Notices & Events

June 14, 2011

Crystal meth subject of free student DVD

The devastating effect of crystal meth is the theme of Wasted Angels, by Multi-Youth Productions, in Stony Plain. The student performers, under the direction of school teacher Carol Gilchrist, write and produce theatre productions on subjects of interest to junior and senior high students. Wasted Angels has been filmed professionally and is available at no cost to schools across Alberta. To obtain a free copy of the DVD and teacher’s manual, contact Judy Kesanko, Multicultural Heritage Centre. Telephone: 780-963-2777 (Tuesdays and Wednesdays); e-mail: judyk@multicentre.org.


Indoor garden program recruiting schools

For the past four winters, 25 schools and child service agencies were the fortunate recipients of an indoor garden through Cityfarm’s Little Green Thumbs program. The program is currently looking for school classes and agencies to participate in its 2011/12 program. Volunteer support and training will be provided to teachers, agency leaders and volunteers in the fall. Gardens are installed in December and seeds are started in January. The indoor garden provides wonderful opportunities for multisensory and hands-on learning. Application deadline is June 24, 2011. Apply for an indoor garden program by contacting Claudia Bolli at claudia@city-farm.org or visit the program’s website at www.city-farm.org.


Peat lands are vital

The Burns Bog Conservation Society is a registered charity that focuses on educating people about the importance of peat lands to the health of our environment. Peat lands (bogs, swamps, mires and muskeg) absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which means they play a major role in moderating climate change. The Burns Bog Conservation Society, located in British Columbia, offers resources and teacher’s guides. All resources are curriculum-based and can be integrated into English, math, art and science classes. For more information, contact Eliza Olson at 1-888-850-6264 or visit www.burnsbog.org.


Teachers helping colleagues in Slave Lake

The recent fire in Slave Lake destroyed many homes, some of which belonged to teachers. Delegates attending the Annual Representative Assembly, held in Edmonton over the Victoria Day long weekend, endorsed a resolution encouraging locals “to make financial contributions through the Alberta Teachers’ Association to be used to address the needs of teachers affected by the devastating fires in the Slave Lake area.” Individual teachers wanting to make donations should contact those agencies assisting residents affected by the fires.


We’d like to hear your story

Did you leave teaching after three to five years in an Alberta school? Did you graduate from an Alberta faculty of education? Did you graduate with a BEd but have you never had a full-time continuing contract in a school? Do you want to tell your story? Researchers at the University of Alberta are interested in learning why teachers leave teaching after only a few years. It is hoped that the information gathered will influence schools and government policies. Identities of participants will be kept confidential. For more information, contact the researchers at teacherattrition@gmail.com or 780-492-7770.


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. 

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