Alberta's Education Week 2022 kicked off on May 2 and will continue through May 6. The theme for this year's events and celebrations is Learning is a Journey.
In a press release, Alberta's Education Minister, Adriana LaGrange, said Education Week "is a great opportunity for all of us to celebrate and thank the many Albertans who play such an important role in the education journey of our students."
“This and every week, we recognize the important role of all education partners in teaching, supporting, and nurturing Alberta’s students," LaGrange added. "I want to thank you for your dedication, resilience, and passion in everything you do."
The Alberta School Councils' Association states on its website that "this week of celebration provides opportunities to speak up for public education; highlight partnerships among teachers, parents, and students; and recognize the contributions of staff, students, and volunteers in Alberta schools."
The association "encourages parent engagement in education at the local [school], regional [school board], and provincial (association board of directors) levels, primarily through the vehicle of school council."
"Education week is a great time to celebrate teachers’ proud legacy in public education and work toward an inspired future," says the association on its website. "Educational staff and all volunteers that support schools are also so very appreciated and needed for our communities to thrive."
In an emailed statement, association president Brandi Rai said the organization "advocates for a well-funded public education system that supports all students and their individual learning journeys, which are often traveled with a wide variety of needs. The funding is necessary for well-staffed, well-maintained schools and for wraparound supports for students and families."
Some of the association's other goals for Education Week are to "assure taxpayers that public funds are being put to good use," highlight the working relationship between students, teachers, and parents, and "invite the public into classrooms for first-hand experiences."
Local events
Many local schools have events and festivities planned throughout the week. At Sir Alexander Mackenzie Elementary, Rooney and Punyi (an educational theatre group), are artists in residency all week. At Lois E. Hole Elementary students will decorate classroom doors inspired by Canadian authors and books. Students are also encouraged to dress up as their favourite character for a day.
Ecole Father Jan has a theme each day this week for students to participate in. May 2 featured a spiritual wellness assembly, with guest speaker The DOUG. May 3 was a career day where students dressed for a job they admire. May 4 will be Star Wars day. The school will celebrate May 5 — Cinco de Mayo — with a taco lunch for students, and to close out Education Week on May 6, the theme is "hats on for mental health."
Ecole Georges H. Primeau in Morinville is celebrating Education Week by hosting an open house and a Parent Pizza in the Park event on May 5. As well, staff at Georges H. Primeau also made Star Wars-themed shirts to celebrate Star Wars day on May 4.
Journey of learning always a relevant theme
In the emailed statement, Rai said, "Learning is a journey is a relevant theme for Education Week any year, yet during another year of a global pandemic, the reminder is important and appropriate. Partners in that journey — parents and teachers — are vital contributors to student success in school communities."
Learning is a Journey was also the theme for Education Week in 2020, 2018, and 2017.
"During Education Week we celebrate the education communities across our province that are instrumental in building an Alberta we can all be reflected in," Rai added.
Paula Power, a spokesperson for St. Albert Public Schools, said "we believe learning truly is a journey and one that is best shared and life-long. We learn from each other every day, and are so thankful to have the privilege of guiding our students' learning journey."
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