Teaching and Learning

Beyond the Basics

All schools in Prairie Land strive to promote academic excellence and ensure students reach their fullest academic potential. However, opportunities for students do not stop there. The list of activities around the jurisdiction that are available to our students are tied to our three focal points as we work with our school communities to bring our students into the future as well rounded, productive citizens of the world. The examples below are only some of the offerings at our schools. Drop by your local school, or check out their website, to learn more about the unique and interesting activities happening there and how you can be involved!

Teaching and Learning

Students in small schools benefit greatly from small class sizes and close relationships with the adults in their schools. In the past, small schools struggled to offer the same variety of programming as their larger counterparts. However, this is no longer the case! Through a variety of modern instructional methods and technologies, we are able to readily adapt to the needs of our learners. Our students have access to:

    • Program Choice
    • Flexible Seating
    • Registered Apprenticeship Programs
    • Green Certificate
    • Work Experience
    • and more!

Health and Wellness

Our focus on health and wellness throughout the jurisdiction is intended to contribute to improved educational outcomes and fostering a life long commitment to active living. Working to help students, staff and communities develop healthy habits is an important part of our holistic approach to education. This includes:

      • Comprehensive School Health
      • Community Fitness Facilities
      • Nutrition/Breakfast Programs
      • Sports Programs
      • Project Reach
      • and more!

Culture and Inclusivity

Although all our schools are located in rural communities, there are many subtle differences between them. Accepting, embracing and celebrating those differences is just one of the steps we are taking to enhance our jurisdictional culture and actively create inclusive school communities. The following are just a few of the ways we work to recognize local culture, nurture an inclusive environment and improve personal relations within the jurisdiction and beyond:

      • Inclusivity Project
      • Safe and Caring Schools
      • Community Gardens
      • Fine Arts
      • Community Use of School Buildings
      • Focus on Agriculture (Altario School)
      • Active School Councils
      • and more!

PLRD’s Non Negotiables

  1. In PLRD, we do NOT give up on our students. We do everything within our abilities to ensure that every student we teach is successful.
  2. In PLRD, we do NOT yell at or demean our students. We create positive, trusting, and respectful relationships because it is critical to enhance a safe and caring environment where optimal learning can occur.
  3. In PLRD, we do NOT use only one type of teaching strategy. We know that students learn differently and providing a variety of teaching strategies allows for learning for all. Specifically, we do NOT use strategies such as giving long periods of note taking where students robotically copy word for word what is on the board as we realize that long periods of this type of lecture teaching is not the best method to promote student learning.
  4. In PLRD, we are NOT stagnant educators. We are life-long learners because we are professionals who understand the need for constant growth as we improve our teaching craft.
  5. At PLRD, we do NOT sit in our desks for long periods of time. We interact and engage with our students during the learning process.
  6. At PLRD, we do NOT disregard or minimize student input in the learning process. We provide a welcoming, participatory environment where students have a vested stake in the learning process to create improved engagement and ultimately, improved student learning.
  7. At PLRD, we are NOT punitive nor do we promote top-down ideologies. We understand there is a need for consequences but we do not use punitive approaches that be-little or embarrass students as a means of trying to shape future behaviors.
  8. At PLRD, we promote and foster student dreams and aspirations. We know our students’ dreams as this not only strengthens our relationships with students, but also allows us opportunities to link meaningful connections to daily lesson plans.