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​Three educators from ASD-W were recent recipients of the 2018 Minister's Excellence in Education Awards in recognition of their exceptional work during the 2017-2018 school year. 

Beverly Loker-French, principal of Hubbard Avenue Elementary School in Oromocto, Judy Anderson, a teacher at McAdam High School, and Susan Mabie, principal of Canterbury High School, were among nine teachers and two early childhood educators in the province to receive their awards from newly appointed Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Dominic Cardy on Nov. 17 in Fredericton.

"On behalf of New Brunswickers, I applaud all nominees and congratulate these incredible recipients," Minister Cardy said. "Their dedication, creativity and innovation in educating our children and youth is something to be celebrated and shared."

The Minister's Excellence in Education Awards recognize those who have shown exceptional dedication, ingenuity, leadership, passion and professionalism in the education and early learning systems. They also highlight the success of innovative methods of fostering the development of young children and students; exceptional efforts to promote a positive learning environment, and initiatives to support students with difficulties.

The government's 10-year education plans aim to improve educational outcomes and better prepare young people for the future. They set objectives in priority areas to create inclusive environments for all learners, create lifelong learners, support educational leaders and bring stability to the system.


Last Printed: 11/21/2018 2:00 PM
Posted: Nov 21 2018, 1:53 PM
  

​Florenceville Elementary School is piloting an exciting e-library project. All students and staff at the school now have access to over 1,000 titles online, ranging from picture books to novels as well as many French titles. There are also several audiobooks available and some read-along picture books. Students can sign out two books at a time for a two-week period. They are able to access the materials from personal devices and computers even at home using the Sora overdrive app or the website www.soraapp.com

"We are still in the very beginning stages of introducing the e-library to teachers, parents and students as we gradually introduce it in individual classrooms and the parent community," said Sarah Mahar, vice-principal at Florenceville Elementary School. "It has already proven to be a great experience for our voracious readers as it is hard to keep some of them in books! Most of the titles listed include new books as well so it gives them the opportunity to read the newest releases that we do not have available at school."

Mahar said FES agreed to be part of the pilot at the end of the last school year and more information and training followed in the fall. Eventually all students from kindergarten to Grade​ 5 will be encouraged to take part. All students have access to the program with their NB student login information. Grade 4 and 5 students are the first to be introduced to using the e-library.

The pilot was launched under the direction of the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (EECD) which purchased the titles for the e-library and the training for using the program. 

"The e-library will mean that more students will have access to great books wherever they are such as on vacation, storm days, summertime or on weekends. Most of our students have access to technology at home. We have international students who have returned to their home country for an extended period and they were able to access great literature in French or English for free from thousands of miles way. Students have access to thousands of titles without physically being in the classroom or library."

Mahar said students have been "thrilled with this discovery." Many use technology on a regular basis are they are familiar with using this tool for learning. The school's Parent School Support Committee (PSSC) is also happy to see the e-library become available. 

"We see this project as both an extension and a complement to our (traditional) school library," said Mahar. "Students still love to visit the library and search for books based on the librarian and teacher's recommendations, but the e-library is a great option if they cannot make it to the library. Presently, library times are scheduled weekly and sometimes students miss out because of sickness, storm days, professional learning days, etc. The e-library is another option for making sure students always have a book on the go."

Florenceville Middle School has also launched a similar e-library pilot for students through EECD. A parent information session is scheduled for Nov. 29th at FMS. Principal Deidra Rioux said the e-library is already popular as students are "certainly participating in this wonderful initiative." Grades 6,7, and 8 in both English and French Immersion clases are using the new e-library system. In fact, Grade 6 students at Florenceville Middle have checked out the most books from the e-library to date compared to any grade, at any school in the province.

An e-library, also known as a digital library, is a collection of documents or materials organized in electronic form and made available online. Depending on the specific library created, a user may be able to access books, magazines, newspapers, images, sound files or videos. These online libraries are known to increase accessibility to users, provide regular updated materials, heighten the amount of choice and allow for instant access to educational content.

Ridgeview Middle School in Oromocto is alos participating in the e-library pilot in ASD-W.


Last Printed: 11/15/2018 3:00 PM
Posted: Nov 19 2018, 2:42 PM
  

​A total of 130 delegates from around the province attended the District Education Council Fall Symposium in Fredericton from Nov. 2-4.

District Education Council (DEC) and Parent School Support Committee (PSSC) members gathered to discuss governance and key topics in education during the weekend event.

Canadian School Boards Association President Laurie French spoke to the audience at a discussion dinner on Saturday night. French said she was impressed with the numbers and how people from across New Brunswick had gathered for the event, noting DEC members and PSSCs represent a commitment to local voice and all stakeholders having a say in education.

