Archives for November 2018

REGINA – Prairie Spirit School Division has received the 2018 Premier’s Board of Education Award for Innovation and Excellence in Education, for its submission of “innovative music programming” in the division.

The Saskatchewan School Boards Association (SSBA) co-ordinates the Premier’s Award each year. The award was presented on behalf of Premier Scott Moe during the SSBA Annual General Assembly on Friday night.

“I want to congratulate Prairie Spirit School Division for winning this year’s award,” Todd Goudy, MLA for Melfort, said on behalf of Premier Moe. “This award honours the great work in Prairie Spirit schools, which includes expanding opportunities through an innovative music program that brings quality music education to rural schools.”

In its application for the award, Prairie Spirit School Division said a new approach to music programming called “Resonate” (www.resonatelive.ca) was initiated in the division in 2015. Resonate is designed to be an inclusive approach to music programming in the division and involves a number of channels and outlets, including a student music conference, teacher professional development, performances and other events.

“We measure success for our school board by whether students and teachers are successful,” said Prairie Spirit Board Chair Sam Dyck. “Resonate gives us feedback that tells us the subject matter is relevant and that parents are engaged in the students’ learning – two of the factors we use as key ingredients to achieve student success.”

The $3,000 award is sponsored by Xerox Canada. The award recipient is recommended by a panel that includes representation from education sector partners.

“For 20 years, Xerox Canada has been investing in the education of our future leaders and proud to continue supporting the development of youth and students in our community,” said Xerox Regional Manager Bal Badh.

Developed in 1999, the Premier’s Award recognizes educational innovations and improvements focused on student achievement that have been advanced or directed by boards of education. The prize is to be used to support or extend the innovation or project.

“The Premier’s Award highlights the great work being done by school boards throughout the province,” said SSBA President Dr. Shawn Davidson. “While there is only one recipient of the award each year, every submission is worthy of recognition for promoting efforts to help ensure success for all students.”

Two life members of the SSBA were also recognized during the assembly – Connie Bailey, former trustee for Sun West School Division, and Élizabeth Perreault, former trustee of the Conseil des écoles fransaskoises. Both served for many years through their efforts as trustees and on the Provincial Executive of the SSBA.

The Association also presents its Award of Distinction in recognition of outstanding service and significant contribution to enhancing education in Saskatchewan. Three Award of Distinction recipients were recognized this year – Larry Caswell (Chinook), Bert de Gooijer (Prairie Valley) and Ray Morrison (Saskatoon Public).

The first-ever Local Government Week has been proclaimed in the province at the joint request of the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM), the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA), and the Saskatchewan School Boards Association (SSBA).

Saskatchewan’s Government Relations Minister Warren Kaeding officially proclaimed the Week, which runs from November 12 to 16.

“Mayors, reeves, chairs, councillors, trustees, and administrative officials all contribute to shaping the quality of life delivered to our province’s citizens and their families. They all play key roles in working with their neighbouring communities and other government partners. On behalf of the Government of Saskatchewan, it’s a pleasure to have this week recognize their valuable contributions and insights that help keep this great province strong,” said Kaeding.

“SARM understands the important role reeves and councillors play in governing RMs,” said SARM President Ray Orb. “We are committed to building capacity at the local level and are pleased to recognize Local Government Week.”

“Local governments are responsible for the services and infrastructure that many residents rely on daily,” said SUMA President Gordon Barnhart. “Local Government Week provides a formal opportunity to highlight this work and more.”

The call to recognize Local Government Week with an official proclamation from the province emerged through discussions between the partner organizations as an excellent opportunity to increase awareness and engagement in the province’s systems of local democracy.

“Locally-elected governments are the voice of the people and provide connection and accountability to communities,” said SSBA President Dr. Shawn Davidson. “Decisions are best made at the grassroots level and local governments have credibility and relationships with their communities.”

For more information: https://saskschoolboards.ca/advocacy/local-government-week/