The Alberta Teachers’ Association

There’s still time to nominate a great kid

Nominations are open until Dec. 9 for the Great Kids Awards, which recognize children and youth who do great things every day — at home, at school and in their community. From starting a fundraising campaign to being a well-rounded student, to showing leadership inside and outside the classroom, they demonstrate outstanding leadership, determination, generosity and compassion.

The Great Kids Awards, hosted by the government of Alberta, will honour 16 great kids at an awards ceremony this spring at the Fantasyland Hotel in Edmonton. All winners will receive a trophy and accommodations at the hotel. More information is available at www.greatkids.alberta.ca, by calling 780-415-8150 or emailing HS.greatkids@gov.ab.ca.

Cool trip available to win

Canada’s Coolest School Trip contest invites Grade 8 classes to submit a video for a chance to win an all-expense-paid trip for their entire class, including the teacher and chaperones, to Quebec’s La Mauricie National Park and to the historic sites of Québec City.

Students will canoe the breathtaking waters of La Mauricie National Park, hike to thundering waterfalls deep inside the park and glimpse the park’s many wildlife species. The students will also experience the life of a soldier at Lévis Forts National Historic Site, dine at the exclusive Québec Garrison Club National Historic Site and explore the rich history of the only remaining fortified city north of Mexico.

To enter, Grade 8 classes must pick a Parks Canada place that they think is extraordinary and create a one-minute video that demonstrates why their chosen place is significant to Canadians. Video entries must be submitted to the contest website no later than 4:59 p.m. Feb. 23. Winners will be announced in April, and the grand prize trip will take place during the first week of June.

There are eight other prizes available, and every teacher whose class submits an entry will receive a free Parks Canada family pass (value of $136). Contest details can be found at www.contest.myparkspass.ca.

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 cory.hare@ata.ab.ca.