Edmonton Public Schools is a learning organization - it's in everything we do. But the learning doesn't stop with students. It extends to all staff. That's why, this year, the district offered support, custodial and maintenance staff the opportunity to attend the first conference developed specifically for these staff groups.

""Learning Together...Working Together - the name of the conference says it all," explains support staff consultant Lorraine Bischoff. "This was a unique professional development opportunity for everyone from these three staff groups." Bischoff worked with Consulting Services staff, Metro Community College staff, including program coordinator Sandra Jewell, custodial staff consultant Eugene Plawiuk and other district staff to organize the conference.

Board Chair Don Fleming, Department Head Marion de Man and the presidents of CUPE locals 784, 474 and 3550 extended greetings at the kick-off to the conference on the evening of February 28. Superintendent Angus McBeath was the keynote speaker. "All the speakers underscored the importance of this opportunity," says Bischoff.

The variety of sessions that followed on Friday ensured there was something of interest to everyone. The conference offered everything from the latest techniques in carpet care to public speaking, from computer training to supporting class research projects. Says Bischoff, "One of the most popular sessions for support staff was on creating effective bulletin boards."

Almost 300 staff attended the conference, and the organizers have already received positive feedback. The keys to its success, explains Plawiuk, were the planning, the variety of courses offered, and the collaboration between district staff, Metro staff, and the union locals. "CUPE provided instructors for three of the classes and modified their courses to fit the district situation," he says.

  Another key was the thought that went into choosing which courses to offer. Organizers sent out a needs analysis to all three staff groups to determine the kinds of courses they would be interested in taking. "We approached Facilities Services at their district-wide meeting last fall. Maintenance staff said they'd like to take an Excel course, because it's something they need in their jobs now," explains Plawiuk.

"We're all support staff, in a way," says Plawiuk. "We're all supporting teaching in the classroom. The recognition that we're all doing important things makes everyone feel more valued, more respected, more recognized. People left the conference feeling invigorated, re-energized. We're looking forward to doing it again next year!"

In my view, this past year has been a very challenging one for all staff, especially teachers. It is my hope that over the longer term we will find resolution to all the outstanding issues facing public education today. With so much attention being focused on education, never has public support for the work that takes place in classrooms been so important and necessary.

We speak sincerely about how teachers transform lives. Indeed, few professions affect people as much as ours. The relationships teachers have with their students, for example, can have a lifelong impact. Although I am concerned about a number of matters related to education, I am particularly concerned about the effect this year could have on relationships not only internally, but also in our community with our stakeholders. I remain hopeful that the quality and strength of the positive relationships we have created over the years will carry us through these challenging times.

I have heard from a number of teachers that they do not feel sufficiently valued by our community and that is worrisome to me. No one should allow any other person or institution to determine the value of the work they do. Next to parenting, teaching is the most important work there is. I echo the sentiments of Lee Iaccoca who said that only the best people in society should teach our children.

As we move forward, I know that our best defence of public education is to focus on teaching and learning and the achievement and growth of students.

Tradition, honour and respect for the past all play an important role in Aboriginal culture. So when the new, permanent site of Amiskwaciy Academy prepared to open its doors to students, a traditional Aboriginal blessing ceremony was held to honour the past, embrace the future and stress the importance of knowledge and learning.

Four Elders, who have been involved in the development of the school from the start, took part in the ceremony. "The blessing of the Elders is important to ensure that the school is a good place for young people to be," explains principal Phyllis Cardinal. "It also reflects the values and traditions we respect and honour."

The ceremony included the singing of the Eagle Song and the Wind Song. "The Eagle Song honours knowledge, wisdom and direction," explains Cardinal. "The Wind Song says that good things will come to the school and the students." The singing was followed by the traditional sharing of food.

Edmonton Public Schools' high school English teachers have wrapped up this year's successful lecture series, which has featured guest speakers from the English Department at the University of Alberta.

The series was the brainchild of Karen Douziech, English Department Head at McNally, and Bill Howe, an English teacher at Victoria School. Dr. Daphne Read, Acting Chair of the U of A's English Department, provided names of English profs who were willing to participate in the series, which came to be known as "Sparking for Lit Lovers."

Past speakers have included Dr. Nora Stovel, speaking about the life and work of Margaret Laurence and Dr. Rob Appleford who provided insight into Aboriginal literature and the issues surrounding its teaching in both a classroom and our culture.

"This has been a most rewarding project," says Brenda Smither, Senior High English Consultant. "It has been a great gift for Edmonton Public English teachers to have had this opportunity to share teaching practices and literary approaches with university colleagues to the benefit of all. This is one educational partnership that deserves a long life."

A group of students at W.P. Wagner School have been presented with the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh's Award in recognition of their achievements in personal growth. Her Honour, The Honourable Lois Hole, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta presented the award at a recent ceremony to honour the students.

