A new calendar, to be implemented this fall in all Wolf Creek Schools, seems to have multiple benefits, not the least of which will be ensuring all schools within the district will follow the same format.
The new calendar will also allow teachers to work collaboratively to learn new skills, create new programs and work together for the benefit of all students.
“For many schools, this new calendar doesn’t represent much of a change to the number of days used for professional development or to the number of days your children will be in classes,” said Gerry Varty, assistant superintendent, learning support/system improvement for Wolf Creek School Division, in a letter sent to parents. “What the new calendar does do is align those days, so that all schools are closed to students at the same time.”
Tim Lekas, Rimbey Junior/Senior High School principal said he is pleased with the new calendar.
“The aligned calendar will allow teachers to work together to plan to deliver the curriculum. Also, students in the same family, who may be going to different schools will now have the same days off.”
He said the new calendar would see a regular school day running about six minutes longer to compensate for the additional time off.
Lekas said the new calendar would pave the way for a changed curriculum which will be put into place by 2016.
“There is so much change about to happen in Alberta in education. There will be a lot more project learning and the teachers all need to work together to plan and prepare for these coming changes.”
Varty said the new calendar will allow teachers in every school to collaborate, plan and learn with each other