<figure class="media"><oembed url="https://vimeo.com/1147142802?share=copy&amp;fl=sv&amp;fe=ci"></oembed></figure><p>Angie Angle, formerly a teacher at Burdett School, has been recognized as a 2025 recipient of the Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence in STEM. The national award honours educators who demonstrate outstanding teaching practices in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics while inspiring student curiosity and engagement.</p><p>Angle, who taught science and math at Burdett School, has always emphasized hands-on learning and inquiry-based exploration. Her classroom projects combine experiments, engineering challenges, and problem-solving activities to give students the opportunity to see how STEM connects to everyday life.</p><p>“STEM really allows students to connect with material and learn more than they think they are when they are doing something fun and hands-on,” said Angle. “I want my students to always be curious. Asking questions, exploring ideas, and finding solutions is the heart of learning.” She encourages students to test hypotheses, experiment with materials and technology, and collaborate with one another to solve problems, helping them build confidence and critical thinking skills.</p><p>Scott Raible, who nominated Angle for the award, highlighted the impact of her passion on students. “That excitement transferred to her students, who also then got excited about math and science,” said Raible. “To see junior high students eager to share their learning is something truly special. Angie is a role model who inspires curiosity and a love of learning that extends far beyond the classroom.”</p><p>Angle also taught science through virtual learning for high school students, where she found strong engagement in the online environment. That success transitioned her into her current role with South Alberta High School, where she teaches and facilitates online science courses and values the accessibility of online learning. Her approach ensures that students who may not have access to hands-on STEM experiences in their local schools can still engage meaningfully with the material.</p><p>Through her teaching, Angle hopes students carry the same sense of curiosity, collaboration, and confidence they develop in her classroom into all of their future learning experiences. “I hope that my students will take that through not only into their high school careers, but also into their adult lives and pursue a lifelong learning journey,” said Angle. “STEM is not just about science and math. It’s about exploring the world, asking questions, and knowing you have the tools to find answers.</p>

Bring your cash!

The week before Christmas break ...

<p>Additional information can be found in the December 9, 2025, Board Meeting Agenda package: <a href="https://www.myprps.com/news/december-9-2025-public-board-meeting-20251208183544">https://www.myprps.com/news/december-9-2025-public-board-meeting-20251208183544</a></p><p>------</p><p><strong>Prairie Mennonite School Presentation</strong></p><p>Trustees heard a presentation from Principal Simon Moreton highlighting the work of Prairie Mennonite School, which serves students from kindergarten through Grade 9. Trustees learned about how the school builds student leadership and school spirit through a house system, supports learning through literacy focused programming, and offers hands-on learning opportunities. The presentation highlighted strong family and community involvement, including parent-led hot lunch programs, student leadership opportunities, community service initiatives, and school wide events that regularly draw strong family participation.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Operations and Maintenance Report</strong></p><p>Director of Facilities Darrell Drefs presented the annual Operations and Maintenance report. Trustees were informed that more than 3,700 maintenance work orders were completed across the division during the past year. Infrastructure Maintenance and Renewal and Capital Maintenance and Renewal projects continue to be prioritized based on greatest need, with a significant portion of funding directed toward roofing and mechanical systems. Updates were shared on completed and upcoming projects, including parking lot upgrades, roof replacement work, mechanical upgrades, and classroom improvements. Trustees were also updated on site preparation for the future Parkside School project in Redcliff and on value scoping work underway in Oyen to review long term facility options.</p><p><strong>PAT and Diploma Results</strong></p><p>Trustees reviewed the Provincial Achievement Test and Diploma Examination results for the 2024-2025 school year. It was noted that curriculum changes affected the number of Grade 6 students writing Provincial Achievement Tests and that results were released later than usual due to labour action. Participation rates for Prairie Rose students remained higher than the provincial average. Trustees also noted an increase in diploma writers, largely connected to additional testing at South Alberta High School, which impacted overall results. Division leadership shared that strategies within the new education plan are focused on improving outcomes through curriculum alignment and consistent instructional practices.</p><p><strong>Annual Education Results Report</strong></p><p>Superintendent Reagan Weeks presented the Annual Education Results Report, which outlines student achievement, learning supports, and division priorities within Alberta’s Assurance Framework. Trustees noted a significant increase in student enrollment across Prairie Rose, which continues to inform planning and resource decisions. The report highlighted areas of progress, including student engagement, strong participation rates in provincial assessments, and high school completion rates. The results reflect Prairie Rose’s ongoing focus on igniting minds through strong instruction, kindling hearts through student supports, and forging futures through successful transitions and completion. Results from both provincial measures and local data are used to identify strengths and areas for continued focus, guiding instructional priorities and division planning for the year ahead.</p><p><strong>Executive Report</strong></p><ul><li>Trustees congratulated PRPS teacher Angie Angle on receiving the Prime Minister’s Award.</li><li>Class size and complexity data from PRPS was submitted to Alberta Education by the November 24, 2025, deadline. The data was requested by the province following labour action by the Alberta Teachers’ Association and included student numbers, staff roles, aggression incidents, and diverse learner numbers. PRPS will also be reviewing the numbers internally to determine where additional support or changes can be made to better support students and teachers.</li></ul><p><strong>Commendations</strong></p><ul><li>Trustees thanked the I.F. Cox School choir for performing Christmas carols for the Board prior to the meeting. Watch the video here: <a href="https://vimeo.com/1145338381">https://vimeo.com/1145338381</a></li><li>Appreciation was extended to staff for meeting Alberta Education complexity reporting timelines.</li><li>Trustees recognized Prairie Rose staff for their work in organizing family events, concerts, and community fundraising initiatives.</li><li>Trustees thanked the Community Foundation for providing grants that continue to support Prairie Rose schools and students.</li></ul><p><strong>Other Items:</strong></p><ul><li>Trustees received an update on supports for students with complex needs. A division committee has been established that includes principals and instructional and learning team members to help address complex and aggressive behaviours. The committee is focused on improving coordination, sharing strategies, and supporting schools in managing challenging situations.</li><li>There were no reports from the Alberta School Boards Association, the Public School Boards Association of Alberta, or the Rural Caucus.</li></ul>

