South east cornerstone public school division september 2013 newsletter

AND FROM This ORNER...C

Director’s School Visits 2013/2014

September 2013

highlights-Director’s school visits 2013/2014

What would your day be like if the Director of Education visited your school for a day? For some students in the west region of the South East Cornerstone Public School Division (SECPSD),their eager faces and smiles spoke volumes of their excitement during the Director’s School Visits for 2013/2014. Students scurried along the hallways, some stopped to greet the team, while others excitedly shared stories of their educational encounters. It was quite the experience!

As part of the school engagement and communication initiative, Director of Education Dr. Marc Casavant used the opportunity to view the school plant with Principals, as well as get a first-hand experience of the kind of environment that students and staff learn and work in, and how those can be improved to ensure continued student success and achievement. The Division values a positive environment that enables each person to achieve their potential. Of particular importance was the opportunity for Principals to share their Mathematics Action Plans.

As a primary priority, SECPSD will focus efforts at the division, school and classroom levels to increase student achievement in Mathematics.

The Division envisions that students will perform at or significantly above the provincial level in all grade levels at all standards of achievement, as measured by provincial assessment standards by the end of the 2013-2014 school year. Through the realignment of priorities to ensure consistent goals with the priorities of the Ministry, the creation of Math Action Plans, as well as professional development and workshop sessions, the Division will seek to create common language and understanding among teachers and administrators.

As the school year progresses, Dr. Casavant will visit other schools in the western region. Stay tuned for highlights about a school in your area!

AND FROM THIS CORNER...AND FROM THIS CORNER...

September 2013

September 2013

Below left: Principal of Ogema School Tracey Eden shares his experience with Dr. Marc Casavant

Above right:Talk about excited! Students strike a pose before heading to class!

Below left: Student searches for content to be used during a class session.

Above right: Resources, resources and more resources!

Below left: Students at different grade levels read to each other.

Below left: There is always time to Drop Everything And Read (DEAR) during the day.

As the school year progresses, Dr. Casavant will visit otherschools in the western region. Stay tuned for highlights about a school in your area!

Above right: English as an Additional Language (EAL) Consultant, Liz Rowley, explains language jargons to students.

Student explains Math Action Plan to Dr. Casavant.

Above right: Kindergarten students recite a lesson for the Director.

mathematics as ahuman endeavour at

ogema school

In an era where everything can be easily accessed through the world wide web, educators are finding more innovative ways to ensure our students still grasp and understand basic concepts which are crucial to their growth and development, as they become worthwhile contributors to society. With varied learning styles, and with students understanding things differently, teachers are finding more innovative ways to provide students with different tools and strategies to learn.

“As a parent, when I look back at my own education and the way Math is now, I don’t feel like it has changed a huge amount, but it is perceived as though it has changed...we’re still doing the same things we did before, we are just allowing kids to choose the way they learn best. Just because we’re teaching all these different options and strategies, doesn’t mean they have to pick the typical, ordinary, traditional way.” noted one Math teacher.

Administrators are passionate about ensuring that students have the requisite skill sets as they engage in professional or personal pursuits. It is important for students to understand the importance of subjects and experiences which they feel might not be necessary, but which might become mandatory once they enter the world of work or higher education.

Through parent surveys and in-house assessment, administrators are able to provide more assistance, tools and techniques to ensure higher levels of parent involvement and collaboration. In understanding Math as a human endeavour, the school also uses a cross-cultural approach to mathematics instruction. Students are able to transfer learning and examine how math can be used in different subject areas.

The Ogema school community believes in academic success for every student. Within the community, there is a safe, healthy environment that contributes to responsible citizenship. During your next visit to Ogema, stop by Ogema School and experience the warm and inviting school environment that smells, and perhaps even tastes like home.

What would your day be like if the Director of Education visited your school for a day? For some students in the west region of the South East Cornerstone Public School Division (SECPSD),their eager faces and smiles spoke volumes of their excitement during the Director’s School Visits for 2013/2014. Students scurried along the hallways, some stopped to greet the team, while others excitedly shared stories of their educational encounters. It was quite the experience!

As part of the school engagement and communication initiative, Director of Education Dr. Marc Casavant used the opportunity to view the school plant with Principals, as well as get a first-hand experience of the kind of environment that students and staff learn and work in, and how those can be improved to ensure continued student success and achievement. The Division values a positive environment that enables each person to achieve their potential. Of particular importance was the opportunity for Principals to share their Mathematics Action Plans.

