Division News Archive - Pembina Hills School Division https://www.pembinahills.ca/our-division/news/ Together We Learn Tue, 23 Jun 2026 16:04:50 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.5 Vicki El-Halaby receives Exemplary Teacher Award https://www.pembinahills.ca/our-division/news/vicki-el-halaby-receives-exemplary-teacher-award/ Tue, 23 Jun 2026 16:04:50 +0000 https://www.pembinahills.ca/?post_type=divisionnewscpt&p=28730 For years, Vicki El-Halaby has inspired students, supported colleagues, and enriched the learning community at Pembina North Community School. It is with great pride that we recognize her as the recipient of the Exemplary Teacher Award. Throughout her career, Vicki has consistently gone above and beyond to help every student reach their full potential. Her […]

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For years, Vicki El-Halaby has inspired students, supported colleagues, and enriched the learning community at Pembina North Community School. It is with great pride that we recognize her as the recipient of the Exemplary Teacher Award.

Throughout her career, Vicki has consistently gone above and beyond to help every student reach their full potential. Her classroom is a place where learning is purposeful, engaging, and thoughtfully planned, reflecting the care and preparation she brings to each day. Despite a long daily commute, she is known for arriving early, ready to support her students with enthusiasm and positivity.

Vicki’s commitment extends far beyond her own classroom. She has been a trusted mentor to colleagues, generously sharing her expertise in developing Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and supporting inclusive education practices that help all students succeed. Her leadership in literacy education has also inspired staff and strengthened learning opportunities across the school.

Known for her professionalism, kindness, and collaborative spirit, Vicki is respected by students, parents, and colleagues alike. She encourages students to think independently and creatively while fostering a love of learning that will serve them throughout their lives.

As Vicki approaches her well-earned retirement, her legacy will be measured by the countless students she has inspired and the many educators she has supported. Her dedication and leadership have made a lasting impact on Pembina North Community School and will continue to influence the school community for years to come.

Congratulations Vicki!

Picture Left to Right: Teacher Vicki El-Halaby and Principal Robert Weiss

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Neerlandia Public Christian School celebrates Citizenship Award Recipients https://www.pembinahills.ca/our-division/news/neerlandia-public-christian-school-celebrates-citizenship-award-recipients/ Mon, 22 Jun 2026 22:15:28 +0000 https://www.pembinahills.ca/?post_type=divisionnewscpt&p=28725 Congratulations to the latest recipients of the Pembina Hills Citizenship Award from Neerlandia Public Christian School! Read about their awards: Sophie Fleming Sarina Strydhorst Nadine Visser Aria Wierenga Hendrik Wierenga Read stories about all the Citizenship Award recipients.

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Congratulations to the latest recipients of the Pembina Hills Citizenship Award from Neerlandia Public Christian School!

Read about their awards:

Read stories about all the Citizenship Award recipients.

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Citizenship Award Winner – Sophie Fleming https://www.pembinahills.ca/our-division/news/citizenship-award-winner-sophie-fleming/ Mon, 22 Jun 2026 22:12:35 +0000 https://www.pembinahills.ca/?post_type=divisionnewscpt&p=28713 The school board is pleased to present Sophie, a Grade 9  student at Neerlandia Public Christian School with the Citizenship Award in recognition of the positive contributions she makes in her school and community.  Sophie consistently demonstrates the qualities of an outstanding citizen through her kindness, honesty, and concern for others. She approaches every task […]

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The school board is pleased to present Sophie, a Grade 9  student at Neerlandia Public Christian School with the Citizenship Award in recognition of the positive contributions she makes in her school and community. 

Sophie consistently demonstrates the qualities of an outstanding citizen through her kindness, honesty, and concern for others. She approaches every task with a positive attitude and a commitment to doing her best, taking the time and care needed to achieve success.

Sophie is known for her welcoming and thoughtful nature. She is quick to lend a helping hand, listen to others, and ensure her classmates feel supported and included. Her genuine compassion and respect for others make her someone her peers feel comfortable approaching.

