HIGH PRAIRIE SCHOOL DIVISION

news@hpsd.ca

The HPSD Board of Trustees approved the budget for the 2020-21 school year at their special budget meeting on May 14. The approved budget required the Division to make calculated financial decisions to address a variety of factors impacting all school authorities in the province. Changes to how school divisions can use their reserve funds, the elimination of the Regional Collaborative Services Delivery (RCSD) Grant, changes to the Program Unit Funding (PUF) Grant, and anticipated increases to insurance premiums are some of the key factors impacting budget 2020-21.

High Prairie School Division is continuing to work with local partners to provide food security to its students. The Government of Alberta directed school authorities to find innovative ways to provide meals or food to students from their school nutrition funds while in-school classes are cancelled.

Finding balance in a world that has changed brings challenges for all families. Changes bring stress and anxiety which are natural reactions to new situations. During this time, parents are home schooling their children and as schoolwork rolls in, parents may feel overwhelmed. Finding a course through schoolwork, healthy activity, and family relationship building can be difficult to navigate. Strategy and planning are important aspects to moderate the responsibilities. Having child caregivers (parents, babysitters, extended family) complete educational time during the day can allow for family time in the evening. For younger families, family time can include reading together which provides relationship as well as literacy or playing board games can include elements of numeracy and teach ever important social skills. Balance means finding compromise, there may be some days when family time takes precedence over schoolwork and other days where schoolwork may take hold. This flexibility is important for families to remain mentally healthy in a time of elevated stress.

The unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic has changed the face of education delivery in our province. K-12 curriculum has not been traditionally presented to learners remotely. This is not stopping our staff from continuing to meet the guidelines for continuing K to 12 student learning while in-school classes are cancelled due to COVID-19. Learning at all grade levels is continuing.

Updates on the COVID-19 pandemic including resources for staff and parents

High Prairie School Division is committed to protecting the health and safety of our students, staff, and community. Access to High Prairie School Division playground equipment at all schools is prohibited as a precautionary step to prevent the spread of COVID-19.