Workshops were held on a variety of topics including student mental health, early learning, using technology for teacher professional development, community engagement, nutrition and learning, how education funding is allocated, supporting newcomer students and their families, how the province is working to implement the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission for First Nations, and how data can be used to inform school improvement plans.

During one presentation by a group of high school students from Miramichi, PSSC and DEC members heard about student suicide and how more mental health services are needed in schools such as more guidance counsellors, school psychologists and suicide prevention training for teachers. More funding and strength for the Integrated Service Delivery program was also recommended.

Deputy Minister John McLaughlin said he would put the students in touch with government staff at the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (EECD) to bring their concerns forward.

During another session on community engagement, Chris Treadwell, assistant deputy minister at EECD, noted "schools can't be successful unless society around them supports their school. It takes a community to raise a child. It's not just teachers. Education is everybody's business."

Stacey Brown, manager for District Education Councils at EECD, said the success of the annual symposium showed a real commitment to making an impact on the lives of students as dedicated DEC and PSSC members gave of their time for learning and professional development.

Shown in the photo below is Canadian School Boards Association President Laurie French during her remarks at the symposium's discussion dinner.








Last Printed: 11/8/2018 11:00 AM
Posted: Nov 08 2018, 11:06 AM
  
​Approximately 100 student leaders from around New Brunswick attended the 33rd annual provincial student leadership conference held on Nov. 1 in Fredericton. 

District Education Council members and Superintendents were also invited to attend  to hear the concerns of students, while also celebrating their successes unfiltered.

"We are unique in New Brunswick as we are the only provincial conference in Canada that provides this unique opportunity for our students and core leaders from the district," said Carolyn Barnhart, teacher, provincial student rep council advisor and past president of the New Brunswick Student Leadership Association. "We are also unique in that we have a representative from the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development who also meets with the students for a question and answer session."

Barnhart said students talked about the positive and negative aspects of current issues facing their schools such as provincial Policy 711 (Healthy School Food Environment), community support for schools, building school spirit, engagement in school assemblies, events and activities to support cultural diversity in schools, and more courses in certain subjects such as sex education.

Barnhart said the conference served to promote dialogue and engagement between students, teachers, district staff, and District Education Council members toward the development of meaningful policies and curriculum.

"The conference is an opportunity to share ideas, successes and failures," Barnhart explained. "We discuss policies and emergent educational issues which impact students. We bring in non-profits to provide students with opportunities to serve within their communities. We also support and provide professional learning for our student leaders and our student leadership advisors."

By sharing experiences and demonstrating leadership in action, students learn key skills and knowledge to apply to their work on a larger scale. The conferences are also designed to encourage students to integrate leadership into their real life experiences going forward.

Shown in the photo below are student leaders with Kimberley Douglass (second from left), chair of the Anglophone West District Education Council.

During the conference, Leo Hayes High School in Fredericton was recognized for creating the best yearbook in the province for 2017-2018 for schools with a population of 650 students and over. Chris Browne and his team of editors received congratulations for producing the award-winnning yearbook.

 

 




Last Printed: 11/2/2018 3:00 PM
Posted: Nov 05 2018, 1:08 PM
  

​​Fredericton High School will host a Career Exploration Trades and Technology for Girls Day on Dec. 4. The event is being organized through a partnership between ASD-W and the provincial government's Women's Equality Branch.

Leo Hayes High School, Oromocto High School and Fredericton High have each been invited to send 40 female students in Grades 9-12 to participate in the event, geared to encourage young women to investigate a variety of interesting career paths in skilled trades and technologies. 

The career day will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and admission is free. Prizes will be awarded. 

Career Explorations in Trades & Technology for Girls is a relaxed fun day that fosters a positive environment in which young women have the opportunity to hear speakers discuss the rewards and challenges of their chosen career path, and to connect with mentors from their community. These mentors provide students with advice, guidance and inspiration by sharing their experiences. Girls leave feeling empowered and informed about non-traditional careers.

For more information or to register, contact Tammy McDonald, program advisor for the Women's Equality Branch, at 462-5910 or email tammy.mcdonald@gnb.ca.

Several private sector partners are also helping to sponsor the event. 

Visit the website www.gnb.ca/youth for further details.


Last Printed: 11/1/2018 3:00 PM
Posted: Nov 01 2018, 3:15 PM
  

​Over 2,000 students, school and district staff recently participated in an off-site evacuation exercise at Fredericton High School. 

The exercise is part of an annual event to engage district schools and local first responders in practicing emergency and safety protocols. Other Fredericton based schools are also participating in off-site evacuation exercises at this time of year in support of School Safety Week.

