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“I only need words to explain why my school is great. I am in Grade 10 at Juno Beach Academy. I have home schooled all my life and this is the first year of public school. My school is great because I’m happy. I’m happy because I expected to not have a good time in public school but it’s great! My teachers are nice, and I’m making new friends. I like the location, building and staff. That is why my school is great. Thank you for your time.”
—Elliott Schuman, Juno Beach Academy, Calgary
Schuman’s article is just one of 160 passionate and creative submissions entered in the Alberta Teachers’ Association’s My Alberta School contest (www.myalbertaschool.ca).
Every submission described the people, programs and unique features that make public schools in Alberta important to Albertans.
Submissions ranged from simple and straightforward statements like Schuman’s to powerful poems, inspiring videos and original songs. Bert Church High School student Brad Fleischer singlehandedly wrote, performed, recorded and produced an original song about why he’s proud to be a Bert Church School Charger.
Whether the submission was created by a student, parent, grandparent, graduate, teacher, school staff, class or group, they all painted a picture of the diverse and nurturing learning environments that make Alberta’s public education system great.
Judging the many high quality submissions was a daunting yet rewarding task. In the end, seven finalists were chosen. Albertans can now vote on their favourites to determine the winners of the contest. Unfortunately, many wonderful submissions did not make the final cut.
You are invited to visit the website (www.myalbertaschool.ca) to view the finalists and cast your vote. Voting continues until the end of the day, Friday, December 10, 2010. The top three vote-getters will receive a $5,000, $1,500 or $1,000 bursary for their school. Bursaries can be used to enhance the educational experience for students of the winning schools.
