South East Cornerstone Public School Division September 2013

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Director’s School Visits 2013/2014
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highlights-Director’s school visits 2013/2014
Below left: Principal of Ogema School Tracey Eden shares his experience with Dr. Marc Casavant
What would your day be like if the Director of Education
visited your school for a day? For some students in the west
region of the South East Cornerstone Public School Division
(SECPSD),their eager faces and smiles spoke volumes of their
excitement during the Director’s School Visits for 2013/2014.
Students scurried along the hallways, some stopped to greet
the team, while others excitedly shared stories of their
educational encounters. It was quite the experience!
Above right:Talk about excited! Students strike a pose before heading to class!
Below left: Student searches for content to be used during a class session.
As part of the school engagement and communication
initiative, Director of Education Dr. Marc Casavant used the
opportunity to view the school plant with Principals, as well
as get a first-hand experience of the kind of environment
that students and staff learn and work in, and how those can
be improved to ensure continued student success and
achievement. The Division values a positive environment
that enables each person to achieve their potential. Of
particular importance was the opportunity for Principals to
share their Mathematics Action Plans.
As a primary priority, SECPSD will focus efforts at the
division, school and classroom levels to increase student
achievement in Mathematics.
Above right: English as an Additional Language (EAL) Consultant, Liz Rowley, explains language
jargons to students.
Below left: There is always time to Drop Everything And Read (DEAR) during the day.
Above right: Resources, resources and more resources!
The Division envisions that students will perform at or
significantly above the provincial level in all grade levels at
all standards of achievement, as measured by provincial
assessment standards by the end of the 2013-2014 school
year. Through the realignment of priorities to ensure
consistent goals with the priorities of the Ministry, the
creation of Math Action Plans, as well as professional
development and workshop sessions, the Division will seek
to create common language and understanding among
teachers and administrators.
As the school year progresses, Dr. Casavant will visit other
schools in the western region. Stay tuned for highlights
about a school in your area!
Below left: Students at different grade levels read to each other.
Student explains
Math Action Plan
to Dr. Casavant.
September 2
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Above right: Kindergarten students recite a lesson for the Director.
mathematics as a
human endeavour at
ogema school
cornerstone teacher among
those creating sk curriculum
Physics teacher at the Weyburn Comprehensive
School, Karen Kennedy-Allin, is among the 22
teachers selected through an application process to
review the provincial Physics 30 curriculum.
Four of the 22 teachers, including Kennedy-Allin, met
during an intense three day writing session to figure
out a new Physics curriculum for SK. From developing the most important areas of study, to finding the
best words for outcomes, these teachers engaged in
animated discussions.
The teachers form the writing committee shaping the
Physics 30 curriculum, but the process they are
going through echoes that which goes into reviewing
all other subjects, from physical education to art or
math. These teachers, who are on the front line in
deciding what children will learn in the classroom,
are, fittingly, those who will also teach it.
According to Allin “Science is getting even more
exciting in SK. It was an incredible experience and I
feel very thankful to be apart of it. We completed a
preliminary draft and I think it looks absolutely
wonderful. We will be meeting again in May to
revisit our work, and likely a couple more times
before it is implemented in 2016.”
After the team has created the Physics curriculum,
the Ministry will evaluate the document, with piloting
in classrooms, feedback and more tweaking to
follow. The document will utilmately guide the
teachers across the province.
Some information excerpted from the Leader Post
Students take the time to read during a class session at Ogema School
In an era where everything can be easily accessed through the world
wide web, educators are finding more innovative ways to ensure our
students still grasp and understand basic concepts which are crucial to
their growth and development, as they become worthwhile contributors
to society. With varied learning styles, and with students understanding
things differently, teachers are finding more innovative ways to provide
students with different tools and strategies to learn.
“As a parent, when I look back at my own education and the way Math
is now, I don’t feel like it has changed a huge amount, but it is perceived
as though it has changed...we’re still doing the same things we did
before, we are just allowing kids to choose the way they learn best. Just
because we’re teaching all these different options and strategies,
doesn’t mean they have to pick the typical, ordinary, traditional way.”
noted one Math teacher.
Administrators are passionate about ensuring that students have the
requisite skill sets as they engage in professional or personal pursuits.
