The Salvation Army is already busy working on making sure hampers are available to residents in need and a big part of that is the Tree of Toys at Westergard Ford. Those wishing to purchase gifts for the hampers can come and take a tag, fill the wish, and bring it back to Westergard Ford before December 6. This is an easy way to make Christmas special for a family in need, At the Tree of Toys kick-off are (l-r) family services coordinator for the Salvation Army Amanda Courtenay, Tiffany Andrew of Westergard Ford, Steve O’Dwyer of Westgard Ford and Salvation Army Captain Ben Lippers.

Golden Hills School Division continued to see improvement in a number of areas on the 2018-2019 Provincial Achievement Tests and Diploma Examinations.
    With continued growth in the last few years Golden Hills maintained achievement in all nine Diploma exams in 2018- 2019 and saw improvements in English 30-1, English 30-2, Math 30-1, Social 30-2, Biology 30, Chemistry 30 and Physics 30. As well, Golden Hills’ students exceeded the Provincial Standard of Excellence benchmark in five of the nine Diploma courses (Math 30-1, Math 30-2, Biology 30, Chemistry 30 and Physics 30).
    The 2018-19 Provincial Achievement Tests results show Golden Hills’ achievement increased in English Language Art 6, Social 6 and Science 6 as well maintained achievement in English Language Arts 9, Science 9, Math 9 and Math 6. Golden Hills’ students exceeded the Provincial Standard of Excellence in five out of eight subjects (Grade 6 Science, Grade 6 Social, Grade 9 Science, Grade 9 Math and Grade 9 Social).
     “We are very pleased to see continued increases again in this year’s student achievement results” said Bevan Daverne, Superintendent of Schools. “Many of our Diploma exams and Provincial Achievement test results have continued to rise across Golden Hills schools. We are proud of the hard work of our students as well as the work our teachers do to create innovative and engaging classrooms.”
    In accordance with the Provincial schedule, the School Board has had the opportunity to review the 2018-2019 provincial testing results for the Diploma Exams and Provincial Achievement Tests. “On behalf of the Board, we are pleased to hear that Golden Hills is still seeing improvements in many areas on the Provincial Achievement Tests and Diploma Examinations. The Board is grateful for all the hard work teachers, staff and parents have done to help support students.” said Laurie Huntley, Golden Hills School Division Board Chair.
    The Provincial Achievement and Diploma Examination results are measured in the Provincial Accountability Pillar. Other indicators include dropout rates, high school completion, post-secondary transition rates and a variety of stakeholder satisfaction measures.
    Principals will communicate their school’s results, along with important contextual information, to parents at School Council meetings. This information will be reported in each school’s Annual Education Plan and Results Report, which will be posted on each website by November 30.
    Additional information regarding the provincial tests can be found at:
https://www.alberta.ca/k-12-provincial-assessment.aspx