In addition to her kindness, Sophie is honest, dependable, and committed to doing what is right. Whether she is helping a classmate through a challenge or working toward her own goals, she leads by example with integrity and a positive spirit.

Through her caring attitude, strong character, and dedication to making others feel valued, Sophie helps create a warm and inclusive school community.

Congratulations, Sophie, on receiving this well-deserved Citizenship Award

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Citizenship Award Winner – Sarina Strydhorst https://www.pembinahills.ca/our-division/news/citizenship-award-winner-sarina-strydhorst/ Mon, 22 Jun 2026 22:12:16 +0000 https://www.pembinahills.ca/?post_type=divisionnewscpt&p=28717 The school board is pleased to present Sarina, a Grade 9  student at Neerlandia Public Christian School with the Citizenship Award in recognition of the positive contributions she makes in her school and community.  Sarina is a student who consistently demonstrates kindness, responsibility, and genuine care for others. She is always willing to lend a […]

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The school board is pleased to present Sarina, a Grade 9  student at Neerlandia Public Christian School with the Citizenship Award in recognition of the positive contributions she makes in her school and community. 

Sarina is a student who consistently demonstrates kindness, responsibility, and genuine care for others. She is always willing to lend a helping hand, whether that means assisting a classmate with an assignment or offering support to a friend who needs encouragement.

Her positive attitude and commitment to doing her best are evident in everything she does. Not only does Sarina work hard to achieve her own goals, but she also takes the initiative to help others succeed. She understands that a strong school community is built when people support one another.

Sarina is also known for her dependability and integrity. She approaches every responsibility with care and can be trusted to do what is right, even when it may not be the easiest choice. Her respect for others and her willingness to listen make her a valued friend and classmate.

Through her kindness, leadership, and commitment to serving others, Sarina makes a positive difference in her school community every day.

Congratulations, Sarina, on this well-deserved recognition.

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Citizenship Award Winner – Nadine Visser https://www.pembinahills.ca/our-division/news/citizenship-award-winner-nadine-visser/ Mon, 22 Jun 2026 22:11:59 +0000 https://www.pembinahills.ca/?post_type=divisionnewscpt&p=28532 The school board is pleased to present the Citizenship Award to Nadine Visser, a Grade 4 student at Neerlandia Public Christian School, in recognition of the positive contributions she makes to her school and community. Nadine shows a strong sense of responsibility in everything she does. She takes pride in her work and approaches each […]

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The school board is pleased to present the Citizenship Award to Nadine Visser, a Grade 4 student at Neerlandia Public Christian School, in recognition of the positive contributions she makes to her school and community.

Nadine shows a strong sense of responsibility in everything she does. She takes pride in her work and approaches each task with care, focus, and a positive attitude. When she is given a job, there is no doubt that it will be completed thoughtfully and thoroughly. She works independently, follows instructions carefully, and can always be trusted to see things through.

One of Nadine’s most admirable qualities is her determination. When she encountered a challenging math concept, she didn’t wait to be asked for help. Instead, she took the initiative to bring her work home and seek extra support. This kind of perseverance and “take-charge” attitude shows a level of maturity and commitment to learning that is truly impressive.

Nadine is also a very dependable member of our classroom community. She arrives each day prepared and ready to learn, quietly setting a strong example for those around her. While she may not always be the loudest voice in the room, her actions speak volumes. She is someone her classmates and teachers can rely on, every single day.

Nadine, thank you for your hard work, your integrity, and the positive example you set for others.

Congratulations Nadine!

