Good News
The Peace Wapiti Public School Division (PWPSD)'s Good News is a collection of stories from schools throughout the division. Stories are published monthly, before the upcoming Board meeting. Please check back regularly for updates.
MAY
Congratulations Class of 2026!
PWPSD is proud to celebrate 466 2026 graduates. Your hard work and dedication to your studies has paid off!
Elk Hide Story
Earlier this month, with the help of students from Peace Wapiti Academy, Clairmont Community School, Harry Balfour School, and Whispering Ridge Community School, the PWPSD Indigenous Education Services team started their Elk Hide Story. A story where one elk travels the division, teaching students and staff along the way. Over a few weeks, students from each group met at the Grande Prairie Friendship Centre's Traditional Healing Garden to work on an elk hide, graciously donated by PWPSD's Indigenous Services Provider Tara Papirnick's family.
Under the guidance of Ashley Rosenberger, students learned the steps of preparing a hide - racking, fleshing, scraping, softening, and smoking. They also had the opportunity to learn about plants, traditional ways of life, and the importance of knowing who you are and loving yourself, all of which connects to the Grade 7 curriculum, from Elders Barb and Sandy Goodswimmer. The elk hide is now softened and ready for the next group of students to pitch in!
The PWPSD Indigenous Education Services team would like to thank Grande Prairie and District Catholic Schools for generously inviting them into this partnership, and the Grande Prairie Friendship Centre for hosting in their beautiful space.
PWPSD News
APRIL
PWPSD Indigenous Education Services hosts Family Night
On March 17, the PWPSD Indigenous Education Services team and Grande Prairie Friendship Centre invited families to participate in an evening of learning about Métis culture. The event included entertainment in the style of a Métis Kitchen Party and a performance from the Hythe Regional School Junior Jiggers, led by Cree Language instructor Marlene Letendre.
Pow Wow Dance Series
Beaverlodge Elementary students participate in a Pow Wow dance
On April 2, the PWPSD Indigenous Education Services team wrapped up the Pow Wow Dance Series at Beaverlodge Elementary School and La Glace School. The six-week series was facilitated at each school by Monique Hommey. Through these events, students had the opportunity to learn about Pow Wow Dance, the meaning behind each dance style, and develop an appreciation for the physicality of the dancing by trying the steps themselves.
The Pow Wow Dance Series culminated a final performance at each school, where local Indigenous dancers and a drummer were brought in to showcase their skills. It was a great way to head into spring break, and the Indigenous Education Services team is grateful to everyone involved for making this series a success!
We want to hear from you!
Each year, PWPSD engages with parents, students, and staff through its Annual Engagement Surveys. Individual survey links will be sent directly to parent emails on Tuesday, April 21, so please keep an eye on your inbox and Spam folders. The survey will close on Friday, May 8.
MARCH
New student registration is NOW OPEN!
New student and Kindergarten registration is now open for the 2026-2027 school year! Visit our Registration webpage for more information. You will receive a confirmation email once your school has accepted your registration.
FEBRUARY
Go Canada Go!
Central Office staff cheer on Team Canada as the 2026 Olympic Games kick off in Italy.
JANUARY
Happy New Year! All of us at Peace Wapiti Public School Division wish you a happy, healthy, and successful 2026!
Indigenous Education Services spreads cheer throughout the division
Al Crawford visits Helen E. Taylor School
Students at Hythe Regional School participate in a round dance
In December, Indigenous Education Services invited Al Crawford to present at six PWPSD schools. He shared teachings on drumming and round dances, and helped inspire approximately 1000 students with his music and stories.
The Indigenous Education Services team spent time spreading holiday cheer and strengthening connections with students by facilitating seasonal crafts across the division. Students and staff alike enjoyed creating their own Tipi Garlands and Pinecone Christmas Trees.
DECEMBER
PWPSD Indigenous Education Services hosts Inuit events
On November 25, the PWPSD Indigenous Education Services team, in partnership with the Grande Prairie Friendship Centre, hosted its first ever Indigenous Family Night. Families were invited to learn from Goota Desmarais from Inuit Connections, and Inuit Elder Mary about the Inuit way of life and try traditional Inuit food.
Goota and Inuit Elder Mary at Family Night
Later, the team invited Goota to share Inuit knowledge with students at Rycroft School and Penson School.
Goota speaks to students at Rycroft School
Grade 2-5 students at Penson School learn about Inuit culture
Student for the Day
Teachers engage in meaningful conversation about Indigenous history and culture
Staff enjoy traditional tea
Staff learn to make Granny Dolls
Teachers learn about Winter Counts, pictorial calendars used by Indigenous peoples to record one significant event each winter.
Teachers learn to jig
Staff participate in their own Pow Wow
In early December, the PWPSD Indigenous Education Services team guided its teacher leads in a Student for the Day professional development. Teachers had the opportunity to learn from various Indigenous community members by participating in presentations typically booked for classrooms. The team is grateful to the presenters and Pembina Pipeline Corporation for supporting this day.
2025 Christmas card art contest winner announced
Congratulations to Jesse Clutton, Grade 11 student at Spirit River Regional Academy, for winning PWPSD's 2025 Christmas Cart Art Contest! Jesse has won an individual prize and a pizza party for his art class.
NOVEMBER
Introducing PWPSD's 2025-2029 Board of Trustees
On October 30, Peace Wapiti Public School Division's 2025-2029 Board of Trustees was sworn in during the Board's organizational meeting. Trustees Lori Grant and Blaine Riding were elected as Board Chair and Vice Chair respectively for the 2025-2026 school year. Visit our Board of Trustees webpage to learn more about our trustees and the work they do.
SEPTEMBER
PWPSD is proud to celebrate two outstanding award nominees
Left to right: PWPSD Superintendent Shawn O'Shea, Iceberg Hockey Tournament's Tara and Mike, PWPSD Board Chair Lori Grant
On September 18, PWPSD Trustees and Executive staff celebrated two outstanding award nominees at the annual ASBA Zone 1 Awards Banquet. The Friends of Education award celebrates individuals and groups who have made significant contributions to the school community. The Division nominated the Iceberg Hockey Tournament as its Friends of Education nominee for 2025. The Iceberg Hockey Tournament is a charity event that raises money for, and the awareness of, children's mental health. The organization donates all proceeds made throughout the tournament to mental health assessments, assisting children who wouldn't typically have access to timely ed-psych evaluations.
Left to right: Trustees Dana McIntosh and Stefanie Clarke, Teacher Bailey Gardecki, Trustees Lori Grant and Millie Turner
The Edwin Parr Teacher Award recognizes exceptional first-year teachers, and PWPSD was honoured to nominate Bailey Gardecki as its 2025 nominee. Eaglesham School principal, Mr. Mark Pelley, wrote, "Despite it only being her first year, Ms. Gardecki has already proven to be a very valuable part of the staff". We wish Ms. Gardecki the best for the 2025-2026 school year.
Alternative Education
MAY
Earth Day at Evergreen Park
PWEC students celebrated Earth Day at Evergreen Park, where they learned about invasive species. Students learned about the role they can play in stopping the spread and keeping invasive species out of the County of Grande Prairie. Thank you Kate Winterford and Simon Thon from the County of Grande Prairie's Agriculture department for the insightful presentation!
Learning the law
PWEC students and staff recently welcomed special guest Drew Pearson, a lawyer with KMSC Law, to speak about negligence from a legal context through real life case studies. Students enjoyed the presentation and the opportunity to learn something new!
Smile!
PWEC would like to thank the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital Foundation for their delivery of Smile Cookies!
PWEC graduate signs with Weatherford College
Congratulations to 2026 PWEC graduate Brooke Belanger on signing with Weatherford College! This fall, Brooke will be competing on the college's rodeo team in breakaway roping.
APRIL
Human health and movement
Students studied the biomechanics of the human body, learning all about bones, muscles, and how they work together in the way we move.
Exploring volts and bolts at PWEC
On day one, students explored the fundamentals of constructing, testing, and troubleshooting electronic circuits and devices. They then learned about the "anatomy" of a robot, including structure, control methods, and the design principles required for specific tasks. Northwestern Polytechnic electrical instructor, Jeff Johnston, dropped by to share the ins and outs of the electrical trade.
PWEC eSports
PWEC hosted a successful Alberta eSports League Tournament. Congratulations to all the competitors!
Cultivating skills with plants and peers
During the recent Plants and Peers event, PAVE students gained valuable hands-on experience in both horticulture and the arts. The group studied the science of plant growth and worked practically to plant their own seedlings. This initiative taught students foundational gardening techniques, and the value of long-term care, as many of these seedlings are now being faithfully nurtured to decorate the upcoming PWEC graduation ceremony. Students also had the opportunity to take some seedlings home to add to their family gardens. To wrap up the day, students engaged in a plant-focused art project, fostering both their creative expression and positive peer connections.
MARCH
Learning about conflict resolution
On February 25, PWEC students gathered to participate in a class on conflict resolution skills. They later enjoyed some time playing some fun-filled card games.
Math support groups at PWEC
PWEC's online math support groups are always more fun when your pets join in! Grade 10 Math teacher, Melanie Golding, joked that pets make math much more paw-sible.
FEBRUARY
PWEC graduate speaks about human-rights on Parliament Hill
Photo credit: CBC News
On February 18, Blue, PWEC graduate and youth advocate with the John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights, spoke at a news conference on Parliament Hill. The group is calling on the federal government to treat online safety as a human-rights issue. You can find the full story on the CBC News website.
Hands-on science experiments
PAVE's Grade 8 and 9 students enjoyed an in-person learning experience at PWEC! Students examined animal and plant cells under microscopes and created a chemical reaction during an elephant's toothpaste experiment. After the activities were complete, students had fun socializing and playing games. It was a great afternoon of learning for everyone in attendance.
PWEC students benefit from additional rec space
PWEC recently aquired additional recreational space in order to expand its health and wellness course offerings. Jeremiah the skeleton is a regular attender and supports the anatomy lessons.
Trying a new instrument
Samuel McNulty and Assistant Principal Rob Robertson provided some much-appreciated background music on a cold winter day. PWEC has several instruments available for students to try. Students can even earn high school credits by learning to play a new instrument!
JANUARY
Students test search and rescue tools
PWEC students learned about the equipment used in search and rescue operations. We could definitely see the value of thermal imaging scopes during our dark northern lights.
PWEC goes to yoga
To meet a requirement for their Yoga Fitness course, a group of students and staff members attended a studio yoga class. It was a great opportunity to move their bodies, and everyone felt great afterwards!
DECEMBER
Dogs at work
PWEC students had the opportunity to meet two very different working dogs, Registered Therapy dog Mowgli, and Police Service dog Neven. A huge thank you to Kiki Rozema and Cpl Dan Lyon for taking time out of their day to give students insight into the training and preparation both animals and handlers must undertake to work in these fields.
Students test Mowgli's skills
NOVEMBER
PWEC raises money for cancer research
Earlier this year, PWEC students participated in their annual Terry Fox Run.
Learning about local tourism
Branden Mosenko and Samuel McNulty pose with a unique chainsaw carving.
Students had the opportunity to visit Centre 2000 to participate in a tourism workshop, where they learned about the fun things our area has to offer.
