Mother Teresa Elementary School Grade 6 students, from left, Mila, Alexis, Harlo and Malin give thumbs up on the first day back to school Tuesday. The girls say they're all excited to be back in class with their friends.--NEWS PHOTO BRENDAN MILLER
bmiller@medicinehatnews.com
It’s time once again to dust off binders and charge up Smartbooks and tablets and leave those personal devices on silent as students and educators in Medicine Hat returned to the classroom Tuesday.
Four Grade 6 students attending Mother Teresa School told the News they were excited to reunite with their friends after summer break, even if it means going back to doing homework.
“I mean, the homework not so much,” joked Alexis when asked if she was excited about school work. “I was having a nice summer but I’m happy that all of us are in a class this year.”
“I’m in class with all my friends and I have a really great teacher, so I’m excited,” said Malin.
“I’m excited to be back with my friends,” Harlo said with a large smile.
“I’m a new student here but I have friends here and I’m really excited about that,” said Mila.
The Medicine Hat Police Service is reminding motorists to be mindful of students as they head back to school this week and say they will be providing extra attention to school and playground zones.
“In the excitement of returning to school, children may forget basic road safety rules as they walk, bicycle and ride the bus to schools,” reads a statement provided by police.
Traffic injuries remain one of the top causes of death and serious injury requiring hospitalization for children younger than 14 in the province. To keep children safe, police are providing motorists a couple reminders.
Police say to use caution when approaching intersections or mid-block crosswalks as parked or stopped vehicles may hide a pedestrian who is crossing the road.
Keep an eye out for school safety patrollers wearing orange vests and stop as directed. “Patrollers play a vital role in directing children safely across the street.”
Police are also reminding motorists there will be an increase in school bus traffic throughout the city and drivers are required to stop if a bus is flashing amber lights, and motorists should always be prepared to slow down or stop near school buses.
Police say one of the most common complaints they receive is related to parking at or near schools and blocking crosswalks and driveways, as well as parking near fire hydrants or where signs prohibit it.
Bylaw offence fines begin at $50, however Traffic Safety Act offences can be as high as $810, which is the fine for failing to yield to a pedestrian at a crosswalk, as well as four demerit points.
“Driver courtesy goes a long way,” reads the statement. “By simply being alert and cautious when approaching a school bus, you are contributing to school bus safety. With your help, we can ensure our children’s return to school is a safe one.”
Local students are also adjusting to new cellphone and personal device restrictions that have taken effect this semester, more information can be found online at medicinehatnews.com.
Dunmore school to offer provincial collegiate programming
On the first day of class the province announced seven more schools will offer new collegiate programs aimed at teaching students college-level skills needed for jobs in growing industries, including trades and technology, including a school in Dunmore.
The announcement made Tuesday by Minister of Education Demetrios Nicolaides in Calgary did not specifically name Eagle Butte High School as having new collegiate school programs, but a school in Dunmore is included among four outside Calgary.
“The remaining four collegiates are opening in other communities across the province in Calmar, Peace River Grimshaw, Coleman and Dunmore,” said Nicolaides. “I look forward to shining a spotlight on the remaining collegiates (outside Calgary) in the weeks to come.”
Collegiate schools operate in partnership with post-secondary institutions to connect students to career education and apprenticeship programming.
The province says the programming is designed to bridge the gap between high school and post-secondary education by helping students build skills and abilities that are desired in high demand, high paying careers.
Students participating in collegiate programming also have the opportunity to gain postsecondary credits while in high school.
“The collegiate model does indeed create new opportunities for students to pursue more specialized and focused programming alongside their regular course,” said Nicolaides. “This is what makes this model of education a great choice for students who are interested in gaining practical, in-demand skills for their career interest and passions while completing their education.”
Students will be offered programming in a variety of fields including science, aviation, engineering, agriculture, communications and trades.
The 2024 Alberta budget promises $64.3 million to support new collegiate schools over the next three years. Each school will be given startup funding that can include a one-time grant in the amount of $50,000 to support the completion of applications, if applicable.
Dunmore’s will be among 12 collegiate schools to open since 2021.
