Red Deer Public teachers ready to bring new curriculum to the classroom this fall

Red Deer Public Schools

Published

2 years ago

3 minute read

Red Deer Public’s Learning Services Team have been working hard to ensure our elementary school teachers are well prepared and are confident to teach the new curricula this fall.

For a second school year in a row, our Kindergarten to Grade 3 teachers will start their school year delivering a new provincial curriculum. Science teachers and French Immersion Language Arts and Literature teachers in Kindergarten to Grade 3 will begin teaching a new curriculum this fall. As well, Math and English Languages Arts and Literature teachers in Grades 4-6 will implement new curriculums in September. The Provincial Government postponed the implementation of the new Fine Arts curriculum for Kindergarten to Grade 3, and the Science curriculum for Grades 4-6.

During the 2021/2022 school year, in preparation for this new curriculum implementation, 148 teachers were involved in training, many in both Mathematics and English Language Arts and Literacy. In 2022/2023 Red Deer Public continued supporting these teachers, added training in Physical Education and Wellness for Kindergarten to Grade 6 teachers, and training for teachers implementing new curriculum in the 2023/2024 school year. The Learning Services team has trained approximately 491 teachers, in multiple subject areas, over two years in Red Deer Public Schools.

“Our Learning Services team has hosted all of our elementary teachers at our Central Services location for multiple training sessions. This has meant that every elementary teacher has had three full days with us immersed in the new curricula with some returning for planning and creating resources,” said Della Ruston, Associate Superintendent of Learning Services. “These sessions have been invaluable because it has allowed our Learning Services team to collaborate with teachers as we all work our way through the new curricula and learning outcomes.”

The province has supported this professional learning by providing $198,000 for the 2022/2023 school year and $191,000 for next year to Red Deer Public. Another $254,340 was provided in 2022/2023 and $259,155 for next year to purchase learning resources for the new curricula.

“We are really fortunate as a Division to have a strong Learning Services team who has the ability to guide our elementary school teachers through these new curriculums,” said Ruston. “In addition, the support of our Board and administration has allowed us to ensure we can best support our teachers in the classroom.”

First Nations, Metis and Inuit Learning Services Coordinator Hayley Christen and Lead Teacher Terry Lakey have worked alongside all of the Learning Services coordinators to ensure authentic Indigenous teachings that align with and are infused throughout the new curricula.

“We are confident that our teachers have the knowledge, understanding, and best resources for teaching and supporting the implementation of new curricula to our students heading into the fall,” said Ruston.

Red Deer Public Schools

www.rdpsd.ab.ca/

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Our sweetest success yet: Smile Cookie Campaign breaks record

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Education

Our sweetest success yet: Smile Cookie Campaign breaks record

Published on June 11, 2025

Red Deer Public Schools

Just when we thought our smiles couldn’t get any bigger – they did! And we have the Red Deer community to thank for their overwhelming support.

We are so excited to share the total from the Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign this past spring…and it’s very impressive. In fact, it’s an all-time record, and we couldn’t be more grateful.

Over the long-week campaign held April 28-May 4, Red Deerians indulged in a lot of cookies – $80,773 worth! These funds will go directly to helping struggling readers become readers of potential through Reading College, a project of The Foundation for Red Deer Public Schools.

Reading College, held each July, provides students with identified reading gaps an incredible summer experience that builds their skills, confidence, and love for reading. Students leave the program with stronger reading and writing abilities, and a solid foundation for success in school and life. Now in its 14th year, 1,000 students have graduated from Reading College.

“We continue to be amazed by the generosity of our community and the partnership with Tim Hortons,” said Kristine Plastow, Board Chair for The Foundation for Red Deer Public Schools. “These dollars directly impact kids who need extra support to become confident readers. The difference this program makes is life-changing.”

Tanya Doucette, Tim Hortons Restaurant Owner in Red Deer, said it’s incredible to see what can happen when a community comes together. The simple act of purchasing a cookie by so many amazing guests, makes a huge difference for young students right here in Red Deer.

“This record-breaking year shows how much our guests care. We are so pleased to support Reading College and help give students the tools they need to thrive,” she said.

Red Deer

Red Deer Student honoured with Chief Youth Courage Award

Published on June 10, 2025

Red Deer Public Schools

When you meet Brayden Chenier, a Grade 8 student at GH Dawe School, it’s clear why he’s been chosen to represent youth across Alberta. Brayden is the proud recipient of the Integrated School Support Program Provincial (ISSP) Chief Youth Courage Award, presented by the Calgary Police Youth Foundation, in recognition of his resilience, leadership and commitment to his community.

The award celebrates students who demonstrate courage and dedication to becoming a responsible and caring citizen, especially within a diverse school and community, and was presented earlier this spring at the Calgary Police Awards Gala. As part of the honour, Brayden will now serve as a youth ambassador, helping to raise awareness about child and youth crime prevention, education, and intervention programs across the province.

“It’s pretty surreal that I will be all over the province for a year,” said Brayden. “I am looking forward to helping out in the community.”

Brayden has been part of the ISSP program through GH Dawe School since 2023 and has benefited greatly from the support offered.

With the support of the mental health professional, Brayden has been able to successfully navigate a variety of challenges in his life including coming to terms with his disability and navigating a tragic loss in his life.

Born with clubfoot, Brayden has never let his physical disability stand in his way. He is an avid athlete in a number of sports including hockey, basketball, golf, track, volleyball and soccer. His goal is working towards becoming an athlete in the Paralympics.

Brayden was nominated by GH Dawe School Counsellor Amy Johansson, who described him as a compassionate, kind, hardworking, and honest person who is driven and motivated to be his very best at all that he attempts.

She added that within the GH Dawe School community, Brayden is a highly respected citizen by all students and staff. “He is highly committed to sports connected to our school, as well as sports outside of our school community. Brayden works diligently at his academics. And is so very helpful and caring, always. Brayden works to overcome a list of things that he will not allow to hold him back.”

GH Dawe School is part of Alberta’s Integrated School Support Program – a child wellness initiative aimed at improving academic performance and the overall well-being of students. The program supports schools like GH Dawe with services to meet the diverse needs of students and families.

As he takes on his role as a provincial ambassador, Brayden continues to be a role model for his peers and a reminder of the power of perseverance and community support.