As was shared in the June newsletters, Lethbridge School District #51 has reorganized its school year calendar, featuring common Professional Learning Days for all schools. On identified Friday’s school staff members will be involved in focussed reading, discussions, learning, critical analysis and planning. In addition there will be opportunities for staff members to share ideas and initiatives with their colleagues from other schools. The intent for the District wide initiative is to increase student engagement and improve student learning through effective teaching practices. Both of these goals have been identified as priorities for the District by parents and students attending the past two Town Hall Meetings.

Two successful Professional Learning Days have been held to date; one in August prior to students returning to school and the most recent on September 18 . The first learning day was focussed on developing knowledge and common vocabulary within the topics of assessment for learning, differentiated instruction and the integration of technology. On the second day, staff analyzed a detailed survey that was administered last spring. The purpose of the work was to help answer two questions: "Where are we?" and "Where do we want to be?

 Collaborative planning continues for our future Professional Learning Days. Our staff continues to be energetic and hard working to improve your child’s experience at our schools. Students will be the beneficiaries of the intense and important work accomplished on these days. An overview of the activities of each Professional Learning Day will be shared with our community through the monthly newsletters and at School Council meetings. Questions can be directed to Neil Langevin (neil.langevin@lethsd.ab.ca), Rik Jesse (rik.jesse@lethsd.ab.ca) or me (barry.litun@lethsd.ab.ca).

 
   Barry Litun
 Superintendent