Foremost School Grade 5-12 students participated in the Student Vote yesterday. Thank you to the Grade 7/8 class who ran the polls and Britten who created a presentation to help our students learn about the political parties and the candidates that are in our riding.

<p>Grade 11 student Keegan Bartsch switched to Eagle Butte High School last year from out of district so he could enrol in the South Alberta Flight Academy (SAFA). “I really wanted to fly planes,” said Bartsch. “It was a dream of mine. I joined a little late, but I’ve caught up with everybody and I’m really enjoying it.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Even though he didn’t know how it would all work out, Bartsch took a risk and is loving being in flight school. Advancing quickly to catch up with his peers, Bartsch completed his solo flight a few months ago and now has logged over 10 hours of flight time.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Even though ground school can be difficult, he is enthusiastic about what he’s been learning. “Flight is very academic, it takes lots of attention and I think that skill translates nicely into the core high school subjects in terms of reviewing notes, discussing topics with others and fully understanding concepts,” explained Bartsch. “Before we take a flight, we have to do a weight and balance calculation of everybody in the aircraft, the weight of the fuel and oil, along with how much fuel we will lose in the air, so physics and math are involved.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>In addition to ground school and flight training, Grade 11 flight academy students take a dual credit course through SAIT called Aircraft Systems 1 (ASYS-245). Course instructor Harry Jaeger is an aircraft maintenance engineer (AME) who also works with students on the second Vans RV-12 airplane build.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“We get one of the modules SAIT has developed to be administered remotely. Students need to pass with the Transport Canada requirement of 70% and an attendance of 90%, giving them credits with both SAIT and in SAFA,” stated Jaeger.&nbsp;</p><p>The course provides an introduction for anyone who wants to become an AME and Jaeger believes it provides a solid foundation for the flight academy students. Ground school covers the fundamentals of aircraft systems and flight controls, but this course delves into the topics with more detail, which Jaeger says will help the students as they transition to flying more complex aircraft.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“We just finished up our hydraulics unit and have started our fuel unit. Before that, we had our aircraft systems, which covered different components, key elements and critical points on the aircraft,” said Bartsch. “I’m thinking after I graduate, I might join campus at SAIT and do the full program in aviation engineering. I like the intricacies of engines and how they work and how to make them better. I feel the SAIT course fits me nicely as it emphasises my interests.”&nbsp;</p><p>Bartsch likes the intellectual aspects of the dual-credit course and said Jaeger is a great teacher. Jaeger enjoys having Bartsch in the classroom, describing him as one of the most jovial students he’s ever taught who maintains high test scores and near perfect attendance. Bartsch is willing to try to answer a question even when he isn’t sure of the answer. He is also able to incorporate what he’s been doing in ground school and flying with what is going on in the class, opening that area of conversation for other students.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“It’s a community,” said Bartsch. “A very nice, well-packed community, so there is lots of support. If you need it, it’s there. My parents think it is amazing I get this opportunity to fly. SAFA is one of a kind and having a flight school locally in this area is an opportunity lots of people don’t get. I love flying and understanding how an aircraft works is something that interests me. You need a love for it, it’s not something you would just do, it needs to be a passion.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>By Samantha Johnson, Prairie Rose Public Schools Content Writer&nbsp;</p>

Falcons win! ⚾️ Final Score Falcons 11 Vulcan 1 A great crowd came out on this chilly evening to catch the senior boys in action! Big thanks to Mr. Dunlop and the boys for getting the diamond looking great for the home opener! 💜 #foremostschool #weareallfalcons

Mini Ball is wrapping up for another season 🏀 Final round robin games TONIGHT at 3:30 pm will decide the standings going into tomorrow's tournament! Mini Ball tournament kicks off at 11:15 am with games taking place throughout the day. Tournament will be completed before end of school day. Mini Ball Tournament Games 11:15 am, 12:15 pm, 1:15 pm, 2:15 pm in the big gym Mini Mini Ball Games ~ Grades 1&2 11:15 am & 1:15 pm in the small gym FREE Hot Dog Meal provided for Mini Ball Players & Coaches ONLY 🌭 Lunch available for purchase for all other students and fans! Swipe to check out the menu!