Family Law
Thank you to Nathan Hayes-Fry, local lawyer and managing partner at Hayes Fry Law, for volunteering his time to speak to PWEC students and answer their questions during their introductory law class.
Animal Basics
PWEC students spent the day learning about animal care, culminating in a visit to the Cat Cafe for a behind-the-scenes tour of how foster cats and kittens are cared for.
SEPTEMBER
Congratulations to our 2025 graduates!
PWEC's graduating class of 2025 celebrates their accomplishments.
Home Education Showcase
Benjamin and Abby had a great time at the Home Education Showcase, organized by our Home Education Facilitator Michelle Scarrow. Abby really enjoyed the slime with Stemagineers!
PWEC hosts Meet the Teacher event
Hot dogs were on the BBQ for the PWEC Meet the Teacher afternoon. It was wonderful to welcome new and returning families to another exciting school year!
Workplace Safety
Our students attended Workplace Safety Systems at PWEC, and are now ready for their off-campus programming.
Beaverlodge Elementary School
MAY
Spring Tea at BES
BES's Grade 5 students hosted the annual Spring Tea, where they had the privilege of serving guests with drinks and refreshments. Students from the other grades provided entertainment through musical performances.
Learning the arts
The Grade 4 students enjoyed their time at the Beaverlodge Art and Culture Centre, where they learned about pottery and weaving.
APRIL
Scientists in Schools
BES students have been enjoying presentations through Scientists in Schools, virtual workshops that open the wonders of science, engineering, and technology to students across Canada. The Grade 5 students participated in the Every Body Moves session where they learned about the inner workings of the human body!
Hitting the slopes
Students enjoyed their annual ski trip to Nitehawk.
MARCH
STEM Club
The BES STEM Club has started! Students had a great time making their own ice cream, and designing their own shirts.
FEBRUARY
Literacy Week at BES
Students participated in buddy reading, and enjoyed bannock during Literacy Week.
Polo visited all BES classes during Literacy Week.
Kindergarten students welcome PWPSD's Indigenous Education team
The Kindergarten students enjoyed a story and bannock with the PWPSD Indigenous Education Services team.
JANUARY
Students spread holiday cheer throughout the community
The Grade 6 students "Elf'd" the neighbourhood by delivering candy canes to community members.
Mr. M, with the help of his backup singers, led everyone in our annual carol singing.
Before the Christmas break, the Grade 3 students enjoyed decorating their own gingerbread houses!
NOVEMBER
We run for Terry
On September 25, students and staff participated in the annual BES Terry Fox Run.
BES celebrates Halloween
To show off their fun costumes and get into the Halloween spirit, students and staff participated in the annual community Halloween Parade!
Grade 4s visit the Curling Club
On November 12, the Grade 4 students visited the Beaverlodge Curling Club, where they spent the day learning technique and having fun!
Spreading festive cheer
The Grade 6 Leadership Team set up lights for the Beaverlodge Light Show.
SEPTEMBER
Miwasin Connections
The Grade 5 students participated in Miwasin Connections run by Monique Hommy. They experienced smudging, the process of preparing a hide, and took part in activities that weave seasonal learning with outside play.
Fall Harvest Parade
The BES Grade 6 Leadership students participated in the 2025 Fall Harvest Parade. They represented the Trappers very well, earning the School/Youth Group float award!
Beaverlodge Regional High School
MAY
BRHS visits Switzerland
Over Spring Break, 16 BRHS students travelled to Switzerland! Some of the most memorable places they visited were the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum and UN Headquarters in Geneva, and Mount Titlis just outside Lucerne.
Alberta Envirothon
Left to right: Sadie DeSchipper, Louisa Gordon, Reese Sather, Zahraya Cincurak
For the first time, Beaverlodge Regional High School sent a team to Lakeland Vermillion Campus to compete in the provincial Envirothon. The purpose of the Alberta Envirothon is to develop knowledgeable, skilled, and dedicated citizens who are enabled to solve complex environmental issues, act as stewards of the environment, and have a desire to learn more about the environment and natural resources management.
Studying five tiers, our team developed a cohesive understanding in soils and land use, forestry, wildlife, aquatic ecology, and non-point pollution mitigation. The Royals worked with industry professionals and college instructors to learn new skills, and we are so proud of the effort and commitment they showed. The learning opportunities they were able to participate in were very exciting, and we're looking forward to building on this experience and attending again next year.
APRIL
Verna J. Kirkness Program
BRHS is proud to share that Levi Wilkins has been accepted into the Verna J. Kirkness Program! This highly respected national program provides First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students the opportunity to experience university life while exploring STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) through hands-on learning.
As part of this program, Levi will spend a week at a Canadian university working alongside professors and researchers in real laboratory settings. She will engage in meaningful research, participate in workshops, and connect with mentors who will help guide her future academic and career pathways.
Levi's curiosity, creativity, and dedication to learning at BRHS have consistently stood out in the classroom, and this opportunity is a reflection of her hard work and passion for sicence. We are incredibly proud of her accomplishment, and excited to see where this experience takes her. Congratulations, Levi!
Let's Go Rural!
25 BRHS students participated in the Let's Go Rural high school event, hosted in partnership with RhPAP and the SPPARC. This full-day, hands-on experience at the Grande Prairie Hospital gave students a unique opportunity to explore career paths in rural healthcare. They participated in interactive sessions led by local healthcare professionals including, physiotherapy simulations, basic first aid and CPR demonstrations using NARCAN, suturing pig legs, tourniquet and wound packing practice, vital signs practice (blood pressure, pulse, temperature) with IV simulations, and diagnostic and lab demonstrations.
The event allowed students to gain practical skills, ask questions directly of healthcare professionals, and explore how they could contribute to healthcare in their own rural communities. We are proud of all BRHS students who attended and took advantage of this incredible opportunity to connect with real-world careers in healthcare and thank the organizers for including our students.
Congratulations Natalie!
Congratulations Natalie Clarke for winning seven gold medals, setting five new provincial records, and achieving five personal bests at the 2026 Swim Alberta Winter Provincial Championships!
BRHS represented at Arctic Winter Games
Congratulations to the BRHS athletes who competed for Team Alberta North at the 2026 Arctic Winter Games in Whitehorse, Yukon!
- Elliott Rourke and Henry Schmidt, Gold in U19 Male Volleyball
- Tayte Nordhagen and Loann MacAlister, Silver in U19 Female Volleyball
- Brooke Funk, Gold in U19 Female Hockey
- Tyller Rude, led the tournament in scoring and earned Gold in U19 Female Basketball
- Eric Funk, finished fourth in U18 Singles Badminton, but earned Gold in U18 Male Doubles
Forestry Education Day
In partnership with Tolio Industries, The Alberta Forest Products Association, and Horse Lake First Nation, students had the opportunity to participate in Forestry Education Day on March 10. They spent the morning learning about forest ecosystems, sustainability and career diversity in the forestry sector. The afternoon was spent outside on the land, learning about tracking, reciprocity, and medicinal plants. Bannock and stories were a much appreciated added bonus! Special thanks to the businesses involved, the organizers, local Elders, trappers, and bakers for sharing their expertise with BRHS students and staff.
MARCH
BRHS represented at Arctic Winter Games
Back Row (L to R): Brooke Funk (Hockey), Tyller Rude (Basketball), Tayte Nordhagen and Loann MacAlister (Volleyball)
Front Row (L to R): Eric Funk (Badminton), Elliott Rourke and Henry Schmidt (Volleyball)
BRHS is extremely proud of its students representing Team Alberta North at the 2026 Arctic Winter Games in Whitehorse later this month. Good luck Royals!
Remembrance Day Contest
Congratulations to first place winners of the Royal Canadian Legion's Remembrance Day Contest, Blaise Wilson and Berlin Wallan! Blaise won first place in the Senior Poems category, while Berlin won first place in the Senior Black and White Poster category.
FEBRUARY
Fitness 43 hosts class for students
A big thank you to Nicole Hommy from Fitness 43 for graciously volunteering her expertise and time to coordinate a class-wide fitness workout. Everyone's muscles were sore for days!
JANUARY
BRHS enjoys a festive turkey lunch
On January 8, students and staff enjoyed a belated festive luncheon. The meal was expertly crafted by Lefty's Cafe and Catering, and desserts were generously provided by the Drama Club, Mrs. McAusland, and some student volunteers. Mr. Paulson and the BRHS Band enhanced the celebration by filling the hallways with live music. Special thanks to Mr. Edgar for organizing the event, and to the Boys Volleyball team for their assistance with serving.
DECEMBER
Leadership kicks off the holiday fun
Administrative Assistant Susie Lefferson and Lelin Pfau capture the energy, excitment, and cheerful chaos of the holiday season.
The BRHS Leadership team kicked off December's festivities with a Christmas Chaos Dress-Up Day. In the weeks leading up to Christmas break, Leadership students will also take part in carolling with seniors alongside the BRHS Band, decorating human Christmas trees, and helping with the annual BRHS turkey dinner.
NOVEMBER
BRHS honours Remembrance Day with annual ceremony
Grade 10 student and cadet, Ashton Horseman, attended the annual BRHS Remembrance Day Ceremony, where he assisted in escorting honoured guests Comrade Len Mainville and Comrade Jim Frissell into the event. We are deeply grateful for his meaningful contribution and the presence of our distinguished guests.
During the ceremony, students and staff were honoured to witness a powerful moment of student leadership and cultural pride. Taylor Desjarlais of Horse Lake First Nation, stepped forward to read In Flanders Field by John McCrae, in Cree, offering a heartfelt acknowledgement of both Indigenous Veterans and Remembrance Day.
With guidance from Cree Language teacher, Barb Belcourt, and support from Indigenous Education Support Worker, Robin Hill, Taylor prepared the reading with dedication and confidence. His willingness to share the beauty of the Cree language with the school community made the ceremony especially meaningful.
We are all incredibly proud of Taylor's leadership and the cultural strength he brought to this important day of remembrance. His contribution helped deepen our collective understanding and honouring of all who have served.
SEPTEMBER
BRHS French students receive DELF A1 diploma
Congratulations to Jaxon Cage, Mya Dyrkach, and Louisa Gordon for receiving their DELF A1 diplomas straight from France! They received their diplomas for the exams they wrote earlier this spring.
The DELF is the basic French proficiency test that students usually take in Grade 9 or 10.
Taking learning beyond the classroom
Students visited a local wetland to help restore a farmer's field through an environmental activitiy known as willow staking. Guided by experts from The Mighty Peace Watershed, students learned how willow staking helps stabilize soil, reduce erosion, improve water quality, and keep water from flooding crops. By planting live willow cuttings in and along a berm on the water path's edge, the students contributed directly to restoring native vegetation.
This experience not only supported science curriculum goals, but it also gave students a deeper understanding of ecosystem restoration and environmental stewardship. We are very proud of our students for getting their hands dirty and working hard to help protect local wetlands and support sustainable agriculture! A big thank you to The Mighty Peace Watershed, the farmer who welcomed us to their land, and our educators who made this trip possible.
Bezanson School
MAY
Students raise over $600 for Jump Rope for Heart
Congratulations Bezanson School for raising over $600 for Jump Rope for Heart! To celebrate such great effort, one of the top fundraising students was given the opportunity to pie Mrs. Thomson in the face.
