PBS Newsletters 2024/2025
Posted on Oct. 28, 2024Mar 17-21 Mar 3-7 Feb 17-21 Feb 10-14 Feb 3-7 Dec 9-13 Dec 2-9 Nov 25-29 Nov 18-22 Nov 12-15 Oct 28- Nov 1 Oct 21-25 Sept 30-Oct 4 Sept 23-28 Sept 16-20 Sept 9-13
News
NGPS not affected by PowerSchool breach
Posted on Jan. 10, 2025Northern Gateway Public Schools was not affected by the recent PowerSchool breach due to extensive, additional security controls the Division has in place. These additional…
2024
School Bus Transportation and Winter Weather Conditions
Posted on Nov. 18, 2024Preparing for cooler temperatures! The weather continues to hold, but with our first brush of snow, families are reminded to dress warmly and prepare for Winter busing conditions.…
2024-2025 PBS Registration Package
Posted on Apr. 25, 2024Please access the link below to download the NGPS school registration package! Please include both a copy of the birth certificate and a proof of address. Please email the…
EDUCATION WEEK! Learning Uplifts All
Posted on Apr. 10, 2024Education Week is April 15-19, 2024! Education Week is a time to celebrate public education and the important work that goes into creating an inspired future for every child;…
2023
School Bus Transportation and Winter Weather Conditions
Posted on Nov. 30, 2023Preparing for cooler temperatures! It’s been a positively balmy November, but colder temperatures are in the forecast. With the changing of the season, families are reminded…
Important Changes to Whitecourt In-Town Busing
Posted on Sep. 15, 2023Beginning Monday morning, September 18, NGPS will have an additional urban (in-town) bus route running in Whitecourt. We have added an additional urban route, #128, and re-configured…
PBS REGISTRATION PACKAGE 2023/2024
Posted on Mar. 8, 2023Your educational journey is our inspiration! At Northern Gateway Public Schools, we understand that every student is unique. Teachers, support staff and leadership work together…
2022
Merry Christmas!
Posted on Dec. 19, 2022Christmas Break for NGPS students is December 26, 2022 to January 6, 2023. First day back for students is Monday, January 9, 2023. Wishing you all the joys of the holiday…
School Bus Transportation and Inclement Weather
Posted on Nov. 30, 2022Winter has arrived! As the snow flies and the temperatures drop, families are reminded to dress warmly and prepare for Winter busing conditions. To Run or not to Run? School…
2021-22 Return to Normal Plan
Posted on Feb. 16, 2022The Division's COVID-19 Plan has been updated in response to the province's February 8 announcement to lift several COVID-19 health measures. Please visit our information…
ngpsTALK Register today!
Posted on Jan. 21, 2022Welcome to ngpsTALK! A space where parents, students, staff and community members can share their ideas and feedback on a variety of topics affecting our school division.…
Students return to in-person learning on January 10
Posted on Jan. 10, 2022On December 30, 2021, Alberta's Education Minister announced that the pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12 student winter break would be extended to January 10 provincewide, and…
2021
Winter Break extended to January 10
Posted on Dec. 31, 2021Alberta's Education Minister announced today that the Kindergarten to Grade 12 student winter break has been extended to January 10 provincewide, and that January Diploma…
UPDATED Daily Health Checklist
Posted on Sep. 23, 2021Parents, THANK YOU for your support and diligence in screening for illness daily and keeping children home when they are sick. Your efforts continue to help ensure healthy…
UPDATE: Masks required in school common spaces
Posted on Sep. 3, 2021Starting Tuesday, September 7, all students, staff and visitors will be required to wear a non-medical face mask in school common spaces like hallways, washrooms and other…
Daily health screening for all students and staff
Posted on Aug. 31, 2021We all have a part to play in keeping our school communities healthy. Screening daily for illness is an important action we can take to support our schools. Alberta Health…
NGPS 2021-22 Back to School Plan
Posted on Aug. 24, 2021NGPS's 2021-22 Back to School Plan outlines the strategies and health measures the Division will follow in supporting the health and safety of students and staff. As always,…
Government releases COVID-19 guidance documents for…
Posted on Aug. 16, 2021On Friday, August 13, the Government of Alberta released their Guidance for Respiratory Illness Prevention and Management in Schools, as well as a tool kit with information…
Every Child Matters
Posted on May. 31, 2021In remembrance of the 215 children whose remains were discovered at a former Kamloops residential school, flags across Northern Gateway Public Schools will be lowered to…
Division announces new Superintendent of Schools
Posted on May. 27, 2021The Board of Trustees is pleased to announce that following an extensive Canada wide search, Mr. Kevin Bird has been appointed as the new Superintendent of Northern Gateway…
K-12 students return to in-person learning! NGPS is…
Posted on May. 19, 2021As per Minister of Education Adriana LaGrange's announcement this afternoon, Alberta students will return to in-person learning on Tuesday, May 25, 2021, with the exception…
Education Week 2021!
