Judi Hunter – Ward 5 Trustee
Students’ Unique Invention Protects Parks Through Hands-on Learning Grade 1 and 2 French Immersion students from Airdrie’s A.E. Bowers Elementary School collaborated with Parks Canada in 2023/24 to develop a tool to keep our national parks and picnic areas clean. Students developed critical thinking, communication, problem-solving, collaboration, creativity, innovation and citizenship skills all key to building future-ready students which is one of the goals of Rocky View Schools’ (RVS) Education Plan.
Board to Requests the Town of Cochrane Provide Serviced School Site as Previously Agreed
The Town of Cochrane and RVS signed a memorandum of understanding in 2021 which required the Town to provide a serviced site in the community of Horsecreek by the end of 2024. The Board will send a letter to the Town mayor and council requesting the Town honour the terms of the memorandum of understanding. The new high school in Cochrane is number six on RVS’ Capital Plan priorities list for 2026 and a necessary addition of student spaces. Municipalities play an important role in ensuring school sites are ready when they are needed as part of the Provincial government’s school project approval process.
Chestermere Student Accommodation Engagement Open
RVS’ schools in Chestermere are experiencing enrolment pressures that require new school builds as soon as possible, but despite design funding being approved for one Chestermere school in Budget 2024, this pressure on existing schools will continue until this much-needed school can be built. A Board accommodation decision will be made at the public Board meeting on Jan. 23, 2025.
Supporting Inclusion and Diversity Update
The RVS Learning department provided an update to the Board on professional development opportunities presented to classroom staff and school administrators in 2023/24, which support RVS’ inclusion and diversity guidelines Providing student- centered education that is inclusive, safe and supportive is one of the goals of RVS’ multi-year Strategic Plan.
Ward Boundary Decision
The Board has approved the recommendation of the consultant for the Board Boundary review. The change will see an additional trustee in the City of Cochrane and the combination of Wards 2 and 4 as one trustee position and adding one trustee position to Cochrane, leaving the Board composition of 8 trustees.
Search for a new Chief Superintendent begins
Superintendent of Schools, Greg Luterbach, has given notice. We thank him for his eight plus years of service and his commitment to providing quality learning for the students of Rocky View Schools.
2025/26 School Calendar Approved
The Board has approved the 2025/26 school calendar. The calendar is now posted.
2024/25 Advocacy Priorities Focus on Space and Supports for Students.
The Board has approved the priorities to guide its advocacy work for the current school year – Space for Students and Support for Students. These thoughtfully developed advocacy priorities are specific areas where increased government support is essential to address critical needs that impact the educational experience and outcomes of students.
Alberta’s opt-in bill for sex education
The legislation requires parents to be notified each time a teacher addresses gender identity, sexual orientation or human sexuality instruction.
Metis learning to be implemented
Christ the Redeemer Catholic Schools in Okotoks have recently announced a new educational services agreement with the Rupertsland Institute, to help students at local Catholic schools learn more about Métis history and culture.
Ottawa to mull restricting protests outside ‘vulnerable’ institutions
Over the past few years, protests at schools, places of worship and other community places have increased. The City of Ottawa is considering enacting a bylaw to protect such institutions from harm, intimidation and vitriol.
Inflation impacts Purchase of New Buses
Rising costs have impacted the purchase of new buses and vehicle parts for the Northern Lights Public Schools Division (NLPS). “We have seen prices rise to 70 percent on new buses in the past five years,” said a spokesperson for the school division, who explained that some vehicle parts have increased in price by as much as 200-300 percent in the same period.
Labor unrest hits education
Edmonton Support Workers vote for strike action.
