Meet Our Leadership Team
Cassidy Low
Leadership to me is all about building relationships and aiding others when needed.
I feel it’s important for other students to be aware that they don’t just have the teachers
to go to but that they can go to the students for help. This helps the culture of our school
and to bring everyone together to maintain the healthy relationships and the sense of
family WCOS is known for. I’ve seen magic happen with this team bringing people’s
inner selves out and have watched them not only grow but soar.
Tamara Sawatzky—Registered Social Worker
At the end of February we have Central Alberta Refugee Effort from Red Deer coming to talk
about different cultures and the importance of inclusion. I have heard rave reviews about this
program and am excited to have it come here to West Country. The girls group will be starting up
again in February and the girls will be making a Bullying video to present to the entire school and
I am excited to see their amazing ideas come to fruition. The Junior High classes do morning
check ins and we talk about topics like teenage stressors and strategies to work through the stress
to resilience. This group is very open and engaging, and I look forward to meeting up with them
every day and everyday I take away a learning experience from them.
“On particularly rough days when I’m sure I can’t possibly endure, I’d like to remind myself that
my track record for getting through days so far is 100%...and that’s pretty good.”
Author Unknown
Raven’s Nest
January 2016
Ski Trip
We have organized a field trip to Canyon Ski Lodge in Red Deer on March 2.
We will leave at 8:45 and will not return to the school until 4:30, so please arrange
a pick up ride for your children.
The students will be able to choose to ski or snowboard and have the opportunity to
rent the corresponding equipment. Helmets must be worn and will be provided for
all participants. Lessons geared to their experience and skill will also be provided.
The cost of this field trip is generously provided by School Council. If you have any
questions, contact Mrs. Dyrland at the school.
Student of the Week
Reflections – “The Student Voice”
Students at West Country Outreach are regularly involved in decision-making activities that affect themselves, their peers,
and their whole school. Our staff and students regularly collaborate in conversations regarding issues and solutions.
We have many strong voices in our school, those who are willing to speak about the unique experiences teens face both
inside and outside of the school. Recently, Wolf Creek Public Schools decided that in order to create an education system
truly focused on supporting students, the Board of Trustees needed students to be part of the conversation. “Engaging with
students directly through face-to-face discussions is an important initiative for school trustees.” Students representing
schools in this division will gather with Board members at several meetings throughout the year. The Board’s objectives
include ensuring trustees make informed decisions using input and ideas learned from the Student Voice process, and
ensuring trustees have an understanding of students’ experience(s) and needs in Wolf Creek Public Schools. Ultimately,
trustees believe this input enhances the learning of students and validates students’ voices in their own education. We’re
very proud to take part in this collaborative initiative, and believe strongly that students not only have something to
say—but what they say matters.
Alva Holliday, Principal
Brooke
Zak
Samantha
Upcoming Events
Promoting & Encouraging a
Positive Journey in Education
February 1—Commencement of Second Semester
February 5—Professional Development Day—No School
February 9—Kinnon Consulting Presentation 12:30-1:30
February 9—”Big City Lights” Parent/Student Info. Meeting 6pm—for
confirmed participants only.
February 15—Family Day—No School
February 16,17—Professional Development Days—No School
February 18,19—Teachers’ Convention—No School
February 23—School Council Meeting @ 6pm
February 29—CARE Speaker 10:00am
March 2—Ski trip to Canyon
Coaches Corner– Marilyn Weatherald-Inclusion Coach
As final exams come to an end for our senior high student’s first semester I have been kept busy preparing for
exam accommodations.
One of the most common concerns is exam anxiety. Working with the staff and students we examine the following questions:
 Does the student have test anxiety?
 Does the student’s anxiety interfere with their performance?
 When the student takes a test, are they distracted with worry or with physical symptoms?
 Does the student’s mind go blank when they are taking tests?
 Does the student’s anxiety seem out of proportion to the testing situation?
