Character Education
Wild Rose is a school that promotes active citizenship. We have a very committed staff and parent team, which encourage our students to be actively involved in their education. The variety of clubs and activities and the large percentage of students who take part in the opportunities offered are impressive considering the school’s small size. Our in-class activities, the wide variety and sheer number of curriculum based field trips, athletic activities, outdoor pursuits, Fine Arts opportunities and the large number of leadership opportunities which so many of our students take on speaks very highly of the involvement of our students. In addition, we continue to support our local community through our involvement in learning activities at Profiles, the Children’s Festival, Servus Place, St. Albert Museum and Grosvenor Pool as well as having local community experts speak with us.
Effective, responsible citizenship is encouraged and modeled at Wild Rose. Our students undergo considerable instruction in the area of character education. It is the degree, to which it can be modeled, reinforced, recognized and celebrated that sets our school apart. In the small, close environment that defines Wild Rose, our students are more responsible and caring because we teach them to be, show them how to be and hold them closely accountable for being good citizens. The concept of our school as a family is regularly reinforced. Examples like the Triathlon, Volunteer BBQ and students connecting on the playground are a few examples of the strong bond in the Wild Rose community. The cross-age opportunities that are created in the school do much to reduce the barriers between grades.
Many of our students access technology in their regular classes as well as through our library. Each classroom also has a Smart board and LCD projector that teachers utilize to enhance learning. Teachers are dedicated to meeting the technology learner outcomes at all grade levels. The confidence of our students is shown in instructing others (including their parents) in the uses of technology and the ease with which homework is emailed and assignments completed almost without paper demonstrates the confidence with which our students access technology.
There is a great deal that goes on in any school that works towards the education of the whole child. At Wild Rose, through newsletter recognition, and Leaders of the Pack Program, as well as regular informal recognition by all staff, we strive to celebrate the successes of all of our students.
Activities and Initiatives that extend beyond the regular programs include:
Citizenship/Character Education
- Anti Bullying Programs
- Cross-age Programs
- Healthy Interactions
- Leaders of the Pack Recognition
- DARE (Grade 6)
- RCMP Liaison
- Grade 2 Citizenship Club
- Student Leadership
- School Patrol
- Office Helpers
- Kindergarten Helpers
- Volunteerism
- RESPECT Assemblies (Responsibility, Empathy, Sportsmanship, Patience, Enthusiasm, Cooperation, Trustworthiness)
- Charity Initiatives (UNICEF, Coins For Africa SAIF, Food Bank, Kinette Hamper, Stollery Children’s Hospital,Children’s Wish Foundation, Terry Fox Run)
- Monthly assemblies
- SAIF Presentations
- Roots of Empathy
- Girls’ Group and Boys’ group- Building Self Esteem and Developing Empathy
Leaders of the Pack
Our School’s Character Education program includes recognizing positive behavior and active citizenship. RESPECT is the foundation of the program and the traits related to respect encompass what we see as important virtues in our global society today The students are “Leaders of the Pack” and role models for their peers. Students will receive PAWS,(see below) for the traits listed and will place them in a Division I or Division II box in the office. Once students have collected five paws, they will receive a special “RESPECT WILD ROSE” bracelet (silicone rubber, like the Livestrong bracelets) and have their names announced during our monthly assemblies. All recognized students will also be entered into a draw for a chance to win a “Leader of the Pack” T-shirt and have their picture taken with Mr. Kirchner and Mr. Birdsell, which will be put on display on our special “Leader of the Pack” Board.
We believe that this allows the success of each of our students to be shared in a quiet, respectful way with all the members of our school community, including parents. It is important for the children’s peers to see the above characteristics in action and to recognize good character examples.