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Citizenship Award Winner – Hendrik Wierenga https://www.pembinahills.ca/our-division/news/citizenship-award-winner-hendrik-wierenga/ Mon, 22 Jun 2026 22:11:40 +0000 https://www.pembinahills.ca/?post_type=divisionnewscpt&p=28528 The school board is pleased to present the Citizenship Award to Hendrik Wierenga, a Grade 4 student at Neerlandia Public Christian School, in recognition of the positive contributions he makes to his school and community. Every morning, Hendrik arrives at school with a positive and enthusiastic attitude. While others may still be waking up, he […]

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The school board is pleased to present the Citizenship Award to Hendrik Wierenga, a Grade 4 student at Neerlandia Public Christian School, in recognition of the positive contributions he makes to his school and community.

Every morning, Hendrik arrives at school with a positive and enthusiastic attitude. While others may still be waking up, he is ready to begin the day and engage in learning.

Hendrik demonstrates strong academic commitment. When faced with challenges, he asks thoughtful questions and works to fully understand the material. He consistently puts forth his best effort, whether completing math problems or working on writing assignments.

He is also a dependable and responsible member of the classroom. Hendrik completes his assigned tasks efficiently and without reminders. He takes pride in helping maintain an organized and respectful learning environment and can be relied upon by both teachers and peers.

In addition, Hendrik treats others with kindness and respect. He values individual differences and encourages his classmates. When others need support, he offers help with a positive and cooperative attitude, contributing to a welcoming and inclusive classroom.

Hendrik’s strong work ethic, reliability, and consideration for others make him an excellent role model. We are proud to present him with the Citizenship Award.

Congratulations Hendrik!

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Citizenship Award Winner – Aria Wierenga https://www.pembinahills.ca/our-division/news/citizenship-award-winner-aria-wierenga/ Mon, 22 Jun 2026 22:11:22 +0000 https://www.pembinahills.ca/?post_type=divisionnewscpt&p=28721 The school board is pleased to present Aria, a Grade 5 student at Neerlandia Public Christian School with the Citizenship Award in recognition of the positive contributions she makes in her school and community.  Citizenship is demonstrated through kindness, integrity, respect, and a genuine concern for others, and Aria exemplifies these qualities every day. Her […]

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The school board is pleased to present Aria, a Grade 5 student at Neerlandia Public Christian School with the Citizenship Award in recognition of the positive contributions she makes in her school and community. 

Citizenship is demonstrated through kindness, integrity, respect, and a genuine concern for others, and Aria exemplifies these qualities every day.

Her classmates describe her as someone who is always willing to help. Whether assisting a friend with a difficult math problem, helping someone spell a challenging word, or offering ideas when a classmate feels stuck, Aria quietly supports those around her without seeking recognition.

She is also known for her honesty and trustworthiness. Her peers know they can count on her to tell the truth, respect private conversations, and do what is right, even when it may be difficult.

Aria shows great respect for others. She is sensitive to the needs of her classmates, giving them space when they need it and treating everyone with patience and kindness. When she makes a mistake, she takes responsibility and works to make things right.

What stands out most is her concern for others. If she notices someone having a difficult day, she checks in with them. On the playground, she includes students who are alone and makes sure no one feels left out. Though naturally quiet, she demonstrates remarkable courage by reaching out to students of all ages to offer friendship, encouragement, and support.

Perhaps the strongest endorsement of Aria’s character comes from her classmates. When asked who best represented the qualities of citizenship, her peers unanimously chose Aria. Their admiration for her kindness, compassion, and integrity speaks volumes about the positive impact she has on her school community.

Congratulations, Aria, and thank you for making Neerlandia Public Christian School a more caring, welcoming, and respectful place for everyone.

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Barrhead Composite High School celebrates Grade 12 Citizenship Award Recipients https://www.pembinahills.ca/our-division/news/barrhead-composite-high-school-celebrates-grade-12-citizenship-award-recipients/ Mon, 22 Jun 2026 20:45:41 +0000 https://www.pembinahills.ca/?post_type=divisionnewscpt&p=28693 Congratulations to the latest recipients of the Pembina Hills Grade 12 Citizenship Award from Barrhead Composite High School! Read about their awards: Haven Vander Hoek Keira Butler Read stories about all the Citizenship Award recipients.