As a primary priority, SECPSD will focus efforts at the division, school and classroom levels to increase student achievement in Mathematics.

The Division envisions that students will perform at or significantly above the provincial level in all grade levels at all standards of achievement, as measured by provincial assessment standards by the end of the 2013-2014 school year. Through the realignment of priorities to ensure consistent goals with the priorities of the Ministry, the creation of Math Action Plans, as well as professional development and workshop sessions, the Division will seek to create common language and understanding among teachers and administrators.

As the school year progresses, Dr. Casavant will visit other schools in the western region. Stay tuned for highlights about a school in your area!

Physics teacher at the Weyburn Comprehensive School, Karen Kennedy-Allin, is among the 22 teachers selected through an application process to review the provincial Physics 30 curriculum.

Four of the 22 teachers, including Kennedy-Allin, met during an intense three day writing session to figure out a new Physics curriculum for SK. From develop-ing the most important areas of study, to finding the best words for outcomes, these teachers engaged in animated discussions.

The teachers form the writing committee shaping the Physics 30 curriculum, but the process they are going through echoes that which goes into reviewing all other subjects, from physical education to art or math. These teachers, who are on the front line in deciding what children will learn in the classroom, are, fittingly, those who will also teach it.

According to Allin “Science is getting even more exciting in SK. It was an incredible experience and I feel very thankful to be apart of it. We completed a preliminary draft and I think it looks absolutely wonderful. We will be meeting again in May to revisit our work, and likely a couple more times before it is implemented in 2016.”

After the team has created the Physics curriculum, the Ministry will evaluate the document, with piloting in classrooms, feedback and more tweaking to follow. The document will utilmately guide the teachers across the province.

Some information excerpted from the Leader Post

cornerstone teacher among those creating sk curriculum

cornerstone teacher among those creating sk curriculum

September 2013

Students take the time to read during a class session at Ogema School

OUR JOURNEY WITH a FRIENDA Grade 4/5 perspective

Creating a positive environment that enables each person to achieve his or her potential is valued and exemplified each day inside the halls of our schools. For the SECPSD, education that includes physical, emotional, social, academic and spiritualdevelopment is imperative to the development and success of the whole person.

Grade 4/5 classroom teacher Jody Abel, like other teachers in the Division, goes the extra mile to ensure all her students receive the best education possible through continuous improvement of teaching and learning and the use of innovative practices. Her humility and level of dedication in ensuring success and achievement for all her students are admirable.

For Jody and her grade 4/5 class, using different methodologies to ensure all her students feel a part of her classroom environment is very important; the opportunity to reach different students with varied learning styles is fulfilling.

“Ever so often we have a reminder that it doesn’t matter if you have autism or are blind or have no arms, we willfind a way for you to learn,” a humble Jody noted. Take a minute to read the following excerpt which was written by the classabout their journey with *John.

“John is our friend with Autism. This means his brain works differently than ours so we help him out. When our year startedit was kind of scary and we didn’t know what John would do. When he first moved to our school he was a little bit off track,now he is so smart. He used to be wild and knock things down. He learned how to be calm and good because he watched us.He repeated things we said.

We learned that even though someone has Autism, it does not mean they are not smart. John listens very well. He learns a lot. Just because he can’t speak, doesn’t mean he has nothing to say. In class, he writes stuff down. Sometimes he uses hiscomputers. His software puts pictures with his sentence to help him understand it. We wrote biographies about celebrities, he wrote about himself. We write paragraphs, he writes words or sentences. He can do gym and the 10 minute run. He likes it because he is smiling and laughing. In Science, he does experiments too. Instead of writing some things down, he has to sort and glue them into the right place. He hates starting new things in Math and he hates zeros. We taught him that zeros are okay by giving him a fart machine. If he did a question with a zero, then he got to push the fart button to make a fart noise. After a while, he could push it after 2 questions, then a whole row. Now he never really uses it. His favourite unit was geometry. He still writes lines of symmetry and tells us what is symmetrical. He knows that squares have diagonals but always remembers that rectangles don’t.