"The students learn about emergency response and teachers and staff have their memories refreshed on how to gather and carry out an evacuation," said Danny Lawson, project officer for the district's safety program. "For the scope of the evacuation at Fredericton High, it went very well. It was a very important exercise in terms of safety."

Lawson said the alarm system at FHS sounded at 8:55 a.m. at the start of the school day. Within approximately three minutes, everyone had exited the school building and attendance was taken. All evacuees then headed on foot for École Sainte-Anne, the designated safe assembly point. Check points were set up along the route to ensure participants made it to É​cole Sainte-Anne safely and on time. Attendance was then taken again. Once safety checks were done to complete the exercise, everyone made the trek back to FHS to resume classes and work.

Lawson commended students and staff at FHS for their cooperation and dedication to safety training including Constable Jeannette Hudson, resource officer at FHS, Acting Principal Nathan Langille and Daneen Dymond, Acting Vice-Principal.

"No two exercises go the same way, but this one was really well done," Lawson said.

An emergency evacuation is described as an immediate or urgent movement of people away from a threat or actual occurrence of a hazard.

Shown in the photos below are (1) students evacuating from FHS and (2) students gathering at the safe assembly point at École Saint-Anne.









Last Printed: 10/31/2018 3:00 PM
Posted: Oct 31 2018, 3:38 PM
  

Dressed as dominos, staff at Chipman Forest Avenue School turned out in costume just in time for Halloween on Oct. 31, showing team spirit and their enthusiam for never letting the level of success and learning fall at their Grade 6-12 school.






Last Printed: 10/31/2018 3:00 PM
Posted: Oct 31 2018, 2:26 PM
  

​Two more visitors from France arrived at Anglophone West School District on Oct. 30 to learn about French second language programs, opportunities for student and teacher exchanges, as well as resources and support for newcomer students in district schools.

Laurent Bertat and Patricia Gave de Butler, both academic delegates for European, international relations and cooperation, spoke with Amanda Deveaux, subject coordinator for French second language programs, and Joanne Williams, subject coordinator for English as an additional language (EAL) and international students.

Bertat and Gave de Butler were taking part in a study tour for Projet académique, aimed at guiding schools in France to create an international structure to support students and teachers interested in building partnerships with schools in other countries.

They were accompanied by Théo Barrère from the Office of the Consulate General for France in Atlantic Canada, and Julie Forest, international education officer with the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.

“We are here to develop cooperative links in education both through language and partnerships," said Bertat. "Immersion programs are very interesting to us. There is an excellent opportunity for us here (in NB) to build partnerships. One of our interests is to send our teachers on exchanges to learn English."

"It is very important to our ministry to learn languages," added Gave de Butler. "We could host some our your teachers (in France) if they are interested." 

Deveaux outlined the delivery of the various French second language programs available in district schools, noting that 40-45 per cent of students in the district are enrolled in French Immersion. She said the district works to make sure teachers are as well equipped as possible to deliver French Second Language programs, especially new teachers who are in the classroom for the first time.

"Our ultimate goal is to provide good instruction and deliver a good education to our students," Deveaux explained, noting learning a second language opens doors to opportunities for employment and cultural enrichment for students in the future.

Williams spoke about the 600 newcomer students who are enrolled in district schools and the tutoring and resources available to them to assist with the cultural transition and language development. She noted many newcomer students continue their education through to graduation and often stay and study in the province at the post secondary level. Williams also highlighted the various exchanges which take place with other countries for teachers and students. Usually, for students, it is for a semester or school year in high school, she said.

French Immersion students in the province also have the opportunity to take part in learning exchanges in the Province of Quebec.​

Shown in the photo below are (back row) Joanne Williams, Julie Forest. Front row: Théo Barrère​, Laurent Bertat, Patricia Gave de Butler and Amanda Deveaux.





Last Printed: 10/30/2018 12:00 PM
Posted: Oct 30 2018, 11:47 AM
  

​​The first of several visitors from France arrived at Anglophone West School District on Oct. 25 to learn about French second language programs, opportunities for student and teacher exchanges, as well as resources and support for newcomer students in district schools.

On Oct. 25, Olivier Launay and Anne-Marie Vrigneau, both academic delegates for European, international relations and cooperation, spoke with Ann Manderson and Janice Gagnon, subject coordinators for French second language programs, and Joanne Williams, subject coordinator for English as an additional language (EAL) and international students.

The two foreign delegates will be followed by another delegation from France scheduled to visit the district on Oct. 30.

