NSO News Sept 29-Oct 10
Hey all, hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! Monday is instructional day #22 of 84 or 26% of way through semester 1. Check out the latest NSO News Sept 29-Oct 10
This is a good time to pause and reflect on progress so far. We encourage families and students to review course timelines, assessment deadlines, and learning goals together. Staying on top of assignments and maintaining steady momentum helps ensure success as we move into the heart of the semester.
This week also brings us to two important days of reflection and learning:
- Orange Shirt Day (September 29) – A day where we recognize that “Every Child Matters.” Students and staff are encouraged to wear orange to honour survivors of residential schools and to stand in solidarity with Indigenous communities.
- National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30- No School) – A time for us all to reflect on the truths of Canada’s history, to listen to survivors, and to commit to ongoing reconciliation through understanding and action.
At Next Step, we believe education plays a vital role in reconciliation. Together, we can help our students learn, reflect, and take meaningful steps toward a better future built on respect, empathy, and understanding.
We also want to share some encouraging highlights from our March 2025 EIPS Student Survey:
- 99% of students felt encouraged to do their best (82.01% strongly agree, 17.27% agree).
- 98% reported satisfaction with the education they receive (66.67% strongly agree, 31.16% agree).
- 98% were satisfied with the quality of their teaching (78.26% strongly agree, 19.57% agree).
- 94% felt they can communicate openly and honestly with staff and peers (74.07% strongly agree, 19.26% agree).
These results reflect the strong relationships and supportive learning environment our staff and families work hard to build each day. As always, thank you for your continued support of your student’s learning journey.
With gratitude,
Mr. B. Spady, Principal
Orange Shirt Day September 29- Attached is the Next Step Every Child Matters design for our Orange Shirt Day activities. This design was specifically created for Next Step by Haida Nation artist Michael Bellis. His father is a Residential School survivor from British Columbia. Michael volunteered to create the artwork and share his story as we honour the survivors of the residential school system. The Haida carving on display at our Sherwood Park campus, Mike created a few years ago. In Haida tradition the eagle symbolizes strength, focus and is the most powerful of all birds. The eagle feather brings good luck and honour when gifted and worn. The Every Child Matters artwork titled ‘Resilience’ is a deconstructed Haida formline design with a mother eagle preserving its juvenile eagle. For more Haida artwork from Michael please visit https://michaelbellis.com/
Upcoming events
Oct 5 World Teachers’ Day
Oct 6-10 Read In Week
Oct 10 World Mental Health Day
Oct 14 January Diploma Exam Prep Sessions Open More Info
Oct 15 PTS Conference (FSO & VGO)
Oct 16 PTS Conference (SPO)
Oct 20 Diwali
Oct 20 General Municipal Election, including school board trustees
Oct 23 Virtual School Council meeting
Oct 29 ELA 30-1/2 Part A Diploma (quarterly schedule)
Oct 30 Social 30-1/2 Part A Diploma (quarterly schedule)
School Educational Goals 2022-2026
Goal #1: Building staff capacity by engaging in best alternative learning practices will result in improvement in course completion, graduation rates and attendance.
Goal #2: Students and families are connected in meaningful, authentic, and engaging ways with an inclusive school community through a variety of communication and interactive opportunities wherein diversity is embraced.
Goal #3: Students will be introduced to a variety of career prospects via presentations, seminars and hands-on learning opportunities facilitating diverse career exploration opportunities.