When we got sea monkeys we knew that he hates new things. So we started with plain water. That way when he got stressed out and dumped it, it was just water. After 3 dumps, he was used to it and we put in the eggs. We should have done that with stick bugs. They went flying, but that was a long time ago.

We got a new student in May. John got very upset. He thought it was a new substitute. He loves Mrs. Abel. We knew what was wrong so we wrote him a social story and read it to him three times. We write social stories for him when he is having a hard time. With autism, his brain gets too many messages. Social stories tell his brain what is going on so he calms down. He can be very funny. He copies Mrs. Abel. Mrs. Abel says she doesn’t stick out her bum like that. John does his very best all day. He does good because he is comfortable. He knows we like him. He is our buddy.

If you have a friend with special needs in your classroom, you can help them get through rough times. We can try our best to help them be happy with us. They learn the most from us, and kids just want to have fun with their friends. When you are with them, just be you. They just want to be friends. Now we all get along like nobody’s business.”

At the SECPSD, we value personal growth and development for all students, as well as productive teamwork. What a difference the support of an entire class can make in the life of one student!

* student name changed


September 2013

using data at gladmar school

Helping others at Gladmar Regional School

Depending on the context, the acronym DATA can mean different things for different people. For administration and students at GladmarRegional, DATA is their approach to developing a Math Action Plan.

The template includes the Different interventions used by staff, a new Achievement level expected for students, the amount of Time until thegoal can be achieved and the Assessment evidence that indicates if thegoal has been accomplished.

Using different interventions, teachers will implement new strategiesin each classroom to assist in achieving classroom and/or school achievement levels. Each teacher will develop specific gradelevel math vocabulary to ensure consistency in comprehension betweenstudents and staff. Staff will compare the students’ ability to meet expectations, which will be used as a benchmark for ensuing school years.

As part of the Math Action Plan, the school uses a Math Fact Honour Rollto generate friendly competition among students and encourages studentsto work harder to achieve better results. Students set individual goals to improve their math test fluency, with teachers dedicating time each weekfor fluency practice using research based strategies.

The Data Wall above highlights the number of M’s from each outcome in number strands at the end of the school year. Each graph highlights a different grade level. The school will continue to monitor and assess the progress of students, and use best practices to ensure student success.

Physical Education teacher at Rocanville School,David Sandomirsky, was recognized by the SKPhysical Education Association as the QDPE Professional of the Year for his involvement and contribution in providing the skills and attitudesnecessary to make active living a way of life.

A humble Sandomirsky has been involved in the implementation of QDPE at Rocanville School; the school has received the QDPE Award every year since Sandomirsky joined the teaching staff nine years ago. As a role model for the students, he has assisted in the creation of assessment tools and unpacking of the curriculum outcomes through Professional Learning Committees.

In his presentation to the Board of Education, he noted the importance of engaging in moderate to intense activities on a daily basis, and has led division wide professional development days andSPEA sessions at the provincial level. Sandormirsky lauded the support of his school administrators, whoensured that all students have sufficient minutes andphysical education specialists, as well as colleagues who support the intramural program and offer a well-rounded extra-curricular program for students.

The South East Cornerstone Public School Divisionlauds the work of David Sandomirsky and wishes forhim continued success and achievement.

sandomirsky receives quality daily physical education awardsandomirsky receives quality

daily physical education award

September 2013

GRS Math Action Plan and Data Wall

in your neck of the prairies...monthly school highlights

Maryfield Golfers off to Provincials

Students Copp Gold and Silver at Provincial Greenhouse Contest

Every month for fifteen minutes, at different intervals during the day, students stop what they are doing and enjoy logic puzzles and brain teasers. As part of the Maryfield School Action Plan, students are encouraged to take on the challenge of logic puzzles in order to enhance their analytical skills. Students are exercising their brains in interesting and creative ways!

Two Maryfield School students went to provincials last Thursday, Friday and Saturday. They had to make the long trip north of Meadow Lake. At the sr. district playoffs held at Kenosee on Thursday, September 19, Kelly K. brought home the district gold for jr. girls. At provincials, she placed 15 of 38. She has many more years of provincial competition ahead of her. Brayden S. placed third at districts and 35 of 67 in provincials. Other golfers included Mac K., Derrick K., Riley S and Cooper C.

Submitted- Maryfield School

Four students of the Estevan Comprehensive School walked away with provincial gold and silver medals during theSaskpower Greenhouse Ecoclips contest.