Growing for a cause
Mrs. Matlock's Grade 4 Science class learned about the needs of plants, while also exploring entrepreneurship and community giving. Students grew seeds, lettuce, and herbs to sell, with half the proceeds being donated to STARS Air Ambulance and the other half being used to purchase a new class pet, shrimp! As a result of their donation and hard work, the class has been invited to tour the STARS Air Ambulance facilities later this month.
MARCH
Bezanson School hosts talent show
Students were excited to revive an old tradition by bringing back Bezanson School's Talent Show! Students in Grades 1-9 were invited to share their talents on stage or through video performances. For those who preferred a different format, a space was set up in the library to display their creative skills, including artwork, LEGO models, an impressive shell collection, and other creations.
Gold at Hoopfest
The Girls A basketball team competed at Hoopfest where they took first place! Some of our athletes even sank half-court shots and earned themselves t-shirts for their impressive talent. Our girls have been performing amazing this year, and we are excited to see how the rest of their season goes!
Boys basketball team finds success despite short bench
On February 28, the Bulldogs participated in the County of Grande Prairie Basketball League's one-day tournament and truly showed what it means to be a team. The boys played with a short bench of just six players, but came together as a team and showcased their sportsmanship and determination, and still brought home the gold!
On March 7, to wrap up their season, the boys travelled to Hines Creek to compete in Zones.
FEBRUARY
Bulldogs earn silver at Smoky Classic
In January, Bezanson School hosted its annual Smoky Classic Basketball tournament, where its own Girls A and Boys A teams earned second place. The tournament wouldn't have been as huge of a success without all the amazing volunteers, parents, athletes, and coaches; thank you for all your hard work!
Girls B Basketball team earns win in Beaverlodge
The Girls B Basketball team has been spending a lot of time on the court. The players are working hard on improving their game, and it showed during their recent game against St. Stephen's in Beaverlodge. The girls dominated the competition, finishing the game with a 31-8 win.
Family Literacy Day
To celebrate Family Literacy Day, parents and community members were invited to Bezanson School to share their love of reading with students and staff. Students enjoyed reading around the school with their loved ones - the lights in the gym were even turned off for a BIG flashlight reading!
Students test their curling skills
Division 2 and 3 students were once again invited to the DeBolt curling rink to learn and refine their curling skills. As always, a lot of fun was had and the students took away some great tips. We truly appreciate the DeBolt Curling Club for supporting our students.
JANUARY
Grade 7 Leadership raises money for GPRH
A group of Grade 7 Leadership students planned and implemented a hot chocolate fundraiser to buy needed items for the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital Pediatric Unit. These students raised $275, then, with the help from their teacher and a wonderful parent volunteer, went on a "field trip" to personally choose the items.
Bulldogs raise more than $800 for Helping Hands Christmas program
Under the leadership of a particular Grade 6 student, Bezanson School "adopted" a family of six to provide support through the Helping Hands Christmas program. Despite the December weather cancelling the biggest fundraising event for the cause, the Bulldogs got creative and persevered to raise $855!
Festive cheer continues into January
Due to the snow and cold weather before the Christmas break, the Bezanson School Christmas concert had to be postpone. On January 6, our school community gathered to celebrate the holidays while the Grade 7 students emceed the event. Every grade performed Christmas carols, followed by the staff on their own, and then the whole school all together; it was a lovely way to welcome the new year!
DECEMBER
Bezanson School Market Sale
Bezanson students hosted a two-day Market Sale where they sold hand-made products to their peers, teachers, and community. It was a packed two days, and the students made a lot of money. We're so proud of our little entrepreneurs.
Movember
Bezanson School's male staff members participated in this year's Movember, and sold moustaches to the students and other staff, helping raise funds for men's mental and physical health. A lot of fun was had with fake moustaches on!
SEPTEMBER
Welcome back!
The first month of school has been blast at Bezanson School! Students and staff wrapped up the first two days with water fights, then had some fun with Wacky Hair Day and Beach Day. It has been exciting getting back into the routine of school and everyone is looking forward to another year!
Bonanza School
MAY
Spring butterflies
Cecily Butterfly and Harry Butterfly
Vanessa Butterfly and Larry Butterfly
At the end of April, Bonanza School EA Mrs. Carrie Broadway coordinated a fun project for the Grade 1/2 students to enjoy during recess. As the long cold winter finally came to an end, the spring sunshine was very welcomed, and Mrs. Broadway took advantage of the sun to create a beautiful experience for the students. Thank you Mrs. Broadway for your great ideas and creativity!
Bonanza School Science Fair
On April 23, families and community members were invited to Bonanza School to see all the fun and exciting science projects the students have been working on. Students in Grades 1-8, with the guidance of Science Fair coordinator Mrs. Tanya Fearon, hosted the first Bonanza Science Fair in over 20 years! The students were all very proud to showcase their projects and hard work.
Thank you to everyone who came out to view these great projects, and to the judges for volunteering their time to help make the event so successful:
- Blaine Riding - PWPSD Ward 2 Trustee
- Michele Kettles - Municipal Librarian
- Wayne Olson - Peace Officer
- Kristy Jackson - Community School Liaison Counsellor
- Bob and Connie Melnyk, Shi Murphy - Bonanza School parents
- Tina Sauder - Bonanza School teacher
- Kale Weber, James Rose, Tanner Hingley, Soren Sorenson, Kael Earl, Kennedy Smith, Gracie Dolen, Hunter Patterson, Marley Patterson - Savanna high school students
FEBRUARY
Literacy Day
On January 27, students, staff, and families gathered for a fun-filled afternoon of Meal Time is Family Fun Time in the school gym. Everyone gathered to share and try new recipes, and parents and students took turns reading to each other. Thank you to Mrs. Stephanie Evans and Mrs. Nikita Young for planning such a fun day, and to Mrs. Carrie Broadway and Mrs. Brenda Kutschinski for gathering recipes and creating our very own Bonanza School cookbook!
JANUARY
Students come together for those in need
To support the Saddle Hills County Christmas Hamper program, Mrs. Young put out a challenge to all students to bring in non-perishable food items. The student who brought in the most items would be rewarded as Principal for the Day.
Congratulations to Principal Wyatt Haddow for bringing in 43 items! Thank you to everyone who helped Bonanza School donate more than 100 items to this very worthy cause.
NOVEMBER
Bonanza celebrates Halloween
On October 31, Mrs. Nikita Young continued the Bonanza School tradition of Halloween games and activities. Mrs. Fearon's junior high class coordinated a haunted house, which was scary, but not too scary! Students in all grades enjoyed the afternoon of spooktacular fun.
We Remember
Students in Kindergarten to Grade 4 were invited to position homemade poppies on a wreath to remember the soliders who have fallen and continue to serve.
On November 6, Bonanza School gathered to honour Remembrance Day and those who fought for our freedom. Students and staff were asked to bring an item or a picture of a veteran who served in war and explain some of their veteran's history. It was nice to hear the stories of the veterans, both from our small community and abroad.
SEPTEMBER
Chain reaction creativity
Junior high makers wowed their Grade 1 and 2 buddies with inventive Rube Goldberg machines, built from everyday objects.
Strong strides at Dreamer's Lake Slog
Students from Grades 3-8 competed at the annual Dreamer's Lake Slog. Most of our runners pushed hard and finished just outside the Top 10! Everyone showed grit, teamwork, and true cross-country spirit!
Students demonstrate teamwork with new gaga ball pit
The Grade 7 and 8 students rolled up their sleeves to build our new schoolyard gaga ball pit. It's now ready for fun and friendly battles!
Democracy in action!
The Grade 7 and 8 candidates shared their platforms with passion, and student and staff cast their votes to choose this year's Student Union leaders!
Clairmont Community School
MAY
CCS celebrates Mother's Day
The Grade 3 and 5/6 classes visited the Lakeview Seniors Centre to surprise the residents with beautiful Mother's Day placemats for their tea party, and a giant chalk mosaic for them to enjoy. The students had so much fun creating this colourful masterpiece and hope the residents delight in the cheerful artwork outside!
APRIL
CCS hosts Student Convention
This year's CCS Student Convention, held on March 27, was a huge success! Keynote speaker, Mr. Steve Harmer, wowed students and staff with his motivational magic show, leaving everyone amazed by his unbelievable tricks and meaningful life lessons.
Throughout the day, students participated in three engaging sessions of their choice. Staff and community members offered a wide variety of activities, from arts and crafts to soccer and yoga, music and games, and even bannock making!
The day wrapped up with an exciting school-wide dodgeball tournament, where students competed in their House Colours. Congratulations to Team Maroon for earning the 2026 Cup!
Congratulations to our jersey winners: Paisley Materi, Faith Grodeskey, and Courtney Troup!
Congratulations to our bike and helmet winners: Dellilah Walker, Everleigh Wolf, and Ayla Warden!
A big thank you to Mrs. Mackean, Miss Wiseman, and Mrs. Campbell for their months of planning and preparation to make this incredible day possible, and thank you to our Participarent group for providing everyone with a pizza lunch!
MARCH
Students visit Lakeview Senior Centre
The Grade 1 and 2 students had a wonderful time visiting the Lakeview Senior Centre! They performed several songs and dances, sharing their enthusiasm and talent with the audience. Many students bravely stepped up to the microphone to tell a joke, confidently using their public speaking skills. After the performance, everyone enjoyed spending time together colouring, playing tic-tac-toe, and sharing card games. It was a special visit for both the students and the seniors. Everyone is already looking forward to the next visit!
FEBRUARY
Spreading smiles with Kindness Grams
The CCS community is buzzing with positivity thanks to Kindness Grams! For just $1, students and staff can send a sweet surprise - a sucker and a thoughtful note - to someone they're thinking about. Whether it's to say thank you, cheer someone up, or simply make someone smile, Kindness Grams are a small gesture that make a big difference. It's been wonderful seeing all the kindness throughout the school!
JANUARY
Bristelle heads to Whitehorse with Team Alberta North
We are incredibly proud to share that one of our students, Bristelle, recently competed in the Artic Winter Games trials for Women's Artistic Gymnastics and placed first! Her impressive performance earned her a spot on Team Alberta North. In March, she and her team will travel to Whitehorse to compete in the Artic Winter Games, representing not only Alberta and Canada, but also our small community on an international stage.
At the Games, Bristelle will compete against athletes from Artic regions including Alaska, Greenland, Finland, Sweden, and Norway. True to her humble nature, Bristelle doesn't seek the spotlight, but her dedication - training 16-20 hours a week, year-round - is truly inspiring.
Everyone at Clairmont Community School will be cheering her on and wish her the very best as she takes on this incredible opportunity. Congratulations Bristelle!
DECEMBER
CCS celebrates Mitt-Vember
Throughout November, CCS hosted its second annual Mitt-Vember, collecting donations of mittens, hats, scarves, and toiletries, which were used to create care packages for the local youth shelter. One talented CCS student, Serena, even knitted and created scarves with Mrs. Cunningham to donate towards the care packages. Thank you Serena and Mrs. Cunningham for helping make a difference in our school and community! Your compassion and commitment to service is truly inspiring.
NOVEMBER
Students bake up success!
