The Alberta Teachers’ Association

Scholarships help apprentices on path to a trade

Registered Apprenticeship Program/Career and Technology Studies Scholarships
This year, 950 scholarships, valued at $1,000 or $1,500 each, are available to Alberta apprentices. Students can apply for scholarships online (www.tradesecrets.alberta.ca) before the June 29, 2012, deadline. The Registered Apprenticeship Program/Career and Technology Studies Scholarships recognize high school students’ accomplishments and are intended to encourage students to complete their apprenticeship training. Scholarships have been expanded this year to include students who have also completed Career and Technology Studies apprenticeship pathways in the trades. For more information, visit www.tradesecrets.alberta.ca and click on Scholarships & Awards.

Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Scholarships
This year, 450 Apprenticeship and Industry Training scholarships are available for apprentices and occupational trainees. These scholarships were created to recognize the excellence of Alberta apprentices in a trade or trainees in a designated occupation and to encourage recipients to complete their apprenticeship or occupational training programs. Scholarships are available in categories ranging from automotive trades to bakers to welders. For more information, visit www.tradesecrets.alberta.ca and click on Scholarships & Awards.

Award recognizes multiculturalism and integration

The Paul Yuzyk Award for Multiculturalism commemorates the late Senator Yuzyk’s pioneering legacy in establishing multiculturalism as one of the fundamental characteristics of Canadian heritage and identity. The award recognizes Canadians’ exceptional contributions to multiculturalism and integration of newcomers. One award is given annually for lifetime achievement or outstanding achievement. Award recipients receive a certificate signed by the minister of citizenship, immigration and multiculturalism and nominate a registered not-for-profit Canadian organization or association to receive a grant of $20,000. The deadline for the 2013 Paul Yuzyk Award for Multiculturalism is March 1, 2013. For more information about the award, visit www.cic.gc.ca/english/multiculturalism/paulyuzyk/index.asp.

Do you hold a leadership position?

The Educational Leadership Academy (ELA) is a five-day summer program designed to provide training for principals, assistant principals and others in leadership positions. This year’s guest speaker is Dr. Betty Garner. Participants are shown, among other things, how to become ethical leaders, communicate effectively and develop healthy working relationships. ELA is sponsored by the Alberta Teachers’ Association and the Council on School Administration. Participants can seek credit from the two major Alberta universities. ELA 2012 will be held July 9–13 at the Banff Park Lodge, Banff. For information, contact Leslie Kaun, ATA administrative assistant. Telephone: 780-447-9410 (Edmonton and area) or toll free at 1-800-232-7208; e-mail: ELA@ata.ab.ca.

Media Awareness Network becomes MediaSmarts

The Media Awareness Network has undergone a name change. Now known as MediaSmarts/HabiloMédias (www.mediasmarts.ca), the media awarness organization will continue to provide services and information to help children and youth develop the media smarts they need to be safe, savvy and informed in a digital world. In addition to launching a new brand and website, MediaSmarts has released findings from its Young Canadians in a Wired World study. “Talking to Youth and Parents about Life Online” highlights a dramatic shift in views towards the Internet, and a remarkable dichotomy between children and parents. The report can be downloaded from http://mediasmarts.ca/research-policy.

Youth mentoring youth

The Society for Safe and Caring Schools & Communities invites Alberta schools to participate in a peer-mentoring project for the upcoming school year. Involvement requires a commitment of one year and for students to mentor younger youth within their school or a feeder school. Youth will gain leadership skills and listening skills, as well as increased self-esteem and connectedness to their school. The project has been piloted successfully in four Alberta schools. For more information, contact Bev Dekker. Telephone: 780-822-1505; e-mail: bdekker@sacsc.ca.

TQS fees changing

Teacher Qualifications Service updated its fees on April 1, 2012. The new fee structure is $70 for the first evaluation, $120 for each subsequent re-evaluation and $50 for duplicates. For more information, visit the ATA website
(www.teachers.ab.ca) and click on Teaching in Alberta.

Visit the ATA on social media

In addition to visiting the Alberta Teachers’ Association’s website (www.teachers.ab.ca), teachers are invited to follow the ATA on Twitter (@albertateachers), Facebook (www.facebook.com/ABteachers) and YouTube (www.youtube.com/albertateachers).

Are you a CTF Project Overseas participant?

The Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF) invites Project Overseas participants to a reunion in Ottawa, July 3–5. Participants will celebrate the 50th anniversary of CTF’s international programs. For information and to register, visit the CTF website (www.ctf-fce.ca).

Raising water awareness

In her compelling article, University of Toronto graduate student Kate Campbell evaluates the effect that web-based educational multimedia can have on water literacy and environmental action in Canadian classrooms. Read more at www.watercan.com.

