GNS: Connecting with Community

It was a busy weekend for some central office staff at this year's Edson Community Trade Show. Along with several community engagement events at local schools, the Division is always seeking opportunities to showcase the great happenings and learning options at GYPSD schools.

Nikki Gilks, Special Projects Manager, Christine Van Neck, Director of Transportation Services, and Delaney Ueland, HR Specialist, handed out bus safety activity books and games, picture and story books to excited readers, and talked to numerous attendees about the Division's current recruitment of school bus drivers, casual administrative support staff, educational assistants, and substitute teachers. Additionally, the team spoke of early learning opportunities such as junior kindergarten, kindergarten, FRIM, and the Montessori program at Ecole Westhaven.

The Division's booth was set up beside Parkland Composite High School which had a number of displays showcasing their numerous learning, extra-curricular, and athletic program options, as well as providing live entertainment from their Performing Arts students. Over 2,000 people attended this year's Trade Show.

Edson Trustees Fiona Fowler and Jocelyn Pettitt stopped by as did Principal Debra Boos from Ecole Westhaven, Principal Steven Ripkens from Niton Central, B.E.S.T. Manager Erin Bezzola, and MP Gerald Soroka.

Community engagement is the GYPSD Board's third priority which focuses on:

• highlighting the diverse offering of unique programs and services;

• assisting GYPSD schools in raising their profile in their community and celebrating students' accomplishments; and

• fostering stronger relationships with all key stakeholders.

GNS: Connecting with the Community