Welcome Back

I am excited to kick off this new year with our students and staff. Recently, I met a young, new student who expressed hesitation about his first day of school. While I could understand where his nerves were coming from, I knew deep down inside that by going to school, this student would be set up for future success.

That’s what makes our division so special. Each and every individual in our division is committed to our mission of “Learning Together ~ Success for All.” During our annual staff Kick-Off event this year, each one of our teachers participated in professional development. For our Grades 4 through 9 teachers, they had the opportunity to learn

bout Edwin, an accessible digital resource library, where teachers can access curriculum-linked content that is both evergreen and culturally relevant. Providing our staff these opportunities to learn together is just another way we ensure everyone who walks through our doors achieves success.

Truth & Reconciliation Week

Toward the end of the month, from September 23 to 27, all of our schools will participate in Truth & Reconciliation Week activities. It is important that we take this time to learn the truth of the Indigenous history in our area, as well as reflect on the ways our actions and words can lead to an increase in reconciliation. A goal of the PRSD is to host more Treaty 8 & Métis Flag Raising Ceremonies both at Central Operations in Grimshaw and at our schools. Raising the Treaty 8 & Métis Flag is a visual invitation to all students to be themselves, share their unique identities, and foster a sense of belonging in our PRSD schools. It is also a way for the PRSD to build our school communities’ capacity for intercultural understanding, empathy, and mutual respect.

This school year also marks the beginning of our new 5-Year Education plan. Reporting on this plan will measure specifically the academic achievements of our Indigenous students so that we can do everything in our power to close the achievement gap that has historically existed amongst our student populations.

Finally, the PRSD warmly welcomes Elders and Knowledge Keepers into our schools, infusing traditional ways of learning and knowing into daily lesson plans. So, if you are in our schools on September 27, please consider wearing orange to show your commitment to the core belief that Every Child Matters as our communities continue to heal from the legacy of residential schools.