Northland School Division

School Council representatives and Elders had a chance to learn and share during the Northland School Division Council of School Councils and Ward Council Workshop on October 20, 2022. The workshop is one way Northland School Division engages with communities to support student achievement. In the morning, School Council representatives and Elders had a chance to learn more about how Northland is achieving success in relation to division priorities (Excellence in Learning, Excellence in Leadership, and Excellence in Relationships). Some of the examples shared during the workshop include:

Excellence in Learning: 

• Resources and activities Northland School Division has implemented to support Truth and Reconciliation.
• How Northland is weaving language and culture into the curriculum. 
• Upgraded technology to improve the student learning experience, developed Northland Online School and common high school timetable to provide flexibility and choice.

Excellence in Leadership: 

• The focus on building teachers' and school leaders’ competence through ongoing professional learning has created a coherent vision of learning and expectation across Northland School Division. 
• Housing improvements for teachers. 
• A new school is being built for junior/senior high school students in Wabasca-Desmarais. 

 Excellence in Relationships: 

• NSD and MacEwan University signed a 5-year agreement that gives students access to dual credit courses. 
• NSD and TELUS World of Science - Edmonton signed an agreement in 2021. This partnership has enhanced the science experience and improved student engagement. 

After sharing successes, School Council representatives and Elders participated in focus group conversations. They were asked for their input on school programming and how communities can support school programming. 

We ended the day visiting the TELUS World of Science - Edmonton (TWOSE). School Council members and Elders were welcomed by Elder Gilman Cardinal and TWOSE President and CEO Allan Nursall. During the visit, they were able to learn more about the partnership and see examples of Northland students participating in previous science week events. They also had a chance to view the medicine garden, the Traditional Room, and the Arctic Journey exhibit.