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Wanted: Passionate people
Mark your calendars for the first-ever Edmonton Volunteer Fair, April 16. Volunteer Edmonton, in partnership with West Edmonton Mall and the City of Edmonton, is hosting a one-of-a-kind volunteer recruitment event in celebration of National Volunteer Week (April 10–16). The fair will feature 100 different nonprofit organizations presenting their volunteer opportunities. Teachers and students are invited to make a mark on their community by joining us on April 16. The Edmonton Volunteer Fair will be held at West Edmonton Mall, Lower Level Stage, Phase 1, Saturday, April 16, 11 A.M.–4 P.M. For more information, visit www.volunteeredmonton.com.
Do you know where Canyon School’s time capsule is hidden?
Canyon School in Pincher Creek is celebrating its 50th anniversary on June 10, 2011. All former staff and students are invited to attend. Celebrations will feature old-fashioned games, a beef dinner, a fashion show, singing, and a sock hop in the school gymnasium. A time capsule will be created to mark the anniversary. Anyone with information about where the first time capsule is hidden is asked to contact the school. Please RSVP to the school if you plan to attend the anniversary celebrations. Telephone: 402-627-3118; e-mail: s-canyon@lrsd.ab.ca or robbinsl@lrsd.ab.ca.
UNESCO invites teachers to contribute to wiki directory project
What are the most successful, effective and productive educational activities promoting a culture of peace in Canada? UNESCO is collecting and publishing a directory of projects that encourage a culture of peace and respect for human rights and democratic values. The project will contribute to UNESCO’s International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World. For more information, visit http://directorypeace.blogspot.com/ (English) or www.repertoirepaix.com/ (French).
Reaching out to Japanese teacher colleagues
The Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF), in addition to inviting CTF member organizations to respond to Education International’s (EI) urgent appeal for Japan, also invites individual donations from teachers and member organizations’ staff. Funds will supplement the EI appeal to meet the needs of Japanese teachers in these difficult circumstances. Please send your donation to the CTF Trust Fund and mark it for the International Aid for Japan. Mail donations to CTF Trust Fund, 2490 Don Reid Drive, Ottawa, ON K1H 1E1. Tax receipts for individual donations will be issued. Visit CTF’s website for more information (www.ctf-fce.ca).
Visit a working farm and orchard
Sprout Farms offers fieldtrips for students in elementary school. The working farm and apple orchard, located north of Edmonton, provides students with hands-on learning activities. Students learn about bees and their importance in nature, and they learn about trees, soil and sheep. Full-day programs are offered in May and June. For information, visit www.sproutfarms.ca.
Do you suffer from back pain?
A researcher in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Alberta is seeking volunteers for a research study on exercise and low back pain. People with low back pain will be randomly assigned to one of two different exercise programs. For more information or to volunteer, visit www.uofaweb.ualberta.ca/pt/backpainexercisetrial.cfm or contact Dr. Eric Parent at 780-991-6038.
School counselling master’s program deadline extended
The University of Alberta’s Master’s Program in School Counselling is designed for teachers working in Edmonton and area schools who wish to pursue graduate studies in counselling. The deadline for application has been extended to May 30, 2011. The program enables teachers to continue working in the school system full-time while pursuing a degree. The two-year, part-time degree program offers course instruction during the summer and on alternate Saturdays, September–April. For information, visit www.edpsychology.ualberta.ca/GraduatePrograms/SchoolCounselling/ProgramHistoryDescription.aspx.
Learn about school ground greening
Learn about outdoor classrooms and receive a grant to create a naturescape at your school. Toyota Evergreen Learning Grounds is offering two workshops in Edmonton on April 12, “Spruce up a grey schoolyard with native plants” and on April 19, “Have big food fun in a small school garden.” For details, visit www.evergreen.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 raymond.gariepy@ata.ab.ca.
