Policies Table of Contents

 

Board Policy 1:  FOUNDATIONAL STATEMENTS

 

Preamble

 

The Valhalla Community School (VCS) is a public Charter School operated by the Valhalla School Foundation (VSF), a body incorporated under the Societies Act of Alberta 09/02/2008. A Board of Directors governs the school in accordance with the Education Act, the VCS Charter, the Bylaws of the Foundation and Board Policy.

The VCS Charter was renewed in accordance with the Charter Schools Regulation (Alberta Regulation 85/2019) at s.7: Renewal of Charter for a Term of Five (5) Years to 08/31/2028.

Vision and Mission

The Valhalla Community School (VCS) prepares students for leadership by equipping them with the knowledge and skills to make positive contributions at their future places of employment in their communities, whether rural or urban, and in groups with whom they associate.

Guiding Beliefs and Principles

  1. The Board believes that effective education at Valhalla Community School draws on unique, beneficial family and community characteristics described as follows:
  • Connection to family fosters a positive parent-orientation which contributes to a child’s/student’s success and well-being.
  • Parents/Guardians are essential partners in supporting academic achievement and nurturing all other aspects of healthy child development. Thus, VCS is committed to fostering strong partnerships with parents/guardians through open and transparent communication on all matters concerning their children.
  • Connections between the school and the broader community foster a sense of belonging that strengthens both school and community.
  • Meaningful participation in community develops an appreciation for civic engagement, underscores the value of interdependence, and fosters an understanding of entrepreneurship as vital to sustaining a rural community.
  1. The Board believes self-confidence is a product of competence that develops through success in academic studies and interpersonal relationships.
  • In a supportive environment, where failure is considered a temporary setback and even a necessary step towards greater competence, VCS fosters academic success for all students. Mastery of basic skills and core knowledge is considered essential for developing critical thinking, problem-finding, problem-solving, reasoning, logic, and metacognition, or thinking about thinking. 
  • By developing leadership skills, students are better equipped for persevering toward their goals, acting in accordance with time-honoured attitudes, values, beliefs, and contributing positively to family and community life.
  1. The Board believes in learning success for every child and therefore supports the purposeful selection of effective teaching methods and strategies including:
  • direct instruction based on measurable learning targets;
  • early literacy development through explicit phonics;
  • formative and summative assessments;
  • sequential, mastery learning of core skills;
  • inquiry and cooperative learning;
  • creative and critical thinking; and
  • integration of instructional technology.

Core Values

The Board believes that its leadership role is the process of keeping our Charter School vision and values before us and aligning our decisions to be congruent with them. Our core values provide the compass that keeps us moving in the right direction and prevents us from being lost when we sometimes move through confusing or uncertain times. Our Board’s core values are: Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Gratitude, Empathy and Servant Leadership.

 

Approved:  April 2023

Revised: February 2024

References:  Education Act s. 3, 7,18, 26, 27, 53, 67, 222 VCS Charter Document

Alberta Regulation 85/2019 Charter Schools Regulation

 

Policy 1:  Appendix A  Brand Identity

The Board believes that brand identity plays a key part in conveying what Valhalla Community School represents to its students, their parents, and the broader community. 

The brand identity reflects the vision and values of Valhalla Community School. Thus, it is important that all communications and marketing platforms (print, digital, social media, web-based, corporate advertising, building/vehicle signage, etc.) consistently and properly reflect the brand identity.

Primary Logo

The displayed logo is the primary and preferred logo for all VCS use and shall be used for corporate identification and promotional purposes. The logo will appear on VCS publications, signage, websites, and other appropriate places. The Board may include a logo statement to accompany the official logo. 

Use of the logo is restricted to those who obtain consent from the Superintendent or delegate who will provide written requirements for consistent and proper use.  

Referencing the School’s Name

The official name is Valhalla Community School.  The initials VCS may be used when it is clear that the reference is to the public charter school which is operated by the Valhalla School Foundation and governed by its elected Board of Directors.   

Referencing the Charter Board of Directors

The Charter Board of Directors of Valhalla Community School is the name of the charter school board that governs the school. The shorter form “the Board ” may be used when the context makes clear that this is a reference to the official name. In formal settings, including public records such as the minutes of meetings, individuals elected to the Board are referred to as “Director (Last Name)” or by referencing the position on the Board such as Chair (Last Name).