During the Northern Lights Public Schools (NLPS) regular meeting, Wednesday Oct. 11, trustee Nestor Kunec highlighted key initiatives put forward by students of H.E Bourgoin Middle School.
“I had the pleasure of attending the H.E. Bourgoin open candidate forum, and there the students showed off initiatives they came up with for the Town of Bonnyville,” said NLPS trustee Nestor Kunec. “First, was the idea of a Christmas parade, which the grade 6 students had first initiated two years prior. Second, was the grass clipping recycling program, started by this year's grade 6 class.”
The students also focused on expanding winter activities throughout the Lakeland, in an attempt to create more recreational possibilities during the longest season of the year.
“One of the things that was pointed out is we have more winter than summer here. In other countries, kids can't wait for winter, and to go outside and do things. One of the things the kids were asking for, is a place to sled and toboggan,” explained Kunec.
A plethora of grants, scholarships, and awards were given out at the annual Bonnyville Centralized High School (BCHS) awards night.
“I attended the BCHS awards, where students received over $75,000 in grants and awards. It was an absolutely fantastic event. There were less university students than usual, but a few came out which was nice to see,” explained trustee Gary Kissel.
Board chair Mandi Skogen added to Kissel's comment.
“Sometimes the university students schoolwork doesn't allow for that extra travel time, but this really was a fantastic opportunity for the students. It's a great evening,” said Skogen.
NLPS is gearing up for their System Institute Day, where all 850 of their teachers and administrative staff will meet to discuss the future of the district.
Teachers from Duclos School, H.E Bourgoin, and Bonnyville Centralized High School will all give presentations regarding numeracy, literacy, and physical education. The event will take place at Aurora Middle School in Lac La Biche, on Friday Oct. 20.
The board will also give out their Friends of Education Award and staff will enjoy a presentation from American keynote speaker Todd Whitaker.
“It's our day to come together and focus as a division on professional development, and it's all aligned with our three-year plan. There's a lot of literacy and numeracy sessions, as well as sessions focusing on physical education,” explained Nicole Garner, communications officer for NLPS.
