Congratulations Mason! We are so proud of you!

<p>For Senator Gershaw School valedictorian Luc Vos, high school has been a reminder of how quickly time passes and how important it is to appreciate the moments along the way.</p><p>As graduation approaches, Vos says one of the biggest lessons he has learned throughout high school is the value of perseverance.</p><p>“Whether I'm working on math or writing an essay or something, you always gotta go back and make your edits, check for mistakes,” he said. “That way you can end up with something that's worth handing in in the end.”</p><p>Looking back, the relationships built with teachers, friends and family are what stand out the most.</p><p>“Life goes faster than you think,” he said. “Remember to cherish all the good memories you make.”</p><p>Vos credits many of his favorite high school memories to the simple moments shared with friends and family, whether spending time together outside of school, helping out at home or joking around with classmates during the school day. Those everyday interactions, he says, often became some of the most meaningful parts of the high school experience.</p><p>A strong interest in math and science helped shape both his academic interests and future plans. Physics became one of his favorite subjects during high school because it combined problem solving with understanding how the world works. He says he especially enjoyed being able to visualize concepts and understand the science behind them.</p><p>This fall, he will attend the University of Lethbridge to pursue a Bachelor of Science in kinesiology, with plans to eventually attend medical school and pursue a career in surgery.</p><p>“My uncle is an orthopedic surgeon up in Edmonton right now,” Vos said. “I've kinda always just been interested in being able to help people out and to care for them.”</p><p>While excited about the independence that comes with post secondary life, including living on his own, he says support from family, friends and his church community will continue to play an important role as he begins the next chapter. Having a strong support system, he added, gives him confidence as he prepares to transition from high school into university life.</p><p>As Senator Gershaw School's Class of 2026 prepares for commencement, Vos hopes graduates take time to appreciate the friendships, memories and experiences that helped define their high school years.<br>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prairie Rose Public Schools is pleased to announce the appointment of Tricia Rolheiser as Vice-Principal of South Central High School, effective Fall 2026.</p><p>The newly created vice-principal position has been established to provide additional support for students, staff, and school operations as South Central High School continues to grow and evolve.</p><p>A resident of Oyen for 30 years, Tricia brings extensive educational and leadership experience to the role. She currently teaches a variety of junior and senior high courses at South Central High School and has played an active role in supporting student opportunities, including the development of the Badlands Baseball Academy.</p><p>Prior to joining Prairie Rose Public Schools, Tricia served as Principal of Assumption Roman Catholic School for ten years and has held leadership positions including Vice-Principal and Academic Counsellor. Throughout her career, she has worked with students from early childhood through high school, building a strong reputation for fostering positive relationships and supporting student success.</p><blockquote><p>“Having lived in Oyen for many years, I value the relationships that make our schools strong and meaningful places for students and families,” says Rolheiser. “I am committed to fostering a welcoming and supportive school environment and continuing to build strong connections within our school community.”</p></blockquote><p>Prairie Rose Public Schools congratulates Tricia on her appointment and looks forward to the leadership, experience, and community perspective she will bring to the South Central High School team.</p>

<p>For Eagle Butte High School’s 2026 valedictorian Kassidy Sandau, high school has been about much more than grades. It has been a journey of discovering her voice, embracing creativity and learning to step beyond her comfort zone.</p><p>As she prepares to graduate, Sandau says the people she will miss most are the teachers who helped shape her experience.</p><p>“I've learned so much more than academics from them,” she said. “They taught me how to challenge myself, persevere and push beyond what I thought I was capable of.”</p><p>That willingness to take risks became especially evident through her passion for art. What began as a simple sketchbook project in Grade 10 evolved into a deeply personal creative outlet filled with drawings, found objects, symbolism and reflections on human emotions. Rather than limiting herself to familiar subjects, she learned to experiment, explore new ideas and draw inspiration from everyday objects and experiences. Through colour, imagery and symbolism, much of her work explores themes of emotion, personal growth and human connection.</p><p>Creativity has also extended into writing. Nearly two years ago, she began working on a novel, using fiction as a way to channel personal experiences and emotions. The project became both a creative challenge and a meaningful outlet for self expression, allowing her to reflect on experiences while developing her skills as a writer.</p><p>“It became almost a form of therapy,” she said. “It was a way to work through what I was feeling and create something meaningful.”</p><p>Her growing confidence has extended beyond creating art to sharing it with others. This year, she led a community paint night, guiding participants through a painting project while gaining valuable experience as an instructor. The opportunity challenged her to step into a leadership role and offered an early glimpse into a career she now hopes to pursue.</p><p>The experience reinforced her desire to become a teacher, specifically in the arts and humanities. She credits many of her own teachers for inspiring that goal, not only through their knowledge of the subjects they taught, but through the relationships they built with students and the encouragement they provided along the way.</p><p>Looking ahead, Sandau plans to pursue post secondary studies in education with the goal of one day teaching. While she admits the future can feel uncertain at times, she remains optimistic about the opportunities it will bring. As Eagle Butte High School's Class of 2026 prepares to take the stage, she encourages fellow graduates to remain true to their passions, embrace new experiences and approach the future with confidence and hope.</p><p>“I think hope is a huge driver of change,” she said. “Change is possible, and our generation is able to achieve that.”</p>

