WCPS Stakeholder Summit Sets New Direction for Education Plan

Wolf Creek Public Schools (WCPS) is advancing its renewed four-year education plan following an event that brought voices from around the Division together on January 31 in Lacombe. 

The  Wolf Creek Public Schools’ Stakeholder Summit saw more than 240 participants, including students, parents, teachers, administrators and community members.

Board Chair Luci Henry said it was a rewarding day to see all stakeholders represented in deep, meaningful discussions about the next Four-Year Education Plan.

“This is an opportunity to think boldly, to dream big, and to ensure that every decision we make reflects the needs and aspirations envisioned,” Luci Henry, WCPS Board Chair told those in attendance. 

Student voice was key to the planning process, and among the many students in attendance was 16-year-old Meeka Swanson, who spoke about the importance of student perspectives.

“Even though it’s getting better as time goes on, students’ perspective is still often looked over,” she said. “I’m so thankful for that opportunity to share some of the perspective that I have.”

Swanson added that hearing from teachers and other groups provided new insight into the day-to-day realities of the education system.

“It really makes you think about how the system is not just for us, but for teachers too and how it affects them in their daily life,” she said. “I really wasn’t expecting some of the ideas presented, and they really changed how I think about the system … and how I’d like to change that and advance in the future.”

The summit was divided into two sections. The morning offered an overview of current and emerging trends in education, focusing on the pressures faced by school divisions, students, staff and communities. The afternoon sessions highlighted key planning questions, such as:

• How can we continue to inspire success, confidence and resilience in our students?
• How can we further promote character development and citizenship within our schools and community?
• In what ways can Wolf Creek Public Schools continue to build upon our successes and achievements?
• What barriers might hinder our hopes and dreams for all students?

Participants shared their views on Wolf Creek’s strengths and areas for improvement through one-on-one interviews, followed by table discussions. Key points were reported back to the larger group, giving members a chance to indicate which ideas resonated most. All of the feedback is now under review by Wolf Creek staff, who are identifying emerging themes to guide next steps.

Senior administration will examine those themes more closely this month to shape the 2025/2026 Education Plan.

“We will take all of your collective feedback and it will directly inform our renewed four-year Education Plan,” said Superintendent Tim De Ruyck. 

“This was a really successful day of collaboration. It is the first time in a long while that Wolf Creek has had such broad stakeholder engagement all in one place, sharing and bringing together different perspectives. Hearing those voices is crucial as we move forward with planning.”

Stakeholder Summit