Our students have been busy in the kitchen, and the results were delicious! As part of a fun hands-on learning activity, students rolled up their sleeves, measured, mixed, and baked a real tasty treat. Beyond the sweet smells filling the hallways, the experience was a wonderful opportunity to practice teamwork, patience, and math skills (because yes - fractions taste better when they're part of a cupcake recipe!).
The best part was when everyone got to share and enjoy their creations together. It was heartwarming to see so many smiles, full tummies, and proud young bakers showing off their skills. Great job to all our student chefs for baking up such a positive experience!
SEPTEMBER
Dot Day!
Clairmont Community School students came together in a vibrant celebration of Dot Day, each one making their mark by designing and decorating their own unique dot. The result? A stunning display of creativity, individuality, and unity that now brightens our school gathering area.
Together, these beautiful dots remind us that every student's contribution matters, and when we come together, we create something truly special. We couldn't be more proud of our students for embracing the spirit of Dot Day with such heart and imagination!
Eaglesham School
MAY
Intro to the Trades
Thanks to a generous grant that covered the transportation costs, four Eaglesham students are on their way to participate in the Intro to the Trades course at Northwestern Polytechnic. The eight-week program will give our students new and exciting experiences and the opportunity for some hands-on learning!
Swimming lessons
The elementary students had the opportunity to participate in swimming lessons at the Fairview pool. They are enjoying their time in the water, and are learning important skills!
FEBRUARY
Books and bannock
Ms. Papernick and Ms. Payeur from PWPSD's Indigenous Education Services team joined Eaglesham students for a day of books and bannock. This is the second year we have participated in this activity, and the students had been looking forward to it. There was plenty of reading, smiling, and eating of delicious bannock as the students celebrated literacy and Indigenous heritage.
NOVEMBER
Most Improved Player
Congratulations to our very own Karter Wright for earning the U15 award for Most Improved Player in the Grande Prairie Reds Baseball league!
SEPTEMBER
A day of kayaking
Eaglesham School's junior high students spent a great afternoon out in the local dugout, learning how to kayak and making memories with their friends. Not a single student came out dry!
Elmworth School
NOVEMBER
Elmworth students honour Remembrance Day
On November 6, Grade 5 students Brooklyn Andrews and Hunter Dion honoured Remembrance Day by beautifully narrating In Flanders Field in front of the whole school. On November 11, Brooklyn shared the poem at the Beaverlodge Legion's Remembrance Day ceremony. PWPSD Board Chair, Lori Grant, said she was very impressed with Brooklyn's ability and leadership in delivering the poem. "She didn't read the poem, she looked at the crowd and, with all her heart, recited the poem." Congratulations to Brooklyn and Hunter on a job well done!
Elmworth School receives donation from Farm Credit Canada
A big thank you to Farm Life Canada for their recent $1000 donation to the Elmworth School lunch program!
SEPTEMBER
Camp Warwa
September 11-13, Elmworth School sent 21 junior high students to Camp Warwa. They played survival games, enjoyed snacks around the campfire, and participated in a number of activities, including a climbing wall, archery and slingshot range, low ropes, and a photo scavenger hunt!
Harry Balfour School
MAY
Band 5 strikes gold
HBS's Band 5 students competed at the Grande Prairie Music Festival, where they earned Gold Superior for their performance! We are so proud of their musicianship and hard work, well done!
3D Charity Hockey and Soccer tournament
Students proudly represented Harry Balfour School at the annual 3D Children's Society's ball hockey and soccer tournament. Thanks to the incredible support of our school community, they raised $3,340 for this incredible cause! A big thank you to Ms. Fleming for all her hard work organizing this wonderful opportunity for our students.
FEBRUARY
Literacy Weeks at HBS
Bengals welcomed special guests, including County of Grande Prairie Firefighters, Storm hockey players Ferry and Morin, radio hosts Tanya and Jayson, and Rebecca and her furry friends from Partners Naturally for a fun day of reading. Reading is always better when it's shared - thank you for being part of our day!
Chess Club
Thanks to Mrs. Webster, Chess Club has started at HBS!
Healthy Snacks
We've recently added a fridge stocked with fruits, vegetables, yogurt, and protein options to our foyer for students to enjoy. We also hosted our first school-wide healthy snack in partnership with Five Mile Hall; there were fresh veggies and dip, and cheese and pepperoni sticks for everyone!
JANUARY
Fun in the snow
Students have been enjoying all the snow on the school grounds!
Grade 5s test buoyancy
Mrs. Giesbrecht's Grade 5 students built boats to test buoyancy and see if they hold weight in water.
Planting the seeds of learning
Mrs. Lavallee's Junior Kindergarten class is learning how to care for plants by watering and watching them grow.
NOVEMBER
Bengals wrap up volleyball season
The junior high boys and girls volleyball teams wrapped up their seasons with a fun Student vs. Parents and Teachers game. The whole school came out to cheer on the athletes!
Bengals Remember
Charlotte Dembicki, 1st Place - Colour Poster
Wilson Cardwell, 2nd Place - Essay
Harley Boettcher, Honourable Mention - Black and White Poster
Congratulations to our three Remembrance Day contest winners! Each year, the Legion hosts Remembrance Day contests in writing and art, and this year three Bengals earned their way to the top!
SEPTEMBER
Syndicated Industries Inc. donates $5000 to HBS
A big thank you to Chris McKinnon and the Syndicated Industries Inc. team for their very generous donation to the Harry Balfour School nutrition program!
Welcome to Harry Balfour School!
Students and staff have been loving the calm, country vibes of HBS.
The natural light in our Learning Commons has become a great place to connect with a book and friends.
Grade 5s take on STEM
Mrs. McDermott's Grade 5 class has taken on STEM challenges! The students are collaborating in teams, building scientific thinking, and boosting their creativity and innovation.
Helen E. Taylor School
MAY
Music Festival
Thank you Mrs. Johnson and Ms. Kellie for bringing HET's Grade 4 and 6 students to Musical Festival!
Twin Day
On April 30, students and staff celebrated Twin Day!
Grand Council
The students in 6F participated in a mock Grand Council for their Iroquois Confederacy unit.
Motivational Magic
Steve Harmer's Motivational Magic show came to Helen E. Taylor School. Students in Grades 4-6 were not only highly entertained, but enjoyed his message about being amazing kids.
HET raises money for critically ill children
HET sent four teams to this year's 3D Children's Society's hockey and soccer tournament. Congratulations to everyone who participated and helped raise $2,195 for children in our communities!
APRIL
HET, WES team up for special project
Mrs. Johnson led the Grade 9 students in a project with the Kindergarten class from Wembley Elementary School. Each Kindergartener described a monster and coloured a picture of it, the Grade 9s then made their monsters come to life through a story book and a sewing project!
MARCH
HET wins bronze at Districts
Congratulations to our junior high mixed basketball team for finishing third at Districts!
FEBRUARY
One Crazy Night Before Christmas
Due to the December weather, our Christmas musical One Crazy Night Before Christmas was postponed until the new year, but it was well worth the wait. Students did a wonderful job performing for their friends and families.
Students showcase musical talent
In January, Mrs. Johnson organized a winter concert with the elementary classes.
Hitting the slopes
In early January, students enjoyed a day at Nitehawk.
HET Recipes
To celebrate Family Literacy Week, which encouraged families to make meal time learning time, students submitted handwritten recipes for a limited edition cookbook! There were so many recipes shared, that we were able to create and distribute 100 recipe books!
JANUARY
Learning about ecosystems
After learning about different ecosystems, the Grade 6 students made models highlighting the components that create diversity among them.
NOVEMBER
HET raises money for Terry Fox Foundation
Students and staff participated in the annual Terry Fox Run, and raised over $900 for cancer research!
You're under a rest!
Local police officers stopped by Helen E. Taylor School for a visit, and happened to stand under a funny music pun in Mrs. Johnson's music class.
Halloween at HET
Students and staff celebrated Halloween by dressing up, and participating in a costume parade. Staff shared some laughs by coming to school in their best punny costumes!
Bezanson Bog
A few of the HET Run Club members represented our school at the Bezanson Bog.
2025-2026 Student Council
On October 3, Helen E. Taylor School welcomed its newly election Student Council for the 2025-2026 school year. Student Council is made up of students in Grades 4-9 and each representative is excited to do great things for the school and their fellow classmates. Congratulations Council members!
Congratulations Mrs. Liland!
HET was honoured to celebrate Mrs. Liland, and recognize her many amazing contributions to our school. The entire school community wishes her all the best in retirement!
SEPTEMBER
The Courts of Helen E. Taylor
At Helen E. Taylor School, everyone gets sorted into four courts: Jousters, Warriors, Dragons, and Wizards. We started the year off with each court hosting a few different fun, community building activities, and everyone had a great time!
Hythe Regional School
MAY
Kacie Bosch visits HRS
Kacie Bosch, basketball player for the Canadian national 3x3 team, visited HRS thanks to Classroom Champions and sponsor Keyera. Kacie stopped by different classrooms and, during a school-wide assembly, spoke about the challenges and successes throughout her journey to the Olympics. Thank you to Keyera for providing a Boston Pizza lunch for the whole school, it was a great way to celebrate the day!
HRS Badminton
Congratulations to our badminton players on a great season! Every HRS player won a medal at Districts, and two of our athletes went to Zones in Wabasca where they won silver in Doubles. Great job everyone!
HRS students learn from local farmers
Mrs. Trieber's Grade 1/2 class has been busy practicing their counting to 100 by discovering how local farmers perform germination testing before they seed their crops. They have had a fabulous time learning the life cycle of oats and barley, and wish all farmers a happy and safe seeding season!
APRIL
HRS students go skiing
This year's Jasper and Nitehawk skip trips were big successes! The students enjoyed their time on the slopes, taking in the fresh air and appreciating some spring skiing.
NWP Basketball All-Stars
Congratulations to Connor Sommerfeld and Cynder Dolemo for being chosen to represent HRS on the Northwestern Polytechnic All-Star Basketball teams! They both did an excellent job helping their teams succeed on the court.
HRS Nurtrition Program receives local support
A huge thank you to MP's Picker Service and Birchcliff Energy for their extremely generous donations to our Snack and Breakfast Program! Their support makes this program possible, and we are incredibly appreciative of their kindess and support.
Panther Olympics
Hythe Regional School recently hosted the annual junior high Panther Olympics. Students participated in a series of events to earn points - all with the goal of having fun, engaging in friendly competition, and earning one of the top three trophies. It is truly an amazing time for everyone!
Off to Japan
The HRS Grade 9 Travel Club spent their spring break in Japan; we can't wait to hear all about it!
MARCH
Digging for fossils
Mrs. Harris invited Julie DeWinter to share her 4000+ set of fossils with the junior high Science classes. The students have been learning about paleontology and they all enjoyed the fascinating experience.
HRS attends Hoopfest
The HRS basketball teams had another fastastic showing at the Grande Prairie Hoopfest. Our Boys A team came away with bronze in overtime, and our Girls A team won the consolation final by one point! They were very tough fought matches with excellent play and sportsmanship. Super job everyone!
100 days of school
On February 20, HRS students celebrated the 100th day of school by dressing up as their 100 year old selves. There were a lot of very fun grandmas and grandpas running around the school.
FEBRUARY
HRS goes skating
Students have been enjoying spending time at the rink with their classmates.
