A tornado warning has been issued for the Edmonton area. District principals have been instructed to make decisions on whether or not to dismiss students based on the conditions near their school. If a principal feels student safety is at risk, they will not dismiss the students and will contact parents directly to arrange pick up at the school when it is safe to do so. Yellow bus service will continue at all district schools, but there may be some delays.
Make Something Edmonton: Coronation School Lights the Bridge
June 11, 2013
To celebrate the High Level Bridge’s 100 years of connecting Edmonton, a community initiative is underway to raise funds that will see tens of thousands of LED lights light up the bridge.
Coronation students are also taking part in making Edmonton brighter. Two electrical engineers working on the project presented to students at the school to show them what they do in the classroom relates to real-world projects outside of the classroom.
Students have created their own Light up the Bridge project. Grade 5 students are working on an electrical project where they light up Popsicle stick bridges that Grade 3 students are building. Watch the Coronation School video here.
Make Something Edmonton turns projects or ideas into realities – in an effort to enhance the city’s reputation and image.
District Art Awards – 2013
May 30, 2013
The work of Grade 12 art students, representing seven district high schools, is on display at the Centre for Education. Art portfolio submissions including the jury-selected “Best of” each portfolio show off the depth of the students’ inspirations and the diversity representative of their wide-ranging interests and passions.
The jury, consisting of an artist from the University of Alberta and art teacher from Hillcrest School, selected “Best of” works based on technique, content, composition and takeaway value. Sylvia Calver of Victoria School (teacher: Theron Lund) won top prize. According to the jury, her piece is not only tremendous in technical skill, but is well-researched, thoughtful and sends a powerful message.
The art will be on display at the Centre for Education until May 30th. Afterward, selected pieces will be displayed at the ‘Edmonton Public Schools Grade 12 Best of High School Portfolio’ Exhibit at the Kids in the Hall bistro in Edmonton City Hall from June 19th to September 14th, as part of The Works Art & Design festival.
Rutherford School reaches finals of national competition
March 18, 2013
Rutherford School has made it to the finals of the Majesta Trees of Knowledge™ Competition and is in the running to win a $20,000 outdoor classroom. The school’s outdoor classroom project was selected as one of 10 finalists from across Canada. Rutherford is the only school in Edmonton, and is one of only two Alberta schools, chosen for the final round of competition.
Built over 100 years ago, Rutherford School is located in the established French community of Bonnie Doon. It serves the communities of Bonnie Doon, Strathearn, Idylwylde and Cloverdale. The school community is embarking on a revitalization project by creating an outdoor classroom complete with interlocking timbers for seating and climbing, new trees and shrubs, their very own “ranger station” with rain barrel, relief map of Alberta, and a chalk board. A new trail system will connect all of the natural elements of the school yard together. Students are looking forward to enjoying nature and learning in this unique setting. The classroom will be used to enrich learning experiences and foster an appreciation for the environment.
Vote daily at www.majesta.com from March 18 to April 26 to help to place Rutherford in the top spot. Voting is open to all Canadians who have reached the age of majority
Watch the school’s promotional video here.
The Trees of Knowledge™ competition was launched in 2011 by Majesta, in partnership with Tree Canada and Focus on Forests, to help teachers and students experience the benefits of being outdoors. Each year through Trees of Knowledge™ one eco-conscious school is awarded a complete, customized outdoor classroom, valued at $20,000.
A sea of pink sweeps across Edmonton Public Schools today
February 27, 2013
Edmonton Public Schools is participating in Pink Shirt Day today – a day to help raise awareness around bullying. The national anti-bullying campaign started several years ago after a Nova Scotia high school student was bullied for wearing a pink shirt. The next day, many of his classmates showed up to school wearing pink shirts to take a stand against bullying. The grassroots movement has since spread across Canada and last year, 6.4 million Canadians took part in committing to a bully-free lifestyle.
