A married couple now working at River Valley School are among many teachers who are either new to the profession or new to the Chinook’s Edge School Division.
The annual new teacher orientation took place at the division’s office in Innisfail the week before school started. Thirty-two teachers, including Jody and Rebecca Vey, took part in the three-day orientation and mentorship program that was developed to increase new teachers’ understanding of the division’s culture and expectations, and also provides time and support as they begin mapping out specific plans and goals for the school year, states a press release.
For the Veys, a husband and wife team who recently relocated from northern Alberta to begin teaching together in Sundre, the orientation provided an opportunity to become familiar with the programming, culture and people in Chinook’s Edge.
“We both heard a lot about this school division and it came with high recommendations from our colleagues up north, so it was first on our list,” said Jody, who had taught in a K-9 school in Fort Vermilion School Division for eight years.
“We enjoyed working in the north, but knew we wanted to be closer to the amenities of a larger centre. We like where this division is going with goals and opportunities, and are very impressed with its support of teachers and the focus on social-emotional learning. Our oldest child will be starting kindergarten at River Valley School, too, so we will all be going to the same place each morning!”
With the daycare in Sundre directly adjacent to the school building, the Veys' two younger children will also be part of the family shuttle each day.
“There were certain things we were adamant about before we settled into a community, and Sundre has them all. We love the location with all the opportunities to be outdoors in the beautiful foothills, and the community is friendly and welcoming,” said Rebecca, who is River Valley School’s new learning support teacher.
“We’ve just been so pleased with how helpful everyone has been — in the community, the school, the division.”
Lissa Steele, associate superintendent of learning services, described this year’s participants as highly positive and engaged.
“This is a dynamic and eager group, for sure, and they are all focused on such important priorities,” said Steele.
“We found there to be a lot of discussion on First Nations, Métis and Inuit education, a focus on inclusion, and plans to stay connected with one another for further learning. We are lucky to have these new teachers in our division, because it’s obvious they have already done a lot of work and they’re ready to take the lead in our classrooms.”
Students in Chinook’s Edge returned to class last Tuesday, Sept. 4.
