H.A. Kostash School
5019 50 St. T0A 3C0 Smoky Lake, AB, Canada

Aspen View Public Schools is proud to have many ‘homegrown’ talents within our ranks: former Aspen View students who have remained in, or returned to our divisi...on as employees in various capacities, helping to educate, inspire and support the current generation of learners. 'Homegrown in Aspen View' highlights these Aspen View alumni who are now 'paying it forward' within our communities. Homegrown in Aspen View: Bethany Irla I am a proud graduate of Aspen View Public Schools. I attended Boyle School from Kindergarten to Grade 12, graduating in 2015. It wasn’t until recently that I discovered how fortunate I was to have been educated in a rural school. I am especially fortunate to have had both of my parents in school with me on my journey, with my dad as the vice principal and my mom as a substitute teacher. Although not every student is lucky enough to have their parents teach them, many of the other teachers in Aspen View Public Schools were valuable role models to many. One such teacher was Mrs. Diane Duplessis, whose warmth and kindness as a loving parental figure had an enduring impact on her students’ lives. She taught her 20+ students how to make ‘friendship stew’, which included trusting 6 year olds to cut up vegetables. She also brought me and my classmates to visit her acreage, where we were given a chance to roam and discover parts of nature previously unknown to us. The small size of my school allowed me to experience all the perks of rural education alongside 20 or so of the same classmates (with a few leaving and joining along the way) from Kindergarten to Grade 12. Although diminished by distance and the passage of time, a bond was created between us that will never be forgotten. From when I was 5 years old until I graduated high school, my parents drove me to and from Athabasca up to 5 times a week, where I spent my evenings at the Athabasca Dance Society. As I grew older, I was given opportunities to work alongside my dance instructors teaching younger students. It is here that I discovered a love for teaching and decided to pursue my Bachelor of Education. Up until my fourth year of university, I was adamant about never returning to rural Alberta to teach. However, the more years that I spent away from my hometown, the more I realized how much I love the environment, the people and, most importantly, the schools. Living in Edmonton made me miss the smell of the forest in the spring, driving across town in 2 minutes, and recognizing nearly everyone in my local grocery store. I have now been teaching Grade 4 at Landing Trail Intermediate School in Athabasca for almost 2 years. I have seen firsthand that the life experiences Aspen View Public School students receive cannot be matched. My students have been given the chance to practice orienteering in the forest on the Muskeg Creek Trails, and experience a variety of possible careers during Flying High. I look forward to a long career with Aspen View, and to raising my own children in the schools that I’ve grown to love. Bethany Irla Teacher Landing Trail Intermediate School

...some more burger enjoyment

Grade 2s participated in a virtual field trip.

Our elementary students got to enjoy Betsy’s burgers.

Some high school students were enjoying Jersey Day.

There are no classes tomorrow (Friday 29 January). Staff will be meeting in the morning, then spending the afternoon learning about "Mindfulness" and how to use some of the techniques for ourselves and our students. #mindfulness #professionaldevelopment #lifelonglearning

Our grade 9 Science class took part in an acids and bases lab today. Well done!!

Science 10 and Chemistry 30 are having fun with some free time making paper mache volcanoes!!

For the safety of staff and students, doors are locked during the day. If you are dropping off a student, please ensure they enter their assigned door or take them to the front door and ring the doorbell. Thank you for your cooperation.

This morning I handed out the following sheet to students in grades 7, 8, and 9. Please chat with them about ordering lunch. On Friday, I will have a discussion with staff regarding a similar program for elementary students. #lunchorders #supportlocal

Let’s see if we can find the owner! https://www.facebook.com//4307/permalink/3819295461462836/