Division Office ~
Early Learning Program coming to Fort Assiniboine School
Pembina Hills School Division operates inclusive Early Learning programs (also known as Pre-Kindergarten) focused on 3- and 4-year-old children and provides opportunities for early intervention. Guided by certificated teachers and other professionals, Early Learning students receive specific skill instruction in a small, play-based learning setting that supports all developmental domains for pre-K students including social-emotional, cognitive, physical, language, creativity and self-care skills.
At its February 19, 2025 meeting, the Board approved the creation of a new Early Learning program operating at Fort Assiniboine School. Fort Assiniboine School was the only school in the division that did not already have an Early Learning program and program staff are excited to welcome these young learners into the school.
For more information, please see earlylearning.pembinahills.ca, or contact el.main@pembinahills.ca.
Board Approves 2025-2026 Alternate School Year Calendars
Pembina Hills adopts a Division Calendar as a starting point for all schools. This Division calendar establishes first and last days for students and dates for fall, winter and spring breaks. The minimum number of instructional hours mandated by Alberta Education and other operational and scheduling considerations mean some schools start their days earlier and end later or they operate year-round (Vista Virtual School). Therefore, schools have the option of developing an alternate school year calendar that must be approved individually by the board.
At the February 19, 2025 meeting, the board reviewed alternate calendars for Barrhead Composite High School, Barrhead & Westlock Outreach Schools, Busby School, Dunstable School, Eleanor Hall School, Fort Assiniboine School, Neerlandia Public Christian School, Pembina North Community School, Pibroch and Sunny Bend Colony Schools, R.F. Staples Secondary School and Swan Hills School. These calendars were all approved and are published on the respective school websites and the division website.
Locally Developed Courses
Locally Developed Courses (LDCs) are developed, acquired and authorized by school authorities to provide students with unique opportunities to explore a range of interests in subject areas that complement provincial programs of study.
At the February 19, 2025 meeting, the board authorized the continued offering of Forensic Studies 35; a five-credit course that allows students to study scientific concepts and technologies related to solving crime. This course can be offered by any school in Alberta and has historically been very popular with Pembina Hills students.
The board also authorized the division to offer a series of courses acquired from another school division: the Elder Chronicles series (Beading, Smudging and Tipi Making) and Traditional Land-Based Learning. These courses will enhance programming opportunities for Pembina Hills students – particularly those who will be engaged in the upcoming Land Based Learning Camp in June.