The Communication Media 20 class, under the tutelage of Brian Wright, prepared an ecoclip entitled, “Conservation in the Home.” First place winners each received new laptops, with second place winners receiving iPod touches. Cooper M. and Kyle G. placed first, with Tate W. and Curtis M. placing second. The video can be accessed at the following link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cU3F0M6Wvs

The South East Cornerstone Public School Division congratulates these students on a job well done and wishes for them continued success and achievement.

During the month of September, many students took to the streets for the annual Terry Fox Run. At MacLeod School in Moosomin for example, a total of $6574.38 was raised for the initiative. Fred Fox visited the school and shared stories about his brother and officially opened the fundaraiser for the school for 2013.

As possibly the largest display of solidarity in the fight against cancer, students learn from Terry’s example of perseverance and helping others.

Twelve student leaders and four advisors returned from an experience of a lifetime in Montague, Prince Edward Island. Over 700 students and 200 advisors attended the Canadian Student Leadership Conference similar to the one hosted last year in Weyburn and they continued to get raves about the fabulous conference Weyburn held. All students should have the opportunity to attend this week filled with motivational speakers, workshops and a lot of learning, not only about leadership, but about our very diverse country. Next year’s conference will be held in Kelowna, B.C. and they will be celebrating the 30th anniversary of this conference started by Yorkton Regional High School in 1984.Submitted- Weyburn Comprehensive

The Assiniboia Park Elementary School has been chosen to participate in the Mackenzie Art Gallery Provincial Outreach Program. The school will host a display of original First Nations and Aboriginal Artwork by artists Bob Boyer, Angelique Merasty, Allen Sapp and Kevin McKenzie. During these two days, students will view the artwork and participate in workshops led by the curator Ken Duzeck. The students and staff will also host an Art Reception. The Assiniboia family is proud to have been selected.

Above: Fred Fox at Moosomin School


September 2013

Terry Fox Run 2013

4 the Love of Math

Weyburn students return from Student Leadership Conference

Assiniboia Chosen for Mackenzie Art GalleryProvincial Outreach Program.

For the first time in 35 years, the Board of Education of the South East Cornerstone Public School Division was recognized by the SEDAA for outstanding support to the students, schools and athletic programs, as well as a commitment to the philosophy of student athletics.

As the second highest award presented by the association, Commissioner of Athletics, Fred Jerred, lauded the support of the Board to ensure the success of students and the viability of the program.

As one of the first school divisions to recognize the value of personnel to coordinate athletics, the Board and senior management team ensured there was a full time Commissioner of Athletics on hand to provide the needed support to students and the District. The Board also provided financial support, as well as sub releases for all levels of athletic competition.

“The board of trustees is made up of members who have been terrific advocates for high school sports. Their support and leadership are second to none,” noted Jerred.

Along with providing financial support, the trustees, along with the senior management team, are active in the activities of the South East District and attend the general meeting every year. Of particular importance is the opportunity to provide feedback by the SEDAA Executive. Members are allowed to express issues or concerns to the school division; an opportunity that many other districts only dream of having.

Board Chair Harold Laich accepted the award on behalf of the Board and expressed gratitude to the association for the acknowledgement.

“We sincerely appreciate the efforts of the Senior Leadership Team and the SEDAA executive in providing support for the extracurricular program. And we very much commend the work of Fred Jerred, our Athletic Commissioner, for the exceptional contribution he has made to athletics in our school division as well as education in Saskatchewan. The SEDAA Service Award is, indeed, a credit to all involved,” reiterated Laich.

The Tell Them From Me school survey is used to measure factors that are known to affect academicachievement and other outcomes, as outlined inthe 21 indicators on school and classroom effectiveness for the SECPSD.

Approximately 53% of the students were surveyed between the elementary and secondary levels, in areas such as school environment, academics, math and school completion, which aligned with the divisions’ priorities of mathematics and graduation rates. The results indicate similarities between the SECPSD students and Canadian counterparts.

At both the secondary and elementary levels for example, students indicated they have a positive sense of belonging, have friends at school they can trust and feel safe attending school; in the area of academics, students complete homework with a positive attitude and in a timely manner, are interested and motivated in their learning and try hard to succeed in their learning.

