scheduled to consult with, all the regions we serve and collaborate with them on how to optimally serve that area,” said Weeks. “They often know the roads, the maintenance of them and where the pickup spots are better than us. Through that collaboration we found as many efficiencies as we could. It is our hope we will be able to add some routes back as our costs stabilize.”&nbsp;</p><p>For school-based staff to do their best work, they require a supportive, engaged, and intentional administrative team at the school. In turn, the admin team performs optimally when they have a supportive, engaged and intentional executive team at the division office. Additionally, an engaged, intentional and supportive Board of Trustees will provide the foundation required for the executive team to effectively meet division goals. “We are fortunate in PRPS to have that line well established,” concluded Weeks. “It allows us to do some really creative things and find solutions that are innovative even when they also come with a bit of risk, which is only possible when you have high levels of trust.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>By Samantha Johnson, Prairie Rose Public Schools Content Writer&nbsp;</p>

Welcome Melissa Hanna! Mrs. Hanna will be joining Senator Gershaw staff for the 2024/25 School Year!

Tomorrow everyone is welcome to come celebrate our students at our awards ceremony beginning at 10am. There will be a free BBQ following there presentations. Student dismissal is at 2pm - but students are welcome to leave with parents after the festivities.

Friday last week students in Grade 7 had the opportunity to go on a field trip to Heritage Park where they were able to witness a powwow, eat bannock, and bison burgers! Students also had the opportunity to do some downhill carting at Olympic Park! Great field trip with lots of opportunities for our students! #igniteminds #kindlehearts

<p>Teacher Jaime Didychuk at Warren Peers School started a new foods option class this year for Grade 9 students. The school had to get creative with options they could deliver as, due to scheduling issues, they were no longer able to take students to Oyen.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“I have a background in smoked meat. My family (husband and children) are a competition smoked meat team and we compete all over,” explained Didychuk. “We are cooking things I know how to do, such as smoking meat, with the help of my husband, and baking breads. We had a food truck challenge where the kids created different kinds of hotdogs and we got all fancy with them. We offered them to the rest of our school so they could come over and custom order their hotdog. The kids got a taste of what it was like to prepare food on the fly and figure out how much it cost.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>The class has five students and once a week they have access to use the Acadia Valley Community Hall to cook food that is meaningful to the community, such as traditional foods. Didychuk’s goal for this year is to make things students are able to make at home for their families. “You don’t have to go crazy; you can have lots of fun with a hotdog.”&nbsp;</p><p>The class began in January and wrapped up at the end of May. The students have progressed since the first class and Didychuk is now able to put a recipe down and let them follow it. “They are becoming very comfortable in the kitchen from when they started. Some of them were struggling with how to wash the dishes, just no experience, and now they are feeling comfortable on how to use the knives, how to cut, and be brave in the kitchen,” stated Didychuk.&nbsp;</p><p>Part of the learning for the students is to experiment and think outside the box. Cooking doesn’t have to be fancy and can be more fun if the focus is on good food that is easy to prepare. The class cooked the meal for the Grade 9 farewell, which included smoking meat along with making the salad, a dessert, and a drink.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“The cooking option is a good opportunity for us to feel more comfortable in the kitchen and not be afraid to cook for others,” said student Peyton Benson.&nbsp;</p><p>By Samantha Johnson, Prairie Rose Public Schools Content Writer&nbsp;</p>

<p>Daina Dixson, who has spent all her school years from K to 12 at Foremost School, is the 2024 valedictorian. “I remember the moment I found out I was smart, it was in my Grade 1 science class. It was a Grade 1 and 2 combined class, and my teacher went up to the front of the room and said only one person got 100% on this paper and that was Daina. That was a really cool moment in my life, and I always look back on that and it always pushes me to do better.”&nbsp;</p><p>Even though she expected to be valedictorian, the moment she was told was surreal for Daina, who had been thinking about it since she was in elementary when she found out what a valedictorian is. Once she found out, she texted her entire family, who were all really excited and she loved all the text messages she received in response. “It was a really big goal of mine and I finally got it.”&nbsp;</p><p>Outside of academics, a passion of Daina’s is barrel racing, and she currently competes in the Alberta High School Rodeo circuit. She plans to continue barrel racing throughout the summer with the Chinook Rodeo Association along with entering as a competitor in several barrel racing jackpots.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Even though she’s been riding a horse since she was about four years old, Daina didn’t start barrel racing until a few years ago and was pleased with her performance over the past year. “Each arena is a bit different, my fastest time is probably in Magrath, that’s where I got this buckle, and it was 14.4 seconds. Before, I am nervous but during my run, I usually try to focus on my breathing and what I’m doing. As soon as I cross the finish line, all this adrenaline hits me, it’s a really cool feeling.”&nbsp;</p><p>Daina has several horses but her main horse she’s had for just over a year. “I think, personally, it’s a really special bond because you have to trust one another. I know it looks easy but there is quite a bit that goes into it. You have to find your spot and correct because you want to be perfect and tight around the barrels without knocking them over. There is a good quote everyone always says, ‘smooth is fast’, so the smoother you are, the better you are. I think becoming smooth is having a good bond with your horse.”&nbsp;</p><p>She has an older brother who graduated two years ago along with many other family members who also graduated from Foremost School. Walking through the hallways of the school, one can view class photos of each graduating class. In the graduating class of 1972, Daina’s paternal grandmother can be found with those of her parents in classes from the early 1990’s.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Foremost School graduation is on June 21st this year and Daina explained the grad is very personal where each student creates a slide show, “We do fun things like class history and in the future where we see each other going and it’s mostly a funny conversation two people have. The entire village comes and fills up the gym here and we get to wear our fancy dresses and suits.”&nbsp;</p><p>Each graduating class is also given a ceiling tile to paint, and this year Daina has taken on the project as she enjoys painting. Her scene is of the Sweet Grass Hills with a cowboy riding off into the sunset and the 2024 grad theme ‘onto the next adventure’ written in text.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>This September, she will attend Lethbridge College to pursue an agronomy diploma along with an agriculture business diploma, which will take three years to complete. Her future goal is to take over the family farm one day. Lethbridge is about an hour and a half from her home, which she feels will be manageable as she makes the transition to living away from the Foremost area for the first time. While in Lethbridge, Daina plans to live in residence and to continue to rodeo during her free time.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“It’s bittersweet. I’ve been in this small town my whole life. You know everybody and what they are doing, but I’m really excited to go to college,” concluded Daina.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>By Samantha Johnson, Prairie Rose Public Schools Content Writer&nbsp;</p>