GPPSD EDUCATION FOUNDATION - ANNUAL REPORT

GPPSD EDUCATION

FOUNDATION - ANNUAL

REPORT

2015-2016

10213 99 Street, Grande Prairie, AB T8V 2H3 www.gppsdedfoundation.ca

GPPSD EDUCATION FOUNDATION - ANNUAL REPORT 2015-2016

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Vision & Mission Statements

Our Vision:

A dynamic and responsive foundation that supports enhanced learning opportunities for Grande Prairie Public School District students. Our Mission:

The Foundation provides grants, scholarships and recognition to support students in striving for excellence. Contact Us Laura LaValley, Executive Director 10213 99 Street Grande Prairie, AB T8V 2H3 Telephone 780 532 4491 Ext #1006 Fax 780 539 4265 Email [email protected] Website www.gppsdedfoundation.ca Facebook: www.facebook.com/gppsdedfoundation/ Registered Charity #888846037RR0001 Charitable receipts are issued for all donations over $20 Donations can be made by cash, debit, credit card or cheque.

Board of Directors

George Malcolm, Chair Angus Sutherland, Vice-Chair Jeff Olson, Treasurer Ken Belke, Director Jun Bibangco, Director Clyde Blackburn, Director Sandy McDonald, Director Dave McRae, Director Karen Prokopowich, Director Lorne Radbourne, Director Laura LaValley, Executive Director

http://www.gppsdedfoundation.ca/

http://www.facebook.com/gppsdedfoundation/


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Executive Summary

The Grande Prairie Public School District Education Foundation continues to be dedicated to

providing resources and services that foster educational experiences and opportunities for

students in our community.

As a charitable organization, the Foundation strives to fundraise for these initiatives through

viable projects and supportive partnerships. Throughout the year the Foundation submitted

grants, partnered with local professional organizations, hosted a major event, acquired private

and public donations that all contributed to the organization’s overall purpose.

Striving for Excellence Awards ceremony is our signature event and one of the main reasons the

GPPSD Education Foundation was created. This year, the 15th annual Striving for Excellence

Awards event celebrated 107 successful students from grades 4 through 12. Students were

nominated based on one of three categories; outstanding student, service award or striving for

excellence award. The SFE Awards Dinner was held at the Bowes Family Gardens at Revolution

Place on October 7th, 2015, with over 350 family members, teachers and dignitaries applauding

student achievement. During the event the Foundation was pleased to recognize and award

scholarships to thirteen graduating students pursuing post-secondary studies.

Throughout the school year, the Education Foundation takes pride in being able to support

projects and initiatives which enhance the learning experience for the students in our District.

Through our annual School Grants Program, the Education Foundation was able to disburse

over $12,000 to support programs, activities, and materials that enriched learning for these

students.

Nutrition for students was a very important initiative for the school district. With the economic

downturn the need was great. Through support of the United Way and Rotary Partnerships,

we were able to expand our support to 3 local schools, providing breakfast, snacks and lunches

to elementary students in need. In association with the school district the Foundation worked

to access community funding dollars, corporate and private donations to support the program.


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Feed the Kids

Feed the Kids was initiated by Image Design as a fundraiser to help champion the Nutrition &

Wellness Programs. This year’s event was held on June 15, 2016. It was hampered by severe

weather, but surprisingly we still had a great

turnout and supportive donors. People braved the

rain to line up to one of five food trucks to

experience local and cultural cuisine. Attendees

were asked to provide a donation for the “Feed

the Kids” event in exchange for lunch, which was

paid for by Image Design.

Feed the Kids will be an annual fundraiser benefitting both the GPPSD Education Foundation and

the Catholic School District. This year funds raised for GPPSD Education Foundation totalled

$4,326.00

We are truly grateful for the time, energy and planning that

goes into this event, and of course the financial contribution!

Thank-you Image Design!


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Financial Summary

2014-2015 2015-2016

Total Assets $195,265 $184, 884

Total Liabilities $141,422 $101,273

Total Equity $53,843 $83,611

Total Revenue $143,364 $195,414

Total Expenses $151,257 $159, 984

Budget Surplus (Deficit) ($7893) $35, 430


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Fundraising Initiatives

The Foundation continues to participate in unique fundraising initiatives that will provide a

sustainable revenue source.

