Schools pitch program progress in the Pass

The Livingstone Range School Division (LRSD) gave an in-depth presentation to Crowsnest Pass council on April 15, showcasing the extensive programming, student engagement, and innovative educational initiatives taking place across the division’s three local schools and beyond.

The delegation included LRSD Board Chair Lori Hodges, Superintendent Darryl Seguin, and a large team of administrators and educators who each highlighted the many ways local students are thriving through unique learning opportunities and strong community partnerships.

“This is a beautiful place to live and work, and we try to capitalize on that with the different types of programs you’ve seen,” said Seguin, “We’re always looking for ways to build partnerships that can benefit our students.”

Principals from Horace Allen School, Isabelle Sellon School, and Crowsnest Consolidated High School shared updates on enrollment trends and specific school-based programming. While fluctuations in population remain a challenge, several of the schools have experienced recent boosts in new student registrations.

Horace Allen School Principal Elaine Garner noted that while enrollment varies year to year, her school welcomed 24 new students this year and continues to benefit from a growing pre-K program that helps young children transition into formal schooling.

She also shared stories about the school’s outdoor learning focus, community engagement, and goal-setting activities while highlighting a staff-led initiative called “Walk to Ottawa,” which modelled perseverance and determination for students.

At Isabelle Sellon School, Principal Marnie Davidson spoke about the school’s designation as a “Leader in Me” school, which focuses on cultivating leadership, culture, and academic strength among students. The school promotes student-led assemblies, cross-grade leadership projects, and frequent collaboration with Horace Allen and CCHS to create smooth transitions and a unified school community.

CCHS Principal Paul Pichurski emphasized the importance of career and academic planning from Grade 7 onward. With a wide variety of course offerings—from trades and fine arts to outdoor pursuits—CCHS aims to give students the tools and guidance they need to succeed in post-secondary education, the workforce, or trades.

“We are looking at program completion for them from the day they walk in,” said Pichurski, “Our goal is to help them discover where they want to be in six years and how we can support them in getting there.”

Eliza Grose, Off-Campus Coordinator, explained how students are gaining valuable job skills and high school credits through partnerships with 19 local businesses in the Pass. Through Alberta Education’s work experience and apprenticeship programs, students are able to get a head start in various trades, including millwright work and municipal services.

“My goal is to connect community and students to provide job development and learning credit opportunities,” said Grose.

Jason Clifton, LRSD’s Place-Based Learning Supervisor, presented on the growing success of Peaks Campus, an outdoor education facility in Crowsnest Pass that hosts hundreds of students annually and connects them with real-world, hands-on learning experiences in environmental science and community leadership.

Clifton highlighted the new PEAKS Collegiate project, which will allow students to earn high school and post-secondary credits in environmental sciences through a partnership with Lethbridge Polytechnic. The facility is being expanded with an atrium, science labs, and dormitory accommodations, all funded through a provincial grant.

“We’re becoming a leader in developing and delivering relevant, place-based experiential programming,” said Cliftonm “This is world-class education, and we’re just getting started.”

He also spoke about partnerships with The Nature Conservancy of Canada, Castle Mountain Resort, and local experts, which give students the opportunity to work on environmental restoration, scientific research, and community service projects.

Council members praised the delegation’s passion and commitment, with Councillor Lisa Sygutek noting, “You’re building future leaders who will one day lead this community in a very empathetic, kind, and intelligent way.”

Sygutek also encouraged the division to explore joint solutions with Alberta Health Services to address the critical shortage of nurse and teacher housing in the region.

“We may lose hospital privileges because we don’t have nurses; literally nowhere for them to stay,” she said, “Maybe there’s synergy between your organizations that could help address this housing crisis.”

Dean Ward echoed concerns about enrollment levels remaining flat despite community growth and asked about student retention. Seguin replied that LRSD has adapted to keep students by improving home-schooling and virtual learning programs, and by offering alternative pathways like dual-credit programming.

“We’re trying hard to make our programs more engaging and attractive so we keep those kids in our division,” said Seguin.

Council also praised the division’s food security efforts, made possible in part by a $75,000 donation from Northback. Superintendent Seguin noted that these programs are critical to helping students arrive at school ready to learn.

“With current economic conditions, we need to ensure students have full tummies when they come to school,” he said.

In closing, Board Chair Lori Hodges encouraged continued dialogue between the municipality and the school division and left behind information on becoming a school trustee ahead of the upcoming municipal elections.

Mayor Blair Painter thanked the delegation, stating, “What a great team of educators. It’s been a great insight into what’s happening with education in our community.”

Council members expressed unanimous support for continuing the annual update in future years.