INNISFAIL – The start of a new school year is about to begin.
Chinook’s Edge School Division (CESD) staff and teachers have been busy preparing for the first day of school on Sept. 3. Classes for students and staff at St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Catholic School also begin Sept. 3.
This year, there are 42 new Chinook's Edge teachers who recently completed the CESD New Teacher Orientation program.
Of those, there are three new teachers at Innisfail Middle School, three at Bowden Grandview School and two in Penhold -- one at Penhold Crossing School and one at Jessie Duncan Elementary School.
The annual three-day orientation and mentorship program, that finished on Aug. 23, is for teachers who are either new to the profession or new to the division. It is considered to be one of the most extensive programs of its kind in Alberta, noted Sandy Bexon, communications officer with CESD, in a press release.
It was developed to increase new teachers’ understanding of the culture and expectations in CESD, and provides time and support as they begin mapping out specific plans and goals for the school year.
“This group is very focused and they are highly aware of their impact as teachers,” said Dr. Lissa Steele, CESD associate superintendent of learning services. “There is a great deal of positivity among them and they came prepared to work hard. They want to provide the best learning experiences to their students and they’re eager to dig right in.”
Teachers are not the only ones planning and preparing for the new school year. Students in Innisfail have also been hard at work, as their summer break draws to a close.
“I already have all my classes planned and I’m mostly prepared,” said Ron Clark, 16. “I get all of my school supplies ready at the end of the (school) year so it’s all prepared for next year (but) there will be a few things that I’ll have to grab at the start of the year.”
Clark’s friend and fellow Grade 11 student, Katy Knorr, 15, is excited for the school year to begin.
“I am sad to see summer end but I’m happy to be going back to school and getting to see some of my friends I don’t get to see over the summer,” said Knorr. “I’ve been doing some back to school shopping, clearing out old binders and getting everything in order.”
Spruce View School student Kaitlyn Janssen, 10, is going into Grade 6 at a new school when her family moves to Saskatchewan.
“I’m (looking forward to) getting new friends,” said Janssen, noting she has been busy preparing for some new classes this year.
“I like social studies and all the history,” said Janssen.