At the secondary level, students’ average reported mark was 80% in mathematics, when compared with the Canadian norm of 77%. At least 74% of our students have a high likelihood of high school completion, when compared to the Canadian average of 71%.

The Division will use the results of the survey forstrategic planning at the Division level, as well as a school-based approach to addressing some of the 21 indicators of school and classroom effectiveness.

Every month for fifteen minutes, at different intervals during the day, students stop what they are doing and enjoy logic puzzles and brain teasers. As part of the Maryfield School Action Plan, students are encouraged to take on the challenge of logic puzzles in order to enhance their analytical skills. Students are exercising their brains in interesting and creative ways!

Two Maryfield School students went to provincials last Thursday, Friday and Saturday. They had to make the long trip north of Meadow Lake. At the sr. district playoffs held at Kenosee on Thursday, September 19, Kelly K. brought home the district gold for jr. girls. At provincials, she placed 15 of 38. She has many more years of provincial competition ahead of her. Brayden S. placed third at districts and 35 of 67 in provincials. Other golfers included Mac K., Derrick K., Riley S and Cooper C.

Submitted- Maryfield School

tell them from me survey 2013tell them from me survey 2013

September 2013

A FIRST IN 35 YEARSboard receives sedaa service award

(South East District Athletic Association)

We`re ready for the school year!

in your neck of the prairies...monthly school highlights

Using Data in Mathematics to Measure and Monitor Student Growth at Gordon F. Kells

Support Habitat for Humanity

World Food Day Poster Competition

Mrs. Walter and her Grade 2/3 class at Haig School are very fortunate to have been selected as one of the sixty classrooms across the United States and Canada to to be part of Classroon Champions Program. Classroom Champions is a non-profit organization that uses Olympians and Paralympians to inspire student to recognize their potential, set goals and dreambig. Focusing on their own personal journey, athletes teachabout the hard work of training, goal setting, competition and perseverance.

As part of the program, our class has been paired with Brittany Schussler- a long track speed skater. Brittany is a two time Olympian, two time World Champion and six time world cupmedalist. Throughout the year, we will exchange letters, videomessages and engage in live video chats with Brittany. In exchange our class received a flat screen television, Apple TVand an Ipad to help incorporate technology and digital literacy into the program and interact with our athlete.

Each month is a different topic that coordinates with our outcomes in Health, Social Studies and Active Living in PhysicalEducation. The program supports the curriculum, focusing onletter writing, reading, geography, math, technology, goalsetting and leadership. It will be fantastic and very exciting forthe students to follow along with our athlete this year and cheerher on in Sochi at the Winter Olympics in February.

To watch the videos that Brittany has created for us along withother athlete mentors, please visit www.classroomchampions.org

As a data driven school division, school-based initiatives and learning outcomes are continuously measured and monitored to determine student growth and areas for improvement. At Gordon F. Kells School, the staff realize that in order to improve mathematics instruction, each individual within the school community has a role to play; mathematics is not only the job of the mathematics teacher.

To ensure higher levels of success and achievementin mathematics, the school administration incorporated higher level strategies, increased time for struggling students and provided more opportunities for mathematics based instruction, in a colloborative effort.

Within the school there are three areas of the mathematicsinitiative. With the fluid streaming level for example, students are assessed at the beginning of every unit and the level of intervention required is determined. The assessment highlights the skills that are necessary at a specific grade level, and the students’ level of competence at that level. Student performance is continually assessed and the necessary action taken to assist those who are not improving or those performing below the grade level. The team shared with the Board student perspectives based on the approaches to the mathematics initiatives; some students indicated the importance of the student-teacher relationship, and the small group interaction which afforded them the opportunity to ask more questions, increased their confidence levels, and resulted in better mathematics scores.

The school also uses non-traditional methods of providing instruction in mathematics, with higher levels of receptivity among students - some building on skills and others eager for more advanced challenges.

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the United Nations Women’s Guild presents a poster contest in Celebration of World Food Day on October 16, 2013. The theme of this year’s contest is Healthy Food Systems. To learn more visit www.fao.org/getinvolved/w o r l d f o o d d a y / w f d - p o s t e r - c o n t e s t / 2 0 1 3 / e n

From October 1-November 9, 2013 students in grades 4, 5 and 6 can enter the annual Meaning of Home Writing Contest. The contest is a fantastic opportunity for students to put their creative writing skills to work for a good cause by describing what home means to them.

