End-of-Year message from Superintendent Shelley Amos

As another wonderful school year in Pembina Trails School Division draws to a close, I'm filled with gratitude for the things that we’ve accomplished and the areas we are growing in. This is all anchored in the ways we continue to put the student experience at the forefront of our work through our key priorities of strategic investments, system wellness, and student success. 

Our division continues to see physical growth as neighbourhoods in our region see further development. As a result, student numbers have risen 17% from five years ago. While this can present challenges, we are continually committed to each student’s experience and have increased our teaching staff by 21% over that same five-year period. 

We’re also increasing our capacity to meet that growth through new schools. In fall 2027 École Iskonakwa School in Prairie Pointe will welcome Kindergarten to Grade 8 students, while another K to 8 school will be added to the Bridgwater Lakes/Bridgwater Forest communities in 2029. 

We also sought feedback on student experience from Middle Years and Senior Years students this year through a Student Voice Survey. This feedback gave us valuable insights into what is working well and where we can improve in regard to creating more caring, inclusive, and supportive spaces for all students. You can view the key findings on our website.  

Two of our high-level strategies are centered on commitments to Truth and Reconciliation and to equity and anti-racism, and we made great strides in both areas this year. 

We hosted our inaugural Pow Wow at the end of May at Fort Richmond Collegiate. The event was a beautiful celebration of Indigenous culture through drumming and dancing, and brought us together to support members of the Makoon Transition Inc. community, which helps families navigate the child welfare system. 

For equity and anti-racism, we advanced our commitment through anti-racism training for staff that we piloted in three of our schools. This included meeting with school administration and having school staff complete a survey prior to training to allow us to tailor content to each school’s specific context before doing a full-day training session. With positive feedback from these sessions, we plan to extend this training to all division staff in the coming years. 

Of course, all of these efforts complement the amazing work happening in our classrooms every day. Our schools continue to find creative and meaningful ways of not only delivering curriculum, but creating safe, inclusive, and caring environments. 

With so much happening across our schools, we are deeply grateful to parents and guardians for the steady support that helps these opportunities thrive. To our students, thank you for bringing energy, curiosity, and a genuine love of learning each day. These qualities will no doubt guide you toward a bright and successful future. And to our educators and support staff, your dedication and care are what make Pembina Trails a place where students can truly grow, succeed, and realize what’s possible.

May you all have a restful and rejuvenating summer break. We look forward to seeing you in the fall.

Respectfully,

Shelley Amos
Superintendent and CEO