A new nationwide initiative that celebrates the richness, diversity, and breadth of Canadian literature, was announced in fall 2019. The I Read Canadian Day, taking place for the first time ever on February 19, 2020, will empower families, schools, libraries, bookstores, and organizations to host activities and events by reading Canadian books for just fifteen minutes. “The purpose of this event,” says Rose Vespa, Executive Director of the Canadian Children’s Book Centre, “is to raise awareness of Canadian books and to celebrate the excellence of Canadian literature.” This initiative was created as a collaboration between the Canadian Children’s Book Centre (CCBC); children’s author Eric Walters; Canadian Society of Children’s Authors, Illustrators and Performers (CANSCAIP); and the Ontario Library Association (OLA.). “We want people to buy, borrow, read and talk about Canadian books – whether they are in English, French, or Indigenous languages, and can be in print, e-format and accessible formats,” says Sharon Jennings, president of CANSCAIP. “The target venues in the inaugural year are schools, public libraries, and bookstores. We hope parents, caretakers, educators, and others will join in!” The social media campaign, using the hashtag #IReadCanadian, and the website, Ireadcanadian.com/day will launch October 28 on Canadian School Library Day. Registration will open December 1. Key activities will take place February 14 to February 21 with February 19 as the official I Read Canadian Day. “We want the entire nation to be excited about reading Canadian books,” says Meredith Tutching of the OLA. “We encourage everyone to take some time out of their day to read for fun and share their experiences.” For more information, please contact: Karen McMullin, National Publicist Nimbus Publishing 647-461-3824; kmcmullin@nimbus.ca

The Grande Prairie Construction Association welcomes high school students to a Trades Café at GPRC on February 19. In the past, the Trades Café has provided opportunities for students to meet with business representatives at GPRC who are in the residential and commercial construction industry and learn about construction trades and occupations including carpentry, plumbing, electrical, HVAC and glazier.

Plan to attend the annual Peace Wapiti Academy Grad Fashion Show on Thursday, February 20, 2020. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Fashion Show begins at 7:00 p.m. Tickets: $10 per ticket or $20 per family Featuring fashions by Calista’s Career & Bridal Wear and Edward’s Factory Outlet

Pink Shirt Day is held on the last Wednesday of February. http://www.pinktshirtday.ca/

Alberta Education mailed surveys to homes in January. Parents may take the survey online (link provided in mailed survey) or return the completed paper survey in the enclosed postage-paide envelope by February 28, 2019. Who receives the survey? - In larger schools, the survey will be open to all teachers, and Grades 4, 7 and 10 students and their parents. - Students and teachers will complete an online survey at school. - Schools with fewer than 120 students will see the survey expanded to include all students in Grade 4 and above, and their parents.

Alberta School Councils' Association (ASCA) Awards of Recognition: - School Council Award of Merit - School Council Parent of Distinction - Excellence in Learning Partnerships - Division School Council Engagement More information and the nomination form: https://www.albertaschoolcouncils.ca/school-councils/awards-of-recognition?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=School%20Council%20eNews%20December%202019&utm_content=School%20Council%20eNews%20December%202019+CID_68f1c78f9cd6d2e4c00c86354e7af3d3&utm_source=MailGuide%20email%20marketing%20software&utm_term=More%20information

Theme: A Clear 20-20 Vision for Rural Alberta Schools & Communities Date: March 1-3, 2020 Location: Fantasyland Hotel, Edmonton Registration, event program and hotel information: https://www.albertaruraleducation.ca

More information: https://mptca.teachers.ab.ca/Pages/Home.aspx

Every day substitute teachers provide professional service in schools throughout Alberta. Substitute teachers carry the same daily responsibilities of instruction, management and supervision of students that regular classroom teachers do. The substitute teacher, however, has the added challenge of not being able to work with students on a long-term basis while being responsible for ensuring that each day is used productively. Each year, the Association designates one week as Substitute Teachers’ Appreciation Week. In 2019/20 this week is scheduled for March 9 - 13, 2020. https://www.teachers.ab.ca/For%20Members/ProfessionalResources/SubstituteTeachersResources/Pages/Substitute-Teachers'-Appreciation-Week.aspx

Open to all youth aged 11-29. Theme: “Our Children Matter” The conference will include a full day of sessions with various Indigenous speakers and presenters. Participants can join the public for an opening performance and awards ceremony on the Friday, and the community Round Dance on the Saturday. Registration: $150/person which includes 3 meals and all conference events. Learn more at https://spiritseekersyouth.wordpress.com.

Pi Day is celebrated on March 14th (3/14) around the world. Pi (Greek letter “π”) is the symbol used in mathematics to represent a constant — the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter — which is approximately 3.14159. Pi Day is an annual opportunity for math enthusiasts to recite the infinite digits of Pi, talk to their friends about math, and to eat Pie. https://www.piday.org/

As of March 17, 2020, families can register their child for Kindergarten for the upcoming 2020-2021 school year at www.pwpsd.ca/registration. Learn more about Kindergarten at www.pwpsd.ca/kindergarten.

Students: Applications are now being accepted for the 2020-2021 Minister's Youth Council. Apply by March 18, 2020. The application PDF is available on the Government of Alberta website: https://www.alberta.ca/student-engagement.aspx?fbclid=IwAR0W6e-kdPAjbID4Y1g8Kpi02ZyGPgldAUz33-9OwXIGOzPk_wZnzYea9TA About the Minister's Youth Council: ➡️ Consists of 40 junior and senior high students with diverse interests, identities, backgrounds and perspectives from all regions of Alberta. ➡️ Students on the council provide their perspectives on a number of education topics. ➡️ Students are members of the Minister’s Youth Council for a 10-month term that aligns with the school year. ➡️ During the school year, the council attends 3 meetings in Edmonton.

Schedule to be announced. Attendance is capped at six students per school division.

Agenda will be posted soon.

Classes resume Monday, April 20.

National Volunteer Week is an opportunity to celebrate the vibrancy and impact of volunteerism in your community and across our country. http://volunteeralberta.ab.ca/programs_services_resources/people/national-volunteer-week1/

2020 will mark Earth Day’s 50th Anniversary. https://www.earthday.org/earthday/countdown-to-2020

School Councils Conference: Friday - Saturday, April 24-25, 2020 Annual General Meeting: Sunday, April 26, 2020 Consider running for a position on the Board of Directors (five positions will be available). Submit a Proposed Advocacy Resolution at http://email.boxclever.ca/t/r-l-jddhhtik-kyljljhutr-r/.

Call for Advocacy Resolutions for the ASCA 2020 AGM. The ASCA AGM is April 26, 2020 at the Delta Marriott Edmonton South. For information on Advocacy Resolutions for the ASCA AGM and to access the Proposed Advocacy Resolution Submission Form for the ASCA AGM, visit https://www.albertaschoolcouncils.ca.