<p>Prairie Rose Public Schools (PRPS) started the School of Trades this year with Grade 10 students from four schools enrolled. In total, four students from Foremost School, four from Senator Gershaw, 30 from Eagle Butte and 11 from South Central have taken part in the new program. Part of year one is attending full-day introductory sessions in seven different trades at Medicine Hat College (MHC). For South Central students, this means catching the bus at 6:45 a.m. and not returning to Oyen until 5 p.m. or later.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>South Central High School has 11 students – 2 female and 9 male – taking part in the program with another 16 enrolled for next year. Although they have the longest commute, students feel it has been a valuable addition to their high school classes and are grateful for the chance to jumpstart their careers. &nbsp;</p><p>Aside from classes at MHC, this year is about students experiencing different job sites. A field trip Eagle Butte students participated in was at Davis GMC Buick where they experienced different aspects of the dealership, including the automotive service technician area. Additionally, the students spent time with someone from human resources who offered interview advice along with explaining different pathways a student could take in automotives.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Sherry Craven, Student Experience Designer for the School of Trades explained, “next year they choose a cluster, picking one cluster of two trades and they will get equal time, four labs, in each of the two trades. I am also including job shadowing in combination with the classes and each student should also be trying to find an apprenticeship position. They can build most of their hours between Grade 11 and 12 during their summer off. Between Grade 10 and 11, we already have a couple of students who have placements and can start earning their hours.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Alyssa Kulyk from South Central has always preferred working with her hands and finds sitting in a classroom a struggle. With many family members and friends having careers in various trades, along with growing up on a farm, Kulyk is aware of how much those working in the trades contribute.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“They are proud of me for getting into a group of people who are mostly men and not being afraid to get my opinion out there. Many of them say females pay more attention to detail,” stated Kulyk. “It’s been great to explore all the different trades, and we’ve experienced things that are helpful. In heavy duty, we pulled apart a jack for a trailer. Two weeks earlier, the jack on our trailer broke and it would have been great to have the skill then, but it’s also good to know now so I can fix it in the future.”&nbsp;</p><p>Dawn Peers, Principal of South Central, accompanies the students to the college and is excited for this first cohort of students. “I have a bunch of boys of my own who have gone through trades programs and are loving their lives and careers. These kids are on the path to do that as well,” said Peers. “We don’t have the staff to provide a large range of options; we needed something like this because we don’t have that availability. They work with the same instructors my kids had when they went through trades and it’s great to see the female students taking part. There are some female instructors (at MHC) and it’s been amazing for them to see that as well.”&nbsp;</p><p>Dexter Miller wants to focus on both types of automotive training next year. “I am going to take over my dad’s farm. If I am a heavy-duty mechanic, I can fix my own equipment. It’s been good, when we go to the college, we learn what to do in each specific trade. So far, we’ve experienced welding, electrical, heavy-duty mechanic, and pipe fitting is this Friday.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Torynn Ophein, who aims to become a welder, wanted “opportunities out of high school, it gives me a whole bunch of different trades I could do. It’s a lot more (training) than I thought we would get with everything we’ve been doing. I thought it would be more casual, but we are hands-on in the labs.”&nbsp;</p><p>There are different ways a student can approach the program to suit their goals and schedules. If they fast-track, a student can obtain their high school diploma and their year one certification in their chosen trade. “Trades are a four-year program,” explained Craven. “Students can come out with year one, making them highly employable and already gives them a bump in their wages.”&nbsp;</p><p>There is also flexibility to when a student can enter the School of Trades, it doesn’t have to be in Grade 10. “Just taking the introductory classes alone, they are learning many skills and it’s making them more employable. It is amazing what they can do in one day,” stated Craven. “To watch them at the beginning of a welding lab, students who’ve never held a welding torch before are making pieces of art by the end of one day, such as cool flowers out of bolts and bicycles with wheels that turn.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>By Samantha Johnson, Prairie Rose Public Schools Content Writer</p>

It is very important that we have registrations complete for the 2025 - 26 school year in order to plan classes and schedules ✏️ Returning students: please following the instructions below. New registrants: please go to myprps.com then click student registration and follow from there. Returning Prairie Rose Students Prairie Rose uses an online registration system called School Engage for annual student registrations. When you receive the email to complete 2025-2026 Returning PRPS Student Registration Form, you will be required to log in to your PowerSchool Parent Portal account Parent Sign In (prsd8.ca) to complete the registration. Helpful Hint 📝: It is optimal to complete the forms on a laptop, computer or Chromebook as the menu bar where School Engage is located will automatically open. Helpful Hint 📝: If you are doing it on a phone, you cannot use the PowerSchool app. It has to be a browser such as Safari or Google. Once you log into PowerSchool look for the small arrow in the grey area on the left side of the screen under your child's name. You will need to expand this to find School Engage. If you have issues accessing your PowerSchool account, please contact your school or our PowerSchool support ([email protected]). ➡️ Username for your account is your email on file with the school division. The password is something you would have chosen. If you don't remember your password choose the 'Forgot Password' option to reset it. Any issues with logging into your parent account can be directed to your school administrative assistant or by emailing [email protected]. ➡️ Once you are logged in, look for the School Engage icon on the left side of your screen. Click this option and it will move you into a new School Engage portal with a list of your registered students. ➡️ If you are also planning to enrol your child in an academy program or they require bus transportation, additional forms will be assigned to you (through School Engage or via email) upon completion of the pre-enrollment form.