<p>The next Prairie Rose Public Schools board meeting will take place on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at the PRPS Division Office in Dunmore <strong>starting at 12:45 p.m.&nbsp;</strong></p><p>Board Meeting Agenda Package: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kRYgLh3RaPJ4vCY0C9aOH9thM0aWDwIx/view?usp=drive_link">https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kRYgLh3RaPJ4vCY0C9aOH9thM0aWDwIx/view?usp=drive_link</a></p>

The week ahead. Lots of Christmas themed fun!

The gym was bustling and the volunteer elves were hustling during our annual Christmas Market. A big thank you to all the families who volunteered their time today and to everyone who dropped off items for our market. Students were able to shop for gifts for the special people in their lives and visited the wrapping department to get them all ready to go under the tree.

It is December and all through our school, Our lost and found is overflowing With lots of clothes that are cool. We have hoodies and pants, Oh there is lots to see. Your child might be missing, Some important laundry. So when you come visit, Look near the gym door. Come check the lost and found, before it is no more. *Families please check out the lost and found before December 19th*

The SPS Academy of the Fine Arts students enjoyed live music with Mahoney and Friends at the Esplanade on Friday afternoon! They sang and clapped along to live music featuring Mahoney, the Cruisers, wind instruments, and a great catalogue of music! So much fun!

Our Grade 5/6 Girls Volleyball team wrapped up their season last weekend at CHHS with the Elementary Athletic Association Triple Ball tournament. The girls worked had this season together to learn the fundamentals of volleyball as well as positioning, movement of the ball and team spirit. A big thank you to Coach Pluth, Coach Dunn, Coach Davies and Coach Pancoast for their support the entire season!

First week of December ...