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award was established in 1956 by Prince Philip to encourage youth to set and work towards goals for personal achievement. The program motto of Reach for your best says it all, encouraging each participant to strive for his or her personal best within the minimum standards of the program. Students must complete activities in four categories - volunteer service, development of a skill or hobby, physical fitness and an outdoor expedition. Because everyone sets their own goals, it is possible for students of all levels of ability to attain the award.

Participants work towards three levels of achievement: bronze, silver and gold, with each level requiring more of a commitment. At the ceremony, the Wagner students were presented with the silver award, but because of the number of new students joining the program, the school now has students at all levels, and some have achieved their gold level.

Aboriginal Studies teacher Shaun Hains first became aware of the award when she read about it in the Globe and Mail.

Her first thought, when she read the criteria for the award, was, "We're doing that anyway." So she presented the idea to her students. Not only would it give them the chance to work towards a tangible goal, but it would also be a good addition to their resumés. And, if they reached the gold level, their award would be presented by a member of the royal family. The students enthusiastically agreed that this was something they wanted to work towards.

While watching the students set their own goals and work to achieve them was reward enough for Hains, the ceremony added an extra level of recognition for what they had achieved. "The award itself validated that they had really accomplished something," explains Hains. "It brought a sense of ceremony and honour to our students. The parents attending the ceremony were overwhelmed with pride in their children." The ceremony also recognized the extra efforts of two parent volunteers who have worked tirelessly to support the program.

Christina Pucci, a student in the program, speaks highly of the value of taking part in the program. "It changes you," she says. "You become closer with other students, you work together towards a common goal and you teach each other things."

Furthermore, the program has now grown to include students from various backgrounds, prompting more understanding of different cultures and the development of friendships that would not otherwise have occurred. "The ceremony provided a very public moment to celebrate multiculturalism," says Hains proudly.

A key to the success of the program is the support the school receives from the Duke of Edinburgh's Award staff. "It's a very flexible program, and they work with us to make sure it's a good fit for us," says Hains.

Another key is the support from community businesses, such as the Tim Horton's Foundation, which not only helps out with the costs but also attends the awards and provides moral support to the students and their families.

The benefits to the students have been more than the school could have hoped for. "You start to see the students making a commitment to their own development. The framework of the program makes them start thinking about their own careers, about how they can serve their communities," says Hains, and while she recognizes there are a number of factors contributing to this success, she believes the award is a strong motivator for students and helps them build valuable life skills, regardless of their backgrounds. "If all students from all nations could do this, it would make a better world."

For more information, contact the Duke of Edinburgh's Award at 1-800-668-3853. The program is all inclusive for youth ages 14-25 of all backgrounds, abilities and interests.

Twenty-six Edmonton Public Schools' teachers have been chosen as finalists in this year's Excellence in Teaching Awards. These teachers were chosen because of their excellence in a variety of areas, including knowledge of subject matter, effectiveness with students, creative and innovative teaching practices, involvement with parents, and collaboration with colleagues. Two special awards are also being presented: the SMARTer Kids Foundation Innovative Use of Technology Award (for teachers demonstrating the above qualities through the use of electronic technology), and the APEGGA Excellence in Teaching Mathematics/Science Award. The nominees were honoured at a board celebration at the end of April.

We congratulate our finalists, and thank them for their dedication, their inspiration and their love of learning. We'll update you on the winners in the next issue of The Compass.

Events

Farewell reception for Ken Dropko
Thursday, May 16, 4:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Santa Maria Goretti Community Centre
11050 - 90 Street, Cost: $25 (includes reception and gift). Deadline to purchase tickets is Friday, May 10. Please make cheques payable to Carol Moeller, Superintendent's Office.

Farewell to Gary Reynolds
Thursday, June 13, 5 - 7 p.m. (program begins at 5:30), Prince of Wales
Armouries Heritage Centre, Governor's Room
10440 - 108 Avenue (free parking).

Tickets are $25 (includes reception and gift) and are available through Metro Community College. Contact Cathie @ 917- 8680 or Anna @ 917-8683 and quote registration #0050583. For more information, contact Marilyn Loree at 429-8241.

Bereavements

Edward (Ted) Chute passed away February 19 at the age of 86. Mr. Chute began his teaching career with Edmonton Public Schools in 1947 at Norwood School, and also taught at Mount Royal and Allendale. He resigned in 1952.

Elizabeth Smith passed away March 13 at the age of 53. Mrs. Smith began her teaching career with Edmonton Public Schools in 1970 at W.P. Wagner School. She taught at Oliver and Parkview before resigning in 1978. She returned in a clerical position in 1990 at Sweet Grass School, and later worked at Dan Knott, Garneau and Allendale schools.
Mrs. Smith was on sick leave at the time of her death.

Ronald Stephens passed away February 2 at the age of 78. Mr. Stephens began his teaching career with Edmonton Public Schools in 1950 at Sherbrooke School and moved to Eastwood School in 1953. He also held the positions of Acting Music Supervisor and Assistant Supervisor of Music. Mr. Stephens retired in 1967.