Here are some of the activities taking place at Edmonton Public Schools on Pink Shirt Day:
• M.E. LaZerte: An assembly will take place from 11:15 a.m. to 12:25 p.m. with a keynote and student speakers. Students and staff will be wearing pink and taking a pledge against bullying. An aerial photo will be taken at 12:15 p.m. with more than 800 students wearing pink shirts.
• Winterburn: The entire school will be wearing pink.
• Lillian Osborne: Students will be wearing pink and student-made buttons. There will also be a movie night hosted by the Grad Council.
• McNally: The Grad Council is holding a pink bake sale and raffle from 11:48 a.m. to 12:33 p.m.
• W.P. Wagner: The Grad Council will be handing out pink candy and cards.
• Centre for Education: Staff will gather in the Atrium for a “pink dot” photo at 12:50 p.m.
For more information on Pink Shirt day, visit: www.pinkshirtday.ca.
Queen Elizabeth School brings awareness to the plight of child soldiers
February 20, 2013
Worldwide there are more than 250,000 children who have been recruited to participate in armed conflicts. Queen Elizabeth School, in partnership with the Roméo Dallaire Child Soldier Initiative, recently hosted an international conference on Red Hand Day - a global initiative to bring awareness to the plight of child soldiers. Through live video-conferencing, students were able to collaborate with more than 1,000 of their high school peers, from across North America. Students from Ross Sheppard, J. Percy Page, Vimy Ridge and Jasper Place schools also participated in the conference.
Terry Godwaldt, Director of the Centre for Global Education and a teacher at Queen Elizabeth School, said the video conference was about making real connections with what the students are learning in the classroom. “These are people whose lives have been impacted and our kids need to be aware of what’s going on the other side of the world is something that affects real people,” Godwaldt said.
Students skyped with Kadiatu Conteh, a former child soldier who was only 12 years old when she was taken by the Revolution United Front to fight in the Sierra Leone Civil War. Students also heard from retired lieutenant-general and Child Soldier Initiative founder, Senator Roméo Dallaire. They also learned about the extensive use of children in combat throughout the world so that they can begin to examine both the causes, as well as the consequences, of the practice.
The ultimate focus of the rest of my life is to eradicate the use of child soldiers and to eliminate even the thought of the use of children as an instrument of war. – LGen Roméo Dallaire, Ret’d
Edmonton Public Schools… In the News
January 11, 2013
Students find value in keeping a full plate of extracurriculars
The Globe and Mail, January 4, 2012
For high school students, the imposition of Bill 115 by the Ontario government Thursday means the rest of the school year is shaping up to be as dreary as its beginning. Read more.
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Caernarvon School teacher receives Golden Apple Award
Breakfast Television, January 4, 2013
What could bring us to Caernarvon Elementary School in Castledowns? BT’s beloved Golden Apple Award! We have come to this school to honour the finest in the city. She has no idea we are coming in for her. The principal and the entire staff are waiting inside now. They are excited that Mrs. Belinda Metcalfe is the winner of this month’s Golden Apple.
Edmonton Public Schools… In the News
December 21, 2012
Christmas dinner at Edmonton school a special tradition for nearly 40 years
CTV News, December 20, 2012
Hundreds of students at a south Edmonton school were treated to a special Christmas dinner on Thursday. About 450 students at L.Y. Cairns School feasted on 25 turkeys, 24 kg of corn, 42 kg of dressing, 35 kg of potatoes, 20 litres of gravy, 40 kg of mandarin oranges and 500 ice cream cups, during the school’s annual Christmas dinner sponsored entirely by school staff.
Click here to read more and to see video of the Christmas dinner at L.Y.Cairns School.
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Schools pack hampers for needy families
CTV News, December 20, 2012
The spirit of giving is alive and well in Edmonton – as dozens of schools spent the day packing hampers for families in need. Watch the short video here.
