As we reach the halfway point of the school year, it’s a great time to celebrate what we’ve accomplished together.
This year has been full of milestones that highlight the dedication and hard work of our students, staff, and entire school community. A major highlight was the opening of the Iron Ridge Secondary Campus in Blackfalds.
This new high school has quickly become a source of pride for the community. Seeing students in the halls of this amazing facility during September’s grand opening was inspiring, and we’re excited to see this school thrive in the years to come.
Mental health remains a priority, and the Alberta government’s decision to extend mental health funding through 2024-2025 has been a game changer. This funding supports programs like our Social Emotional Learning facilitators, who help students develop confidence, resilience, and empathy.
It’s an important resource, especially for early and middle years, ensuring students have the support they need to succeed. This year has also brought exciting curriculum updates.
Wolf Creek Public Schools is piloting the draft K-6 social studies curriculum, with nearly 20 teachers from seven schools participating. Teachers are supported by professional development sessions focused on sharing resources and building assessment tools. Alongside this, the new Grade 4-6 Science curriculum emphasizes collaboration through tools like Google Classrooms.
These efforts reflect Alberta Education’s broader commitment to renewing curricula and supporting educators.
Our schools also marked the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation with meaningful events, including a community round dance in Ponoka that brought together students, staff, elders, and traditional drummers.
These activities help our students learn about and honour the rich history and culture of Indigenous peoples while contributing to ongoing reconciliation efforts. This year hasn’t been without challenges, from adapting to new policies like the Alberta Cell Phone Policy to managing unexpected obstacles.
But through it all, our communities have shown incredible resilience, collaboration, and determination. As we move into the second half of the school year, our focus remains on creating safe, inclusive, and enriching spaces for students.
With a massive divisional stakeholder engagement on the horizon, we’re eager to hear from our school community as we seek ideas for the next education plan for Wolf Creek Public Schools.
You will be hearing more about that early in the New Year.
As the holiday season approaches, I wish everyone in the Wolf Creek Public Schools community a wonderful break. May this time bring rest, connection, and renewed energy for the opportunities ahead. Thank you for all you do to make our schools places of growth and achievement.
Luci Henry is the board chair for Wolf Creek Public Schools