<p><meta charset="utf-8"></p><p>After nearly two decades of supporting students and building strong relationships within Redcliff schools, Danelle Albrecht is taking the next step in her leadership journey as the new Vice Principal of I.F. Cox School.</p><p>Danelle brings extensive experience and a deep commitment to student success. She has worked in Redcliff schools for the past 18 years, including 13 years at I.F. Cox School, where she has developed strong connections with students, staff, and families. Currently serving as Acting Vice Principal and Learning Support Teacher, she has played an important role in supporting both school leadership and daily operations.</p><blockquote><p>“I.F. Cox has been home for many years, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue supporting students and families in a different capacity,” said Albrecht. “I’ve had the privilege of working alongside incredible students, staff, and families over the years, and I’m excited to continue building those relationships while supporting the great work happening throughout the school.”</p></blockquote><p>Danelle holds a Master of Education in Leading for Learning from the University of Calgary and a Bachelor of Education and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Lethbridge. Throughout her career, she has supported students with complex academic, behavioural, medical, and social-emotional needs, working closely with multidisciplinary teams to help ensure inclusive, student-centred supports and positive learning environments for all students.</p><p>Please join us in congratulating Danelle on her new role. Prairie Rose Public Schools looks forward to the continued leadership, care, and dedication she will bring to the I.F. Cox School community.<br>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Parkside Junior High School will welcome a familiar face this fall, as Greg Elgie returns to the school community as Principal beginning Fall 2026.</p><p>Greg brings 14 years of experience with Prairie Rose Public Schools, along with a strong connection to Parkside Junior High School and the Redcliff community. A former Redcliff student, Greg previously worked at Parkside for eight years as a teacher and two years as vice‑principal, supporting academic programming and student development within the Grade 7–9 school setting.</p><p>Greg is currently Vice‑Principal at Eagle Butte High School, where he has provided leadership in school operations, instructional practice, student support, and facility management. His experience working across both junior high and high school environments offers valuable insight into student transitions and continuity of learning as students progress through their educational journey.</p><p>Greg holds a Master of Education from the University of Victoria and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta. Throughout his career, he has been actively involved in school and division‑based initiatives, including school improvement planning, professional learning, technology integration, and collaborative instructional leadership aligned with Prairie Rose Public Schools’ three‑year education plan.</p><blockquote><p>“Having grown up in Redcliff, I recognize that Parkside is an integral part of the community,” says Elgie. “It has been wonderful to be part of the school’s growth and development, and I am excited to return to Parkside in this role as we continue to build meaningful learning opportunities for students.”</p></blockquote><p>In addition to his administrative leadership, Greg has demonstrated a strong commitment to student engagement and community connection through his long‑standing involvement in athletics as an athletic director, coach, and association leader.</p><p>Prairie Rose Public Schools would like to thank Greg for his leadership and contributions at Eagle Butte High School, where he has made a meaningful impact that will continue in his new role at Parkside.<br>&nbsp;</p>

Apologies to Brooklyn, her last name was misspelled in the original post.

