The Alberta Teachers’ Association

Free cricket coaching to schools

Are your students crazy about cricket? The 2011 Cricket World Cup opens February 17, so now is the time to get your students into the game. The Alberta Schools Cricket Association (ASCA) offers free coaching. For information and details, contact ASCA—e-mail:  asca_cricket@yahoo.com; website: www.ascacricket.com.

Freedom to Read Week—February 20-26, 2011

Freedom to Read Week is an annual event that encourages Canadians to think about and reaffirm their commitment to intellectual freedom, which is guaranteed them under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Freedom to Read Week is organized by the Freedom of Expression Committee of the Book and Periodical Council. For information, links and resources, visit www.freedomtoread.ca.

Creating a new narrative for the next Alberta

Learning Our Way as Aspiring Albertans, a public dialogue featuring Michael Adams, author and president of Environics, and Jean Twenge, professor of psychology, San Diego State University, will take place March 17, 2011, at the Sutton Place Hotel, in Edmonton. Stephen Murgatroyd, chief scout, Innovation Expedition, will act as moderator, and Pasi Sahlberg, director general of the Centre for International Mobility (CIMO) in Helsinki, Finland, will respond to the keynote presenters. Following the evening public lecture, the invitational symposium Educational Futures—International Perspectives on Innovation from the Inside Out will be held March 18 and 19 at the Sutton Place Hotel. More information on the Learning Our Way as Aspiring Albertans event, including ticket prices, is available at www.learningourway.ca.

Increase your literacy skills

ABC Life Literacy Canada is a non-profit organization working to inspire Canadians to increase their literacy skills. The organization mobilizes business, government and communities to support lifelong learning and achieve its goals through leadership in programs, communications and partnerships. For information on adult literacy, visit www.abclifeliteracy.ca; follow on Twitter (@Life_Literacy) or on Facebook.

Sparking imagination and igniting stars

Anyone who has played an instrument, sung in a choir or delivered a line on stage understands the joy of expressing oneself through the arts. In February and March, more than 12,000 amateur musicians and speech arts performers will take the stage at the Calgary Kiwanis Festival. The performing arts can spark passion and with the right encouragement, ignite a star. That’s why the theme for this year’s festival is “Ignite a Star.” The annual adjudicated festival provides learning and development opportunities that support and strengthen music and speech arts. Not only does it provide a tangible goal for performers, but more than $50,000 in scholarships are awarded. The Calgary Kiwanis Festival takes place February 28–March 19. Registration is open. For more information, visit www.calgarykiwanisfestival.com.

Celebrate Canada’s multifaith communities

Edmonton Interfaith Centre, a local non-profit organization, has published its multifaith calendar for 2011. The calendar, published in Canada, features major and minor holidays, feasts and fast days of 14 different religions. The calendar is an invaluable resource for promoting harmony and understanding in an increasingly multicultural world. The calendar is $16 (no GST), plus postage and handling. The Centre also sells posters relating to peace and environmental stewardship. For more information about the Centre or to purchase calendars, contact the Centre. Telephone: 780- 413-6159; fax: 780-413-6143; e-mail: intfaith@shaw.ca; website: www.edminterfaithcentre.ca.

Relay for Life rallies hope

The Youth Relay for Life Program is a Canadian Cancer Society initiative giving students an opportunity to join with their families and friends in celebrating cancer survivors, remembering loved ones touched by cancer and raising awareness about preventing and curing cancer. Schools are invited to host a Relay for Life event. It is a chance for staff and students to participate in fun activities and honour those who have survived cancer and/or who have died from cancer. It is also an educational opportunity to learn more about cancer, its early detection, screening and prevention. For information, visit www.cancer.ca/albertayouthrelay or contact Colin Edington. Telephone: 403-303-3519; e-mail: relayforlifeyouth@cancer.ab.ca.

St. Paul Regional HS to host 2011 reunion

St. Paul Regional High School, St. Paul, invites all teachers and support staff (1970–2011) to attend a school reunion on June 4, 2011. For information, call 1-780-645-4491 or e-mail mr-g@telusplanet.net.

ATA workshops for only $100

ATA workshop fees are only $100 per workshop. For information, visit the Alberta Teachers’ Association website (www.teachers.ab.ca) and under the heading Professional Development, click on Workshops, Courses and Presentations to obtain information. Book a workshop by contacting Barnett House, in Edmonton. Telephone: 780-447-9417 (in Edmonton and area) or call toll-free in Alberta at 1-800-232-7208 or by e-mail at pdworkshops@ata.ab.ca. Please book workshops six weeks in advance.

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.