Launay and Vrigneau were taking part in a study tour for Projet académique, aimed at guiding schools to create an international structure to support students and teachers interested in building partnerships with schools in other countries.

They were accompanied by Théo Barrère from the Office of the Consulate General for France in Atlantic Canada and Julie Forest, international education officer with the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.

“We came to investigate new fields in the learning of language and how it is practiced in the New Brunswick school environment,” Launay said. “We are working to find new ideas to make building international partnerships as fertile as possible.”

Manderson and Gagnon outlined the delivery of the various French second language programs available in district schools, with Manderson noting that 45 per cent of students in the district are enrolled in French Immersion.

Williams spoke about the hundreds of newcomer students who are enrolled in district schools.

 “There’s a great diversity,” Williams said. “Some of our schools could have 40 per cent international students attending. At Fredericton High School, 69 countries are represented. It’s a fantastic experience for our youth to learn in a global environment.”

Williams also highlighted the various exchanges which take place with other countries. Usually, for students, it is for a semester or school year in high school, she said.

French Immersion students also have the opportunity to take part in learning exchanges in the Province of Quebec.

Shown in the photos below are academic delegates from France Anne-Marie Vrigneau​ and Olivier Launay.







 

Last Printed: 10/26/2018 3:00 PM
Posted: Oct 28 2018, 10:01 PM
  

​About 200 visitors dropped by Nackawic Middle School on Oct.17 for an "Illuminate Science Extravaganza" held in partnership with Science East, the province's interactive science museum in Fredericton.

"The energy was electric and the noise vibrant," Principal Kathy Anderson said about the school event. "The evening provided students in the community with an opportunity to make real world connections between their studies and possible careers that may be of interest to them."

Anderson said the event showcased the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills used by New Brunswick professionals in their jobs every day. A variety of interactive displays helped make the connections real for students. 

A total of 30 professions were represented at the event from various disciplines including computer coder, carpenter, mechanic, machinist, heavy equipment operator, pilot, harp maker, physician, pharmacist, dental hygienist, occupational therapist, geologist, forester, engineer, dairy farmer, archivist, math and science teachers, and more.

"It was a fabulous evening with many people enlightening themselves (about STEM) ," Anderson said.

Science East is the most active public science and technology educational organization in New Brunswick. Science East is a registered charity that works both inside and outside of the school system to reach students, teachers, families, businesses and communities in every region of the province. It provides quality, inquiry-based learning for students, meaningful and engaging workshops for teachers and professionals, as well as fun and educational activities for the public. Its mission is to inspire and inform through hands-on science experiences.

In the photos below are student Letrea Brooks visiting a display on modern dentistry, while occupational therapist Marla Calder speaks with students about her field of expertise in the health care sector.









Last Printed: 10/23/2018 3:00 PM
Posted: Oct 23 2018, 2:40 PM
  

​Perth Andover Middle School hosted an exciting CyberDay 4 Girls on Oct. 11. Approximately 60 girls from 10 schools between Woodstock and Edmundston participated in the event.

With support and information from the technology company IBM, the students learned about the Internet of Things, protecting their online identity, the importance of passwords and the realities of phishing and hackers. They did a threat modelling exercise and talked about how security is built into the devices they use. They​ were also encouraged to think about their online presence and the long-term effects of what they post. 

The workshop also served to make the students aware of the career opportunities in technology and cyber security for women interested in the field. 

IBM has been involved in Cyber Day 4 Girls since 2016 and has taken the event to the United States, Canada, Ireland, Australia, South Africa and most recently, Nigeria.






Last Printed: 10/17/2018 3:00 PM
Posted: Oct 17 2018, 2:43 PM
  

​Connaught Street School in Fredericton has been selected to participate in the Capacity for Courage grant program. The school's one-year project, entitled "Today's Youth, Tomorrow's Leaders," will focus on creating events throughout the school year which support youth empowerment and engagement. A launch event for about 30 students will be held in November.

"This is a unique opportunity to build capacity around student voice by providing them with authentic opportunities to engage in learning of their choice and be empowered to make a difference in the life of their community," said Principal Barb Corbett.

Corbett said the school will be organizing a series of events which will foster a "sense of belonging in our diverse school community."

"We will be partnering with many different groups and organizations in the community to connect our students with role models for this thought approach," she said.

The Capacity for Courage program, offered through the provincial Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (EECD) and Post Secondary Education Training and Labour for K-12 anglophone schools, aims to support educators and students with initiatives that support culturally vibrant classrooms, schools and communities.

Connaught Street School is partnering with NouLab in bringing its project forward. NouLab is New Brunswick's social and public innovation lab. Kathy Whynot from EECD and a team from NouLab visited the school Oct. 15 for a student focus group discussion.

