Once again, Bentley school’s hallowed halls of learning are teaming with students as a new school year begins.
Assistant principal Stephen Lush said the elementary and high schools are now housing 369 students, up by more than 40 students from last year.
New teachers on board this year include Jannah Bertin, who is teaching junior and senior high school science and math and Scott Lewis who is teaching junior and senior high school English.
Kelsey Ruttan has returned to the school from maternity leave and is job sharing Grade 2 teaching duties with Erin Schofer.
This year an energy education class will be offered to high school students on Mondays. Students taking this class will learn elements of the oil and gas industry such as how to work on an oilrig. A simulator and video will be used and upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to earn tickets such a Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System certificate.
On Fridays students will be offered a ‘20 time learning’ program that helps them use their imagination and creative minds to think outside the box.
“It (the program) helps make our kids think beyond school and come up with plans for projects using critical thinking.”
Lush said the school has been using blended learning models for a number of years and the benefits of the program are now coming to fruition.
The program allows students to learn at their own pace.
“We want to do what is best for the kids and allow them to work ahead when they are ready,” he said.