<p>Celebrating Our Prairie Rose Artists!</p><p>We are so proud of all our Prairie Rose Public Schools students who submitted their artwork to the 2026 School Art exhibition. Your creativity, talent, and hard work continue to inspire us!</p><p>Award Recipients:</p><p><strong>Esplanade School Art Invitation Award&nbsp;</strong><br>Jocelyn Wallin – Duck (Indigenous Art) (Mixed Media)&nbsp;<br>I.F. Cox School, Grade 2</p><p><strong>PRPS Lower Elementary Award (K–3)&nbsp;</strong><br>Blair Luscombe – Lodge Pole Pines: Folk Art (Mixed Media)&nbsp;<br>I.F. Cox School, Grade 2</p><p><strong>PRPS Upper Elementary Award (4–6)&nbsp;</strong><br>Chotika Jitjumnong – The Solar System (Oil Pastel)&nbsp;<br>Margaret Wooding School, Grade 6</p><p><strong>PRPS Junior Award (7–9)&nbsp;</strong><br>Lily Lawson – Saamis Teepee (Acrylic)&nbsp;<br>Parkside School, Grade 9</p><p><strong>PRPS Senior Award (10–12)&nbsp;</strong><br>Charlie Funk – 1960 Curbside Aston Martin (Charcoal &amp; Graphite)&nbsp;<br>Eagle Butte, Grade 12</p><p><strong>Visual Communications Department Award – Medicine Hat College&nbsp;</strong><br>Morgan Digney – Look at Yourself (Coloured Pencil)&nbsp;<br>Eagle Butte High School, Grade 12</p><p><strong>Deborah Forbes Drawing Awards&nbsp;</strong><br>Jaycee Dyck – Jaycee (Crayons), Bow Island Elementary, Grade 1&nbsp;<br>Blair Luscombe – Colourful Man: Picasso Style (Mixed Media), I.F. Cox School, Grade 2&nbsp;<br>Mack Van Ham – Me (Crayons), Bow Island Elementary, Grade 1</p><p><strong>Matthew James Morgan Armstrong Art Awards&nbsp;</strong><br>Zoii Wood – Self Portrait (Mixed Media)&nbsp;<br>I.F. Cox School, Grade 1</p><p><strong>Poul Nielsen Awards&nbsp;</strong><br>Sara Fehr – The Purple Flowers (Pencil), Eagle Butte, Grade 10&nbsp;<br>Amber Haskill – Glazing (Acrylic), Eagle Butte, Grade 10</p><p><strong>Esplanade Theatre Award&nbsp;</strong><br>Anneke Heglund – Seahorse Charcoal Drawing (Charcoal), Parkside School, Grade 8</p><p><strong>Esplanade Managers Award&nbsp;</strong><br>Morgan Digney – Fish (Mixed Media), Eagle Butte High School, Grade 12</p><p><strong>Donna MacLean Award (Excellence in Visual Arts)&nbsp;</strong><br>I.F. Cox School</p>

Always great working with Safety Buzz Campus. Contact us at Coulee Collegiate if you'd like to learn more on how you can get certified for free.

Congratulations Brooklyn for being recognized by your teachers for the Student Spotlight! 🌟

<p>Prairie Rose Public Schools will receive four new modular classrooms and a washroom unit for Eagle Butte High School as part of the Government of Alberta’s recent investment to expand student learning spaces across the province.</p><p>Prairie Rose Public Schools was one of the recipients of the 189 modular classroom placements announced by the Government of Alberta on April 17th as part of Budget 2026.</p><p>Eagle Butte High School is currently operating at 92 per cent capacity and is projected to reach 95 per cent based on early enrollment projections for the upcoming school year. The addition of modular classrooms will help ensure students continue to have access to appropriate learning spaces as the school community grows.</p><p>Prairie Rose Public Schools will now begin working with consultants to determine the most effective site location and configuration for the new units. Funding provided through the program will support necessary site preparation, servicing and unit delivery and setup. While the division’s goal is to have the modulars in place during the 2026-27 school year, timelines will depend on planning, site readiness, and construction factors.</p><p>“This is very positive news for our school community,” said Rocheal Howes, Principal of Eagle Butte High School. “We are grateful to see this investment in our school. These additional learning spaces will help us better support our students and staff as enrollment continues to grow, while maintaining the quality of programming our students expect.”</p><p>Prairie Rose Public Schools Board Chair Patty Rooks said the division is ready to move forward with implementation in collaboration with provincial partners.</p><p>“We appreciate the support from Alberta Education and Alberta Infrastructure in addressing enrollment pressures at Eagle Butte High School,” said Rooks. “Our team will be working closely with both ministries to ensure the modular classrooms are delivered and installed as efficiently as possible to meet the needs of our students.”</p><p>Eagle Butte High School recently completed a modernization in 2019. Due to continued enrollment growth, the school has since been reintroduced into Prairie Rose Public Schools’ Capital Plan as the Eagle Butte High School Facility Expansion.</p>