Posted on May. 3, 2021It has been over a full year since NGPS began adapting to the challenges of delivering education in the context of a pandemic. This year, we want to take the opportunity…
School Board Election 2021: Shaping the future of…
Posted on Apr. 22, 2021Are you passionate about kids and public education? You may want to consider running for a school trustee position! Alberta School Board elections will take place on Monday,…
Spring Break
Posted on Mar. 24, 2021No School Reminder There are no classes Monday, March 29 to Tuesday, April 6 for the spring break, Easter Monday and a Board Approved Non-Instructional Day. Classes resume…
Celebrating our Substitute Teachers!
Posted on Mar. 8, 2021Thank you to all of our substitute teachers! Whether you are coming to the rescue in person, or online, you provide incredible support to NGPS students and staff year-round.…
Planning for Student Success: share your feedback…
Posted on Feb. 26, 2021Your Voice Matters Northern Gateway Public Schools seeks your input as we plan for the 2021-22 school year and beyond. Your feedback as students, parents, staff and leaders…
Return to In-Person Classes, January 11!
Posted on Jan. 7, 2021On November 24, 2020, the Alberta government introduced a series of enhanced COVID-19 measures that impacted all Alberta K-12 schools. These temporary measures were set to…
2020
NGPS Christmas Vacation and Return to Learning Schedule
Posted on Dec. 17, 2020CHRISTMAS VACATION - DECEMBER 18, 2020 - JANUARY 1, 2021 ALL GRADES RETURN TO AT-HOME, ONLINE LEARNING: JANUARY 4-8, 2021 ALL GRADES RETURN TO IN-PERSON LEARNING AT SCHOOL:…
I'll Be Home Christmas
Posted on Dec. 17, 2020Christmas has always felt magical and miraculous. After the stress and anxiety of the last ten months, we need the hope and peace of the Christmas Season more than ever…
Merry Christmas!
Posted on Dec. 16, 2020Wishing all of our NGPS families an extra Merry Christmas and happy holiday break! The Christmas Break for NGPS students is December 18 to January 1. Return to at-home,…
Alberta Government announces new series of enhanced…
Posted on Nov. 25, 2020Alberta Government announces new series of enhanced COVID-19 health measures, ENHANCED public health measures: Stop the Spike. On November 24, 2020, the Alberta Government…
To Run or Not to Run? School Bus Transportation and…
Posted on Nov. 10, 2020Preparing for Winter temperatures and road conditions With Winter weather upon us, families are reminded to take necessary precautions for inclement or severe weather. When…
Library 2020/21
Posted on Oct. 1, 2020Our library looks a little different this year. You can search our online school catalogue, then fill out a book request form in google sheets (ask your teacher about this)…
EVERY CHILD MATTERS: Phyllis Webstad and the story…
Posted on Sep. 29, 2020Orange Shirt Day began in 2013 to honour Residential School survivors and their families, to remember those children who didn't come home and to encourage and support awareness…
COVID-19 Information - Student illness STAY AT HOME…
Posted on Sep. 18, 2020This summary, based on the September 2020 Government of Alberta update, COVID-19 Symptom-Student illness, provides further clarity to parents about the ‘isolation’ period…
NON-MEDICAL FACE MASKS: WHY USE? WHAT TO CONSIDER?…
Posted on Sep. 11, 2020NGPS 2020-21 COVID-19 Re-entry Handbook updated September 10, 2020. To read more on the NGPS Mask Protocol please see Section 1 - Provincial Health Measures, Pages 9-14 of…
Welcome Back
Posted on Aug. 24, 2020With the start of the school year quickly approaching, we are anxiously awaiting the arrival of students! A reminder the Percy Baxter School staggered entry start up schedule…
WELCOME BACK! School starts next week!
Posted on Aug. 19, 2020Board approves change to 2020-21 school year calendar. The first day of school is Wednesday, Sept 2; however, many schools have staggered start dates. Schools will share…
School health measures now include mandatory masks
Posted on Aug. 6, 2020On August 4, 2020, the Government of Alberta announced that the use of masks will be required when students and staff return to school. Students from Grades 4 through…
EDITED Re-entry: Students will return to In-school…
Posted on Jul. 22, 2020The Government of Alberta announced yesterday that students will return to in-school classes under Scenario 1, with near-normal daily operations and added health measures.…
Looking Ahead! NGPS releases 2020-21 COVID-19 Re-entry…
Posted on Jul. 8, 2020As promised, we are pleased to share the Northern Gateway Public Schools, 2020-21 COVID-19 Re-entry Handbook. The Handbook will guide our collective response to COVID-19…
Division surveys students, staff and families on re-entry…
Posted on Jun. 1, 2020Northern Gateway Public Schools (NGPS) is planning for the 2020-21 school year and what it may look like for students, staff and families. While any return to school will…
Hilltop Highschool Option Forms for PBS Grade 8 students
Posted on Apr. 28, 2020Included below are the course selection forms for students for their classes for the 2020-21 school year. These are the same forms that have been shared by teachers in…
Proof of Residence required for NGPS students
Posted on Apr. 23, 2020As part of the regular registration process, proof of residence is now required for all Northern Gateway Public Schools students. Parents will be required to provide a copy…
UPDATE MARCH 29, 2020 - 9:28 a.m. Funding to School…
Posted on Mar. 29, 2020On March 28, 2020, the Education Minister announced that resources to school divisions will be adjusted to match an at-home learning environment. At this time, Alberta…
HOW ARE YOU DOING?