HRS celebrates successful basketball season
Congratulations to all our basketball players who have found success this season! Both A teams brought home bronze from the Smoky Classic tournament in Bezanson. The Boys A team also earned the bronze medal at the Peace Wapiti Academy tournament, and the Boys B team did great at their recent tournament against some tough competition. Great job teams!
Youth Empowerment Tour visits HRS
We were very fortunate to host an amazing performance from Stirling John and Mat Cardinal as part of their Youth Empowerment Tour. Junior high students from Elmworth, La Glace, and Helen E. Taylor School joined us for a wonderful afternoon of songs and inspiring stories. Thank you to TC Energy for sponsoring this event.
Building Bridges
In Science, the Grade 7 students tested the strength of their own unique bridges.
Family Literacy Day
Students dressed up as their favourite literary characters for Family Literacy Day.
Peace Draft Horse Club donates to HRS
A huge thank you to the Peace Draft Horse Club for their kind and generous donation to the HRS Nutrition Program!
JANUARY
Whitecap Resources donates $3000 to HRS
Thank you to Whitecap Resources Inc. for their generous donation of $3000! The money will go towards the school's hot lunch program.
HRS celebrates the holidays
The HRS Christmas lunch was the best way to share some community spirit and enjoy an amazing meal together. A big thank you to our anonymous donor, volunteer servers, and Joanne Krahn and her chef's team for making it all possible.
Although our Christmas concert had to be postponed several times, it was a huge success and well worth the wait!
DECEMBER
HRS Jiggers perform at Christmas Fair
We are all very proud of our HRS Jiggers, led by Martene Letendre, for putting on a wonderful performance at the Hythe Christmas Fair!
CNRL donates to new Chromebooks
Thank you to Canadian Natural Resources Limited for their generous donation to support our purchase of new Chromebooks!
Panthers chosen to join NWP Jr. Wolves
HRS is very proud of Cynder Dolemo, Chase Mackenzie, and Jack Funk for being chosen to participate in the Northwestern Polytechnic Junior High All-Star volleyball games. Congratulations to our athletes!
Jr. High PLTs a hit with students
The junior high PLTs are up and running with a lot of interesting options to pursue, including paper bag ornaments organized by Mrs. Whelan.
Flashlight Friday
To highlight the season, the elementary students got to enjoy Flashlight Friday under the Christmas lights. It was a fun and magical time for everyone!
NOVEMBER
Movember Moustache Day
HRS hosted a very successful Movember Moustache Day in support of men's mental health. Great job everyone for supporting this important cause!
HRS wraps up successful volleyball season
Congratulations to the HRS A Girls volleyball team for winning the 3J Zones Championship against some very tough competition! We are all extremely proud of our athletes and coaches, thank you for all your dedication and hard work! Go Panthers Go!
Unsung Hero Award Winner Drew Smith
Tournament MVP Chase Mackenzie
Remembrance Day at HRS
HRS held its annual Remembrance Day ceremony in honour of our Canadian Veterans.
Thank you to the local cadets, including some HRS students, for their representation during the assembly.
Take Our Kids to Work Day
The Grade 9 students participated in Take Our Kids to Work Day. It was a super successful day, with many students getting direct experience in possible future careers.
SEPTEMBER
Silver at Golf Zones
On September 16, HRS sent eight golfers, a boys team and a girls team, to Zones in Peace River. It was a beautiful day, and both teams played very well. We are so proud of our girls for bringing home the silver medal! Congratulations to all our athletes on a great day of golf!
Girls volleyball off to a great start
On September 20, the Girls A Volleyball team hit the court for the St. Mary tournament, where they finished second. We are excited for a great season ahead, and can't wait to watch all four HRS teams compete.
Thank you Makadiff Sports!
All of us at Hythe Regional School want to extend a huge thank you to Makadiff Sports for their generous support of our youth, and making sports programs more accessible for all!
We run for Terry
(HRS's top two runners in Grades 7, 8, and 9. The Grade 9 girls division finished in a tie.)
In memory of one of Canada's heroes, and in support of cancer research, our whole school participated in the annual HRS Terry Fox Run. It was a beautiful day, and a big success! Great job everyone!
Volleyball is here!
Volleyball season has started, and our Junior A Girls team had a fantastic showing at the High Prairie tournament, the first of the year.
Staff appreciation
In support of HRS teachers, Gena Jones donated a beautiful appreciation basket. We had an exciting draw, and Miss Doucette was the luck winner. Thank you Gena!
La Glace School
NOVEMBER
Pumpkin Carving
Mentorship in October was a blast! Students carved pumpkins in their pairs of mentor and mentee. The La Glace School mentorship program was designed to promote connection, relationships, and creativity within the school community.
Remembrance Day
La Glace School hosted an excellent Remembrance Day ceremony! Thank you to our teachers for putting forth such great performances and presentations. Thank you to Steven Chateauneuf for playing the bagpipes! Steven takes time away from work to attend our Remembrance Day service every year.
Students hear from Canadian author Robert Feagan
On November 20, students visited the La Glace Public Library where they participated in a fascinating presentation by Canadian author, speaker, and host of Arctic Canada - The Culture Cure Podcast, Robert Feagan. For one hour, students were engaged in listening to Robert's knowledge, experiences, and stories of living and growing up in Canada's Arctic. Along with his oral stories, he shared numerous personal artifacts representing Inuit identity and culture. The La Glace School library now houses his three children's books: Napachee, Arctic Thunder, and Mystery at Schildii Rock.
Peace Wapiti Academy
MAY
Titans find badminton success
Congratulations to our badminton athletes for bringing home their well-earned medals! Hannah Watson and Brielle Provencher won silver in junior high senior girls doubles. Oliver Caron battled in the final and finished second, while Kingston Nagel came in third. Evan Bast and Chance Jerome finished in first place and brought home the gold medal.
Space X visits PWA
The Grade 9 students had a great time learning from Mary Sherman, former project engineer at Space X. They had the opportunity to ask questions and hear all about her contributions to various Space X missions. Students were eager to ask about Elon, aliens, Area 51, and whether she believed the moon landing was fake.
APRIL
Entertaining with food
Students in Foods 30 have been working on their Entertaining with Food module. Cheeseballs, devilled eggs, and charcuterie boards are a great way to keep all your guests happy!
Anderson pushes through injury for third place finish
Congratulations to Grade 10 athlete Erik Anderson for competing in Alpine Skiing at the 2026 Arctic Winter Games! Despite a knee injury, he managed to finish third in the Ski Cross event. Way to go Erik, we are so proud of all your hard work!
MARCH
Titans named Team of the Year
Congratulations Titans! The Senior Volleyball team was recently named Team of the Year at the Grande Prairie Subaru Sport Excellence Awards. Our boys had a fantastic season, including winning PWA's first ever Provincial Championship!
Senior curlers earn silver
Congratulations to our Senior Boys Curling team for bringing home the silver medal from the Curling Provincials in Slave Lake!
Greening wins Gold in Freestyle Skiing
Congratulations to Lucas Greening for winning Gold in Freestyle Skiing at the Alberta Winter Games!
Foods students celebrate Mardi Gras
Students in Foods 20/30 learned about Mardi Gras and the traditions surrounding the celebration - like the King Cake!
Titans place at Zones
Congratulations to the Junior Girls Basketball team for finishing second at Zones and to the Junior Boys Basketball team for finishing first! The boys played a tough game against St. Joe's to take the banner.
FEBRUARY
Moose on the loose
A little outdoor excitement for the Athletic Performance and Outdoor Education students.
Hockey highlights
Mr. Duffy stepped up between the pipes, bringing some highlight-worthy moments and big smiles to students.
Alberta Regional Rugby Championship
Five PWA students competed in the Alberta Regional Rugby Championship where they finished fourth in the province! Congratulations on a job well done!
Curling GOLD
Junior Boys
Senior Boys
Congratulations to the Junior and Senior Boys Curling teams for winning gold at Zones!
JANUARY
Grade 11 student has short story published
Hailey Almstrong submitted a short story, which she wrote during her participation in CONNECT creative writing, to the Polar Expressions national student short-story contest, where it was selected to be published! Her work is now available in Drift, a collection of Canadian short stories, by Polar Expressions Publishing.
Busy in the kitchen
The Senior Foods students have been working on a module about breads, and made Tea Rings. Foods 10 students spent time making a Greek meal as their cooking exam, and just wrapped up the Contemporary Baking module where they learned to decorate layered cakes!
Kamryn Bond making Monkey Tails and Energy Balls in the Snacks & Appetizers module for Foods 10.
Training with the Edmonton Elks
AJ Pardy and Shayne Barlund have been selected to train with the Edmonton Elks' young elites team. They will travel to Moose Jaw and then to Mexico where they will be guided by high-caliber coaches. Congratulations boys!
Mr. Morrison to the rescue
Spot the best shop teacher ever, Mr. Morrison, cleaning off all the vehicles in the parking lot on snow days!
DECEMBER
History making volleyball season
2025-2026 Volleyball Provincial Champions, PWA Senior Boys
The PWA Senior Boys volleyball team captured gold at the 3A Provincial Championships, showcasing unstoppable decision, grit, and teamwork all season long. This incredible victory is a soaring moment of PWA pride, unity, and heart - what a team, what a journey!
PWA Senior Girls
The Senior Girls volleyball team dominated at the 3A Provincials with incredible energy and teamwork, earning a well-deserved bronze and making PWA beyond proud!
Indy Dorscheid bursting onto skeleton scene
After being discovered at RBC Training Ground, Grade 11 student Indy Dorscheid is making a name for herself in the skeleton world. She is now training in Whistler and gearing up for her first international race in Park City, Utah. With huge ambition, relentless work ethic, and dreams of one day representing Canada on the Olympic stage, she's proudly balancing school, sport, and a thrilling new path!
Foods 20/30 cooking up a storm
The Foods 20/30 class has been busy making the most beautiful charcuterie boards and delicious sandwiches!
NOVEMBER
Titans Volleyball
Junior boys volleyball team wins silver at Zones
Congratulations to the Titans junior volleyball teams on a great showing at Zones! The boys played hard and earned their way to final, finishing in second place. The girls had a great weekend, showing great sportsmanship and teamwork.
The senior volleyball teams also had great seasons, with the men finishing in third place, while the ladies took fifth at the Charles Spencer tournament.
PWA welcomes all visitors
Who are these unruly two, skipping class and distracting the rest of the students?
SEPTEMBER
Gold for the girls
A huge congratulations to our JV Girls Volleyball team for bringing home the GOLD medal from their first tournament of the season! They came out strong, played with heart, and showed incredible teamwork all weekend. They capped it off with an intense and well-fought final match against the Peace River Senior Girls team. Way to kick off the season!
Co-Op takes over PWA cafeteria
We are excited to announce that, in mid-October, New Horizon Co-Op will take over the operations of our cafeteria!
4th at Peace River Golf Course
The PWA Boys Golf team had a great time at Peace River Golf Course, finishing in fourth place. They played well and represented our school with effort and composure.
Football season is here
The PWA Titans have been working hard, and kicked off the football season with a win at Hansen Lincoln Field!