<p><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(62, 62, 62);display:inline !important;float:none;font-family:articulat-cf, sans-serif;font-size:16px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;">Additional information can be found in the April 14, 2026, Board Meeting Agenda package: </span><a href="https://www.myprps.com/news/april-14-2026-public-board-meeting-20260413151629"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(62, 62, 62);display:inline !important;float:none;font-family:articulat-cf, sans-serif;font-size:16px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;">https://www.myprps.com/news/april-14-2026-public-board-meeting-20260413151629</span></a></p><p>------</p><p><meta charset="utf-8"></p><p><strong>Eagle Butte High School Presentation</strong></p><p>Trustees received a presentation from Eagle Butte High School, with school administration and three students from the South Alberta Flight Academy in attendance.</p><p>The presentation highlighted a growing and dynamic school community, with increasing enrollment and a strong number of out of district students choosing Eagle Butte for both its academy programs and regular programming. The school is also seeing students return to Prairie Rose after previously leaving the division.</p><p>A key focus of the presentation was the launch of the International Baccalaureate (IB) program next fall. Students Emmit Openo, Mathew Young, and Brynmore Stanton shared their experiences and provided insight into programming at the school, including how the IB will support their learning by connecting academic coursework with their training in the Flight Academy and other future career pathways.</p><p>Highlights included:</p><ul><li data-list-item-id="e288596a8ae0384a008cb199f9495bc04">Expansion of programming, including IB, Space Exploration, Biochemistry, and Code Blue (paramedic)</li><li data-list-item-id="ef69f2a83230918f5b3b2438f6c99f839">Strong focus on student belonging, with an environment where every student has a group and feels comfortable being themselves</li><li data-list-item-id="e448c87f0d6dad1c60a8f64d54b64dd91">Continued growth in both academy and regular programming enrollment</li><li data-list-item-id="ee3eefc85110baae51fc55a558f320035">Community initiatives supported through grants, with students giving back through events such as paint nights and service based projects</li><li data-list-item-id="e8c7f0cf8f80e064c4243fbb7c1c0e378">Ongoing focus on staff wellness and school pride</li></ul><p>The presentation reflected a strong balance between academic programming, student well being, and future readiness.</p><p><strong>Year to Date Financial Report</strong></p><p>The year to date financial update as of February 28, 2026, was presented noting the division is approximately halfway through both the fiscal year.</p><p>Revenues are projected at $84,029,331, which is $801,232 higher than budgeted. Expenses are projected at $83,139,427, or $88,672 over budget. Overall, the division has moved from a balanced budget to a projected surplus of $889,904.</p><p>The current position reflects higher than anticipated revenues in areas such as sales and services and investment income, along with adjustments to provincial funding. On the expenditure side, variances are largely related to staffing and operational costs across the division.</p><p><strong>Executive Report</strong></p><ul><li data-list-item-id="e76f60a9e1370a410f0aae7f4fcd58187">All Prairie Rose school leaders recently had the opportunity to present to the Executive Team, sharing what has been working well and identifying opportunities to further enhance programming and support for students. The process generated a number of thoughtful and practical ideas, reflecting a strong understanding at the school level of both current successes and future needs. It also provided valuable insight to help inform divisional planning moving forward.</li><li data-list-item-id="e12ff73e74d8ce6fada5c14d1c9ed88a2">A staffing update was also shared, including additional support being added to the complexity team at Irvine School through recently received provincial funding.</li></ul><p><strong>Support Staff Compensation</strong></p><p>Trustees approved a 3% increase to support staff compensation, effective for the 2026–2027 school year. This increase will apply to all support staff including education assistants, administrative assistants, therapy assistants, librarians, maintenance, non-union custodial, technology, student wellness councillors, communications, human resources, payroll, finance, and transportation.