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Harlem Globetrotters visited Windsor Park School
Global News, December 19, 2012
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Globetrotter talks bullying
24 Hours Edmonton, December 19, 2012
Handles Franklin stopped by Windsor Park school to show off his world-class basketball tricks and teach kids tactics to stop and prevent bullying. “I’m passionate about speaking to kids. I really, positively believe in the message,” Franklin said after playing a friendly game with thrilled students in the school gymnasium. Kids hung on his every word and enthusiastically shouted back his anti-bullying mantra. “A lot of times people are mesmerized by you being on television, or mesmerized by the basketball tricks,” he said. “So if you can take those tricks and take that quoteunquote fame and use it for a positive message for kids, what better job is there than this?” Franklin was on tour as part of the Globetrotters’ new community outreach program, the ABCs of Bullying Prevention, which touts action, bravery and compassion. The program, aimed at kids aged six to 12, is a co-ordinated effort with the National Campaign to Stop Violence.
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CTV-Edmonton, December 18, 2012
Some less fortunate students at Norwood Elementary School got a special gift yesterday. The kids received presents from the Kinette Club of Edmonton. Packages included everything from pyjamas and toys to snacks and toiletries.
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CTV-Edmonton, December 18, 2012
Elementary school students in Edmonton bring the joy of Christmas to the city’s less fortunate. Students at George H. Luck School stopped by the Boyle Street Community Services yesterday to deliver gifts and spread a little holiday cheer at the same time. Linda Inglis, principal was interviewed.
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News Hour (CITV-TV), December 18, 2012
A look at the Athlete of the Week, the most valuable player for basketball at the Totem Hoop Classic at Ross Sheppard high school. Darian Smigorwosky, athlete of the week was interviewed. Matt Burrows, Jasper Place head coach was also interviewed.
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Edmonton Public Schools… In the News
December 14, 2012
High school students could soon earn credits taking yoga class
The Edmonton Journal, December 11, 2012
Students enrolled in Kim Hertlein’s holistic health class at Ross Sheppard High School sample yoga in a wide-ranging course that focuses on healthy living and alternative healing. As early as next semester, however, high school students in Edmonton could earn credit for taking a Yoga 15 or Yoga 25 course, after public school trustees voted last week to import a yoga curriculum developed in Calgary. “I’m very excited. I would be thrilled to teach a yoga class,” said Hertlein, a certified hatha yoga instructor who teaches social studies at Ross Sheppard, as well as the holistic health option, nicknamed “H2O.” Read more.
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Jasper Place Rebels conquer Totem Hoop Classic
Edmonton Journal, December 9, 2012
When Tyler Wilde hung on the rim and slapped a Jasper Place sticker on the backboard during Friday’s slam dunk contest, the message couldn’t have been clearer: For the first time in the 20-year history of the Totem Hoop Classic, the Rebels were ready to put their mark on the high school basketball tournament. Read more.
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Ross Sheppard students awarded 2012 YMCA Peace Medal
December 5, 2012
Congratulations to Ross Sheppard students Dylan McCarthy-Daniels (Grade 12) and Hannah Wiens (2012 Graduate), recipients of the 2012 YMCA Peace Medal. 
The annual YMCA Peace Medallions honour youth and adults from all walks of life who commit their time to advancing peace and unity in their own communities, and sometimes around the world. Dylan was awarded the “Youth Local Peace Initiative,” while Hannah was awarded the “Adult Local Peace Initiative.”
Dylan mentors peers and younger participants in the Step Up & Step In project aimed at reducing violence in the community. Dylan, a rapper and poet who encourages youth to write their own socially conscious lyrics, writes and performs with The Definitive band to spread a message of peace and good citizenship. He is also a youth leader and has worked with organizations such as Bent Arrow, Ihuman, Wichitow in Circle of Shared Responsibilities and Poundmakers Lodge.
While in high school, Hannah planned events and designed resources for the Edmonton GSA (Gay-Straight Alliance) Leadership Summit. She presented to the school board and community members on the LGBT community. Hannah offered opinions, voiced concerns. predicted challenges, brainstormed solutions and provided input for policy implementation to the Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity (SOGI) advisory committee. This summer, Hannah and a friend organized a public vigil to bring awareness and to honour a lesbian couple in Texas who were brutally shot as a result of bias and bigotry.