It is important for students to understand the importance of subjects
and experiences which they feel might not be necessary, but which
might become mandatory once they enter the world of work or higher
education.
Through parent surveys and in-house assessment, administrators are
able to provide more assistance, tools and techniques to ensure higher
levels of parent involvement and collaboration. In understanding Math
as a human endeavour, the school also uses a cross-cultural approach
to mathematics instruction. Students are able to transfer learning and
examine how math can be used in different subject areas.
The Ogema school community believes in academic success for every
student. Within the community, there is a safe, healthy environment
that contributes to responsible citizenship. During your next visit to
Ogema, stop by Ogema School and experience the warm and inviting
school environment that smells, and perhaps even tastes like home.
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AND FROM THIS CORNER...
OUR JOURNEY WITH a FRIEND
A Grade 4/5 perspective
Creating a positive environment that enables each person to achieve his or her potential is valued and exemplified each day
inside the halls of our schools. For the SECPSD, education that includes physical, emotional, social, academic and spiritual
development is imperative to the development and success of the whole person.
Grade 4/5 classroom teacher Jody Abel, like other teachers in the Division, goes the extra mile to ensure all her students
receive the best education possible through continuous improvement of teaching and learning and the use of innovative
practices. Her humility and level of dedication in ensuring success and achievement for all her students are admirable.
For Jody and her grade 4/5 class, using different methodologies to ensure all her students feel a part of her classroom
environment is very important; the opportunity to reach different students with varied learning styles is fulfilling.
“Ever so often we have a reminder that it doesn’t matter if you have autism or are blind or have no arms, we will
find a way for you to learn,” a humble Jody noted. Take a minute to read the following excerpt which was written by the class
about their journey with *John.
“John is our friend with Autism. This means his brain works differently than ours so we help him out. When our year started
it was kind of scary and we didn’t know what John would do. When he first moved to our school he was a little bit off track,
now he is so smart. He used to be wild and knock things down. He learned how to be calm and good because he watched us.
He repeated things we said.
We learned that even though someone has Autism, it does not mean they are not smart. John listens very well. He learns a
lot. Just because he can’t speak, doesn’t mean he has nothing to say. In class, he writes stuff down. Sometimes he uses his
computers. His software puts pictures with his sentence to help him understand it. We wrote biographies about celebrities, he
wrote about himself. We write paragraphs, he writes words or sentences. He can do gym and the 10 minute run. He likes it
because he is smiling and laughing. In Science, he does experiments too. Instead of writing some things down, he has to sort
and glue them into the right place. He hates starting new things in Math and he hates zeros. We taught him that zeros are okay
by giving him a fart machine. If he did a question with a zero, then he got to push the fart button to make a fart noise. After
a while, he could push it after 2 questions, then a whole row. Now he never really uses it. His favourite unit was geometry. He
still writes lines of symmetry and tells us what is symmetrical. He knows that squares have diagonals but always remembers
that rectangles don’t.
When we got sea monkeys we knew that he hates new things. So we started with plain water. That way when he got stressed
out and dumped it, it was just water. After 3 dumps, he was used to it and we put in the eggs. We should have done that with
stick bugs. They went flying, but that was a long time ago.
We got a new student in May. John got very upset. He thought it was a new substitute. He loves Mrs. Abel. We knew what was
wrong so we wrote him a social story and read it to him three times. We write social stories for him when he is having a hard
time. With autism, his brain gets too many messages. Social stories tell his brain what is going on so he calms down. He can
be very funny. He copies Mrs. Abel. Mrs. Abel says she doesn’t stick out her bum like that. John does his very best all day. He
does good because he is comfortable. He knows we like him. He is our buddy.
If you have a friend with special needs in your classroom, you can help them get through rough times. We can try our best
to help them be happy with us. They learn the most from us, and kids just want to have fun with their friends. When you are
with them, just be you. They just want to be friends. Now we all get along like nobody’s business.”
At the SECPSD, we value personal growth and development for all students, as well as productive teamwork. What a difference
the support of an entire class can make in the life of one student!
* student name changed
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using data at
gladmar school
GRS Math Action Plan and Data Wall
sandomirsky
sandomirsky receives
receives quality
quality
daily
daily physical
physical education
education award
award
Physical Education teacher at Rocanville School,
David Sandomirsky, was recognized by the SK
Physical Education Association as the QDPE
Professional of the Year for his involvement and
contribution in providing the skills and attitudes
necessary to make active living a way of life.
