Northland seeking more input from East Prairie Métis Settlement residents about the future of Hillview School
Posted on March 22
Northland School Division No.61 (NSD61) is seeking more input from East Prairie Métis Settlement parents, guardians, grandparents and community members about the future of Hillview School. On January 26, 2017, the Official Trustee approved a notice of motion regarding the possible closing of Hillview School. The consideration was initiated in response low enrolment numbers triggering criteria for possible closure as set out in Policy 16 – School Closure. On March 15th, NSD61 hosted a public meeting to understand the reasons why enrolment is down and discuss alternative programming and a preferred future for Hillview School.
Click here to the March 15th Public Meeting Minutes
“I would like to thank parents, guardians, grandparents, elders, community members and school staff for participating in this important process,” said Lois Byers, Official Trustee. “It’s important to have challenging conversations in order to make decisions based on the best interest of students. Before a final decision is made, I encourage parents, guardians, grandparents, elders, community members and school staff who haven’t fill out the survey that was provided at the meeting to please do so. We need your voice.”
The survey questions will help NSD61 understand: why families are sending their child or children to another elementary school, what families like about Hillview School and what changes would families like to see at the school. Gord Atkinson, Superintendent of Schools says the survey ensures NSD61 has heard from as many East Prairie Métis Settlement voices as possible.
“We are very interested in finding ways to ensure the school is viable,” said Atkinson. “We need the school community voices to help us create a learning environment that helps East Prairie Métis Settlement students thrive as learners.”
Click here to fill out the survey or visit Hillview School to fill it out the questionnaire. The survey window is open until Wednesday, April 12, 2017. You can also submit feedback by mail or email to:
- Mail: Gord Atkinson, Superintendent of Schools, Northland School Division No.61, P.O. Bag 1400 9809 77th Avenue Peace River, AB, T8S-1V2
- Email: gord.atkinson@nsd61.ca
Once NSD61 has captured the voices, the Official Trustee will review the input and other pertinent information prior to the May 25, 2017 Corporate Board Meeting. At that time, the Official Trustee will decide the future of Hillview School.
For more information please contact:
Curtis Walty
Communications Coordinator
Northland School Division No.61
Office: 780-624-2060 extension: 6183
Cell: 780-219-1870
Email: curtis.walty@nsd61.ca