The top prize is a $60,000 grant from Genworth Canada to the winner’s local Habitat affiliate, which would be Habitat for Humanity Regina. The winner also receives an iPad and a pizza party for their entire school. Additional prizes include five $5,000 grants directed to local Habitat builds, iPod touches and classroom pizza parties. For more information contact Jessica Tiefenbach at (306)522-9700


September 2013

Classroom Champions at Haig School

including others at pangman school

As a data driven school division, school-based initiatives and learning outcomes are continuously measured and monitored to determine student growth and areas for improvement. At Gordon F. Kells School, the staff realize that in order to improve mathematics instruction, each individual within the school community has a role to play; mathematics is not only the job of the mathematics teacher.

To ensure higher levels of success and achievementin mathematics, the school administration incorporated higher level strategies, increased time for struggling students and provided more opportunities for mathematics based instruction, in a colloborative effort.

Within the school there are three areas of the mathematicsinitiative. With the fluid streaming level for example, students are assessed at the beginning of every unit and the level of intervention required is determined. The assessment highlights the skills that are necessary at a specific grade level, and the students’ level of competence at that level. Student performance is continually assessed and the necessary action taken to assist those who are not improving or those performing below the grade level. The team shared with the Board student perspectives based on the approaches to the mathematics initiatives; some students indicated the importance of the student-teacher relationship, and the small group interaction which afforded them the opportunity to ask more questions, increased their confidence levels, and resulted in better mathematics scores.

The school also uses non-traditional methods of providing instruction in mathematics, with higher levels of receptivity among students - some building on skills and others eager for more advanced challenges.

As one enters Pangman School, one cannot help but notice the sign posted on the main door which speaks volumes about the school culture and climate. “The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention. Take on new challenges, working hard to achieve new goals, trying and thinking of new ways to do things,” the sign read.

Indeed, helping and including others was the focus for the month of September. Visitors to the school are made aware of the focus of the entire school community for a particular month, and students and staff are reminded about the kinds of behaviour that are being focused on for that month. For the month of September, the school community was reminded about the importance of helping and including others.

Principal of Pangman School, Laury Ryan highlighted the importance of creating the kind of environment in which students feel assistance is always readily available.

“We really pride ourselves in helping kids through. If they are struggling...someone is here in the morning, through lunch and after school.” The school environment complements the support that is provided by staff to students and impacts student responsiveness. This kind of support is fundamental to student achievement, not only in mathematics, but the entire high school experience.

Students and staff also help each other through the mentorship program. With the mentorship program, students spend at least 15 minuteson a specific day reading to each other and assisting each other. The administration will also utilize this approach in developing a system for mathematics buddies, where senior and junior students can work together, and assist each other with mathematics exercises and activities.

As part of their mathematics initiative, Pangman School has employed a number of activities throughout all grade levels to ensure competence and ultimately mastery of the subject. Through timetabling, mathematics is scheduled as a priority, with the best academic times positioned for instruction. All mathematics at the kindergarten to grade 12 levels are completed within the first three morning classes.

The University of Saskatchewan, Pre-Health Professions Club is a club that engages high school students in a career development continuum to explore health care professions in medicine, nursing and pharmacy.

The PHP Club seeks to build on partnerships that the University of Saskatchewan has established with the University of Regina (U of R), First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv), Saskatchewam Health Regions, Saskatchewan school divisions, Metis locals, First Nations tribal councils and their communities.

Students are enrolled through the school division career counsellors to attend three infor-mational sessions that feature club orientation, post-secondary requirements and admissions, presentations from health care professionals, mentorship orientation and a summary and reflection of their Club experience.

Students begin the first informational session in Grade 11 and complete the remaining sessions in their graduating year. Students who have demonstrated a commitment to the club will have the opportunity to experience eight hours of mentorship with a mentor in their health region.

The club continues to support students as they transition from high school to post-secondary students in Saskatchewan.

world food day postercompetition

world food day postercompetition

September 2013

...continued page 10

These students were always ready to strike a pose, even if it meant more than three times during the visit.

The Learning Support Teacher (LST) and Response to Intervention (RTI) personnel are scheduled to provide additional support and allow for flexibility in team teaching multi-grade classes. This team oriented approach spans across the school community with other speciality areas joining some class sessions to ensure all students are assisted.