A humble Sandomirsky has been involved in the
implementation of QDPE at Rocanville School; the
school has received the QDPE Award every year
since Sandomirsky joined the teaching staff nine
years ago. As a role model for the students, he has
assisted in the creation of assessment tools and
unpacking of the curriculum outcomes through
Professional Learning Committees.
In his presentation to the Board of Education, he
noted the importance of engaging in moderate to
intense activities on a daily basis, and has led
division wide professional development days and
SPEA sessions at the provincial level. Sandormirsky
lauded the support of his school administrators, who
ensured that all students have sufficient minutes and
physical education specialists, as well as colleagues
who support the intramural program and offer a
well-rounded extra-curricular program for students.
The South East Cornerstone Public School Division
lauds the work of David Sandomirsky and wishes for
him continued success and achievement.
Helping others at Gladmar Regional School
Depending on the context, the acronym DATA can mean different
things for different people. For administration and students at Gladmar
Regional, DATA is their approach to developing a Math Action Plan.
The template includes the Different interventions used by staff, a new
Achievement level expected for students, the amount of Time until the
goal can be achieved and the Assessment evidence that indicates if the
goal has been accomplished.
Using different interventions, teachers will implement new strategies
in each classroom to assist in achieving classroom and/or school
achievement levels. Each teacher will develop specific grade
level math vocabulary to ensure consistency in comprehension between
students and staff. Staff will compare the students’ ability to meet
expectations, which will be used as a benchmark for ensuing school years.
As part of the Math Action Plan, the school uses a Math Fact Honour Roll
to generate friendly competition among students and encourages students
to work harder to achieve better results. Students set individual goals to
improve their math test fluency, with teachers dedicating time each week
for fluency practice using research based strategies.
The Data Wall above highlights the number of M’s from each outcome in
number strands at the end of the school year. Each graph highlights a
different grade level. The school will continue to monitor and assess the
progress of students, and use best practices to ensure student success.
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AND FROM THIS CORNER...
in your neck of the prairies...
monthly school highlights
Students Copp Gold and Silver at Provincial
Greenhouse Contest
Four students of the Estevan Comprehensive School walked
away with provincial gold and silver medals during the
Saskpower Greenhouse Ecoclips contest.
The Communication Media 20 class, under the tutelage of
Brian Wright, prepared an ecoclip entitled, “Conservation in
the Home.” First place winners each received new laptops,
with second place winners receiving iPod touches. Cooper M.
and Kyle G. placed first, with Tate W. and Curtis M. placing
second. The video can be accessed at the following link
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cU3F0M6Wvs
The South East Cornerstone Public School Division
congratulates these students on a job well done and wishes
for them continued success and achievement.
Assiniboia Chosen for Mackenzie Art Gallery
Provincial Outreach Program.
The Assiniboia Park Elementary School has been chosen to
participate in the Mackenzie Art Gallery Provincial Outreach
Program. The school will host a display of original First
Nations and Aboriginal Artwork by artists Bob Boyer,
Angelique Merasty, Allen Sapp and Kevin McKenzie. During
these two days, students will view the artwork and
participate in workshops led by the curator Ken Duzeck. The
students and staff will also host an Art Reception. The
Assiniboia family is proud to have been selected.
Weyburn students return from
Student Leadership Conference
Twelve student leaders and four advisors returned from an
experience of a lifetime in Montague, Prince Edward Island.
Over 700 students and 200 advisors attended the Canadian
Student Leadership Conference similar to the one hosted
last year in Weyburn and they continued to get raves about
the fabulous conference Weyburn held. All students should
have the opportunity to attend this week filled with
motivational speakers, workshops and a lot of learning, not
only about leadership, but about our very diverse country.
Next year’s conference will be held in Kelowna, B.C. and
they will be celebrating the 30th anniversary of this
conference started by Yorkton Regional High School in
1984.
Every month for fifteen minutes, at different intervals
during the day, students stop what they are doing and
enjoy logic puzzles and brain teasers. As part of the
Maryfield School Action Plan, students are encouraged to
take on the challenge of logic puzzles in order to enhance
their analytical skills. Students are exercising their brains in
interesting and creative ways!
