News - High Prairie School Division

2022-23 Annual Education Results Report

11/29/2023

Welcome to the High Prairie School Division's Annual Education Results Report for the 2022-23 academic year. Consider this report a reflection of our ongoing commitment to educational excellence and an insight into the successes and challenges of the past year.

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Board Meeting Summary - November 2023

11/24/2023

The High Prairie School Division Board of Trustees met for their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, November 14. The meeting began with additions to the agenda, approval of the consent agenda, and then progressed through the agenda items.

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HPSD Students Practice Financial Skills

11/24/2023

Students in High Prairie School Division have been busy working with money. As shared by elementary school teacher Jessie Sloan, at E.G. Wahlstrom School, "As part of our updated Wellness curriculum, we've placed a strong emphasis on enhancing financial literacy. Recently, I stumbled upon menus reminiscent of an old-fashioned ice cream parlour."

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Bullying Awareness Week 2023

11/17/2023

Our schools have been busy this week learning about bullying, conflict, and how to be good friends as part of Bullying Awareness Week. Some of the activities that took place this week included:

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Métis Week 2023

11/14/2023

High Prairie School Division students will be busy learning about Métis culture this week. Anchored in history, ancestral Métis territory encompassed the entirety of Alberta, along with two other prairie provinces, portions of two other provinces, and one territory.

Read More About Remembrance Day 2023

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Indigenous Veterans Day 2023

11/08/2023

Today the High Prairie School Division honours the courageous Indigenous veterans who bravely served Canada. It is estimated that as many as 12,000 First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people have served in the great conflicts of the twentieth century.

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Grade 5 Students Build Digital Arcade Using Coding

11/03/2023

At E.G. Wahlstrom School in Slave Lake, Class 5D, under the guidance of their teacher Leonard Oliver, has developed a digital arcade. Five years ago, Mr. Oliver enrolled in a 5-day course provided by The Northern Coding Academy, equipping himself with the knowledge to harness available technologies and bring these valuable resources into his classroom.

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Applications Open for Verna J. Kirkness Program 2024

10/20/2023

Applications are now open for the 2024 Verna J. Kirkness Program!

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HPSD Raises Over $8,000 in Terry Fox Run

10/18/2023

Students across the division participated in this year's Terry Fox Run, the world's largest one-day fundraiser for cancer research. Together, our division raised over $8,000! Congratulations to École Routhier School for raising the most money, a whopping $4,616.25!

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National School Bus Safety Week 2023

10/18/2023

It's National School Bus Safety Week! For a refresher on important bus safety tips, check out https://canadasafetycouncil.org/safety-reminders-back.../.

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Georges P. Vanier Graduate Achieves 100% on Diploma Exam

10/17/2023

Georges P. Vanier graduate Christian Mencke was acknowledged by HPSD Trustees at the school's September assembly for achieving 100% on his Mathematics diploma exam as well as a final class mark of 100%. He is currently enrolled in an engineering program at the University of Alberta. Congratulations on this tremendous achievement, Christian! We wish you all the best in your future endeavours.

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2023 School Engagement Sessions

10/17/2023

Our upcoming engagement sessions are just around the corner! At HPSD, we strongly believe in the importance of your input, and we are eagerly looking forward to collaborating with you as we review and shape our school board's mission, vision, and core values.

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Dual Credit Opportunities for High School Students

10/17/2023

In partnership with Northern Lakes College, High Prairie School Division students in grades 11 and 12 may be eligible to enroll in college courses. These courses are offered at no cost to the student, and allow learners to earn high school credit and college credit at the same time.

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Board Meeting Summary - October 2023

10/17/2023

The High Prairie School Division Board of Trustees met for their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, October 17, 2023. The meeting began with the acceptance of the agenda and consent agenda and then moved into the rest of the agenda items.

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World Teachers' Day 2023

10/05/2023

Today is World Teachers' Day. Created by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1994, this day commemorates the anniversary of adopting the Recommendation Concerning the Status of Teachers. This document sets benchmarks regarding the rights and responsibilities of teachers worldwide.

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Sisters in Spirit Day 2023

10/03/2023

Sisters in Spirit Day is a time to honour the lives of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people, to support their families and loved ones in their grief, and to be a voice for the implementation of societal change in Canada. Originally the name of an initiative launched by the Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) in 2005, the Sisters in Spirit program prepared and submitted a final report to the United Nations describing the devaluation of Indigenous women, and the disproportionate levels of violence against them.

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Happy National Custodial Worker Recognition Day!