Grades 9 - 12 Report Cards went home on Friday 📃 Book your Parent Teacher Interviews by clicking the link, scanning the QR code or calling the school. https://schoolinterviews.ca/code/ucxba #foremostschool

Hot Lunch Coming Up! Taco in a Bag with Juice Boxes and a special Easter treat! 🐇 #foremostschool

Congratulations Amber Ellert! She was awarded the 1A Girls Basketball Rookie of the Year!! Way to go, Amber!! 🏀 🌟 #foremostschool #weareallfalcons

<p>Additional information can be found in the April 8, 2025, Board Meeting Agenda package: <a href="https://www.myprps.com/news/april-8-2025-public-board-meeting-20250407174859">https://www.myprps.com/news/april-8-2025-public-board-meeting-20250407174859</a></p><p>------</p><p><strong>Ralston School Presentation</strong></p><p>Serving 60 students from JK–Grade 9, Ralston School continues to thrive through strong community ties with BATUS, Canadian Armed Forces Suffield and local families. With support from a financial BATUS contribution, the school offers diverse programming grounded in the six core PRPS educational core principles of Connect, Care, Create, Communicate, Contribute, and Challenge.</p><p>Highlights from the presentation included a celebration of school-wide events such as the Christmas Banquet, Remembrance Day Service, and the BFBS Big Salute where students collectively ran 282 miles. Creative engagement was evident through initiatives like the “Take One Picture” art project, BFBS student radio broadcasts, and a Remembrance Day shadow play. Academic enrichment is supported by targeted programs such as UFLI, Morpheme Magic, and the Peterson Handwriting method, along with math-focused collaboration with PRPS Learning Coach Cathy Hynes. These efforts have led to noticeable growth in early learning and math achievement. Additionally, students benefit from hands-on learning experiences through 3D boat races, gardening projects, and drone exploration.</p><p>Looking ahead, Ralston School aims to expand its early childhood program, launch VEX robotics, and explore a no-cost sports academy, while continuing to celebrate its strong military and local partnerships.</p><p><strong>Financial Accountability Report</strong></p><p>Prairie Rose Public Schools' financial position shows a positive adjustment midway through the fiscal year. Revenues are forecasted to come in $1.95 million higher than budgeted, largely due to increased Alberta Education funding, enrollment growth, and various grants including Dual Credit, Mental Health, and Digital Assessment. Additional revenue was also seen from increased academy participation and one-time donations. Investment income rose due to higher interest rates, while rental and service income remained steady.</p><p>On the expense side, total costs are forecasted to exceed budgeted projections by approximately $1.69 million. This is primarily due to increased staffing costs, both certificated and non-certified, as well as additional expenses linked to additional classroom support and transportation infrastructure. However, these increases are partially offset by savings in international programming and internal transportation efficiencies.</p><p>The overall projected deficit has significantly improved, decreasing from ($281,086) to ($25,785). School Generated Funds show a surplus of $177,851, contributing to a total available SGF balance of $1.49 million. Operating reserves are projected to remain stable at $2.46 million, below the maximum allowable threshold of $3.6 million.</p><p><strong>Executive Report</strong></p><ul><li>PRPS 2025 school exhibitions of learning are underway</li><li>Kaleidoscope of the Arts for 2025 is scheduled for May 28</li><li>The kickoff meeting for the new Parkside Jr High School has taken place. The planning stage is underway and the hope is to move to the design stage quickly due to the previous work that had been done around the modernization project.</li><li>Funding has been received for PRPS to have a value scoping assessment done at the two schools in Oyen to determine if modernizations or a single K-12 school would be the best option moving forward in the Town of Oyen.</li></ul><p><strong>Irvine School Field Trip to Quebec</strong></p><p>The board approved the May 2026 field trip request for Irvine School grade 8 and 9 students to tour the historical cities of Montreal, Quebec and Ottawa. During the seven day visit, students will be exposed to Canadian culture by touring the Battle of Plains of Abraham and the Parliament buildings.</p><p><strong>Locally Developed Courses</strong></p><p>The board approved the following locally developed courses for use by PRPS schools:</p><ul><li>Yoga 15</li><li>Yoga 25</li><li>Yoga 35</li><li>Fire Rescue Services 15</li></ul><p><strong>2024-2025 Communications Report</strong></p><p>Director of Communications Angela Baron delivered the 2024–2025 PRPS Communications Report, outlining key strategies for connecting with staff, students, families, and the broader community. Highlights included significant growth in school-based social media engagement—reaching nearly 3 million Facebook views since September—and the expanded use of digital tools like Canva for Education, now supporting more than 3,200 users across the division.</p><p>The addition of a dedicated Content Writer over the 2024-2025 year led to award-winning work and expanded duties such as grant writing and local media contributions. Prior to the start of the 2025-2026 school year, the division will transition online registration to PowerSchool Enrollment for improved parent accessibility and functionality, with new features like Safe Arrival absence reporting, all in one access to forms and grades, and in-portal classroom messaging.</p><p>Other communication-driven projects during the 2024-2025 year included the South Alberta Baseball Academy launch, billboard trailer promotions, new field trip and transportation request forms, and community promotional efforts such as the Redcliff and Oyen area booklets/videos.</p><p>An update was also provided on Alberta’s transition from the FOIP Act to the new Protection of Privacy Act (PPA) and Access to Information Act (AIA). These changes will require increased privacy planning, breach notifications, and extended response timelines. Consideration was given to the continued need for staffing and funding to meet communication and compliance demands.</p>

