Division Office ~
Board approves new policy – A Place for All, Policy 30
Pembina Hills has always prided itself on providing a safe and caring environment for all students. The belief that every student and staff member within the Division has the right to learn and work in spaces that promote equality, dignity and respect has been a key priority for the organization. At its October 30, 2024 meeting, the Board of Trustees approved a new policy, A Place for All – Policy 30.
“We believe that diversity strengthens our communities and that everyone deserves a supportive environment to realize their fullest potential. By fostering a culture of respect, empathy and understanding, we can create schools where all individuals feel valued and have equitable opportunities to thrive and succeed.” ~ Chair David Truckey
Drawing from important legislative frameworks including the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Canadian Human Rights Act, the Alberta Human Rights Act, and the Education Act, this policy stresses that every person within the Pembina Hills community must be protected from harassment, discrimination, violence and any threats while engaging in school-related activities.
This policy stresses that every member of each school community plays a part in ensuring that no one is targeted based on race, religion, culture and language, colour, gender, gender identity, gender expression, physical characteristics, neurodiversity, age, ancestry, place of origin, marital status, income source, family status, self-identification or sexual orientation.
Trustees look forward to discussing this new policy with School Councils in the coming months.
Communications Assurance Report
Pembina Hills is committed to enhancing communication with parents and guardians through various digital tools. Online platforms, like PowerSchool, streamline important tasks such as registration, consent forms and payment processing.
School Messenger has also proven effective for promptly sharing updates with families via email, phone, and text messages. Additionally, a new absence-reporting tool, SafeArrival, has been launched at most community schools, enabling parents to report student absences easily and securely online or through a dedicated phone number.