“Our EAL is also here in the morning, so they can team teach and try to get everything as academically oriented as possible.” reiterated Ryan.

At the kindergarten to grade 2 level, students are continuously being offered opportunities to enrich their learning of mathematics using a variety of learning and teaching strategies, as well as using manipulatives and hands on learning experiences.

Student learning is also scaffolded and extended as students are supported and challenged when necessary. Through conversations, student presentations and work products, student learning and comprehension are demonstrated, with accompanying evidence and an assessment tool stored in their portfolio. This is vital for comparison between each mathematics outcome in the SK curriculum and student performance and can be used as a reference for parents and students.

The South East Cornerstone Public School Division congratulates three teachers who received the following 2013 Saskatchewan High Schools Athletic Association Awards during the Annual General Meeting of the South East District Athletic Association:

Jessica Morland- SHSAA Female Coach Award“Jessica has always been dedicated to the school’s extracurricular program, and is a dedicated coach whose coaching experience has occurred at both the junior and senior levels. She is committed to participation, and encourages all students to make a commitment…she works closely with all athletes as they work to develop their skills as well as their knowledge of the sport and its strategy. She is a firm believer in sportsmanship and demands it of her athletes.”

Tricia Klemenz- SHSAA Official Award“Tricia Klemenz has been an official for high school athletics in Division for 17 years and is a seasoned volleyball official. In the early portion of her officiating career she refereed basket-ball as well, which she returned to this past season... Tricia has been the community soccer coach, when she is not officiating. Tricia is a perfect example of a person and official that truly cares about sports and the people involved with it, whether they are participating or spectating.”

Grades 3-5 receive instruction in mathematics, with the use of manipulatives and a practical approach, as well as written work to portray their level of comprehension. Those students who require more individualized instruction work with the RTI Coach in smaller groups, while the LST is available to work more intensely with a group that may include a student on their caseload. The outcome for each grade is assessed, with samples of daily work and assessments archived intostudent portfolios.

In high school, students are offered full instruction for all levels of both math courses, with other courses offered through Cyber Stone. An emphasis is placed not only on the acquistiion of mathematical knowledge, but on application of this knowledge. Time is also provided outside of the regular classroom hours, for additional instruction. The school will focus their efforts on math assessment and intervention.

“We will find something we want to improve, and see if we can improve upon it,” noted Ryan.

Through assessment and teacher evidence based on outcomes on student report cards, the school will be ableto engage in more strategic planning to ensure student success.

Nathan Johnson- SHSAA Male Coach Award"Nathan contributed to the development of the High Performance 20 and 30 classes and helped increase participation numbers in Physical Education at the Estevan Comprehensive School. He served as district Vice President for the South East District Athletic Association (2008-2009),commissioner and host of the SHSAA 5A Boys Provincial Volleyball Championship (2008) and was the representative on the District Council for South East (2010). During his time at Estevan Comprehensive School, Nathan has dedicated his skills to coaching Senior Boys Volleyball, Junior Boys Volley-ball and has been the Track and Field Coach since 2008.”

The South East Cornerstone Public School Division values a culture of celebration and the acknowledgement of success and wishes for these awardees continued success andachievement.








September 2013

cornerstone teachers receive service awards

Including Others At Pangman School

For many families in the community of Oungre and surrounding areas, Lyndale School is home to their kindergarten to grade 9 children. With a 22% increase in student enrolment, students travel from as far as Beaubier and Torquay, and from closer communities such as Tribune and Bromhead.

The school, which operates on a 4 day school week has a lot to offer to itsstudents says Principal, Kim Locken. As a technology equipped school, each student has a laptop, as well as smart boards are installed in all classrooms. Students are provided with individualized student education, with curriculum adaptations based on individual student needs. Extra-curricular activities are also important for holistic development and provide all students with activities such as educational trips to museums, community volunteering, and more athletic activities.

The size of the school, according to Locken, allows for day to day check in as far as mathematics is concerned, with staff analyzing current strategies and methodologies and sharing best practices. Parents are involved in the process through the Math Fact Minute, which provides tips to assist parents in math comprehension, as well as other strategies.

Students of this relatively smaller school are passionate about their schoolenvironment and the opportunities presented for their success and achievement. Student testimonials allude to the continual assistance from teachers, as well as the provision of technological software and equipment that is always readily available.

