Prairie Land Public School Division
101 Palliser Trail
PO Box 670
Hanna, Alberta
T0J 1P0
403-854-4481
1-800-601-3898
"Small Schools Preparing Students for Big Futures"
Our focus: Teaching and Learning, Health and Wellness, Culture and Inclusivity, Community and Engagement
Board Meeting Highlights - October 25, 2021
Organizational Meeting
The Prairie Land Public School Division trustees assembled on Monday, October 25 for the Board annual organizational meeting. Trustees accepted specific roles and responsibilities for the upcoming school year as follows:
a. H. Smith was elected Board Chair, and M. Tkach elected Vice-chair.
b. Negotiating Committee – S. Battle, H. Smith & M. Tkach
c. Discipline Committee – L. Bond, S. Davies & S. MacPherson
d. Scholarship Committee – L. Bond, J. Ference & K. Macfarlane
e. Executive Committee – S. MacPherson, H. Smith, & M. Tkach
f. TBAC – S. Battle & M. Tkach/J. Ference (Alternate)
g. Health & Wellness Committee – J. Ference
h. Indigenous Committee – S. Battle
i. Audit Committee – S. Davies, K. Macfarlane & M. Tkach
j. Alberta School Boards Association Zone 5 representative – H. Smith/S. MacPherson (Alternate)
k. Public School Boards Association of Alberta representative – M. Tkach/H. Smith (Alternate)
l. Teachers Employer Bargaining Association (TEBA) – M. Tkach
m. Rural Caucus Committee – S. MacPherson/S. Battle (Alternate)
Board meetings will be held on either the third or fourth Tuesday of each month at 9:00 a.m. at Prairie Land central office. The 2021-2022 Board meeting scheduled can be seen at https://www.plrd.ab.ca/governance/meeting-dates.
September 30, 2021 Final Enrolment
Prairie Land Public School Division continues to grow in enrolment as there are over 2000 students in our 21 schools and over 750 Prairie Land home education students throughout Alberta. With the addition of two new public schools (Al-Amal Academy and Prairie Land Online Academy) for the 2021-2022 school year, our division continues to grow in numbers and diversity.
Literacy & Numeracy Focus
In an effort to address potential learning delays in both literacy and numeracy as a result of the ongoing pandemic, Prairie Land assessed all division I-III students throughout the month of September. As a result, the data gathered will be used by our teachers to support and ultimately enrich the learning needs of their students. The Board of Trustees has committed funding for resources and programming for the 2021-2022 school year that will address this initiative.
For additional information please contact: Cam McKeage, Superintendent of Schools, Prairie Land Public School Division 403.854.4481.
Board Meeting Highlights - September 13, 2021 Special Meeting
Masks in Prairie Land
On September 3, 2021 the Government of Alberta announced temporary new measures to help reduce transmission and prevent the health-care system from being overwhelmed within the province as a result of COVID-19. With this announcement, masks have been mandated in all indoor public spaces and workplaces, with the exception of schools. This has created much discussion with education stakeholders throughout Alberta, as local School Boards have now been given the autonomy to identify masking requirements (that must be informed by local perspectives), within their schools.
The Board of Trustees of Prairie Land Public School Division called an emergent meeting for September 13, 2021 to discuss the issue regarding masking of students and staff in Prairie Land schools. The Board reflected on the following in an effort to assist their decision making process:
1. Safe and caring environments in all schools
2. Guidance from Chief Medical Officer of Health, Alberta Health,
and Alberta Education
3. State of the provincial health system
4. Prairie Land staff and parent survey data
After much deliberation and reflection, the Board of Trustees unanimously voted in favour of Prairie Land Public School Division continuing to follow the advice and guidance of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, whereas student and staff mask use in all schools will continue to be voluntary. Although masks are not required in schools at this time, students will be supported if they decide to exercise their right to wear one. Individuals should consider their own risks and personal situation when making decisions on wearing a mask.
The Board of Trustees would like to thank staff and parents for their contribution to the masking survey administered by the division. For further information, please access the updated Prairie Land 2021-2022 School Year Plan.
For additional information please contact: Cam McKeage, Superintendent of Schools, Prairie Land Public School Division 403.854.4481.
Online Learning
Prairie Land Public School Division offers a choice of two online learning opportunities for the 2020-2021 school year. Please visit Hope Christian School or Prairie Land Online for more information regarding your alternative learning needs.
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