Activity Grants Partnerships Events Donations

50/50 Lottery $21,432

Jet Away Raffle $9,500

Feed the Kids $4,326

Cars for Christmas $5,000

Cash & Camping $5,000

Dream Home $5,220

United Way $13,250 $2,625

Parkside Playground $8,515.

Striving for Excellence $1,750

KMSC Charity Golf $4,636

Other Donations $12,267

Community Foundation $8,745

Total $13,250 $19,856 $35,258 $33,902

Fundraising Summary

A. The 50/50 Lottery is generously supported by the GPPSD staff and continues to grow

each year. This year the lottery pool of $21,432 was shared between three winners

each month. Draws began in October and finished up in June with two final draw dates.

B. WestJet donated two return travels tickets to anywhere they fly for the annual Jet Away

Raffle. The raffle targeted GPPSD staff mainly and raised an impressive $9,500!

C. Feed the Kids was a great success! The event was organized by Image Design as a

fundraising endeavor to support the Nutrition & Wellness Program earning $4,326 in

donations. Five local food trucks lined up in front of Image Design. Attendees were

asked to make a donation on behalf of the Education Foundation in exchange for lunch,

all lunches were paid by Image Design. Aztec Engineering donated $1,500 and brought a

bus with their staff to enjoy the variety of lunch options!

D. Rotary accepted our partnership application for the Cars for Christmas ticket sales. The

Foundation Board members and volunteers sold tickets at the Prairie Mall outlet in

December 2015. Our partnership raised $5,000 in revenue.


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E. We were also fortunate enough to take part in Cash & Camping lottery. Again

volunteers from the Board of Directors and District staff members sold tickets and

yielded $5,000.

F. The 2016 Dream Home Lottery netted $5,250. Again volunteers helped with selling

tickets at the Dream Home and were excited to be involved!

G. The Foundation was the recipient of a United Way grant which provided the Foundation

with $13,250 for the Nutrition & Wellness Program. Funds for the program were

allocated quarterly in 2015-2016 and put towards nutrition needs at 3 schools.

H. The Foundation coordinated private donations for the Parkside Playground Project

totaling $8,515.

I. Striving for Excellence Awards generated $1,750 in additional ticket sales and family

donations.

J. KMSC Charity Golf Tournament was held in July and was very prosperous for all the not-

for profit groups who were accepted to participate. The Foundation had a team of four

playing in the charity golf event. Each not for profit was assigned to host a hole on the

golf course and provide a fun activity for the golfer. We had beautiful weather so

participants loved our water gun game! Our participation produced a cheque for $4,636

K. Other Donations includes $12,267 from private, community and corporate donors

L. Community Foundation support totaled $8,745 through Community Impact grants.

Future Gifts

A special thank you to our kind donors who have committed to bestowing a life insurance policy

to the GPPSD Education Foundation.

*Helen & Stan Neufeld *Lorne & Donna Radbourne


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Investing in Students

Scholarships

The GPPSD Education Foundation awarded thirteen graduating students with scholarships at

the annual Striving for Excellence Awards Dinner. Graduating students are encouraged to apply

through their high school for the various scholarships. Teachers and administrators select

students based on scholarship criteria and the student achievement.

Scholarship Value Quantity

Career Technology Studies – Communications $2,000 2

Career Technology Studies – Automotives $1,000 1

Career Technology Studies –Design Studies $1,000 1

Career Technology Studies - Cosmotology $1,000 1

Croken Scholarship – Academic Achievement $ 500 1

Chris Gonnet – Leadership $ 500 1

ASBOA $1,000 2

Leah Podollan Scholarship $ 500 1

Morgan Brian J Diesel $ 500 1

Weyerhaeuser $1,000 1

FNMI – Aboriginal Achievement $ 500 1

Total Scholarship Allocation $9,500.00 13


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School Grant Programs 2015-2016

At the beginning of each new school year the Education Foundation accepts grant applications

from the schools in our District. The school grant program helps to fund various school projects

and programs that do not fall under the basic education funding criteria. The Board of

Directors reviews the applications and allocates funds based on the school need and criteria.

This year, the Board provided $12,220.00 for 9 projects and programs that helped enhance the

learning experience for our students.

