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.
PWPSD News
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
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
OCTOBER
We run for Terry
On September 25, students and staff participated in the annual BES Terry Fox Run.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Check back for Good News from La Glace School.
Peace Wapiti Academy
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
Check back for Good News from Penson School.
Ridgevalley School
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
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
Check back for Good News from Rycroft School.
Savanna School
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!
Sexsmith Secondary School
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
Check back for Good News from Spirit River Regional Academy.
Teepee Creek School
Check back for Good News from Teepee Creek School.
Wembley Elementary School
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
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: Thursday, November 27
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PWPSD Board Meeting: Thursday, December 11
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Christmas Break - no school, all PWPSD offices and shops closed to the public: December 22 - January 4
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Classes resume, offices and shops reopen: Monday, January 5
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PWPSD Board Meeting: Thursday, January 15
Recent Announcements
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Nov. 05, 2025 Alberta Teachers' Association Labour Action Update #7 to families
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Oct. 31, 2025 Helen E. Taylor music teacher wins Prime Minister's Teaching Excellence Award
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Oct. 30, 2025 PWPSD celebrates 2024-2025 retirees
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Oct. 28, 2025 Minister of Education's Letter to Parents
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Oct. 27, 2025 Alberta Teachers' Association Labour Action Update #6 to Families
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Oct. 27, 2025 Premier Danielle Smith shares a letter with Alberta families
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Oct. 24, 2025 PWPSD's Ward 7 incumbent Stefanie Clarke returns for fourth term
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Oct. 24, 2025 Alberta Teachers' Association Labour Action Update #5 to Families
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Oct. 21, 2025 PWPSD announces unofficial results of the 2025 Trustee Election
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Oct. 17, 2025 Alberta Teachers' Association Labour Action Update #4 to Families
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Oct. 17, 2025 12th Annual PWPSD Christmas Card Art Contest
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Oct. 09, 2025 Alberta Teachers' Association Labour Action Update #3 to Families
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Oct. 08, 2025 Minister of Education's Letter to Parents
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Oct. 03, 2025 PWPSD Schools Closed Monday, October 6, 2025
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Oct. 01, 2025 Alberta Teachers' Association Labour Action Update #2 to Families
Recent Media Coverage
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Nov. 04, 2025 Indigenous input influencing education in northern Alberta, CFWE FM
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Oct. 31, 2025 Helen E. Taylor music teacher wins Prime Minister's Teaching Excellence Award, Reach FM
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Oct. 31, 2025 PWPSD recognizes 2024-2025 retirees, EverythingGP
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Oct. 28, 2025 Local school divisions posting recommendations for parents as school resumes Wednesday, EverythingGP
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Oct. 28, 2025 Grande Prairie students, teachers returning to classroom Wednesday, MyGrandePrairieNow
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Oct. 24, 2025 GPCSD, PWPSD official results, EverythingGP
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Oct. 21, 2025 Unofficial results for Grande Prairie area school trustees, MyGrandePrairieNow
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Oct. 21, 2025 Grande Prairie area school trustee results released, Reach FM
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Oct. 06, 2025 Local Students Experience Municipal Government at 2025 Leaders of Tomorrow Event, Saddle Hills County
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Sept. 25, 2025 Terry Fox runs taking place in County of Grande Prairie schools, EverythingGP
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Sept. 24, 2025 PWPSD Ward 7 Trustee election to be held in October, EverythingGP
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