November 15, 2023
Embracing Change and Preparing for the Future
Our 2023 Fall Conference and Annual General Meeting brought about some changes to our Board of Directors. We have a new First and Second Director who both come to us with unique perspectives and a long-standing history with the public school system in Alberta. After serving two years with us as First Director, Tasha Oatway-McLay from the Sturgeon School Division stepped down and we welcomed Patrick Grisonich from the Medicine…
October 13, 2023
Looking ahead to a great Fall Conference and AGM
In just a few days, we will gather in Edmonton for the annual PSBAA Fall Conference and AGM. It has been a year of change, with a spring provincial election and a new Education Minister. We welcomed two new member boards to the Association—Pembina Hills and Peace River—and held wonderful meetings with other potential members. We have taken advantage of numerous opportunities to meet new people and build relationships and…
September 15, 2023
Looking ahead to a great fall season
Welcome back to the start of the new school year! I hope you had a wonderful summer break, and were able to rest and recreate with friends and family as well as taking some time for yourself. This year, we took August PSBC on the road to Medicine Hat. It was wonderful seeing so many of our members in person. Our professional development and PSBC meetings are second to none,…
June 23, 2023
We are Stronger Together!
We wrapped up our annual Spring General Assembly earlier this month and it was a wonderful event. The turnout and interactions from the crowd were outstanding as always. To say I had a favorite would be an understatement. Over the duration of the event, we heard about topics covering joy, indigenous perspectives on current affairs, youth participation processes within education, youth in foster care, positive thinking and AI in education.…
May 15, 2023
Vote For an Excellent, Accessible, Equitable, Education
As we know the importance of democratically elected trustees is vital to the oversight and value provided within the public school system. Voted in by a universal electorate, where everyone is able to vote, trustees work hard to set goals, advocate for public schools, lobby the government and focus on accountability to ensure public schools remain a key pillar in society providing equity to all. As stewards of millions of…
April 17, 2023
Mental Health and Public School Education
As we are all very aware, mental health issues are on the rise across Alberta and it is the mental health of our students, faculty and staff that is at the forefront of my mind. The last decade in Alberta has added to the complexity of the mental health struggles Albertans were already experiencing. We frequently discuss how the pandemic has affected the Education system, but Alberta has also dealt…
March 15, 2023
It Must Be an Election Year!
As we all eagerly awaited the 2023 Alberta Budget release earlier this month, I pondered where will Public School Education land as a priority and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. Now, the budget did not address all Public School Education needs, but what it did address was that we have the Ministry of Education’s attention, they are listening to us and are willing to work alongside us.…
February 15, 2023
We’re All About Our Members!
With pandemic restrictions behind us, myself and our Executive Director and CEO have been back out on the road starting to meet with our valued school board members in person once again. While virtual meetings have been beneficial over the last two years, there is nothing better than getting to chat with our members in person and on location to discuss issues that are important in their jurisdiction. Andrew Grove…
January 13, 2023
Gearing up for a great 2023!
Welcome back! I hope you had a wonderful holiday break and are rested and refreshed for an exciting year ahead. Already, 2023 is shaping up to be an exciting year. In addition to the provincial election that is planned for the end of May, your Association has several key priority areas for advocacy throughout the year, including mental health, funding, transportation, and coordinating community and other resources. A high priority…
December 15, 2022
Holiday wishes, with gratitude for relationships and optimism for the future!
As we wind down the last few weeks of the 2022 calendar year and approach 2023, I find myself reflecting back over the past 12 months on all that our Association has accomplished. We have had numerous successes: a full slate of in-person events, including a successful Spring General Assembly and Fall Conference/AGM; incredible engagement with members and stakeholders on the development of a new strategic plan; welcoming two new…