10/02/2023

Happy National Custodial Worker Recognition Day! Our custodial staff work diligently behind the scenes to ensure that our schools are clean and safe for everyone. A kind word, gesture, or token of appreciation can go a long way in acknowledging their essential role. Let's take this opportunity to celebrate and honour the hardworking custodial workers who contribute so much to our schools and communities!

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Board Meeting Summary - September 2023

10/02/2023

The HPSD Board of Trustees met on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, for their regularly scheduled meeting. After approval of the consent agenda and additions to the agenda, the meeting proceeded through the remainder of the agenda.

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Jamie Chalifoux and Keith Laboucan Appointed as New Indigenous Education Coach Leads

10/02/2023

High Prairie School Division is proud to announce the appointment of two dedicated individuals, Jamie Chalifoux and Keith Laboucan, as Indigenous Education Coach Leads, reinforcing the division's commitment to providing the best possible support and resources for students and communities.

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Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2023

09/25/2023

On Friday, September 29, the High Prairie School Division will wear orange in honour of the Survivors of Canada's residential schools and the thousands of children whose lives were tragically taken; who never came home.

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High Prairie Friendship Centre Nominated for ASBA Friends of Education Award

09/21/2023

High Prairie School Division proudly nominates the High Prairie Native Friendship Centre for the 2023 ASBA Friends of Education Award. This esteemed organization, led by Executive Director Carol Hanlon, has shown unwavering dedication to improving education for Alberta students.

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School Gatherings a Success!

09/21/2023

Yesterday evening, our Thunderbird students and families had a fantastic time at the High Prairie Elementary Welcome Back Gathering hosted at the school. The event featured a fundraiser where hot dogs were sold to support the HPE Wishlist Foundation, along with gently used books offered free to our students.

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Superintendent's Message

09/06/2023

You can check out the superintendent's message here.

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HPSD Celebrates the Beauty and Resilience of Indigenous Culture

06/29/2023

Students across the division had the opportunity to experience many aspects of Indigenous culture throughout June in celebration of Indigenous History Month.

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Change to Busing in 2023-24 School Year

06/29/2023

The Board of Trustees has made a change to busing in the upcoming school year. Starting in September 2023, busing services will be offered at no cost for students in Kindergarten to Grade 6 who live 1 km or greater from their designated school and for students in Grades 7 to 12 who live 2 km or greater from their designated school. This decision will provide more transportation services to students as the current threshold for eligible riders is 2.4 km from their designated school for students in Kindergarten to Grade 12.

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E.W. Pratt Athletes Recognized Provincially for Sportsmanship

06/29/2023

A big shout-out to EW Pratt High School students Cameron Patenaude-Pedersen (left) and Logan Bruder (right) for being provincially recognized for their exemplary sportsmanship at the Badminton Provincials held in Lloydminster last month.

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Farewell From Superintendent Laura Poloz

06/29/2023

Join us in bidding a heartfelt farewell to our esteemed retiring Superintendent, Laura Poloz. After four decades of dedicated service to the High Prairie School Division, Superintendent Poloz has decided to embark on a well-deserved retirement. Please take a moment to watch the touching farewell video she has prepared for all of us. We extend our deepest gratitude and best wishes for her future endeavours.

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High Prairie Elementary Students Receive Provincial Recognition

06/26/2023

We are proud to recognize three students for being awarded honourable mentions in the 2022-23 Honouring Spirit: Indigenous Student Awards. This provincial recognition awards students who display exemplary leadership, courage, and commitment to their cultures and educational paths.

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Georges. P. Vanier Student Receives Provincial Recognition

06/23/2023

Congratulations to Lucas Hauch for being awarded an honourable mention in the 2022-23 Honouring Spirit: Indigenous Student Awards. This provincial award recognizes students who display exemplary leadership, courage, and commitment to their cultures and educational paths.

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Kim McConnell Appointed as New Early Learning and Assessment Coordinator

06/22/2023

High Prairie School Division is thrilled to extend a warm welcome to Kim McConnell, who will be joining our team as the Early Learning and Assessment Coordinator. Kim's impressive background and expertise in the field make her a valuable addition to our division.

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Board Meeting Summary - June 2023

06/21/2023

The High Prairie School Division Board of Trustees met on Tuesday, June 20, for their regularly scheduled board meeting. With no additions to the agenda and approval of the consent agenda, the meeting proceeded through the remainder of the agenda items.