Outdoor Ed students hit the water
The Grade 10 Outdoor Education students had an exciting day out on the water! They spent the day canoeing, building their paddling skills, working together in teams, and enjoying the beauty of the outdoors. It was a great opportunity to connect with nature, develop confidence, and practice safety and teamwork in a real-world environment.
Penson School
FEBRUARY
Winter walk
Students braved the cold and icy conditions to enjoy some fresh air on Winter Walk Day.
JANUARY
Penson School community donates to Sunrise House
During the annual Penson School Christmas concert, our community collected donations to support Sunrise House. Students collected a variety of winter wear and toiletries for youth in need.
Inuit games
Grade 7 and 8 students learned a variety of Inuit games from Miss Hemmingway's student teacher Miss Alexia.
DECEMBER
Welcome to the Penson Wax Museum
The Grade 6 class showcased their research skills through their Wax Museum presentations. Students chose a famous person and researched their life. They then prepared backdrops, speeches, and costumes to present to the rest of the school!
Ridgevalley School
MAY
Keith Harding-style art takes over RVS
The Grade 3 and 4 students recently learned about artist Keith Harding and were tasked with creating their own life-size artwork. Their masterpieces graced the hallways with some very colourful and expressive art!
RVS Talent Show
The junior high leadership class planned, organized, and arranged the school's first talent show in many years! The talent show had many acts from participants in Kindergarten through junior high. Students showed off a wide range of talents including singing, dancing, comedy, magic, and other performative arts. The event was open to the community and was enjoyed by the entire school. Students were incredibly excited to perform and watch their friends show off their skills.
Badminton season comes to an end
Badminton season has already come and gone. Ridgevalley had athletes at both the junior and senior high levels competing. At the last tournament of the year, the junior high athletes brought home five gold and five silver medals from a combination of doubles and singles events.
APRIL
Peace Country HoopFest
Basketball season has now come to an end, and one of the many highlights came from the Peace Country HoopFest. The junior high boys team walked away with the consolation final from their bracket, and the girls outplayed their competition, winning their division! Congratulations to both teams on well earned banners for our school!
Parents vs. Players
To close out the season, the junior high basketball teams organized a fun game against their parents and family members. The game was a great opportunity for the athletes to show off their skills, while playing a friendly competition. The parents/family team won by a score of 45-37, but the crowd loved every minute of it!
Elementary students welcome magician Steve Harmer
Our elementary students welcomed magician Steve Harmer for a wonderful magic show. Students learned about working hard, playing safe, having fun, and showing love. Everyone was thoroughly entertained and enjoyed seeing Steve and his pet rabbit perform.
MARCH
Ridgevalley athletes making waves in curling
Ridgevalley Athletics was proud to field a mixed junior high curling team for the first time in many years. After an impressive 4-0 showing, the team won gold, earning Ridgevalley's first curling Zone medal since 1997! Team members included Grade 7 students Ryder Voutier and Hayden Venning, Grade 8 student Emily Doerksen, and Grade 9 student Kinslie Pellerin. The team was coached by our very own high school student Brylie Pellerin.
Brylie Pellerin isn't just finding curling success as a coach, she also recently competed at the U18 Alberta Provincial Championships with Team Doepker. Her leadership and experience on the provincial stage was especially meaningful for the junior team. We are incredibly proud of all these students and look forward to building a strong curling tradition at Ridgevalley School for years to come.
Ridgevalley School's Buddy Read
Ridgevalley students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 gathered in the gymnasium to share books and stories with each other. It was wonderful to see students so engaged in reading, and excited to be read to as they connected through literacy and community.
FEBRUARY
Tournament of Spoons
As part of our weekly community building activities for junior and senior high, students played a tournament of Spoons. Spoons is a fast action card game where students have to react quickly to avoid elimination. This year's champion was Kinsley, who played a strong game against the other round winners in a final showdown.
New gym mats have arrived
Thanks to the Ridgevalley School Council, our gym has been outfitted with new mats! The new red and black mats will show off our school colours, while replacing the old worn out equipment. These mats will come in handy during Physical Education, as well as during presentations, assemblies, and other events. Ridgevalley students and staff appreciate the support from its School Council to help make this happen for our school community.
JANUARY
RVS goes skating
As part of their Physical Education class, students of all grades spent some time at the rink. They practiced their skating skills and, with the help of a volunteer goalie, some of the older students were able to practice their hockey shots. Everyone had an amazing time, and none of it would have been possible without the help of the many parents and volunteers who helped tie skates, assisted on the ice, and helped students get all their gear on.
Kindergarteners explore the world of STEAM
The Kindergarten class has had a busy few months of STEAM-based activities. Through building bridges, towers, and other structures the students have worked with a variety of materials. These skills and practice are fun and engaging for the students as they develop their love and understanding of the sciences.
DECEMBER
Raiders wrap up volleyball season
The Ridgevalley Raiders volleyball teams wrapped up their playing season with the annual Zones competition. The Senior High Girls team placed fifth, and the junior team earned fourth at their respective tournaments. To end the season with a bit of fun, parents joined both teams at their last practice of the year for a night of entertaining games.
NOVEMBER
Running with the Wolves
The Ridgevalley School Cross Country Running team competed in the annual Running with the Wolves race. All our athletes did well, with some finishing in the top 20, including Wade Warkentin who placed third in his category!
Wade Warkentin
At school, students participated in the annual Ridgevalley Terry Fox Run and raised over $124 for cancer research through the Toonies for Terry campaign. Well done everyone!
Building the future
In Architecture, students created hand drawn blueprints of their own unique structures. Then, following their blueprints, they built a scaled down model using craft supplies and recycled materials.
Outdoor Ed students get creative
Students spent a chilly afternoon making basic tarp shelters to protect themselves from unfriendly weather conditions. They worked on various knots and were able to secure emergency shelters to hide from the wind.
SEPTEMBER
Bronze at Golf Zones
The school year is off to a strong start at Ridgevalley School, with both junior and senior high students competing at the Golf Zones in Peace River. We sent two full junior high teams, one boys' and one girls', for the first time in many years! At the senior level, our school was represented by one dedicated athlete.
Throughout both tournaments, all athletes displayed outstanding sportsmanship, determination, and perseverance. The junior high girls capped off the day with a fantastic achievement, bringing home a bronze medal for their team.
Robert W. Zahara School
FEBRUARY
Literacy Week at RWZ
Literacy is being promoted in a big way at RWZ! Students enjoyed many fun activities during Literacy Week, but our annual Literacy Lunch remains a favourite. Thank you to the parents, grandparents, and siblings who joined us - especially those who graciously stepped in to read with extra students!
The day is always a little chaotic, with reading filling every classroom and hallway, but it is a wonderful sight. Seeing so many members of our community modelling the importance of reading sends a powerful message to our students.
This year, we also hosted our very own Read-A-Thon to promote reading, while raising funds for our new inclusive playground. Our students read over 50,000 minutes, and raised more than $12,500! We are incredibly grateful for the generosity and support of our school community.
JANUARY
Leaders in training
At RWZ, we strive to instill leadership and kindness in our students, and one of our favourite ways to do so is through our class buddy system. Older students are matched with students in younger grades, and throughout the school year, they meet for a variety of activities such as reading, playing learning games, and special projects. The older students also serve as tech experts to help their younger buddies (and their teachers) as they begin using their Chromebooks and navigating the internet and various learning games. It is great to see these relationships develop as the younger students have someone to look up to, and the older students love to be role models and helpers for their little buddies.
RWZ's Snow Angels
While many of our schools and businesses are struggling with adequate snow removal this winter, we would like to thank our snow angels and custodians, Pam Wainman and Jen Fletcher, for their incredible work! This mother-daughter duo has been doing an absolutely phenomenal job of removing the snow from our high traffic areas.
They are here every day to clear the snow (even when the buses aren't running!) for our students and parents, especially our friend Addison, who has to get around using her walker or wheelchair. They arrive first thing in the morning, and if it's snowing heavily, they stay for the day to make sure the sidewalks, doorways, and play spaces are clear, and to ensure Addison can reach the car after school.
Now, they are battling the constant freeze-and-melt cycle that makes our sidewalks and playgrounds treacherous, keeping our school grounds safe and accessible for everyone.
NOVEMBER
3D Children's Society and Kev's Kids come through for RWZ students
RWZ had the pleasure of welcoming members of 3D Children's Society and Kev's Kids for some very special presentations. Thanks to their generosity, funds from 3D Children's Society and Kev's Kids are being used to purchase specialized chairs for our students, Logan and Addison. These chairs, designed for comfort, posture support, durability, and long-term growth, are extremely costly.
In addition to the chairs, representatives from both groups, along with members of the Jr. B Sexsmith Vipers hockey team, visited the school with gifts for the students, and gift cards to help families with travel and other related expenses.
RWZ participates in the 3D Hockey and Soccer Tournament each year, and we are deeply grateful to see the funds raised through the event directly benefitting our students. The charity's generosity truly helps remove barriers for our community members, ensuring students can get the support they need, while reducing the financial strain on families.
SEPTEMBER
It takes a village
The Charlton family delivers air conditioners to RWZ.
During the first few weeks of school, we've been reminded of the truth in the saying, It takes a village to raise a child. At RWZ, we are fortunate to be part of an exceptional village!
When students and staff were struggling through unbearable heat in the portable classrooms, the Charlton family came to the rescue! With the cost of installing air conditioning estimated at $6,000 per classroom, and with ten total classrooms, this was far beyond what a school budget could support. We were prepared to tough it out, but then kindness showed up at our door. The Charltons, with three children at RWZ, arrived with four AC units to donate. Soon after, the Polasek family purchased one for the school, and the Brock family loaned us another. Their generosity blew us away - literally and figuratively!
The Morgan family sets up for the annual RWZ Back to School BBQ.
Jesse cooks for RWZ
The Morgan family has long been another shining example of community spirit. Through their company, Dynamic Energy Inc., Jesse, Amy, Alyvia, Weston, and Hazel have sponsored out Back to School BBQ for several years. This event is more than food, it's a chance for families to meet teachers, tour the school, and connect with each other. The Morgans not only sponsored the meal but, with help from Chad, also grilled and served nearly 300 burgers and 200 hot dogs! Their generosity of both finances and time is something we deeply treasure.
The Grade 2 students visit JD's and Asia's Diner.
RWZ also saw the spirit of community reflected in local businesses. As part of a community walk, the Grade 2 classes had the chance to visit JD's, hosted by Joey's dad, and Asia's Diner, owned by Emily's parents. These opportunities for students to learn beyond the classroom are only possible because of families willing to open their doors.
Gloria our Sandwich Fairy
The owners of Tempo, formerly Tag's, hasn't had a child at RWZ in more than five years, yet they continue to quietly support our students by providing lunches for anyone in need. Our Sandwich Fairy Gloria makes hundreds of sandwiches for our students - no questions asked, no recognition required - ensuring no child goes hungry while at school.
We are very blessed here at RWZ, to be surrounded by people who give freely of their time and resources, so our kids can thrive. To every family and friend of RWZ who has helped us in big and small ways, thank you. We couldn't do this without you.
Rycroft School
MAY
Rycroft hosts floor hockey tournament
Rycroft School team
Spirit River Regional Academy team
Ste. Marie Catholic School team
On April 23, Rycroft School hosted the annual Grade 4-6 Floor Hockey Tournament. Thank you to the athletes from Spirit River Regional Academy and Ste. Marie Catholic School for joining us!