Maryfield Golfers off to Provincials
Two Maryfield School students went to provincials last
Thursday, Friday and Saturday. They had to make the long
trip north of Meadow Lake. At the sr. district playoffs held at
Kenosee on Thursday, September 19, Kelly K. brought
home the district gold for jr. girls. At provincials, she placed
15 of 38. She has many more years of provincial
competition ahead of her. Brayden S. placed third at
districts and 35 of 67 in provincials. Other golfers included
Mac K., Derrick K., Riley S and Cooper C.
Submitted- Maryfield School
Terry Fox Run 2013
During the month of September, many students took to the
streets for the annual Terry Fox Run. At MacLeod School in
Moosomin for example, a total of $6574.38 was raised for
the initiative. Fred Fox visited the school and shared stories
about his brother and officially opened the fundaraiser for
the school for 2013.
As possibly the largest display of solidarity in the fight
against cancer, students learn from Terry’s example of
perseverance and helping others.
Above: Fred Fox at Moosomin School
September 2
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Submitted- Weyburn Comprehensive
4 the Love of Math
A FIRST IN 35 YEARS
board receives sedaa service award
(South East District Athletic Association)
We`re ready for the school year!
tell them from me survey 2013
The Tell Them From Me school survey is used to
measure factors that are known to affect academic
achievement and other outcomes, as outlined in
the 21 indicators on school and classroom
effectiveness for the SECPSD.
Approximately 53% of the students were surveyed
between the elementary and secondary levels, in
areas such as school environment, academics, math
and school completion, which aligned with the
divisions’ priorities of mathematics and graduation
rates. The results indicate similarities between the
SECPSD students and Canadian counterparts.
At both the secondary and elementary levels for
example, students indicated they have a positive
sense of belonging, have friends at school they can
trust and feel safe attending school; in the area of
academics, students complete homework with a
positive attitude and in a timely manner, are
interested and motivated in their learning and try
hard to succeed in their learning.
At the secondary level, students’ average reported
mark was 80% in mathematics, when compared with
the Canadian norm of 77%. At least 74% of our
students have a high likelihood of high school
completion, when compared to the Canadian
average of 71%.
The Division will use the results of the survey for
strategic planning at the Division level, as well as a
school-based approach to addressing some of the 21
indicators of school and classroom effectiveness.
For the first time in 35 years, the Board of Education of the South East
Cornerstone Public School Division was recognized by the SEDAA for
outstanding support to the students, schools and athletic programs, as
well as a commitment to the philosophy of student athletics.
As the second highest award presented by the association, Commissioner
of Athletics, Fred Jerred, lauded the support of the Board to ensure the
success of students and the viability of the program.
As one of the first school divisions to recognize the value of personnel to
coordinate athletics, the Board and senior management team ensured
there was a full time Commissioner of Athletics on hand to provide the
needed support to students and the District. The Board also provided
financial support, as well as sub releases for all levels of athletic
competition.
“The board of trustees is made up of members who have been terrific
advocates for high school sports. Their support and leadership are
second to none,” noted Jerred.
Along with providing financial support, the trustees, along with the senior
management team, are active in the activities of the South East District
and attend the general meeting every year. Of particular importance is
the opportunity to provide feedback by the SEDAA Executive. Members
are allowed to express issues or concerns to the school division; an
opportunity that many other districts only dream of having.
Board Chair Harold Laich accepted the award on behalf of the Board and
expressed gratitude to the association for the acknowledgement.
“We sincerely appreciate the efforts of the Senior Leadership Team and
the SEDAA executive in providing support for the extracurricular
program. And we very much commend the work of Fred Jerred, our
Athletic Commissioner, for the exceptional contribution he has made to
athletics in our school division as well as education in Saskatchewan. The
SEDAA Service Award is, indeed, a credit to all involved,” reiterated
Laich.
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AND FROM THIS CORNER...
in your neck of the prairies...
monthly school highlights
Classroom Champions at Haig School
Mrs. Walter and her Grade 2/3 class at Haig School are
very fortunate to have been selected as one of the sixty
classrooms across the United States and Canada to to be part of
Classroon Champions Program. Classroom Champions is a nonprofit organization that uses Olympians and Paralympians to
inspire student to recognize their potential, set goals and dream
big. Focusing on their own personal journey, athletes teach
about the hard work of training, goal setting, competition and
perseverance.