There are many activities open to every member of the community. Members are always welcome to utilize the services of the library and engage in monthly game nights, pancake breakfasts, concerts and fun nights. Lyndale has an amazing community that helps out whether it is assisting around the school, or driving to events. The school spirt and sense of community are evident.

Because you’re a South East Cornerstone school bus driver, we salute you for your dedication and tolerance as you transport our students on a daily basis. For school bus drivers across the province, October 21 will be a day of celebration for their unwavering support to education through transportation. These drivers transport our students on a daily basis and are committed to their well-being. Their dedication and tolerance are commendable. Most times, the school bus driver is the first one that a student sees when they begin their academic sojourn and helps set the tone for the rest of the day.

Each year, school drivers within the Division are presented with tokens of appreciation for the role they play in the daily operations of the school division. Show school bus drivers you really care and celebrate with them on October 21. Here are a few tips you might find helpful:

-Respect them. Our bus drivers have an import-ant, yet tough job to perform.

-Tell your bus driver “Happy Student Bus Driver Day” and smile!

-Create handmade “bus-cut” thank you cards or gift cards.

-Prepare driver “goodie bags” to share with them and have a student who rides the bus deliver it.

The SECPSD thanks all school bus drivers for their dedication and commitment to education through transportation.

because you’re a cornerstonebus driver...

because you’re a cornerstonebus driver...

September 2013

39 and growing-the lyndale school

experience

Students participate in classroom discussions

“You get more help instead of waiting in line”

“We don’t have as many people in the gym so we get more activities in”“We have excellent classes and everything is one on one with the teacher”

“There are no bullies”

“ All students are included in all games and activities”

“We are doing well,” noted Locken.

South East Cornerstone Public School Division No. 20980A-18th Street NE

Weyburn, SKS4H 2W4

Phone: (306)848-4795Fax: (306) 848-4747

Email: [email protected]

We welcome your stories; send stories to [email protected]


On October 21st, celebrate School Bus Driver Appreciation Day and show your bus driver you care!

Because you’re a South East Cornerstone School Bus Driver...

...we know you value student safety and well-being.

The Data Wall above highlights the number of M’s from each outcome in number strands at the end of the school year. Each graph highlights a different grade level. The school will continue to monitor and assess the progress of students, and use best practices to ensure student success.







The Tell Them From Me school survey is used to measure factors that are known to affect academicachievement and other outcomes, as outlined inthe 21 indicators on school and classroom effectiveness for the SECPSD.

Approximately 53% of the students were surveyed between the elementary and secondary levels, in areas such as school environment, academics, math and school completion, which aligned with the divisions’ priorities of mathematics and graduation rates. The results indicate similarities between the SECPSD students and Canadian counterparts.

At both the secondary and elementary levels for example, students indicated they have a positive sense of belonging, have friends at school they can trust and feel safe attending school; in the area of academics, students complete homework with a positive attitude and in a timely manner, are interested and motivated in their learning and try hard to succeed in their learning.

At the secondary level, students’ average reported mark was 80% in mathematics, when compared with the Canadian norm of 77%. At least 74% of our students have a high likelihood of high school completion, when compared to the Canadian average of 71%.

The Division will use the results of the survey forstrategic planning at the Division level, as well as a school-based approach to addressing some of the 21 indicators of school and classroom effectiveness.

The University of Saskatchewan, Pre-Health Professions Club is a club that engages high school students in a career development continuum to explore health care professions in medicine, nursing and pharmacy.

The PHP Club seeks to build on partnerships that the University of Saskatchewan has established with the University of Regina (U of R), First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv), Saskatchewam Health Regions, Saskatchewan school divisions, Metis locals, First Nations tribal councils and their communities.

Students are enrolled through the school division career counsellors to attend three infor-mational sessions that feature club orientation, post-secondary requirements and admissions, presentations from health care professionals, mentorship orientation and a summary and reflection of their Club experience.

Students begin the first informational session in Grade 11 and complete the remaining sessions in their graduating year. Students who have demonstrated a commitment to the club will have the opportunity to experience eight hours of mentorship with a mentor in their health region.

The club continues to support students as they transition from high school to post-secondary students in Saskatchewan.

South east cornerstone public school division september 2013 newsletter

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Transcript of South east cornerstone public school division september 2013 newsletter