The third annual School Community Council Workshop was held last week at North Battleford Comprehensive High School, allowing both parents and students to take a closer look at initiatives and programs within Living Sky School Division.
Randy Fox, LSSD's director of education, said, "we all need to think about how we support student learning," adding school community councils are an integral component of the school division.
Special guest Crandall Hrynkiw, Ministry of Education regional director, echoed that statement, saying school community councils help set goals for schools and help promote initiatives within the school community.
"It's encouraging to see the enthusiasm people have for school community councils," he said, praising LSSD for holding the annual workshop.
Participants were able to choose from a variety of sessions, including discussions on topics such as social media and school bus transportation, as well as board forums, where attendees could meet LSSD board members and hear some of their objectives.
Donna Desroches, LSSD learning resources consultant, explained some of the changes taking place in school libraries, which saw many libraries disposing of old and irrelevant materials and creating more space for students to sit and enjoy reading.
"There's nothing worse than keeping old stuff on our shelves that's giving false information to our kids," said Desroches.
Much attention is also being given to the atmosphere in school libraries, ensuring there are comfortable seating areas and easily accessible, relevant displays.
"I think it's important not to have all these signs that say, 'Don't Don't Don't,'" she added.
Libraries are also attempting to replenish their shelves with materials to support the new curricula being introduced by the schools as part of the provincial mandate.
Desroches also discussed the evolving nature of the library as technology begins to play a larger role. At least three school libraries now have Kindles or E-Readers that can be loaned to students, which broadens the range of reading materials available.
"I think our library technicians' jobs are changing drastically," said Desroches, explaining much of a library technician's time was previously spent processing, cataloguing and storing books, but now maintaining the library's webpage is a priority.
Herman Bugler Jr., LSSD's HR administrator, spoke on the topic of First Nation Cultural Awareness, taking the time to dispel some common myths with a Jeopardy-style game that challenged participants to correctly identify cultural practices and current events pertaining to First Nation, Métis and Inuit people.
Bugler said when he was growing up, it was rare to see First Nations people in many careers, and although that situation is slowly changing, he said there aren't enough positive role models, explaining positive role models don't have to be professional athletes or celebrities, but everyday people who have turned their lives around and are contributing to society.
"Those positive stories and stories of perseverance, if we could get those out there, it would be beautiful," said Bugler.
Bugler said everyone, from teachers, students and members of school community councils, has a role to play in dispelling racism and encouraging success among First Nations students.
"You have to do what you can to make everybody feel welcome," he asserted.
Brian Quinn, LSSD superintendent of curriculum and instruction, went through the provincial report, Inspiring Movement, which advocates more physical activity among youth.
Quinn explained the school division is working towards implementing half an hour of exercise before school for both students and teachers, in order to help students learn.
Sherron Burns, arts education consultant for the division, talked about efforts in bringing the schools and communities closer together by identifying local artists, craftspeople and festivals, and incorporating them into art instruction in the school.
Initiatives include artist visits and field trips to local art galleries or museums.
Other sessions included the new high school math curriculum and differentiated instruction, a method of identifying students' levels of learning and adapting teaching methods accordingly.