As part of the program, our class has been paired with Brittany
Schussler- a long track speed skater. Brittany is a two time
Olympian, two time World Champion and six time world cup
medalist. Throughout the year, we will exchange letters, video
messages and engage in live video chats with Brittany. In
exchange our class received a flat screen television, Apple TV
and an Ipad to help incorporate technology and digital literacy
into the program and interact with our athlete.
Each month is a different topic that coordinates with our
outcomes in Health, Social Studies and Active Living in Physical
Education. The program supports the curriculum, focusing on
letter writing, reading, geography, math, technology, goal
setting and leadership. It will be fantastic and very exciting for
the students to follow along with our athlete this year and cheer
her on in Sochi at the Winter Olympics in February.
To watch the videos that Brittany has created for us along with
other athlete mentors, please visit www.classroomchampions.org
Support Habitat for Humanity
From October 1-November 9, 2013 students in grades 4, 5 and 6
can enter the annual Meaning of Home Writing Contest. The
contest is a fantastic opportunity for students to put their
creative writing skills to work for a good cause by describing
what home means to them.
The top prize is a $60,000 grant from Genworth Canada to the
winner’s local Habitat affiliate, which would be Habitat for
Humanity Regina. The winner also receives an iPad and a pizza
party for their entire school. Additional prizes include five $5,000
grants directed to local Habitat builds, iPod touches and
classroom pizza parties. For more information contact Jessica
Tiefenbach at (306)522-9700
Using Data in Mathematics to Measure and
Monitor Student Growth at Gordon F. Kells
As a data driven school division, school-based initiatives
and learning outcomes are continuously measured and
monitored to determine student growth and areas for
improvement. At Gordon F. Kells School, the staff realize
that in order to improve mathematics instruction, each
individual within the school community has a role to play;
mathematics is not only the job of the mathematics
teacher.
To ensure higher levels of success and achievement
in mathematics, the school administration incorporated
higher level strategies, increased time for struggling
students and provided more opportunities for mathematics
based instruction, in a colloborative effort.
Within the school there are three areas of the mathematics
initiative. With the fluid streaming level for example,
students are assessed at the beginning of every unit and
the level of intervention required is determined. The
assessment highlights the skills that are necessary at a
specific grade level, and the students’ level of competence
at that level. Student performance is continually assessed
and the necessary action taken to assist those who are not
improving or those performing below the grade level. The
team shared with the Board student perspectives based on
the approaches to the mathematics initiatives; some
students indicated the importance of the student-teacher
relationship, and the small group interaction which afforded
them the opportunity to ask more questions, increased
their confidence levels, and resulted in better mathematics
scores.
The school also uses non-traditional methods of providing
instruction in mathematics, with higher levels of receptivity
among students - some building on skills and others eager
for more advanced challenges.
World Food Day Poster Competition
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization
(FAO) and the United Nations Women’s Guild presents a
poster contest in Celebration of World Food Day on October
16, 2013. The theme of this year’s contest is Healthy Food
Systems. To learn more visit www.fao.org/getinvolved/
worldfoodday/wfd-poster-contest/2013/en
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including others at
pangman school
These students were always ready to strike a pose, even if it meant more than three times during the visit.
world food day poster
competition
The University of Saskatchewan, Pre-Health
Professions Club is a club that engages high
school students in a career development
continuum to explore health care professions in
medicine, nursing and pharmacy.
The PHP Club seeks to build on partnerships that
the University of Saskatchewan has established
with the University of Regina (U of R), First
Nations University of Canada (FNUniv),
Saskatchewam Health Regions, Saskatchewan
school divisions, Metis locals, First Nations tribal
councils and their communities.
Students are enrolled through the school
division career counsellors to attend three informational sessions that feature club orientation,
post-secondary requirements and admissions,
presentations from health care professionals,
mentorship orientation and a summary and
reflection of their Club experience.
Students begin the first informational session in
Grade 11 and complete the remaining sessions
in their graduating year. Students who have
demonstrated a commitment to the club will
have the opportunity to experience eight hours
of mentorship with a mentor in their health
region.
The club continues to support students as they
transition from high school to post-secondary
students in Saskatchewan.
