Northern Lights Public Schools is pleased to congratulate the Art Smith Aviation Academy (ASAA) School Council on receiving the Alberta School Councils' Association Award of Merit.
The ASCA Award of Merit "recognizes effective school council practices that have an identifiable impact on supporting student learning and school improvement at the school level, district level or the provincial level."
NLPS Board Chair Karen Packard presented the award on behalf of ASCA at the ASAA School Council meeting on Tuesday, May 7.
"The work the Art Smith Aviation Academy School Council has done over the last few years to support students, contribute to a positive school culture, and strengthen programming at the school has been absolutely amazing," she said. "They have raised the profile of the school in the community, modelled lifelong learning, and have been active in the school's truth and reconciliation journey. We are proud to see their efforts recognized with this award."
As part of its work in contributing to the development of the ASAA school plan, the school council identified a need for programming at the school to expand from K-8 to K-9 to reduce the number of transitions between schools and the impact that would have on their mental health. The school council made a presentation to the Board to request the configuration change. Consultation with the school community reinforced the need and the Board approved the change.
"We were impressed by the presentation and appreciated that the focus was on student mental health and how best to support them in their learning journey," said Packard.
The school council has raised the profile of the council and the school throughout the community by participating in events like Sparkle in the Park and hosting the community's annual Community Kids and Baby Sale.
The council has also been actively involved in enhancing programming and cultural opportunities for students at the school. They support the school's annual Aviation Expo, band trips, and French Immersion enrichment activities. Council members also participate in Indigenous Peoples Day, supporting the school's commitment to truth and reconciliation.
"Their collaboration with school administration as well as other parents is commendable and has allowed them to make a tremendous impact on the school and the opportunities that are available to students," said Packard.