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Congratulations to the latest recipients of the Pembina Hills Grade 12 Citizenship Award from Barrhead Composite High School!

Read about their awards:

Read stories about all the Citizenship Award recipients.

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Keira Butler receives Grade 12 Citizenship Award https://www.pembinahills.ca/our-division/news/keira-butler-receives-grade-12-citizenship-award/ Mon, 22 Jun 2026 20:40:45 +0000 https://www.pembinahills.ca/?post_type=divisionnewscpt&p=28681 The school board is pleased to present Keira, a student at Barrhead Composite High School, with the Grade 12 Citizenship Award in recognition of her responsibility, leadership, and commitment to serving others.  Keira consistently demonstrates responsibility both in and out of the classroom. In Portrait Photography, she manages client relationships from start to finish, ensuring […]

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The school board is pleased to present Keira, a student at Barrhead Composite High School, with the Grade 12 Citizenship Award in recognition of her responsibility, leadership, and commitment to serving others. 

Keira consistently demonstrates responsibility both in and out of the classroom. In Portrait Photography, she manages client relationships from start to finish, ensuring each person feels comfortable, respected, and confident throughout the process. Her professionalism, attention to detail, and willingness to take on additional work reflect a strong sense of accountability and pride in her work.

She is also deeply committed to supporting others. After a knee injury prevented her from playing basketball, she chose to remain involved as a team manager, helping coaches, supporting players, and encouraging her teammates. Her dedication shows that leadership is not always about being on the court—it is about showing up for others when they need you.

Her determination extends to her future goals as well. Having been conditionally accepted to university with the dream of becoming a psychologist, she works hard academically while balancing multiple jobs to help make post-secondary education possible.

What truly sets her apart is her genuine concern for others. Whether supporting friends, coworkers, teammates, or even strangers, she takes the time to listen, encourage, and help. She also gives back to the community as a volunteer soccer coach, teaching young athletes not only the game, but the importance of kindness and sportsmanship.

Congratulations on receiving this well-deserved Citizenship Award. Your kindness, perseverance, and commitment to helping others have made a positive impact on your school and community!

Congratulations Keira!

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Haven Vander Hoek receives Grade 12 Citizenship Award https://www.pembinahills.ca/our-division/news/haven-vander-hoek-receives-grade-12-citizenship-award/ Mon, 22 Jun 2026 20:40:23 +0000 https://www.pembinahills.ca/?post_type=divisionnewscpt&p=28689 The school board is pleased to present Haven, a student at Barrhead Composite High School, with the Grade 12 Citizenship Award in recognition of the positive contributions she makes in her school and community.  Haven has consistently demonstrated what it means to care for those around her. Throughout junior high and high school, she has […]

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The school board is pleased to present Haven, a student at Barrhead Composite High School, with the Grade 12 Citizenship Award in recognition of the positive contributions she makes in her school and community. 

Haven has consistently demonstrated what it means to care for those around her. Throughout junior high and high school, she has been a trusted friend and source of support for classmates facing personal challenges. Whether helping a friend overcome anxiety, taking time to listen when someone needs to talk, or simply checking in to see how others are doing, she is always willing to be there for those who need her.

Her kindness extends beyond words. When she learned that a classmate was regularly coming to school without a proper lunch, she took action and worked with her family to provide meals and support. These thoughtful acts reflect a genuine concern for the well-being of others and a desire to make a difference.

Haven is also committed to achieving her own goals. Inspired by a passion for helping people, she has chosen to pursue Educational Assistant dual-credit courses and is preparing for a future dedicated to supporting children and helping them reach their full potential.

What stands out most is her belief that success is measured by the positive impact we have on others. Through her actions, she has made her school a more caring and supportive place.

Congratulations on receiving this well-deserved Citizenship Award. Your kindness, empathy, and dedication to helping others make you an outstanding role model for the Barrhead Composite High School community.

Congratulations Haven!

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