Though some anxiety actually improves performance, often referred to as “the zone”, even a small decrease in test anxiety can
help improve performance. To decrease anxiety we focus on the following:
 Encouraging effective and consistent study habits.
 Optimizing learning by using a variety of learning modalities
 Teaching test-taking skills
 Learning strategies to get students into “the zone” for optimal performance such as keeping their focus on the test, not on
their performance.
 Training students to relax so that their minds can focus by practicing self-supporting thoughts and relaxation techniques.
 Using each test as a learning opportunity.
Christmas Highlights
Guest Speaker in February – Melissa Kinnon
On Tuesday, February 9, Melissa Kinnon, owner/operator of Kinnon Consulting Occupational Health Services in Sylvan
Lake, will be visiting our school to talk about Drug & Alcohol Testing in the workplace. Ms. Kinnon’s business also offers valuable Health and Wellness programs, such as lung function tests, adapting the workplace to specific needs of
workers, and providing pre-employment medicals to prospective employees. Ms. Kinnon is a Registered Nurse and has
completed the Occupational Health Nurse certificate, so she will have plenty of information about nursing careers and
business ownership in addition to the Health and Wellness topics.
Clothing Swap a success!
Before Christmas break, students and staff brought in their gently used clothing, and students had a great time trying on
the clothes and taking home whatever they liked. All the clothes that remained were donated to a family that had lost
their home to a fire early in December. Another Clothing Swap is planned for the spring, when we finally bring back our
shorts, capris, and tank tops!
Visit from Penelope and Mia, (and Pam)
On January 8, we welcomed guest speaker Pam Pennington, an Animal Health Technologist
from Red Deer. With her were her two rescue dogs, Penelope and Mia. Pam gave a very
enjoyable and informative talk on responsible pet ownership and had many disgusting
samples to show us of rotten teeth, parasite worms, ticks, matted cat hair, and a variety of
objects removed from dog’s stomachs! She talked about her training at Olds College, and
about the wide variety of jobs available in her field. It was clear how much Pam loves her
job helping animals and their families!
WCOS School Council
West Country Outreach School Council Members:
- Chairperson—Bridgette McKeen
- Vice Chairperson— Trish Matthews
- Secretary—- Deborah Laing
- Treasurer— Colleen Brassard
- WCOS Staff Representatives —- Ms. Alva Holliday, Mrs. Natalya Agafonov
- Student Representatives—Jackie Shippy, Ashley Brassard, Kaylynn Taylor, Samantha Kercher
Best Practices-Natalya Agafonov – Math Teacher
Let Us Know How We’re Doing
As a teacher of mathematics for the past 30 years, I can truly say that I absolutely enjoy teaching this subject and
seeing that “aha moment” in my students. In class, we often talk about the fact that math is our life and it is all
around us, from figuring out that sale item (what does 10% off equal after all?) to figuring out the angles for the
perfect skateboard ramp. My goal is to make math fun and applicable for everyday use through encouraging my
students to see interesting and exciting life facts in everything.
Together with students we find ways to translate the “tricky” concepts into tangible steps that they can easily follow
in order to reach a solution to a math problem. You may find us playing chess or using our smartboard, using the
creative tools to learn the amazing subject of math. Math can be fun!
As an annual check-up on the education system, the Accountability Pillar provides an opportunity for Alberta Education and school authorities to
ensure that we are equipping students for success.
The Accountability Pillar uses a set of 16 indicators consisting of surveys of students, parents and teachers on various aspects of quality; student
outcomes such as dropout and high school completion rates; and provincial assessments of student learning.
From January to the end of February, Alberta Education will be conducting the annual Accountability Pillar Survey. In February, students and
teachers at WCOS will be completing their surveys online at school. Parents can expect their own surveys in the mail.
All surveys are anonymous and ask questions about experiences with the school.
Parent participation in the survey helps provide important information on the quality of education your child is receiving, so we encourage you to
take part, and let us know how we are doing!