"The passion and spirit within your walls is palpable and such a pleasure to take part in for a morning," Whynot wrote back to the school. "The school cheer, the secret handshake, the dancing - all so joyous. It is clear from your example that a school team that has shared leadership, provides the space for open and honest conversations about new directions, and commits to knowing and meeting the unique needs of all students, can achieve great gains together."

The themes of the Capacity for Courage grant program are driving dynamic change in an increasingly diverse school, development of cultural vibrancy in school, and having the courage to lead change toward​ a vision of a culturally inclusive school and community.

Shown in the photo below are students Isabelle Cullen, Olivia Hawrishok, Sabin Uwitonze, Owen Roach and Ana Leroux who took part in the student focus group.





Last Printed: 10/16/2018 12:00 PM
Posted: Oct 16 2018, 2:00 PM
  

​Middle and high school students from across the upper St. John River Valley took part in CyberDay at Carleton North High School on Oct. 10.

Teams from Townsview School, Meduxnekeag Consolidated School, Woodstock High School, Carleton North High School, Hartland Community School, Florenceville Middle School and Centreville Community School put their skills to the test as they learned about basic computer programming and micro-computer sensors. They also participated in an international Cyber Titan competition, joining students from around the globe in a cyber security challenge.

Another CyberDay for Girls event took place the following day at Perth Andover Middle School.

Top teams during CyberDay activities get the opportunity to advance to nationals in Ottawa in May 2019. 

Carleton North High School's CyberDay was made possible through a partnership with Cyber New Brunswick and the provincial Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.

Shown in the photo below is Brian Facey, ASD-W's subject coordinator for technology and skilled trades, with students taking part in CyberDay at Carleton North High School.








Last Printed: 10/16/2018 11:00 AM
Posted: Oct 16 2018, 10:32 AM
  

​​​A team from Woodstock High School took home the New Brunswick Interscholastic Athletic Association banner from the provincial AA golf championships held at the Aroostook Valley Country Club on Oct. 5.

Southern Victoria High School in Perth-Andover hosted the championship which included teams from six high schools around the province.

Woodstock High finished the course with an overall score of 336 to win the NBIAA banner and gold medals. The team included Ben Everett, Barrett Stephensen, Bentley Shaw, Jacob Maner, Brayden Sappier and Daniel Kirby.

Mark Swazey of SVHS claimed the fifth individual position with a score of 86. His SVHS teammates included Brayden Fitzherbert, Chris Jenkins, Cooper Dickson, Billy Rossignol and Cade Savoy.

The top provincial golfer was Jonathan Lajoie from Ecole Clement Cormier in Bouctouche with a low gross of 75.

 


Last Printed: 10/9/2018 3:00 PM
Posted: Oct 09 2018, 3:13 PM
  

​Students at Saint Mary's Academy in Edmundston completed a total of 73 acts of kindness in honour of Becca Schofield Day in September. 

Class presentations on the significance of the special day were made by a total of eight students from Grade 6-9, who along with educational assistant Darren Michaud, led the kindness campaign within the school. Younger students presented to high school students and older students presented to elementary, while some also presented to the middle school group. 

"They handed Becca cards from the district to everyone and asked them to hand a card to the recipient of a good deed, who would in turn do the same," said Joey Berube, guidance teacher. "They also provided tracking ballots for the students to fill out after performing their good deed. Ballots could be returned in a box at the main entrance or to any teacher at the school."

Berube said the activity was well presented to the students. Marketing for the kindness campaign involved school social media, posters around the school, school announcements, and daily emails to teachers asking​ them to remind the students about the Becca cards.

"It makes the students feel good about themselves," said Berube. "Being nice doesn't just benefit the recipient of the good deed."

The New Brunswick Legislature recently proclaimed Sept. 16 Becca Schofield Day in honour of the Riverview teen, who inspired people around the world with her campaign to perform random acts of kindness. Becca first made headlines when she made a "bucket list" after learning her cancer was terminal. One item on the list was to persuade people to perform acts of kindness and to share them through social media, either by posting on her Facebook page Becca's Battle with Butterscotch or tweeting using #BeccaToldMeTo. 

After that, the phenomena of doing random acts of kindness caught on worldwide with hundreds of people posting their good deeds in honour of Becca. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also signed a certificate naming Becca an "honorary emerging leader."​

Shown in the photo below are (back row) students Alex Gauvin, Esther Barahoga, Danie Golla and (front row) Kristina Fournier, Gabriel Belu and Viktor Boudreau.




Last Printed: 10/2/2018 4:00 PM
Posted: Oct 04 2018, 9:05 AM
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