Board approves audited financial statements

The audited financial statements for the year ending on August 31, 2021 were presented to the Board for approval by PWPSD Secretary Treasurer Ralph Paquin. Mr. Leon Pfeiffer, CPA, CA and Partner at RSM Canada was available to answer any questions. The Board voted to approve the schedule of transfers to and from reserves, and the audited final statements.

Annual Education Results Report gets Board approval

The Annual Education Results Report (AERR) for the 2020-2021 school year, which is required by Alberta Education, was approved by the Board. The AERR is available to view on our website.

Mental Health and Wellness Report

In her annual report to the Board, Assistant Superintendent Heather Putio spoke about the increase of mental health needs throughout the Division. She noted that, due to the continued impacts of COVID-19, the number of students beginning the school year with a need for mental health support is higher than normal.

"Because we are continuously adapting to changes, our staff and students continue to experience highs and lows from the pandemic." She said that although it has been difficult to navigate through this, there are many positive steps that PWPSD is taking to help its students.

"We have added an additional Mental Health Therapist to the team, which provides an increased level of support to students across the Division. Our partnerships with Family and Community Support Services, the M.D. of Greenview, Saddle Hills County and Birch Hills County ensure that every school has a counsellor in its building for at least one day a week; ensuring all PWPSD students have a chance to access support. We have an active, dedicated team that works collaboratively to support students and staff, and each team member has a high level of expertise in serving our students."

This year, the Mental Health Capacity Building project is focusing on supporting and working with junior high students. Mental health literacy encompasses the knowledge, beliefs, and abilities that enable the recognition, management or prevention of mental health problems. The focus is on increasing mental health literacy, which in turn reduces the stigma and increases healthy living.

Committee & Meeting Reports

• Trustee Riding presented the ASBA Zone 1 Report
• Attendees shared the ASBA Fall General Meeting Report
• Trustee Riding presented the PSBAA Fall General Meeting Report

Upcoming Events

• Communications Committee Meeting: Thursday, December 2
• Health and Safety Committee Meeting: Monday, December 6
• Christmas Card Art Contest winner announcement: Week of December 6
• Next Board Meeting: Thursday, December 9, 10:30 a.m., Central Office, changed from the original Spirit River Sub-Office venue
• Rural Caucus of Alberta School Boards Meeting: Thursday, December 16
• Last day of school before the Christmas break: Thursday, December 23
• Christmas Break: No school, Friday, December 24 - Friday, January 7, 2022
• Statutory Holidays: All PWPSD offices and shops closed.
  • Friday, December 24 (in lieu of Christmas)
  • Monday, December 27 (in lieu of Boxing Day)
  • Monday, January 3 (in lieu of New Year's Day)
• Classes resume for all students: Monday, January 10, 2022