Posted on Mar. 27, 2020No, really. How are YOU doing? Take a pause... and think …. how are you doing? Let’s take a moment to do a self- assessment: How is your heart rate? How quick are your…
Continuing Student Learning
Posted on Mar. 24, 2020As shared by the Minister of Education last week, all Kindergarten to Grade 12 students will continue to receive learning opportunities at home, either through online means…
COVID-19 UPDATE MARCH 20, 2020 - 10:32 a.m. - Important…
Posted on Mar. 20, 2020The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented change to us all. It has also brought us together. Our entire NGPS staff family has been working hard to develop instructional…
COVID-19 UPDATE MARCH 18, 2020 - 3:00 p.m. - Information…
Posted on Mar. 18, 2020The school division appreciates your patience and resilience in the face of this unprecedented interruption in the normal operations of public education in the province.…
COVID-19 UPDATE MARCH 16, 2020 Information for Families…
Posted on Mar. 16, 2020While many parents have questions regarding yesterday’s update and the closure of schools in the province of Alberta, there are still many uncertainties for all of us as…
COVID-19 UPDATE MARCH 15, 2020 All K-12 Classes Canceled
Posted on Mar. 15, 2020As of March 15, 2020, the Government of Alberta has announced a province-wide school closure. All classes are canceled indefinitely. Children are expected to stay home.…
2019
Impact of the Provincial Budget
Posted on Dec. 6, 2019Northern Gateway Public Schools is facing a budget shortfall this school year. While Maintenance and Transportation Funding will receive modest increases, the loss of Class…
QLE: The Heart of Teaching and Learning is Quality…
Posted on Nov. 14, 2019There are many supports in place to enhance the Quality Learning Environment (QLE) for NGPS students. Quality Pedagogy, or the practice of teaching, is a main focus, as it…
QLE: How a Culture of Wellness supports student learning…
Posted on Oct. 23, 2019Mental, Social and Physical well-being impact learning. A Culture of Wellness, with a focus on these three domains, is foundational to developing a Quality Learning Environment…
Emergency Response Planning in NGPS Schools
Posted on Oct. 17, 2019Schools are considered to be one of the safest places in our communities. However, an emergency can occur anywhere at any time. During an emergency, our first priority is…
The Focus of the Quality Learning Environment is Learner…
Posted on Oct. 10, 2019The focus of the Quality Learning Environment (QLE) is student or learner centered. Everything we do as Educators, from how we teach and what resources we use, to how we…
How is your child supported in a Quality Learning…
Posted on Oct. 9, 2019
NGPS students supported in Quality Learning Environments
Posted on Oct. 3, 2019The Quality Learning Environment (QLE) in NGPS is our commitment to assure learners are successful and learners are supported. The core elements of the QLE are made up…
Every Child Matters
Posted on Sep. 29, 2019In the spirit of reconciliation and hope Orange Shirt Day is a legacy of the St. Joseph Mission (SJM) residential school commemoration event held in Williams Lake, BC, Canada,…
Safe at School: HOLD AND SECURE
Posted on Sep. 19, 2019Being safe at school means working together with our community partners, parents and first responders. Understanding the terminology that schools and responders use can…
Welcome Back!
Posted on Sep. 2, 2019Welcome to the 2019-20 school year! We hope you enjoyed the summer break and are excited for a new school year. The beginning of each school year is a special time for us…
Have a great summer!
Posted on Jun. 27, 2019All the best to staff, students, and families, as they begin their summer break! Please review the Year End Admin Newsletter which includes news, reminders, and also includes…
Survey: Alternate Seat Fee for school bus transportation
Posted on Jun. 12, 2019Please share your thoughts with us in this short 3-question survey! Click here to take the three minute survey! Northern Gateway Public Schools is looking to find out how…
Ten new teachers inducted to the profession!
Posted on May. 10, 2019Ten NGPS teachers were officially welcomed into the profession last night following the near completion of their first year of teaching. Each year in NGPS, first year teachers,…
It's Education Week!
