Students in Golden Hills School Division are performing well and continue to improve year over year according to the most recent results on the 2012-2013 Provincial Achievement Tests and Diploma Examinations.   
    “We value the support of our parents and appreciate the excellent work of our teachers and administrators in the continued success of our students,” said Bevan Daverne, Superintendent of Schools.  “With the support of our parents and communities, our staff is focusing on continuous improvement with a strong emphasis on providing the highest quality of teaching in our classrooms and on educational partnerships that support student growth”.
    In Golden Hills School Division, the percentage of students achieving the Acceptable Standard improved over the previous year in four of ten Achievement Tests from grades 3, 6 and 9.  Additionally, the percentage of students achieving the Standard of Excellence improved over the previous year in seven of ten Achievement Tests.  Grades 3 and 6 Language Arts and Math were both above the provincial average for the number of students achieving Acceptable Standard.  The number of students participating in the provincial achievement tests exceeded the provincial average in eight of ten subject areas.
    There were also increases in the number of students achieving Acceptable Standard over the previous year in four of nine diploma courses (English 30-2, Biology 30, Chemistry 30, Physics 30).  Golden Hills’ students met or exceeded the provincial Standard of Excellence benchmark of 15% in four of nine diploma courses (Math 30-1, Biology 30, Chemistry 30, Physics 30).  There were also notable increases over the previous year in the number of students achieving a Standard of Excellence in six of nine diploma courses (English 30-1, English 30-2, Social 30-1, Biology 30, Chemistry 30, Physics 30).
    “We continue to focus on providing high quality, 21st Century, student-centered instruction so as to promote engaged, ethical and entrepreneurial students.  It is important that our students not only do well on the Provincial tests, but develop the skills and abilities to be successful in the 21st Century,” said Daverne.
    The Provincial Achievement and Diploma Examination results are measures included 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 and through their Annual Education Plan and Year-End Reports which will be posted on their school’s website by November 30.
    The Board of Trustees reviewed the division and school results in accordance with provincially developed protocols. “The Board has reviewed the 2012/2013 provincial testing results for the diploma exams and provincial achievement tests as presented by administration in a monitoring report,” said Dave Price, Chair.  “Graphs of the system results from the multi-year reports were presented, trends were discussed, and a plan was presented for teacher development with an emphasis on continuing the strong trends we have observed.  The Board appreciates the direction administration is taking and is appreciative of the efforts of administration and school staff to provide optimal learning opportunities for all students.  I strongly encourage parents to attend the meetings where Principals review results and discuss the school’s plan for powerful learning.”

    The Drumheller and District Chamber of Commerce is getting ready to recognize the top businesses in Drumheller.
    Next week, on the evening of Wednesday, October 23, the Chamber of Commerce will roll out the red carpet and are inviting businesses and residents to join them for the second annual Business Excellence Awards.
    The banquet and awards will be held at the Badlands Community Facility.
    “It’s a great chance to celebrate the hard working business owners and employees in Drumheller,” said Roxanne Clark, office and membership coordinator of the Chamber of Commerce.

John Shoff, left, was the recipient of the 2012 Business Professional of the Year Award, presented by then Chamber president Ed Mah. This year, Linda Digby, Colin Kloot, and Ryan Semchuk have been named finalists for the award, which will be presented at the Business Excellence Awards on Wednesday, October 23.

    There are six award categories this year; small, medium,  large, and rookie businesses of the year, Business Professional of the Year, and Employer Choice Award.
    Bits and Pieces Keepsake Quilting, Sears, and Sublime Food and Wine were named finalists for the Small Business of the Year award.
    In the medium business category, 99.5 Drum FM, Atlas Coal Mine and For Sight Vision Centre were named finalists.
    The finalists in the large business category are Canadian Tire, Freson Bros. IGA, and McDonalds.
    There have been a few new businesses who have set up shop in Drumheller. Dry Canyon Collectables, Lowleft Golf, and Made in the Shade were chosen as finalists for the Rookie Business of the Year.
    The prestigious Business Professional of the Year will be award to one of three finalists; Linda Digby, Colin Kloot, or Ryan Semchuk.
    The Employer Choice Award  will either go to ATB Financial, Atlas Coal Mine, Little Explorers Child Care, McDonalds, or Reality Bytes.
    In total, roughly 100 nomination forms were submitted. A committee was assembled to parse the nominations down to several finalists in each category.
    “We struck a committee who then look over all the nominations and, using some internal criteria, they selected the finalists,” said Clark.
    Many of the finalists this year appeared last year as well.
    “We see a lot of the same names from last year, which is great, because it means those businesses are doing a great job,” said Clark. “We had some very deserving new names pop up, too. It’s nice to see them get recognition as well.”
    Those interested in attending the awards are encouraged to call the Drumheller Chamber office at 403-823-8100 or visit www.drumhellerchamber.com for tickets.