School/Organization Project Description Approved for 2015-2016

Avondale School Orff Instruments $ 1,000.00

Swanavon School Music for Kids $ 1,000.00

Crystal Park School SEVEC – Youth Exchange $ 1,000.00

Ecole Parkside After School Learning Program $ 1,680.00

GP Christian School Lego Mindstorm $ 1,500.00

Aspen Grove School Telus World of Science – Science in Motion $ 1,000.00

GP Composite High School First Responders $ 2,500.00

FNMI Spirit Seekers Youth Conference $ 1,540.00

Ecole Parkside Ukeleles $ 1,000.00

Total $ 12,220.00


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Community Knowledge Campus Sports Fields

The GPPSD Education Foundation was part of the Tri Partnership Group working in

collaboration with the City of Grande Prairie and the Grande Prairie Catholic School District to

establish a fundraising and sponsorship campaign for the CKC Sports Fields. The purpose of the

group was to work together to develop a sponsorship and fundraising campaign to raise

funding dollars for the much needed infrastructure to complete the football field (lights, score

clock and bleachers). Currently, the

City of Grande Prairie has approved

the construction of this facility through

debenture financing of the 3.14 million

dollar grandstand. This facility would

encourage more people to engage in

sport through spectating, and would

allow for our city to host provincial

level competitions, encouraging

excellence in sports among our

students and community.

Striving for Excellence

The annual Striving for Excellence Awards

Dinner recognizes student dedication and

hard work in the pursuit of student

achievement. This year, 107 students

and 350 guests attended the 15th Annual

Striving for Excellence Dinner on October

7th, 2015 at the Bowes Family Garden

Centre featuring guest speaker Natalie

Harper. Natalie shared her experiences

as an award winning advertising and

public relations guru. The event aimed to

recognize excellence and celebrated each

individual’s success and achievements.


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Nutrition & Wellness Program

The Nutrition and Wellness Program is offered to students in three public schools within the

Grande Prairie community (Avondale, Hillside, and Alexander Forbes School). The target

population is elementary students (ECS-Grade 6) however, the program is open to any student

in need. These schools have a recognized demographic of mid to low income, aboriginal

families and a high level of single parent homes.

There are many reasons that prevent children

from attending school well-nourished and

ready to learn. The Nutrition & Wellness

Program is a positive way for students to start

their day with the good nutrition they need.

Proper nutrition is critical to a child's physical,

emotional and healthy development. Children

who have access to consistent healthy meals

do better in school, academically and socially.

The Nutrition & Wellness Program was

designed to provide students with access to healthy food choices in a welcoming environment.

Each school tailors the Nutrition Program to their student need. It can include the following:

1. Breakfast is available to children who have not eaten before arriving at school

2. Classroom snacks, every classroom has a basket of fresh fruit, granola bars, cereal snacks and all children are welcome to have a snack as needed.

3. Lunches are available to students who do not have a lunch.

“I have no food at home and I am hungry so I come here”

GPPSD Student (referring to coming to the staff room to have breakfast)

“It provides students a healthy start to their learning day. It exposes students to different types of foods which they may not have the opportunity to try otherwise.”

Parent Council President


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The GPPSD Education Foundation will direct its’ resources to fundraising initiatives that support

striving for excellence and enriching the learning experience for our students.

A. Striving for Excellence Awards Dinner

B. Nutrition & Wellness Program

C. Scholarship Sponsorship

D. Student Grant Programs

a. Literacy/Numeracy

b. Student Success

c. Learning Enhancement Initiatives

d. Music Programs


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Strategic Plan 2015-2016


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Community Giving in the Grande Prairie Public School District

Thank you to our corporate sponsors and private donors for their abundant support of the

GPPSD Education Foundation. All our valued contributors help the Foundation to promote

education and student achievement in our community. Your partnership in support of

education is much appreciated!


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A sincere thank you to the Grande Prairie Public School District staff, Board Directors/Trustees

and volunteers who support the GPPSD Education Foundation throughout the year. We could

not help our students strive for excellence without you!

Respectfully submitted,

Laura LaValley Executive Director

http://www.weyerhaeuser.com/

Documents

GPPSD EDUCATION FOUNDATION - ANNUAL REPORT