Calling all science and technology teachers

The ASM Materials Camp for Teachers is a five-day workshop combining innovative classroom instructions and laboratory experiences. The free workshop is designed to help science and technology teachers engage their students by using simple, low-cost/no-cost experiments that can be integrated into existing school plans. All workshop materials, accommodation and meals are free. Workshops will be offered June 18–22, at SAIT, in Calgary, or
July 2–6, Ashbury College, in Ottawa, Ontario. Visit www.asmfoundation.org for details and to register. 

Fight hate on the Internet

The Media Awareness Network (MNet) has released its Responding to Online Hate guide to assist law enforcement, community groups and educators in countering hateful content on the Internet. MNet’s guide offers information on how to report online hate to the police, host websites and Internet Service Providers and highlights services for victims who encounter hateful materials online. The guide is part of MNet’s Diversity and Media Toolbox—a suite of anti-hate resources. The Toolbox and guide are freely available at www.media-awareness.ca.  Hard copies of the guide can be ordered through info@media-awareness.ca.

Action for Peace: Dimensions of War and Peace

Action for Peace: Dimensions of War and Peace is a teaching unit for Grade 10 commissioned by Project Ploughshares Edmonton and developed by the John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights. Action for Peace explores the historical and present-day issues and effects of war, and calls for a reflection on the need for peace. The resource exams war; studies the history of nuclear warfare; discusses the effect of armed conflict on children; and encourages action through nonviolence and peace. The resource is available free for download from the Project Ploughshares Edmonton Branch website (www.ploughsharesedmonton.org/dimensions.pdf). For more information, visit the Project Ploughshares Edmonton Branch website (www.ploughsharesedmonton.org) and the John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights website (www.jhcentre.org).

What is the mental health of Canada’s young people?

The 2009/10 Health Behaviour in School-aged Children study is now available. The Health of Canada’s Young People: A mental health focus looks at the emotional and mental health of young people and its relationship with various health behaviours, outcomes and social factors. The study addressed unintentional injuries, healthy living, healthy weights, risky behaviours (including sexual health practices and substance use and abuse) and bullying. For more information about the report’s findings, visit www.publichealth.gc.ca and follow the links.

Healthy Interactions Workshops: Relationships are important

Healthy Interactions is a communications and conflict-resolution program offered by the ATA. A four-day workshop is available to teachers wishing to receive a certificate as a trained facilitator in the Healthy Interactions program. A two-day workshop is offered to individual teachers and principals to enhance their conflict-resolution skills. Visit the ATA website (www.teachers.ab.ca) for dates and locations. Registration is free to active ATA members and includes training materials, breakfast and lunch. Participants are responsible for substitute teacher costs, travel and accommodation costs. Registration forms are available from the ATA website. Space is limited. For information, contact Joyce Sherwin at Barnett House, in Edmonton. Telephone: 780-447-9400 (Edmonton and area) or 1-800-232-7208 (toll-free from elsewhere in Alberta). In Calgary, contact Cynthia Malner-Charest at SARO. Telephone:
403-265-2672 (Calgary and area) or 1-800-332-1280 (toll-free from elsewhere in Alberta).

Imagination and technology theme of 2012 conference

The Destination Innovation 2012 Conference will explore imaginative practices for learning with technology. The conference will provide a premiere PD opportunity for innovators on the leading edge of technology in learning and teaching, including educators, IT staff, administrators, researchers and teachers. The conference will be held at the Banff Centre, August 19–22, 2012. Destination Innovation is sponsored by the 2Learn.ca Education Society, Alberta Education, the Alberta Teachers’ Association, Alberta Technology Leaders in Education and the Educational Technology Council of the Alberta Teachers’ Association. Registration is now open. The Destination Innovation 2012 Conference team invites proposals that showcase the innovative practices of leading educational technology leaders. More information is available online (www.destinationinnovation2012.ca) and on Twitter (@Dest_2012).

Auto for sale

2008 Dodge Charger RT—Black exterior; leather-trimmed bucket seats; slate grey interior; AM/FM/CD/DED/HDD/MP3, navigation, 4WD, anti-lock brakes; rear spoiler; power sunroof, 123,000 kilometres

This vehicle can be seen by appointment at Barnett House. For information, contact Jeffrey Loke, ATA business manager, 11010-142 Street NW, Edmonton, T5N 2R1. Telephone: 780-447-9458 in Edmonton or
1-800-232-7208 from elsewhere in Alberta.

Sealed bids marked “Car Bid, Attention Jeffrey Loke” to the above address will be accepted until 5 P.M., June 22, 2012. The Alberta Teachers’ Association reserves the right to refuse the highest bid if it is deemed to be inadequate.

Stories and photos wanted

The ATA News is always on the lookout for interesting articles, photos and cartoons. Articles should not exceed 500 words and should be accompanied by a short byline, stating where you work and what you teach. Photos of teachers or students participating in interesting activities are welcome, as are cartoons. Don’t forget to include photo captions. Please note: Receipt of material does not guarantee its publication. Send your submissions to Managing Editor, the ATA News, 11010-142 Street, Edmonton, Alberta
T5N 2R1 or submit electronically to raymond.gariepy@ata.ab.ca.