As one enters Pangman School, one cannot help but notice the sign posted
on the main door which speaks volumes about the school culture and
climate. “The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest
intention. Take on new challenges, working hard to achieve new goals,
trying and thinking of new ways to do things,” the sign read.
Indeed, helping and including others was the focus for the month of
September. Visitors to the school are made aware of the focus of the entire
school community for a particular month, and students and staff are
reminded about the kinds of behaviour that are being focused on for that
month. For the month of September, the school community was reminded
about the importance of helping and including others.
Principal of Pangman School, Laury Ryan highlighted the importance of
creating the kind of environment in which students feel assistance is always
readily available.
“We really pride ourselves in helping kids through. If they are
struggling...someone is here in the morning, through lunch and after
school.” The school environment complements the support that is provided
by staff to students and impacts student responsiveness. This kind of
support is fundamental to student achievement, not only in mathematics,
but the entire high school experience.
Students and staff also help each other through the mentorship program.
With the mentorship program, students spend at least 15 minutes
on a specific day reading to each other and assisting each other.
The administration will also utilize this approach in developing a system for
mathematics buddies, where senior and junior students can work together,
and assist each other with mathematics exercises and activities.
As part of their mathematics initiative, Pangman School has employed a
number of activities throughout all grade levels to ensure competence and
ultimately mastery of the subject. Through timetabling, mathematics is
scheduled as a priority, with the best academic times positioned for
instruction. All mathematics at the kindergarten to grade 12 levels are
completed within the first three morning classes.
September 2
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AND FROM THIS CORNER...
Including Others At Pangman School
The Learning Support Teacher (LST) and Response to
Intervention (RTI) personnel are scheduled to provide
additional support and allow for flexibility in team teaching
multi-grade classes. This team oriented approach spans
across the school community with other speciality areas
joining some class sessions to ensure all students are
assisted.
“Our EAL is also here in the morning, so they can team teach
and try to get everything as academically oriented as
possible.” reiterated Ryan.
At the kindergarten to grade 2 level, students are
continuously being offered opportunities to enrich their
learning of mathematics using a variety of learning and
teaching strategies, as well as using manipulatives and
hands on learning experiences.
Student learning is also scaffolded and extended as students
are supported and challenged when necessary. Through
conversations, student presentations and work products,
student learning and comprehension are demonstrated, with
accompanying evidence and an assessment tool stored in
their portfolio. This is vital for comparison between each
mathematics outcome in the SK curriculum and student
performance and can be used as a reference for parents and
students.
Grades 3-5 receive instruction in mathematics, with the use of
manipulatives and a practical approach, as well as written
work to portray their level of comprehension. Those students
who require more individualized instruction work with the RTI
Coach in smaller groups, while the LST is available to work
more intensely with a group that may include a student on
their caseload. The outcome for each grade is assessed, with
samples of daily work and assessments archived into
student portfolios.
In high school, students are offered full instruction for all
levels of both math courses, with other courses offered
through Cyber Stone. An emphasis is placed not only on the
acquistiion of mathematical knowledge, but on application of
this knowledge. Time is also provided outside of the regular
classroom hours, for additional instruction. The school will
focus their efforts on math assessment and intervention.
“We will find something we want to improve, and see if we can
improve upon it,” noted Ryan.
Through assessment and teacher evidence based on
outcomes on student report cards, the school will be able
to engage in more strategic planning to ensure student
success.
cornerstone teachers receive service awards
The South East Cornerstone Public School Division
congratulates three teachers who received the following 2013
Saskatchewan High Schools Athletic Association Awards
during the Annual General Meeting of the South East District
Athletic Association:
Jessica Morland- SHSAA Female Coach Award
“Jessica has always been dedicated to the school’s extracurricular program, and is a dedicated coach whose coaching
experience has occurred at both the junior and senior levels.
She is committed to participation, and encourages all
students to make a commitment…she works closely with all
athletes as they work to develop their skills as well as their
knowledge of the sport and its strategy. She is a firm believer
in sportsmanship and demands it of her athletes.”
The South East Cornerstone Public School Division values a
culture of celebration and the acknowledgement of success
and wishes for these awardees continued success and
achievement.
