A blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) bloom has been identified in areas of Fyten Reservoir/ Swalwell Dam.

Residents living near the shores of this reservoir and dam, as well as visitors to this reservoir and dam are advised to take the following precautions:

• Avoid all contact with blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) blooms. If contact occurs, wash with tap water as soon as possible.
• Do not swim or wade (or allow your pets to swim or wade) in any areas where blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) is visible.
• Do not feed whole fish or fish trimmings from reservoir and dam to your pets.
• Consider limiting human consumption of whole fish and fish trimmings from this reservoir and dam, as it is known that fish may store toxins in their liver. (People can safely consume fish fillets from this lake).
• As always, visitors and residents are reminded to never drink or cook with untreated water directly from any recreational body of water, including Fyten Reservoir and Swalwell Dam, at any time.
• Boiling of this water will not remove the toxins produced by blue-green algae (cyanobacteria).
• An alternate source of drinking water should also be provided for pets and livestock, while this advisory is active.
• Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) is naturally occurring and often become visible when weather conditions are calm.
• Appearing like scum, grass clippings, fuzz or globs on the surface of the water, blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) can be blue-green, greenish-brown, brown, and/or pinkish-red, and often smell musty or grassy.

People who come in contact with visible blue-green algae (cyanobacteria), or who ingest water containing blue-green algae (cyanobacteria), may experience skin irritation, rash, sore throat, sore red eyes, swollen lips, fever, nausea, and vomiting and/or diarrhea. Symptoms usually appear within one to three hours and resolve in one to two days. Symptoms in children are often more pronounced; however, all humans are at risk of these symptoms.

Weather and wind conditions can cause algae blooms to move from one location in the reservoir and dam, to another. As such, this advisory will remain in effect for Fyten Reservoir and Swalwell Dam, until further notice.

Please note that areas of Fyten Reservoir and Swalwell Dam in which the blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) bloom is NOT visible can still be used for recreational purposes, even while this Blue-green Algae (Cyanobacteria) Advisory is in place.

If you suspect a problem related to blue-green algae (cyanobacteria), or if you require further information on health concerns and blue-green algae (cyanobacteria), please call Health Link at 811.

Additional information is also available online, at www.ahs.ca/bgahttp://www.albertahealthservices.ca/bga.asp.

DVSS is seeing an increase in its International Program, and it may have to do with international politics.

DVSS Principal Curtis LaPierre is busy getting ready for the new school year and one positive of note is the growth of the International Program. This year he is seeing the numbers at DVSS go from 55 to 75. In fact, across the Division, they are seeing upwards of 200 to 220 in the International Program.

“I think one of the reasons is the political situation in the United States in terms of Trump. People are looking for a more stable environment for their kids to be in. That is my best guess because we haven’t done a fire sale in terms of tuition or anything, everything is the same, and all of a sudden we seem to be in favour again.”

Overall, he says enrollment remains steady and could be in the area of 480 to 500 this school year.

The school is welcoming Shelby Lausen who will be teaching Junior High English and Social Studies as well as some Phys-ed. Originally from Strathmore, she earned a two-year scholarship in the United States to play volleyball.

“She will be doing some coaching for us here as well,” said LaPierre.

The school has also brought on James Foster from Denver, Colorado who will be teaching. He has his Masters Degree in Special Education for Mathematics and English. He also brings with him a strong music background and will be taking over the choir.

LaPierre has also been working on filling a couple maternity leaves.

This year LaPierre says they will have a new program focus a part of a cycle.

“Last year we did our Enterprise and Innovation class, and this year we will be doing a leadership class. Last year we ran Forensic Science, and this year we are doing Palaeontology, “ he said.

“So over three years, if a student is interested in both of these programs, they can get them,” said LaPierre.

One area that DVSS has done well is preparing students for post-secondary and getting a jump on their career. This is evident in the cooking apprenticeship program that allows a student who pursues professional cooking to have a jump on their post secondary program.

Last year they introduced a Health Care Aide program in collaboration with Norquest College and had nine students graduate this program with 25 High School credits as well as certification and licensing to work as a Health Care Aide.

“Now they can go and work in nursing homes and hospitals and start at about $20 per hour. The school paid for their tuition to do that program,” he said.

He is positive about the coming school season.

“We are looking forward to another great school year,” he said.