Tim Karl Memorial Scholarship In honour of his lifelong commitment to community service, a yearly scholarship will be awarded to a Grade 12 student attending Foremost High School that represents these qualities and is going to further their education. Foremost School would like to thank the Karl family for affording our students this amazing opportunity in honour of Tim, a pillar of the community who will be greatly missed by all. To Donate E-transfer to: [email protected] Please include the following in the notes: Donor's full name Mailing address Donation Amount Tim Karl Memorial Scholarship OR Cheques written and mailed to: Prairie Rose School Division 918 - 2nd Ave. Dunmore, AB T1B 0K3 Please add Tim Karl Memorial Scholarship to Memo Tax Receipts will be mailed out.

<p><br>The next Prairie Rose Public Schools board meeting will take place on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at the PRPS Division Office in Dunmore starting at 12:45 p.m.&nbsp;</p><p>Board Meeting Agenda Package: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WeAj5ROSch6LAu-JF74NpLz0zD7mRRTi/view?usp=drive_link">https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WeAj5ROSch6LAu-JF74NpLz0zD7mRRTi/view?usp=drive_link</a></p>

Attention parents! After all of the excitement on Friday night after the Sleeping Beauty production, some costumes were not returned. We are looking for a pair of Troll pants and a Caterpillar costume. Would these parents mind looking for these items and returning them asap. The company is in Schuler this week and we have someone meeting with them tomorrow to return these items. Thanks in advance!!

It's SHOWTIME!! 🎭 Foremost School Elementary students present Sleeping Beauty in partnership with Missoula Children's Theatre Tonight at 7:00 pm Foremost School Big Gym Entrance by voluntary donations at the door. Supper starts @ 5:30 pm for those who purchased tickets. If students purchased supper tickets and are in the play, they are able to eat starting at 5:00 pm #foremostschool #weareallfalcons #kindlehearts #myprps

Set of keys found on the playground. Contact the school and tell us the initial of the charm on on the keychain to claim. 🔑