Peppers have popped!
Look at our plants! Our peppers have popped up, and the cucumbers and lettuce are growing like crazy. Our herbs are coming, but are taking a little longer. Before you know it, we will be able to make a salad!
JANUARY
Winter Carnival
On December 12, we invited family members to join us for the Rycroft School Christmas Carnival. We enjoyed skating, cookie decorating and hot chocolate, carolling, Christmas crafts, bingo, and quiet reading. Thank you to everyone who came out and helped spread Christmas cheer!
Savanna School
MAY
Miss Rodeo Canada
Miss Rodeo Canada stopped by Savanna School for a very special visit!
Performing in Edmonton
The junior high Band students took a trip to Edmonton, and had the opportunity to perform at the West Edmonton Mall!
FEBRUARY
Savanna School's Winter Olympics
The elementary students hosted their own Winter Olympics where they competed in curling, speed skating, and many other winter events.
Explorer John Dunn stops by Savanna School
Savanna School listened intently to explorer John Dunn speak about his expedition to the Arctic.
JANUARY
Christmas Sweater Day
In December, to help get everyone into the holiday spirit, our Student Council organized a fun Christmas Sweater Day for students and staff!
DECEMBER
Christmas is in the air
Students decorated the school to bring us into the Christmas spirit
Students write letters to Santa
NOVEMBER
Cooking for the community
Once a month, in partnership with Fourth Creek Community Association, the Grade 7/8 class helps out with the Community Kitchen Program. The students help cook and package meals for community members who will benefit from some home-cooked meals.
SEPTEMBER
Welcome Back Pancakes
Thank you to the Savanna School Council parent group for hosting a welcome back pancake breakfast on the first day of school!Golf Club in full swing
Students have been enjoying Mr. Greig's after school Golf Club!
Students have been enjoying Mr. Greig's after school Golf Club!Sexsmith Secondary School
MAY
Daycare experience
Our Grade 7 students are given the amazing opportunity to participate in a Childcare course, where they can complete their Babysitting Certificate and even spend time with the children at the daycare next door! Some of the students have visited the centre to gain work experience and others have even gotten jobs there once they graduated high school!
Charcuterie for the PWPSD Board
The Foods 20/30 students prepared a lovely charcuterie spread for our visiting Board of Trustees.
Band Festival
Members of the SSS/PWA Senior Band
Members of the SSS Junior Band
We are so proud of our band students! This year, our junior band achieved a silver, and our senior band, joined with students from Peace Wapiti Academy, received a gold.
Spring Break in Greece
During Spring Break, this year's Travel Club spent time in Greece! Students had a great time taking in the culture and the weather was amazing!
APRIL
Picking Things Up
The Mechanics 20 students have been working hard at dialing in yet another (master)piece in the SSS Mechanics shop. Working through their Vehicle Maintenance and Hydraulic Accessories module, the students were able to successfully rebuild and test our picker, which was resurrected from an auction yard last year.
Sportsmanship Award
Congratulations to our Junior Girls' Basketball team and Coach Geoff Brown for earning the Sportsmanship Award at Zones!
We've got Skills!
SSS students showed some amazing skill and perseverance at the Northwestern Regional Skills Competition. Ash Brown, Grace-Lyn Sissons, Robert Clark, Brody Poulton, Kienan Soll, Tyler Roberston, Cole Reid, and Brooke Frenette all received medals; they will be heading to Provincials on May 9.
One Act Festival
We had a great showing at the One Act Festival in Grande Prairie. Our crew did an outstanding job of their performance, with high praise from the adjudication, a roaring audience, and loudest applause of the day! Olivia Kushneryk and Tyler Robertson won Outstanding Performers for their performances in our play Couch Potato.
Babysitting
Our Grade 7 students were offered the chance to complete the babysitting course for their certification. Congratulations to our newest babysitters!
MARCH
Let's Go Rural!
SSS students recently participated in the Let's Go Rural! career event hosted by the Rural Health Professions Action Plan (RhPAP) at the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital. Throughout the day, students explored a variety of healthcare professions, connected with healthcare providers, and participated in hands-on learning activities that highlighted the skills required in the field. The experience provided valuable insight into potential career pathways in rural healthcare.
Curling Rocks at SSS
Jr. Boys team
Sr. Mixed team at Provincials
Jr. Girls team
We have had another successful year of curling! At Zones, the SSS Jr. Boys and Jr. Mixed both won silver, and the Jr. Girls won bronze. Our Senior Mixed team took the gold medal, so they moved onto Provincials held in Slave Lake, where they finished third. Well done, everyone!
Ringette in PE
Grade 10 students get a taste for ringette during their PE classes.
JANUARY
Christmas Dinner
On December 15, students and staff enjoyed a school-wide Christmas turkey dinner!
Food Drive
SSS students did a fantastic job bringing in healthy food options for our local food bank. Thank you to everyone who participated in our food drive!
Handmade ornaments
Leading up to Christmas, students were invited to the library to make their own unique ornaments. There were a lot of students, a lot of fun, and a lot of glitter!
Drama students put on festive performances
In December, the junior high drama classes put on two Christmas plays, Grinch and Home Alone. Congratulations to everyone who performed!
Door decorating
Every Christmas season, we like to fancy up the doors with a Christmas theme. This year was no exception!
Teacher band
Each Christmas, SSS teachers tune up their musical skills and greet students on the last day of school with music. This year, due to the heavy snow and no buses for three days, the teachers performed for their colleagues.
DECEMBER
Clipping and Climbing
The SSS PE 10 class, led by Mrs. Vekved, tested out the newly opened Clip N' Climb.
Outdoor Ed.
Students in the Outdoor Education class have been making fires the hard way - using only flint and steel. It wasn't easy, but they made it work!
Outdoor Ed. students were tasked with cooking breakfast over an open fire.
Throwing pots
Students learned the ins and outs of making pottery.
NOVEMBER
Orange Shirt Day
On September 26, students and staff wore orange to recognize Truth and Reconciliation and show support for Orange Shirt Day.
Making bannock
Mrs. Vavrek's Outdoor Education class had a chance to take over the staff room and create some delicious bannock. They were all pretty pleased with the results!
Teeing off in Phys. Ed
Mr. Spence's PE 20 class took to Spruce Meadows Golf Club for a morning of teeing off.
Pancakes for breakfast
On September 26, to celebrate the first month of school, students were treated to a pancake breakfast cooked and served by SSS staff.
Halloween at SSS
Students were invited to dress up and take part in some fun Halloween activities hosted in the library. It got a little messy, but the students had fun!
Certified babysitters
After completing the babysitters course in their childcare option, we are pleased to announce seven students passed their final test and are now certified babysitters! Well done everyone!
Senior mens team takes bronze
Congratulations to the SSS Senior Mens Volleyball team for earning the bronze medal at the Peace River Classic!
Cleaning Up
The Grade 8 students took time out of their day to show some stewardship by cleaning up around the creek and school yard areas. Thank you for helping keep our community clean!
SEPTEMBER
Volleyball off to a great start
Our senior women's volleyball team took first place at their season opening tournament in Spirit River. Congratulations to all the players and coaching staff!
Foods class gets a makeover
Our Foods teacher, Mrs. Caldwell, is thrilled about the work that was done in the Foods lab over the summer break. The lab received a complete overhaul, and is now bright, cheerful, and spotless! Students are excited to be working at their seven new cooking stations.
Spirit River Regional Academy
APRIL
Spring break in Portugal
SRRA's Travel Club recently returned from an unforgettable 11-day journey through sunny, vibrant Portugal. The group of 25 immersed themselves in the country's rich history and culture - marveling at grand palaces, intricate cathedrals, and centuries-old libraries.
Beyond the historic landmarks, travellers experienced Portugal's stunning natural beauty, from sandy beaches to massive, world-breaking waves, and dramatic ocean rock formations to lush gardens and scenic coastal views. Along the way, students sampled local cuisine, explored charming city streets, and gained a deeper understanding of Portuguese traditions and daily life.
The trip offered more than just sightseeing, it fostered independence, curiosity, and meaningful connections. Students returned home with lasting memories, and a broader global perspective that will stay with them for years to come.
DECEMBER
Ice fishing at Spring Lake
The SRRA Outdoor Ed. class went on an overnight trip to Spring Lake, where they tested their ice fishing skills. Thank you to the Spring Lake Ski Hill for allowing us to stay in the chalet!
Josie Farran named NWP's Jr. Volleyball All-Star
Congratulations to our very own Josie Farran for being named Northwestern Polytechnic's Junior Girls Volleyball All-Star!
NOVEMBER
Terry Fox fundraising celebration
SRRA students came together, and raised $7962 for cancer research through our Terry Fox fundraising campaign! Last year, our school raised enough money to end up in the Top 5 schools in Alberta. This year, we went for the record again, and blew our $5000 fundraising goal out of the park! To incentivize students, a strip of duct tape was given for every $10 they raised. They could then use their tape to help stick a teacher to the gym wall! While none of the teachers ended up sticking, everyone had a lot of fun.
Congratulations Noah Martin!
Congratulations Noah for finishing second at the Cross Country Zones in October!
Girls volleyball takes silver
Congratulations to the SRRA Jr. A Girls volleyball team for winning silver at the 2J Volleyball Zones!
Remembrance Day at SRRA
On November 7, SRRA students, staff, families, and community members gathered to remember those who bravely fought for our freedom.
Teepee Creek School
Check back for Good News from Teepee Creek School.
Wembley Elementary School
MAY
Volunteer Tea
On April 23, WES hosted its annual Volunteer Tea to recognize and celebrate the amazing volunteers who help make our school a great place to learn. The students created artwork to adorn the walls, centrepieces for the tables, and each class had a presentation for the volunteers. There were refreshments and excellent entertainment. We thank all of our volunteers for their commitment and service.
Annual art auction
On Thursday, April 16, the Grade 3 students participated in the annual WES Art Auction. Students and some staff submitted artwork to be sold in the auction, and were then invited to buy some to take home. The students dressed up for the occasion, and each had $1000 (pretend currency!) to spend. They were tasked with managing their funds appropriately to be able to bid on the pieces they wanted. It was an excellent event with many wonderful acquisitions, great math lessons, and some financial literacy learning.
Granny Dolls
On April 15 and 16, the PWPSD Indigenous Education Services team visited WES to show the students how to make their own Granny Dolls. To celebrate the value of grandmothers and matriarchal leadership, Lindsy Coney from the Grande Prairie Friendship Centre also stopped by to present the Iskwesis Empowerment workshop. Everyone enjoyed making the faceless dolls and learning about the strength and importance of women.
Parent Library now open!
Wembley Elementary School has opened a Parent Library for families and community members! There are a number of excellent parenting resources available, and the list is continually growing. Individuals in the community are welcome to come in and sign out these wonderful books and join us in our strive for life-long learning.
APRIL
Students enjoy a day of skating
On March 24, students spent the day skating at the local arena. Many parent volunteers came out to join and help make the day a wonderful experience. It was great to see all the brave kiddos, many of them trying something new! Thank you to the Town of Wembley's Park and Recreation department for providing lunch!