Grade 5 - Year End Field Trip Fundraising

<p>Additional information can be found in the November 25, 2025, Board Meeting Agenda package: <a href="https://www.myprps.com/news/november-25-2025-public-board-meeting-20251124160216">https://www.myprps.com/news/november-25-2025-public-board-meeting-20251124160216</a></p><p>------</p><p><strong>Executive Report</strong></p><p><i>Yuill School of Agriculture:&nbsp;</i>Assistant Superintendent Boyd Craven shared that the extended mild fall weather has allowed work to begin on preparing the land for the new Yuill School of Agriculture building. He also noted that discussions are underway with Medicine Hat College and SAIT to develop dual credit opportunities connected to the new high school agriculture program.</p><p><strong>2024-2025 Audited Financial Statement Approval</strong></p><p>The Board reviewed and approved the audited financial statements for the 2024-2025 school year, which show that the division remains in a strong and stable financial position. The audit, completed by MNP LLP, provided a clean opinion, confirming that the statements are accurate and follow all required public sector accounting standards. Total revenues for the year reached $63.44 million, with increases in provincial funding, school fees, and community donations.</p><p>Expenses for the year totaled $62.86 million, reflecting the full cost of operating schools across the division. Most of these dollars supported classroom learning, with $45.59 million spent on instruction from early childhood through Grade 12. Student transportation, which ensures students can travel safely to and from school each day, totaled $7.63 million. Another $7.21 million was used for operations and maintenance to keep school buildings running. System administration accounted for $2.36 million, and $77,096 supported external services.</p><p>The division ended the year with an annual surplus of $580,624, helping strengthen overall financial stability. Cash balances across the division and schools increased to $10.78 million, and total capital assets reached $48.2 million, reflecting continued investment in buildings, equipment, and learning environments.</p><p>Overall, the audit confirms that Prairie Rose is financially responsible, stable, and well positioned to continue supporting students, staff, and schools.</p><p><strong>Redcliff Building Name Change and New School Code</strong></p><p>The board approved a new school name and requested a new school code for the CASA Mental Health Program launching in February 2026. The classroom will be located in the Redcliff Mennonite Alternative Program building, which will be renamed The Link as part of the new CASA program.</p><p><strong>Other Items:</strong></p><ul><li>Trustees provided a brief update on their attendance at the recent Public School Boards Association and Alberta School Boards Association meetings. The events included professional development sessions, a fireside conversation with the Minister of Education, and elections for provincial committees. Trustees appreciated the opportunity to connect with colleagues and bring relevant insights back to support division work.</li></ul>

<p>The next Prairie Rose Public Schools board meeting will take place on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at the PRPS Division Office in Dunmore <strong>starting at 12:45 p.m.&nbsp;</strong></p><p>Board Meeting Agenda Package: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1md6XaqFChEF_SsZ-FgsQ1dNRYtBVsY-n/view?usp=drive_link">https://drive.google.com/file/d/1md6XaqFChEF_SsZ-FgsQ1dNRYtBVsY-n/view?usp=drive_link</a></p>

The week ahead ...

<p>This week Prairie Rose Public Schools had the chance to turn an unexpected discovery into a golden learning opportunity. A Medicine Hat resident spotted a honey bee hive 🌱🐝💛 in a very unusual spot. These were not native bees, but the hardy farm friendly kind often found around pastures and fields across Southeastern Alberta.</p><p>What made this hive especially buzzworthy was the way the bees built it. Instead of choosing a cozy hollow tree, shed, or grainery, the colony created a large exposed nest in a place where hives like this are rarely seen. It seems they were not pleased with their former home and decided to bee-gone and start fresh. It is incredibly rare to witness bees rebuild like this, especially out in the open.</p><p>With temperatures dipping, time was of the essence. Bees need a protected space, a steady food source, and an insulated environment to form a winter nucleus. During winter the colony gathers around the queen and vibrates to keep her at a steady twenty five degrees. Talk about a natural heater.</p><p>In coordination with the City of Medicine Hat Parks and Recreation Department, the hive was carefully located, collected, and transported to Neubauer Farms. A very special thank you goes to Stella Sehn and Sheldon Hill, our long standing partners in the Prairie Rose Honey Program. Their expertise, quick action, and ongoing commitment to PRPS made this entire rescue possible.</p><p>The hive is now settling in with the rest of the Prairie Rose Honey colonies until their future home at the new Yuill School of Agriculture is ready.</p><p>This bee adventure is more than a rescue. It is an early preview of how PRPS students will learn to grow, protect, and strengthen the agriculture community in Southeastern Alberta. Real experiences, real ecosystems, real stewardship.</p>

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