&nbsp;</p><p>The decision reflects the important role support staff play across the division and recognizes the increasing scope and complexity of this work. Over the past year, support staff have supported students with diverse and complex needs, adapted to new systems and programs, and played a key role in integrating new schools.</p><p>The Board expressed appreciation for the dedication and professionalism demonstrated across all support staff roles.</p><p><strong>School Calendars</strong></p><p>Trustees approved an update to the main PRPS schools calendar and approved the Colony and Calgary Islamic school calendars for the 2026–2027 school year.</p><ul><li data-list-item-id="e76ca46bb103f880fcde717196604cbe1">The PRPS calendar includes a change to a professional development day, which has been moved from December 4, 2026, to October 8, 2026.</li><li data-list-item-id="e25b755247c07455b03efb22a4e83ec94">Colony and Calgary Islamic school calendars continue to reflect religious and community considerations, while maintaining some consistency with the Public calendar where possible.</li></ul><p>All approved calendars are available on the Prairie Rose Public Schools website: <a href="https://www.myprps.com/calendar">https://www.myprps.com/calendar</a></p><p><strong>South Central High School Field Trip</strong></p><p>Trustees approved in principle an international field trip for South Central High School, which includes travel to Greece and several historical sites.</p><p>The itinerary outlines a multi-stop educational experience, including time in Athens, Argolia, Olympia, and Delphi, along with a Greek Islands component. The trip is planned for Easter break 2027 and is designed to provide students with opportunities to connect classroom learning to real world historical and cultural experiences.</p><p><strong>Communications Accountability Report</strong></p><p>The Board received the annual Communications and Access and Privacy update, highlighting the increasing complexity and demand of this work across Prairie Rose Public Schools. Over the past year, efforts have focused on integrating new school communities, enhancing communication practices, and supporting the transition to updated provincial privacy legislation.</p><p>This work continues to evolve at the intersection of communications, technology, and privacy, requiring more coordinated systems and processes to support schools and departments.</p><p>Highlights included:</p><ul><li data-list-item-id="ef9acb7bd312fc66d16867028f371b27f">Over 5.22 million social media views across school accounts</li><li data-list-item-id="e21622c5fa857fc7179faacb9713f3e19">Expansion of communication tools and processes to support Calgary schools and diverse programs</li><li data-list-item-id="efbb04a798c9906fa025bbe2136feb77d">Increased demand for communication and system support</li><li data-list-item-id="e92379abbf58580bd64b5cf90263db3d2">Growth in access to information and personal information requests</li><li data-list-item-id="e3cfa510755f53d67c74c7bf6fd4eea33">Ongoing implementation of the Protection of Privacy Act and Access to Information Act</li></ul><p>This work continues to strengthen communication practices and support a more coordinated approach across Prairie Rose Public Schools.</p><p><strong>Accolades</strong></p><p>Trustees recognized the efforts and contributions of staff, students, and partners across Prairie Rose Public Schools.</p><ul><li data-list-item-id="e468411ac3d8bac5b8334c6e375bf95e4">Foremost School for successfully hosting provincials, with staff and community members stepping up to support the event</li><li data-list-item-id="ed30226327d8278d3455656d02e5fd10e">Staff across the division for their engagement and participation during Education Week</li><li data-list-item-id="efcc745aac39ddb3eea339e2c752c33f7">Executive Assistant Tannis for her ongoing work to support to the Board of Trustees</li><li data-list-item-id="efc9c3f318bddfa767e1ef64d7b7f7b2f">Trustees Graeme, Patty and Nancy, for their work in preparing and presenting at a recent meeting with the County of Forty Mile on behalf of Prairie Rose</li></ul><p><strong>Trustee Reports</strong></p><p>Trustees provided updates from their respective committees and associations.</p><ul><li data-list-item-id="ef1c9d5a518489f0baaecbf80b9b2c32c">Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) Zone 6 meeting scheduled for April 29</li><li data-list-item-id="ebd01769a578dd66320493ecb572568e6">Public School Boards’ Association of Alberta (PSBAA) meeting held April 9, with discussions focused on professional development, moral decision making, superintendent evaluations, and Indigenous relations</li><li data-list-item-id="e03bb861a6617d5b5fcb2b62ca66462b3">Rural Caucus of Alberta School Boards has begun holding monthly meetings, with a focus on strengthening rural voice and increasing input into provincial decision making</li></ul>