Posted on Apr. 29, 2019Alberta celebrates Education Week! The first Alberta School Week (Education Week) was held December 2–8, 1928. Its purpose then, as it is now, is to call attention to the…
Education Planning 2019-22
Posted on Mar. 21, 2019NGPS held its annual 3 Year Education Planning session with division leadership, trustees and school principals on March 18. Superintendent Kevin Andrea says it was an…
Responsive Instruction in Quality Learning Environments
Posted on Feb. 15, 2019Building a culture of excellence through Quality Learning Environments (QLE) Key Domain: Responsive Instruction Responsive Instruction considers the needs of all learners…
2018
Merry Christmas!
Posted on Dec. 18, 2018Wishing you all the joys of the holiday season! May this season bring you the joy of sharing, the warmth of community and the love of family and friends. From our family…
Orange Shirt Day
Posted on Sep. 27, 2018In the spirit of reconciliation and hope Orange Shirt Day is a legacy of the St. Joseph Mission (SJM) residential school commemoration event held in Williams Lake, BC, Canada,…
Hour-Zero: Keeping Students and Staff Safe
Posted on Sep. 25, 2018Building a culture of preparedness - NGPS joins forces with Hour-Zero Student and staff safety is an extremely important part of what we do at Northern Gateway Public Schools,…
Welcome Back Percy Baxter!
Posted on Aug. 31, 2018We hope summer has treated you well and that you have had opportunity to relax and recharge with family and friends. The beginning of a new school year is always a special…
2018-2019 School Year
Posted on Aug. 20, 2018Reminder staggered school startup: September 4th: Grade 6 onlySeptember 5th: Grade 7 and 8 onlySeptember 6th: All students attend! We are looking forward to beginning of…
Welcome to the 2018-19 school year!
Posted on Aug. 14, 2018WELCOME BACK! Okay, we're not quite there yet, but with only three weeks left of summer vacation, we can bet the impending new school year is on your mind! Find answers to…
Grade 6 Information Evening
Posted on Jun. 11, 2018On Wednesday, June 20th at 7:00PM, PBS will be hosting an "Information Evening" for upcoming Grade 6 students! (Grade 5's from Whitecourt Central School, as well as students…
Transportation 2018-2019
Posted on Jun. 10, 2018Please access the following link to view important information regarding busing in the coming school year.
Grade 9 Information Evening for Students Planning…
Posted on Jun. 5, 2018There is an important parent information meeting and enrollment night for upcoming grade 9 students (current grade 8) on Wednesday June 6 at 7:00 pm in the gymnasium at…
PBS Nickel Wars
Posted on Jan. 18, 2018Percy Baxter Hockey Academy would like to say thanks to the students, family and staff for participating in our Nickel Wars. With your generous donations we were able to…
2017
Transportation Letter
Posted on Sep. 28, 2017September 27, 2017 Dear Parents and Guardians, RE: Students riding Whitecourt school buses Student transportation services in the community of Whitecourt have been…
PBS Facebook Page
Posted on Sep. 27, 2017Wanting to stay connected to Percy Baxter School? Look for updates and school news via the PBS Facebook page! Follow us and like us at @ngpspbs
Remind
Posted on Aug. 23, 2017Interested in receiving messages from the school via text using the Remind App? Sign-up information can be found here!
PBS Spirit Wear
Posted on Jun. 13, 2017Interested in purchasing PBS Spirit Wear? Access the new PBS online store and have your clothing delivered to your door! A large selection of clothing and other items…
Parent Portal
Posted on Feb. 1, 2017Percy Baxter School, along with other schools within Northern Gateway, is currently participating in a pilot to improve the way we report student progress to parents and…
2016
Alberta Health Fentanyl Parent Info
Posted on Sep. 23, 2016Please access the following link for information regarding Fentanlyn, what you should know, and what parents can do to inform their children and keep them away from this…
Alberta Education’s Competencies
Posted on Sep. 21, 2016PLEASE JOIN US FOR THE ALBERTA EDUCATION'S COMPETENCIES PRESENTATION. THURSDAY SEPT 22, 2016 7:00PM HILLTOP HIGH SCHOOL Alberta Competencies Overview Alberta Education’s…
Remind
Posted on Sep. 2, 2016Any parents or students interested in receiving "Remind" messages from Percy Baxter School, please access the sign up using the following link.
Welcome Back!
Posted on Aug. 22, 2016Welcome back to all students and Percy Baxter families! Percy Baxter School will be open for registration on Wednesday, August 24th, 2016. Parents looking to register their…
MediaSmarts for Parents
Posted on Jun. 15, 2016MediaSmarts provides resources for families, including parents, grandparents, and caregivers who are looking for support and information related to social media use, cyberbullying,…