September 2
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Tricia Klemenz- SHSAA Official Award
“Tricia Klemenz has been an official for high school athletics in
Division for 17 years and is a seasoned volleyball official. In
the early portion of her officiating career she refereed basketball as well, which she returned to this past season... Tricia
has been the community soccer coach, when she is not
officiating. Tricia is a perfect example of a person and official
that truly cares about sports and the people involved with it,
whether they are participating or spectating.”
Nathan Johnson- SHSAA Male Coach Award
"Nathan contributed to the development of the High
Performance 20 and 30 classes and helped increase
participation numbers in Physical Education at the Estevan
Comprehensive School. He served as district Vice President
for the South East District Athletic Association (2008-2009),
commissioner and host of the SHSAA 5A Boys Provincial
Volleyball Championship (2008) and was the representative
on the District Council for South East (2010). During his time
at Estevan Comprehensive School, Nathan has dedicated his
skills to coaching Senior Boys Volleyball, Junior Boys Volleyball and has been the Track and Field Coach since 2008.”
P a g e 10
39 and growingthe lyndale school
experience
because
because you’re
you’re a
a cornerstone
cornerstone
bus
bus driver...
driver...
Because you’re a South East Cornerstone school
bus driver, we salute you for your dedication and
tolerance as you transport our students on a daily
basis. For school bus drivers across the province,
October 21 will be a day of celebration for their
unwavering support to education through
transportation. These drivers transport our
students on a daily basis and are committed to
their well-being. Their dedication and tolerance
are commendable. Most times, the school bus
driver is the first one that a student sees when
they begin their academic sojourn and helps set
the tone for the rest of the day.
Each year, school drivers within the Division are
presented with tokens of appreciation for the role
they play in the daily operations of the school
division. Show school bus drivers you really care
and celebrate with them on October 21. Here are
a few tips you might find helpful:
Students participate in classroom discussions
For many families in the community of Oungre and surrounding areas,
Lyndale School is home to their kindergarten to grade 9 children. With a 22%
increase in student enrolment, students travel from as far as Beaubier and
Torquay, and from closer communities such as Tribune and Bromhead.
The school, which operates on a 4 day school week has a lot to offer to its
students says Principal, Kim Locken. As a technology equipped school, each
student has a laptop, as well as smart boards are installed in all classrooms.
Students are provided with individualized student education, with curriculum
adaptations based on individual student needs. Extra-curricular activities are
also important for holistic development and provide all students with
activities such as educational trips to museums, community volunteering,
and more athletic activities.
The size of the school, according to Locken, allows for day to day check in as
far as mathematics is concerned, with staff analyzing current strategies and
methodologies and sharing best practices. Parents are involved in the
process through the Math Fact Minute, which provides tips to assist parents
in math comprehension, as well as other strategies.
Students of this relatively smaller school are passionate about their school
environment and the opportunities presented for their success and
achievement. Student testimonials allude to the continual assistance from
teachers, as well as the provision of technological software and equipment
that is always readily available.
-Respect them. Our bus drivers have an important, yet tough job to perform.
“ All students are included in all games and activities”
-Tell your bus driver “Happy Student Bus Driver
Day” and smile!
“There are no bullies”
-Create handmade “bus-cut” thank you cards or
gift cards.
-Prepare driver “goodie bags” to share with them
and have a student who rides the bus deliver it.
The SECPSD thanks all school bus drivers for their
dedication and commitment to education through
transportation.
“You get more help instead of waiting in line”
“We don’t have as many people in the gym so we get more activities in”
“We have excellent classes and everything is one on one with the teacher”
There are many activities open to every member of the community. Members
are always welcome to utilize the services of the library and engage in
monthly game nights, pancake breakfasts, concerts and fun nights. Lyndale
has an amazing community that helps out whether it is assisting around the
school, or driving to events. The school spirt and sense of community are
evident.
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“We are doing well,” noted Locken.
AND
AND FROM
FROM THIS
THIS CORNER...
CORNER...
Because you’re a South East Cornerstone School Bus Driver...
...we know you value student safety and well-being.
On October 21st, celebrate School Bus Driver Appreciation Day and show your bus driver you care!
South East Cornerstone Public School Division No. 209
80A-18th Street NE
Weyburn, SK
S4H 2W4
Phone: (306)848-4795
Fax: (306) 848-4747
Email: [email protected]
www.cornerstonesd.ca
We welcome your stories; send stories to [email protected]