FEBRUARY
Literacy Week at WES
Throughout the last week of January, students, staff, and families gathered for some literacy-based activities. They engaged in reading with students from Helen E. Taylor School, family members, and the Town of Wembley firefighters. Classes enjoyed a variety of literacy games; and students participated in the annual Book Swap, where they got to swap their old books for new-to-them books!
JANUARY
Carolling into the holidays
Leading up to the Christmas break, students and staff at Wembley Elementary started each day carolling. It was a great way to get into the Christmas spirit!
Staff gather for Christmas potluck
On December 15, staff had the opportunity to gather for a wonderful Christmas potluck lunch. Parent volunteers and members of the Wembley Fire Department stopped by to supervise the students during recess and lunch, allowing all the staff to enjoy their lunch together.
1300 items collected for the food bank
The students of Wembley Elementary, with support from the school community, collected an astonishing 1300 food items for the local food bank. In addition to the incredible amount of non-perishable food items, they collected $200 in cash donations! The students spent time in math counting and graphing the items, turning their great work into an exciting math activity.
Sunny days
Mrs. Anderson's Grade 1 class has been taking advantage of the nice weather! They strapped on their snowshoes and enjoyed some great physical activity out in the fresh winter air.
DECEMBER
Red Light, Green Light
Before the snow arrived, WES had a rousing game of Red Light, Green Light. Students enjoyed this classic game knowing snow would soon be on its way.
Yeti is back!
The Christmas Yeti has arrived at Wembley Elementary School! The students are excited to see him back, and spend time searching him out and discovering what adventures he is having. The Christmas Yeti always seems to hang around the school before the Christmas break.
Students get creative with snow
The snow has brought out the creativity at Wembley Elementary School. It's always fun to see the different ideas students come up with for how to enjoy the snow during recess!
NOVEMBER
Kicking off the year with high 5s and laughs
To wrap up the first month of school, and to honour Orange Shirt Day, staff hosted a school-wide assembly. Students received High 5 Awards for their accomplishments and were then treated to a Getting Ready for School skit.
SEPTEMBER
A WES Treasure Hunt
It's a mystery! Who's been hiding treasure for the students to find? Each night, someone keeps leaving items for the students to find in the sand. It makes for an exciting adventure at recess!
Movement and brain breaks
Movement and brain breaks are so important! Our students have been enjoying the new decals on the floors at school. They have also been taking advantage of the nice weather and some chances to use movement to help their brains work more efficiently!
Wacky Hair Day at WES
On September 17, students and staff participated in their first spirit day of the year: Wacky Hair Day!
Whispering Ridge Community School
MAY
Staff lunch
On Friday, May 8, the entire WRCS staff enjoyed a wonderful lunch at a discounted price from Browns Socialhouse, generously organized and paid for by WRCS Participarent. In addition to the delicious meal and enjoyable conversation, the entire student body participated in a school-wide recess supervised by parent volunteers, allowing staff the valuable opportunity to enjoy an uninterrupted meal together.
We are sincerely grateful for this thoughtful gesture, and the continued support of our school community. Once again, Participarent and School Council did an outstanding job recognizing and appreciating the WRCS team.
Playground cleanup
Students in 1B and 3B did an excellent job cleaning up our playground. It is a great reminder to put trash where it belongs, as the wind often blows litter into our play space. Thank you to these wonderful school citizens, as well as Mrs. Brown and Mrs. Baxter, for helping keep our playground clean and safe.
Junior High Spring Dance
The WRCS junior high Spring Dance was a big hit, filled with music, laughter, and students having a great time together. Thank you to everyone who helped make it such a fun and memorable event for our school community!
3D Children's Society's annual hockey and soccer tournament
This year's 3D Children's Society's hockey and soccer tournament was another big success! More than 1,200 students from Peace Wapiti Public School Division, Grande Prairie Public School Division, and Grande Prairie and District Catholic Schools participated in the event. WRCS proudly sent 94 students, and together we raised over $5000 for local children and their families!
APRIL
WRCS band shines on stage
Under the direction of our band teacher, Mrs. Goebel, the junior high band students performed at the district concert.
Heading to high school
The junior high students learned about what to expect when they transition to Peace Wapiti Academy (PWA) next year. A big thank you to PWA Assistant Principal Mr. Bowen for coming to speak to our students.
Learning new volleyball skills
Our Grade 3 students were fortunate to have team members from the Northwestern Polytechnic Female Volleyball team visit and teach them some important volleyball skills.
WRCS choirs perform at Grande Prairie Music Festival
Our Grade 3 and 4-6 Choir students recently performed at the Grande Prairie Music Festival, where they received Gold and Gold Superior awards. We are so proud of all their hard work!
MARCH
Pink Shirt Day
Kindness was in the air and pink was everywhere! Our library wall is filled with positive affirmations, custom made by our own students, and orchestrated by our lovely 4th year practicum students.
STEM at WRCS
STEM options students designed and constructed marble runs.
Annual Jasper ski trip
WRCS's junior high students and teacher chaperones enjoyed some mountain air during the annual Jasper ski trip.
Artistic Endeavours
Grade 4 Artistic Endeavours students took a field trip to The Creative Arts Centre, where they learned how to use a rasp and other tools to create soapstone carvings.
FEBRUARY
Bronze in Basketball
Congratulations to the junior high Girls Basketball team for winning the bronze medal at their latest tournament in Beaverlodge!
Family Literacy Week
Students and staff enjoyed a school-wide assembly to wrap up Family Literacy Week. During the assembly, the annual WRCS bookmark competition winners were announced, Mr. Bailey read some stories, and students learned about the importance of literacy.
Cheering on Canada
Mrs. Harrison's Grade 4 art options class explored basic weaving techniques while cheering on the Canadian Women's Olympic hockey team.
Canadian Tuxedos
WRCS team members in their Canadian Tuxedos during the staff's Double Denim Day.
JANUARY
Heading into the holidays
On the last day before the Christmas break, students and staff enjoyed the annual WRCS Participarent Pancake Breakfast! Later in the day, the whole school gathered for carolling in the gym, and we even had a special guest appearance from the Grinch himself!
Enjoying the sun
Thanks to the sun and warmer temperatures, WRCS students get to finally enjoy outdoor recess.
Swimming lessons
Students in Grade 3 have been participating in swimming lessons at the Beaverlodge pool. We are so thankful to partner with NuVista Energy Centre to offer swimming instruction to our students!
Jump into reading
Monday/Wednesday Kindergarteners enjoy their library time with Mrs. Robertson.
DECEMBER
Welcoming the holiday season
The annual Kindergarten - Grade 4 Christmas concert at the Grande Prairie Alliance Church was an excellent way to kick off the holiday season.
Grade 6s visit Bowling Stones
Ms. Lawrance's Grade 6 Athletic Enrichment students took their learning to Bowling Stones. Seeing them explore a variety of learning opportunities throughout the community has been really special.
What did you find?
The Grade 5 STEM students participated in a guided virtual lesson dissecting barn owl pellets. They found many different bones and learned how to classify them. They then determined the animals the bones belonged to, ultimately identifying what the owl was consuming.
Welcome to Canada
Grade 3 students have been learning about the different regions within Canada. They even showcased their learning in the school library by displaying the excellent dioramas they created.
NOVEMBER
WRCS Remembers
Members of the WRCS choir getting ready to perform for the annual Remembrance Day ceremony.
Mr. Bailey, joined by students and staff, honours Remembrance Day.
Volleyball Gold
Congratulations to our girls volleyball team for winning gold at their last tournament of the year!
Athletic Enrichment
The Grade 5 Athletic Enrichment options class learning some mindfulness yoga with Jen Edwards.
Rock Your Mocs
Students participating in the annual Rock Your Mocs day.
SEPTEMBER
Welcome back to WRCS!
The office Admin staff were excited and ready to welcome students back to school!
We love back to school art
It is wonderful to see student art showcased on our walls again!
New game proves to be a hit
Students have been enjoying our new 9 Square in the Air game at recess!
Upcoming Events
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PWPSD Board Meeting at Spirit River Sub-Office: Thursday, May 21
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Beaverlodge Regional High School Graduation Events: Friday & Saturday, May 22 & 23
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Sexsmith Secondary School Graduation Events: Friday, May 22
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Ridgevalley School Graduation Events: Friday, May 29
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Spirit River Regional Academy Graduation Events: Friday, May 29
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Weyerhaeuser Scholarship Closes: Sunday, May 31
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PWPSD Board Meeting: Thursday, June 11
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Eaglesham School Graduation Events: Wednesday, June 17
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Happy Father's Day!: Sunday, June 21
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Last Day of School for Students: Tuesday, June 23
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Last Day of School for Staff: Wednesday, June 24
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Peace Wapiti Enterprise Centre Graduation Events: Wednesday, June 24
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Savanna School Graduation Events: Saturday, June 27
Recent Announcements
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May 15, 2026 PWPSD schools raise more than $58K for Terry Fox Foundation
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May 08, 2026 JMS Construction, Absolute HVAC Inc. support STEAM exploration in PWPSD schools
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May 01, 2026 PWPSD Director of Facilities honoured with AEFAA Life Membership
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Apr. 27, 2026 Peace Wapiti Academy set to receive two additional modular classrooms
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Apr. 24, 2026 Teacher Bursary recipients become PWPSD's newest teachers
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Apr. 20, 2026 Peace Wapiti Public School Division's graduation ceremonies begin May 1
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Apr. 16, 2026 Nikita Young to stay on as Bonanza School Principal
Recent Media Coverage
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May 18, 2026 Central Peace schools high on Terry Fox money list, The Signal
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May 17, 2026 PWPSD raised over $58,000 in its Terry Fox Runs, EverythingGP
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May 12, 2026 JMS Construction, Absolute HVAC Inc. support STEAM exploration in PWPSD schools, Education News Canada
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May 09, 2026 New STEAMS kits announced for PWPSD schools thanks to local support, EverythingGP
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May 06, 2026 PWPSD Director of Facilities honoured with AEFAA Life Membership, Education News Canada
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May 04, 2026 Peace Wapiti Academy set to receive two additional modular classrooms, Education News Canada
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Apr. 30, 2026 PWPSD grad ceremonies begin May 1, EverythingGP
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Apr. 28, 2026 PWPSD to add two modular classrooms to Peace Wapiti Academy, EverythingGP
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Apr. 27, 2026 PWPSD welcoming new teachers supported through annual bursary program, EverythingGP
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Apr. 22, 2026 Classroom Champions stop in Hythe features Alberta Olympian, EverythingGP
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Apr. 22, 2026 Partnerships, new facilities aim to turn Grande Prairie into a trades training hub, CBC News
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Apr. 21, 2026 Alberta investing $600 million into modular school classrooms, Red Deer News Now
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Apr. 20, 2026 PWPSD Outreach team making strides in Saddle Hills County, Education News Canada
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Apr. 20, 2026 PWPSD nominates Jenny Keddie for Edwin Parr Teacher Award, Education News Canada
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Apr. 17, 2026 Nikita Young to stay on as Bonanza School Principal, Education News Canada
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Apr. 17, 2026 Robert W. Zahara and Whispering Ridge Community Schools welcome new assistant principals, Education News Canada
Follow Us!
Stay up-to-date with the latest news from PWPSD, and local media coverage.
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Check out our online media room.
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