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Teachers, administrators, students and parents are logging on to myalbertaschool.ca and telling us about what makes their school great. The most creative and compelling submissions will win prizes, such as an Apple iPad, and advance to the final round. In the finals, Albertans will vote on their favourite submission and award the top three schools with school enhancement bursaries that can be used to enhance the learning experience for their students. The top prize is a $5,000 bursary.
For complete contest details and to see some of the other submissions received, visit www.myalbertaschool.ca. You can also “like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/myalbertaschool or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/myalbertaschool. The deadline for submissions is November 17, 2010.
Here are excerpts from some of the submissions received so far.
Ottewell Junior High School, Edmonton
Not only does our daughter compete as an elite gymnast she also wants to do well academically. The precision of her sport is echoed in her desire to do well at school. The teachers and administrative staff at Ottewell School have been so supportive of her efforts, proving that academic excellence and sport can complement each other. Gone are the days when an athlete had to choose between school and sport. At least those days are gone at Ottewell School.
Webster Niblock School, Medicine Hat
I love my child’s school because the administration, teachers, support staff and parents all work together to provide the best learning environment imaginable! Just walk into our school and you can feel the welcoming and friendly vibes from the teachers saying hello to their students and parents, to the school council putting on a Welcome Back to School Carnival that the teachers all volunteer to work at. I feel so fortunate that my child can attend the best school in Medicine Hat!
High Prairie Elementary School, High Prairie
High Prairie Elementary School has to be one of the most caring, helpful and accommodating schools in Northern Alberta by far.
I have two special needs children enrolled in that school, and the teachers, administration and other students are wonderful. My daughter requires full-time aide support and supervision in her Grade 1 classroom. Even though my daughter only qualifies for funding that covers her aide half-time the school is covering the full-time costs. I am forever grateful. As a parent I could not ask for a better school and I will always do my best to find ways to help out.
John G. Diefenbaker High School, Calgary
In our school, teachers and students work collaboratively to achieve the goals of learning. It’s not an “us versus them” scenario, nor should it be. In this collaboration, teachers and students achieve a mutual respect and understanding. We all have the same goals; we all know we have to work together to achieve them; we all want to have fun while doing this; we all need to trust each other to do this. Working in a building that has so much trust and respect built into it far outstrips any benefit that air conditioning might have (although believe me, some days some good ol’ A/C would be a welcome relief!). I get up every day and I want to come to school because I’m excited to be working with these kids! The kids are excited to learn! Their teachers are excited about the things they get to do with students on a daily basis, and the students pick up on that.
Brooks Junior High School, Brooks
We believe that Brooks Junior High School (BJHS) is a family, and each one of us matters and counts. Quality education at BJHS is our goal. While the five core subjects (math, social studies, language arts, science and physical education) are a must, students can choose from many option classes according to their interests. I believe BJHS teachers are very understanding, respectful, polite and helpful. Because of the education I am receiving at BJHS, I can now look forward to a successful future!
Capitol Hill School, Calgary
This school does not just educate, it cultivates our children and exposes them to the world of the arts—a world many children are never blessed to know. They learn in an “outside the box” environment, because as we all know not all children learn the same way. Capitol Hill recognizes that and is dedicated to making sure children learn and have the tools to learn, no matter the approach.
This small school knows how to take care of our children and keep a watchful eye on them. They are not slipping through the cracks, because the teachers have an opportunity to know these kids, and take the time to know the parents. It takes us back to a time when schools were personal and people took the time to care and had a sense of real community.
Last year several teachers and staff had to leave due to educational cutbacks. It was most upsetting to us parents, and I hope that this essay will bring the attention and recognition Capitol Hill deserves, and that the staff get the recognition they deserve.
R. J. Hawkey Elementary, Airdrie
My school (R. J. Hawkey Elementary, in Airdrie) has undertaken a school reorganization of truly epic and life-changing proportions. In recognition of the proven benefits of taking student interests into account to provide for differentiation and stimulate learner engagement, we have chosen to reorganize our school to enable students to receive the mandated Alberta curriculum taught through the lens of one of four interest groupings. Beginning in Grade 2 and extending through to Grade 4, our students can have the curriculum taught through the interest grouping of visual and performing arts; sports and athletics; humanitarian and environmental; or scientific inquiry and innovation.
We have all felt a palpable sense of energy, excitement and enthusiasm as we explore our personal passions and interests. Preliminary results indicate an increase in attendance, for students and staff. We continue to provide opportunities for our staff to share their expertise and develop their interests for teaching a particular curricular concept. We are excited, energized and enthused as we provide an engaging environment for all!
Provost Public School, Provost
I’m grateful for the extra mile staff goes to keep in contact with us parents and involve us in the daily activities as much as our schedule allows. Our public education experience has been positive because of their expertise, efforts and willingness to serve!
I’m a fan of public education because I realize that we’ve been created for relationship and when staff and parents collaborate, we can positively influence a growing life in a safe environment. There is much value in effective and efficient team work on the public level. ... Success is shared!
Glendale School, Calgary
It is exciting to think that five- to seven-year-olds will be discussing the current issue of bee colony collapse disorder, pesticides, possible malnutrition among honeybees, mites affecting the health of the bees in the hive, possible immune-suppressing viruses like AIDS killing the bees, cell phones interfering with the bee’s ability to fly, etc.
This is what wakes me up before my alarm and makes me so proud to be a teacher, and I believe what makes the children arrive with a smile and curiosity on a daily basis at Glendale school. I am so very proud to be learning alongside my students on a daily basis.
Juno Beach Academy, Calgary
I only need words to explain why my school is great. I am in Grade 10 at Juno Beach Academy. I have home schooled all my life and this is the first year of public school. My school is great because I’m happy. I’m happy because I expected to not have a good time in public school but it’s great! My teachers are nice and I’m making new friends. I like the location, building and staff.
That is why my school is great. Thank you for your time.
Holy Family Academy, Brooks
Holy Family Academy is an awesome place to be. When you walk through the doors you can feel your energy change. You feel good about yourself and being there working with the kids and all the adults around you. It’s like you are One Big Family. I wish that all schools could be like Holy Family Academy.
Viking School, Viking
We offer guitar classes and a wonderful art program. This year, we raised enough money to build a new playground and the students love it! The staff pulls together when something needs to be done and our cleaning staff is absolutely amazing. The school is safe and students respect one another.