<p>Pam Cursons is in her second term as Trustee of Ward 3 for Prairie Rose Public Schools (PRPS). She is one of two representatives for the three schools in Redcliff, Prairie Mennonite Alternative School and Eagle Butte High School.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Having grown up in a small, rural community with a graduating class of 13, school was limited primarily to core subjects. Children of other family members who attended schools in larger centres were able to take options it was impossible to offer at Cursons’s small school. This formed the basis of wanting to become a trustee, to advocate for rural communities and students to have equal opportunity and access to some of the better options and newer programming.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>She currently intends to run for a third term so that she can see the new Parkside School built. From advocating to get Parkside School to the top of the PRPS Capital Plan, to the creation of the Redcliff Solution and then the modernization, which quickly changed to a new build, Cursons feels one of the benefits of the new school is that students get to remain in the original Parkside while construction is happening.&nbsp;</p><p>“It has been a goal for many years now and I really want to see that through for Redcliff,” stated Cursons. “I think it will be a fantastic opportunity for community members as well as the students because we hope to have the community use the facilities. It will give Redcliff another gymnasium, and this one will be full-sized.”&nbsp;</p><p>There have been many changes this past term and she feels her eyes are much wider open to how global situations, such as the pandemic, can alter life so drastically. “It was a huge learning curve and altered my perspective on what can be done. I could not grasp how moving all students to online learning was going to be managed. The executive team took that and did an amazing job with it.”&nbsp;</p><p>Going into different schools and seeing the various courses offered and how excited the students are is one of the highlights of being a trustee. There are many more options available to students at all schools since Cursons first joined the board, such as Try New Things (TNT) at I.F. Cox, that both students and parents are excited about. “Parkside has an unbelievable number of options available that weren’t there when I first became a trustee. The whole turnaround of providing kids with experiences and options so they can see what is out there and watching new program development is probably the most exciting part,” said Cursons.&nbsp;</p><p>Cursons has worked at the SPCA in Medicine Hat for the past 11 years, starting off working the front desk and moving through various positions. Currently, her primary role involves gathering statistics, scheduling and fundraising/receipting. The SPCA recently received a grant for education and has developed a course, which has been piloted in a few schools.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“Animals excite kids,” explained Cursons, “and we are basing the program on the book <i>May I Pet Your Dog?</i> We talk to kids about how to approach unknown animals and when not to approach. We are currently focusing on students in K-3 around education and public safety. We usually bring in some kittens as they are the biggest hit with the kids.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Throughout her career, Cursons has always worked with seniors, children and animals. As a huge animal lover, she feels it’s important to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves along with educating the public about animal care, particularly regarding getting pets spayed and neutered.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“When my son was in school, I was always a parent volunteer in the classroom and was on parent council. I also drove a school bus for many years. After he graduated, I felt I had experience I could bring in as a trustee that would be helpful and relatable. I think we make a difference, working on a provincial level and advocating government to promote rural education and protect public education” concluded Cursons.</p><p>By Samantha Johnson, Prairie Rose Public Schools Content Writer</p>

Prairie Gourmet Perogies & Sausage Orders Arriving Friday, April 4 Cooler truck will be parked in the school parking lot from 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm to pick up your orders! Alternate pickup/delivery arrangements should be made with the student you purchased from. Thank you for supporting these students headed to Italy in 2026! #foremostschool

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING THEATRE 🎭 & SUPPER 🍽 THIS WEEK Missoula Children's Theatre & Foremost Elementary presents Sleeping Beauty Friday at 7:00 pm Get your supper tickets for a complete night out and support our students travelling to Italy in 2026! Supper ticket deadline is Tuesday, April 1 Contact the school to get yours! You do not need to purchase supper tickets to attend the play. PLEASE NOTE: There are NO mini-ball practices or games this week. Students in the play will go home after school as per usual on Friday. They will need to be at the school for 6:00 pm to get ready for the production. Food is not provided for play participants, pre-purchase your supper tickets to get your stars 🌟 fed before the play! Entrance to the production is by voluntary donations at the door. Contributions are appreciated to help with the cost of bringing this amazing program to our school community! #foremostschool #weareallfalcons #forgefutures #myprps #kindlehearts #igniteminds #missoulachildrenstheatre

Huge thank you to the Foremost Curling Club for donating their bottles to the fundraising efforts for basketball provincials next year. The PE class enjoyed the sunshine and warm weather while we packed the recycling trailer. Please call the school if you would like us to pick up your bottles for recycling! #foremostschool #igniteminds #weareallfalcons #forgefutures #myprps #kindlehearts #gofalcons #gofalcons🦅 #gofalcons🦅🏀

DESPERATELY SEEKING WORKERS FOR FRIDAY, APRIL 4 This falls on the date of our Missoula Children's Theatre production and fundraiser dinner, leaving us short volunteers. We have no control over the casino dates given to us. PLEASE contact Mrs. Walker if you can help! Friends of Foremost School are in need of Casino workers! Please contact Mrs. Walker at the school if you are able to help out! Friends of Foremost School is a vital part of our school community, providing funding for school events and purchased items. Thank you for your support! 💜