High Prairie School Division (HPSD) serves approximately 3,000 students across 12 schools in the vibrant communities of Falher, Donnelly, High Prairie, Joussard, Kinuso, and Slave Lake, located in north-central Alberta. Guided by our mission to inspire, lead, and empower success through accountability and resilience, we are dedicated to creating a culture of lifelong learning. Our vision is to inspire students to learn, lead, and succeed in an ever-changing world.
At HPSD, we emphasize the importance of literacy and numeracy as foundational skills for all students. Our literacy strategy is designed to create literacy-rich environments where students engage with language confidently and meaningfully. We employ divisional benchmarks and screening tools to assess students' reading comprehension and writing skills, using data to inform instructional decisions. Each school has a literacy committee, and a divisional committee ensures that actions are prioritized according to the HPSD Literacy Framework.
Numeracy is equally prioritized, with strategies to develop students' proficiency in engaging with quantitative and spatial information. Our numeracy committee, comprising teacher representatives from each school, examines data and research to recommend effective teaching and assessment strategies. Tools like the Elk Island Math Intervention Tool and visual data representation in Dossier support teachers in assessing and improving students' numeracy skills.
HPSD also values a balanced approach to assessment, integrating formative and summative assessments to inform teaching practices and support student learning. Standardized assessments, along with teacher-planned opportunities for students to demonstrate their learning, ensure a comprehensive evaluation of student progress.
Our commitment to educational support is further demonstrated through the Educational Assistant (EA) Training Pilot Program, a collaboration with Edmonton Public Schools. This initiative provides on-the-job training, online modules, and mentorship to enhance the skills of educational assistants, focusing on supporting diverse learners and managing complex behavioural needs. This program aligns with the goals of our EA Advisory Team, promoting continuous learning and retention within our educational community.
At HPSD, we also prioritize the inclusion and support of all students through the efforts of Learning Support Teachers (LSTs). These educators provide targeted professional development, direct instruction, and consultation with service providers to meet the diverse needs of our students. Additionally, our Indigenous Education Coaches work to ensure that all students understand Canadian history, including Indigenous cultures and perspectives, supporting the calls to action in Truth and Reconciliation.
We are proud of our comprehensive educational programs and services, which include dual credit opportunities, character education, and mental health support through our wellness team. Our engaged governance, parental and community involvement, and continuous pursuit of innovative strategies underscore our commitment to fostering a supportive and enriching learning environment for all students.
Superintendent & CEO
Murray Marran