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

    While Christmas is more than a month away The Salvation Army is already busy getting ready to make sure everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the Christmas season, no matter what their means.
    This week Christmas Hamper Registration has already begun. Those wishing to register can drop by The Salvation Army Church between 10 a.m. and 4 pm. Until Friday, November 22.
    Right around the corner is the annual Christmas Food Drive and Amanda Courtenay, family services coordinator at the Salvation Army said the demand for the food bank has been high this year.
    “We are seeing a lot more this year, it is probably about 10 to 15 per cent higher across the board,” said Courtenay. “It is more families.”
    She says the Salvation Army has been proactive in the last few years and has joined up with Food Banks Alberta.
    “That helps a little bit because we can order stuff from Airdrie, but they don’t have everything either, and the stuff we are running out of, they don’t have either,” said Courtenay.
    The Salvation Army has also teamed up with local churches, which alternate months doing a food drive within their congregations, which has also helped.
    The biggest event of the year, however, is the Annual Christmas Food Drive, which goes on Thursday, November 28 and it is a one night blitz of the community. Volunteers come out in great support collecting the red bags on doorsteps as they comb the neighbourhood. They will muster at points throughout the community from 5:45 to 6 p.m. and then go collecting the food is then taken to the Salvation Army Foodbank where it is sorted.
    “Usually the food we get at the food drive lasts us until  March or April, “said Courtenay,” It doesn’t last as long as you think.”
     Some of the items most in need include peanut butter, canned beans, macaroni and cheese, juice, and instant noodles.
    The season of giving is coming quick and the annual Kettle kick-off is this Friday, November 22 at  Freson Bros.  Kettles will be at many local grocery stores and businesses for the Christmas season collecting for the Salvation Army. These funds are used locally to support the work they do in the community. Courtenay says there is always a need for volunteers. To learn more or to volunteer contact the Salvation Army at 403-823-2215.
    The annual Toy Drive is also kicking off on Friday, November 22 at Westergard Ford. Once again they are hosting the tag tree. Those wishing to give can come and take a tag from their Christmas tree and then fulfill the Christmas wish, and drop the gifts at the dealership.