Division News Article

Swan Hills School reopens to students & classes resume Thursday, May 25

May 24th, 2023

The Swan Hills evacuation order has been lifted and changed to a 4-hour evacuation alert (9:01a.m. May 24, 2023). Staff and students are able to return to their homes starting today, May 24, and are recommended to follow the guidelines for re-entry as indicated on the Town of Swan Hills website.

The Swan Hills School will reopen to students and classes will resume on Thursday, May 25, 2023. The in-town bus will be running as usual. We understand that re-entry can add stress for staff and students and their health and wellbeing remain a priority. Wellness supports will be available and parents/students can contact SHS Principal Sheila Gardiner at 780.333.4471 or sheila.gardiner@pembinahills.ca or Rob McGarva at rob.mcgarva@pembinahills.ca to access these supports. Air quality will continue to be closely monitored and outdoor activities restricted or eliminated as necessary.

No decisions have been made regarding Provincial Achievement Tests. Updates will be provided to parents as they become available. Questions regarding the school re-entry can be sent to sh.main@pembinahills.ca.  

We are thankful for the tireless work of firefighters, emergency personnel, town staff and essential service community members. We look forward to the reopening of our school.

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network has a document available with suggestions for parents on how to support their children with the impacts of a wildfire. View this document here: https://www.nctsn.org/resources/parent-guidelines-helping-children-impacted-wildfires