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Corinna Horsman Appointed as New Principal of C.J. Schurter School

06/21/2023

High Prairie School Division is pleased to announce the appointment of Corinna Horsman as the new Vice Principal of C.J. Schurter School. With over 18 years of teaching experience, including 9 years at C.J. Schurter School, Mrs. Horsman brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her new role.

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HPSD's Indigenous Education Team Wins Provincial Award

06/15/2023

High Prairie School Divison's Indigenous Education Coach (IEC) Team was the recipient of the Public School Boards' Association of Alberta (PSBAA) 's Promoting and Advancing One or More of the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada in Relation to Education in Alberta Award.

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Professional Curler Colin Hodgson Visits HPSD Students Through Classroom Champions Program

06/12/2023

Two of our schools received a visit from world-renowned Canadian curler Colin Hodgson last week. This visit was a high point for students who have interacted with Colin throughout the year through the Classroom Champions mentorship program.

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E.W. Pratt Students Excel at Track & Field Provincials

06/09/2023

E.W. Pratt School earned the title of Zone Champions for the ninth year in a row in Grande Prairie on May 26 and 27.

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Monique Dubrule Appointed as New Principal of École Routhier School

06/09/2023

High Prairie School Division is pleased to announce the appointment of Monique Dubrule as the new Principal of École Routhier School starting in the 2023-24 school year. Mrs. Dubrule has been with High Prairie School Division since 2005 with over 18 years of educational experience.

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Rae-Ann Boivin Appointed as New Vice Principal of École Routhier School

06/09/2023

High Prairie School Division is pleased to announce the appointment of Rae-Ann Boivin as the new Vice Principal of École Routhier School in Falher in the 2023-24 school year. With over 19 years of teaching experience, including four years at École Routhier School, Ms. Boivin brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her new role.

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First Divisional STEM Day a Success!

06/09/2023

Following the grade 7-9 competitions held in HPSD junior highs in May, Georges P. Vanier School hosted the first divisional STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) Challenge Finals on Friday, June 2.

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Bill Sheets Appointed as New Principal of Georges P. Vanier School

06/09/2023

High Prairie School Division is delighted to announce the appointment of Bill Sheets as the new Principal of Georges P. Vanier School in Donnelly. With over 25 years of teaching experience, including more than a decade as a school administrator, Mr. Sheets brings a wealth of expertise and leadership to his new role.

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Currently Hiring for Bus Drivers

06/07/2023

We are currently hiring for bus drivers. To apply, go to hpsd.ca/careers. If you have any questions, please reach out to [email protected], or call Mike at 780-523-3337.

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HPSD Honours Murdered and Missing Indigenous People (MMIP)

06/05/2023

National MMIP Awareness Day, also known as Red Dress Day, was honoured on Friday, May 5. Beginning as a grassroots movement called the REDdress project, this day brings awareness to the epidemic of missing and murdered Indigenous people across Canada. It is associated with empty red dresses to evoke the missing women who should be wearing them. We now also see images of a red hand over the mouth representing all of the missing sisters whose voices will not be heard.

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HPSD Celebrates Indigenous History Month

06/05/2023

In June, we commemorate National Indigenous History Month. This is a time to acknowledge the history, heritage, resilience, and diversity of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples across Canada. Part of this is also learning about and appreciating the immeasurable contributions that First Nations, Inuit, and Métis have made and continue to make today.

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Grade 8 Students Travel to Camp Yowachas

06/05/2023

The annual Prairie River Junior High School grade eight trip to Camp Yowachas was another absolute success. Students spent three days at the outdoor education camp near Fallis, Alberta, on the north shore of Wabamun Lake. They participated in adventurous outdoor activities that built courage, positive self-esteem, and teamwork. These included canoeing, rock climbing, and playing 'Capture the Flag' in the woods.

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Joussard Student Recognized for Provincial Award

06/05/2023

Congratulations to Tenley Cunningham for being awarded an honourable mention in the 2022-23 Honouring Spirit: Indigenous Student Awards. This provincial award recognizes students who display exemplary leadership, courage, and commitment to their cultures and educational paths.

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Grade Six Student Competes in International Finals

05/30/2023

Meia McNeil travelled to Montreal last weekend to represent our region in the international final of the Dictée PGL. Congrats Meia!!!

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Local Athlete Recruited by Northwestern Polytechnic

05/30/2023

We would like to congratulate EW Pratt High School student Jessica Gordon for being chosen to play on the Northwestern Polytechnic (NWP) Wolves Women's Basketball team for the 2023-24 season.

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Wildfire Update

05/23/2023

We have been closely watching the wildfire updates for our region. To our families and our communities, our thoughts are with you.