Approved Alternate School Year Calendar

The Peace River School Division Board of Trustees approved the 2025-2026 Alternate School Year Calendar for Menno Simons Community School. This calendar represents the third year an alternate calendar has been made available to the school in Cleardale. 

Bylaw 1-2025

The Board of Trustees provided three readings to Bylaw 1-2025, which authorizes the previously approved debenture required to complete the HVAC system renovations at the PRSD Central Operations building in Grimshaw. Repayment of this debenture would come from funds allocated to the Division’s system administration, transportation, and plant operations and maintenance budgets. 

In August, 2018, the Board of Trustees made a fiscally responsible decision to renovate the former Grimshaw Jr./Sr. High School building using capital reserves. The nearly $1 million renovation included an addition to accommodate the Transportation Department and replaced the need to operate three older buildings that no longer met the needs of the Division. At the time of the initial renovation the HVAC system was not upgraded or replaced. Today, much of the HVAC system in the building has outlived its life expectancy, prompting the need for replacement. The approved debenture is for $750,000 and the total cost of the project was quoted at $785,100 plus GST.

2025 Student Engagement Plans

The Board of Trustees were asked by Superintendent Jeff Thompson to reassess plans for their annual Student Engagement sessions. These sessions are typically held in March or April; however, for several reasons, were not able to take place in that timeframe this year. Further, as May and June are busy months with year-end assessments, graduation ceremonies, class trips, and other academic deadlines, it was recommended that the Trustees consider offering an alternate method of engagement in the current school year.

After a lengthy discussion, the Trustees agreed to spend the next few months planning a relaunch of their Student Engagement sessions to likely take place in the Fall of each school year, instead of the Spring. Additionally, Trustees gave direction to the Superintendent to explore the level of interest from schools in arranging for two to four students to participate in a site-based “Lunch and Listen” session with two Trustees and a division-level staff member at some point over the next three to four weeks.  Administrators are now being consulted to determine the feasibility of this initiative at each site and the level of interest from students in participating in such an event before the end of the school year. Once feedback is compiled by April 28, decisions will be made regarding next steps.  

Edwin Parr Teacher Award Nominee

Worsley Central School first-year teacher Mikaela Tegart has been named the Peace River School Division’s 2025 nominee for the Edwin Parr Teacher Award. Nominated by Worsley Central School Principal Jennifer Daniel, Ms. Tegart is described as being a calm, assertive, competent, and inclusive educator. To read the full news release, click HERE.

Friends of Education Award Nominee

The Peace River School Division Board of Trustees has named Peace Regional RCMP Const. Arthur Sunday as their 2025 Friends of Education Award Nominee. To read the full news release, click HERE.

Recording Board Meetings

In accordance with Board Policy 7, section 11, the Board of Trustees voted to record, and publish, all future public board meetings commencing as soon as technology capabilities permitted.