Local Digest

Cathy Butler, Communications Officer, Wetaskiwin Local No. 18

Wetaskiwin Local No.18, in conjunction with Wetaskiwin Regional Public Schools No. 11, organized a successful Institute Day on March 23.

More than 245 people attended the 25 sessions and workshops presented in various schools across the city of Wetaskiwin.

Wetaskiwin local's PD chair Janet Ward commented, "Individual teachers have the option of arranging alternative professional development activities, but 93 percent of our teachers chose to attend our Institute. An even higher percentage evaluated sessions as 'very good' or 'excellent.' It is great to have such wonderful support for professional development!"

Hal Kluzny, Wetaskiwin Regional Public School district superintendent, addressed teachers early in the morning as they enjoyed coffee, juice and muffins. Teachers and central office staff facilitated many of the sessions, which included hyperstudio, Power Point, student mental health referrals, physical fitness, first aid, stress relief, art, restorative justice, early literacy and school legal liability. Yoga, cardio-boxing and massage therapy sessions were also offered.

Displays were arranged for teachers and an opportunity was provided for educators to seek advice from experts on a range of topics. Crossroads Health Unit was represented and several businesses in the area also set up booths.

Teachers were also given the chance to mingle with colleagues during a celebration held at the end of the day after the sessions had concluded. Several participants were the fortunate winners of Public Education Works prizes when their names were drawn at the wine and cheese gathering.

The Institute Day is one of seven professional development days provided by the school board to teachers so that they can keep on track with the many curriculum changes and challenges associated with today's schools.

The teachers of Wetaskiwin Regional Public Schools appreciate everyone who contributed to the district's Institute Day. Congratulations to the Wetaskiwin local's PD Committee for coordinating such an excellent event.