Board welcomes students, staff and families back to school
At Wolf Creek Public Schools we are excited to embark on this new school year. Whether you are returning or joining our schools for the first time, I want to extend a warm and heartfelt welcome on behalf of the Board of Trustees. The start of a school year is always a time for new possibilities, the promise of achievements and a road to success.
For the Division, the 2024/25 school year brings with it a number of new initiatives and changes. First, we are honoured and thrilled to introduce new leadership teams in several of our schools. These dedicated educators are emerging as new principals and assistant principals. Many of whom are from the Aspiring Leaders Program, which serves to give educators the tools and abilities to advance to leadership levels in schools. This is a tremendously successful program for Wolf Creek. These talented principals and assistant principals come to us with innovative ideas, a wealth of experience, and an unwavering commitment to education. Their fresh perspectives and deep expertise will undoubtedly enhance the learning environment for our students, and I know they will do wonderful things in their new roles.
Another particularly special highlight of this year is the opening of the Iron Ridge Secondary Campus in Blackfalds, our brand new high school. We are eager to see the first classes of students filling its halls and classrooms, and to offer a wide range of educational opportunities from strong academics to career based options.
We are always doing our best to listen and respond to feedback from our communities. Engagements with stakeholders last year shaped our primary focus for this year which is Collective Responsibility. This initiative is about setting performance measures and targets that reflect our commitment to working together, from the home to the school, from the Board to the community. It’s about fostering a culture where everyone — students, teachers, district office staff, and families — work together to make a difference in and out of the classroom.
As we move forward, I want to emphasize the importance of community involvement and support. The role of parents and guardians in education is vital, and I encourage everyone to be involved in their school community. Involvement takes many forms, from being on school council to meeting teachers at parent/teacher nights, from answering key school and Division surveys to something as simple as staying up to date with messaging from your school or Wolf Creek. All are valuable avenues of involvement in your school and in Wolf Creek.
There will be further engagement opportunities at the school and Division level through the year. Please stay in touch with our websites and social media, newsletters and emails for these opportunities. Together, we can create a nurturing environment where our students can excel.
Finally, I want to remind everyone that we have a wealth of resources and support systems in place to ensure a smooth transition back to school. Whether you need academic support, mental health resources, or assistance in any other area, our schools are here to help.
On behalf of the entire Board, I want to express my deepest gratitude for your continued support and dedication. Please enjoy this time of year. There is nothing quite like back to school and we wish you the very best and tremendous success this school year.
Luci Henry, is the Board Chair for Wolf Creek Public Schools. Wolf Creek Public Schools Board is served by Trustees representing the communities and rural areas of Alix, Bentley, Blackfalds, Bluffton, Clive, Eckville, Lacombe, Ponoka, and Rimbey. Serving approximately 7,450 students, from Kindergarten to Grade 12, WCPS employs approximately 415 teachers and 385 support staff in 30 schools, including five colony schools and Wolf Creek Education Centre.
