October, 2025

October 6-10, 2025

Welcome back from the long weekend, Horizon! I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving on Monday, and that time brought many moments of rest, reflection, and connection with those you care about. This season always reminds me of the importance of gratitude, both in our personal lives and in the work we do each day. As Melody Beattie once wrote, “Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more.” I am grateful for each of you, as collectively and collaboratively we hold the key to unlocking the great potential that lies in each of our children. Thank you for continuing to give your time, your heart, and your care to our students, our communities, and each other.

Directors’ Leadership Team

We began our week with a virtual Director’s Leadership Team meeting, where our superintendents and I shared key updates related to assessment, safety, instruction, staffing, and other priority areas. These conversations help ensure we remain aligned and focused as a system, and I appreciate the engagement and thoughtful contributions from leaders across our schools. Our shared commitment to student achievement, wellbeing, and safe & welcoming environments continues to guide our work.

Senior Leadership Team

Immediately following the DLT meeting, the Senior Leadership Team continued our strategic planning work, with a focus on deepening support for instructional leadership. This work is central to Horizon’s ongoing commitment to high-quality teaching and learning in every classroom, every day.

Canadian Association of School System Administrators

On Monday, I also participated in a virtual meeting of the CASSA Executive (Canadian Association of School System Administrators). This group brings together education leaders from across the country to discuss national priorities and support the ongoing professional growth of system leaders. It’s always valuable to connect with colleagues from other provinces and territories to share insights and strengthen our collective work.

Directors’ Meeting

On Monday afternoon, Saskatchewan’s Directors of Education met for the second provincewide meeting of the school year at Saskatoon Public Schools’ office. This year, I have the privilege of serving as co-chair of this group, alongside Ward Strueby, Director of Education for Holy Trinity Catholic School Division. It’s a role I’m honoured to take on, as it provides valuable opportunities to collaborate, share perspectives, and strengthen the work we do across our school divisions. The Deputy Minister of Education also met with us to discuss priorities from the Ministry, and we are always grateful to have LEADS Executive Director Ben Grebinski join us to provide updates from our professional organization. It was a positive and productive meeting, one that I believe will help foster even more meaningful dialogue to support the operations of all school divisions in Saskatchewan.

Provincial Education Plan

On Tuesday, I began the day with Superintendents Jacquie Bergerman and Jeremy Rolheiser in Saskatoon, taking part in the Provincial Education Plan Implementation Team Meeting. This team plays an essential role in supporting Saskatchewan’s Provincial Education Plan, helping to ensure alignment between provincial priorities and local actions.

CelebrateAg

Also on Tuesday, I had the pleasure of attending the CelebrateAg Networking Luncheon at Innovation Place in Saskatoon, held in honour of Agriculture Week in Saskatchewan. The event featured remarks from the Minister of Agriculture, a keynote presentation by Dr. Cami Ryan, and thoughtful discussions around the future of agriculture and food in our province and country. A highlight of the morning was seeing Horizon School Division’s own Sandra Hessdorfer receive the Farm & Food Care 2025 Champion Award. Sandra is not only a dedicated employee but a true advocate for agriculture and agricultural education. It was a proud moment to see her recognized in front of her family and colleagues for her leadership, passion, and the meaningful connections she builds between schools and the agriculture community.

Board of Education

Last week was also a busy one for several Board of Education committees. The Indigenous Liaison Committee, Joint Operations Committee, and Elections Committee all met, alongside an Agenda Meeting with our Table Officers. These meetings are essential to the ongoing work of the Board, providing time for in-depth discussion, planning, and coordination. Updates and outcomes from each of these committees will be shared at our upcoming regular Board meeting on October 15, 2025.

As we approach the middle of October, let’s hope this snow doesn’t stick and we can get back to some pleasant fall temperatures. I know there are still some crops to get in the bin, as well.

Have a wonderful week!

-Kevin

Kevin C. Garinger B.Ed., M.A.Ed., Ed.D. (Candidate)

Director of Education/CEO

Horizon School Division No. 205

[email protected]

@kevingaringer

October 13-17, 2025

Good morning, Horizon.

Last week was a shorter one, bookended by the Thanksgiving holiday on Monday and the Horizon Teachers’ Association Convention on Friday. These moments, both personal and professional, offered opportunities for reflection, gratitude, and growth.

This upcoming week, we celebrate Education Week across Saskatchewan, with the theme “Seeds of Learning, Roots to Success.” It’s a time to recognize the role education plays in shaping not only the minds but also the futures of our students. As the saying goes, “Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds that you plant.” Thank you for the many ways you plant those seeds each day—with care, intention, and hope for what’s to come.

Board of Education
Once again last week, I spent time at the table with our Board of Education. On Tuesday, morning, I travelled to Punnichy Community High to meet with Principal Heidi Linford. Heidi and her staff are making significant gains in supporting their students, incorporating so many exciting programs such as early childhood education. It allowed me to engage in conversation first-hand with her and VP Shane Watts.

When I returned, I joined a meeting of the School Community Council (SCC) Engagement Committee. The committee met to begin planning this year’s SCC Workshop. A sincere thank you to everyone who responded to the planning survey, as your input is helping us shape a professional development event that reflects the needs and interests of our school communities.

On Wednesday, the Board held its regular monthly meeting. These opportunities are an essential part of their governance work, allowing trustees to hear from me and other senior leaders so they can engage in meaningful dialogue, review key updates, and make decisions that help chart the course for our division's progress.

Annual Audit

On Thursday, I had the opportunity to meet with Nadine Gibney from MNP, auditor lead for our annual audit. It is always an excellent opportunity to meet with the auditors and discuss areas for consideration for their audit. As has been the case in the past, the Provincial Auditor is involved in our audit this year and they always have additional matters that need review.

Following the review, I travelled to Drake, Strasbourg, and Bulyea to meet with principals and to hear about the great things going on in our schools. Each administrator and staff member I spoke to was so grateful for the work that is happening in their school. In Drake, Principal Erin Richard talked about the great land-based learning opportunities that are being provided to our young people. In Strasbourg, Principal Kamille Lech took me on a tour of their developing outdoor learning spaces in front of the school. And in Bulyea, Principal Justine Wheeler took me on a tour of their agricultural area where she has five laying hens in a coop that was built by our student from Punnichy Community High School. This is typical of the exciting work happening across our system and I look forward to the next time I am in our amazing schools.

Standing Committee on Public Accounts

On Friday, Superintendent Justin Arendt and Manager of Facility Services Kam Kiland joined me in representing Horizon School Division at the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (PAC). The meeting was held at the Legislative Building in Regina. Alongside colleagues from the Ministry of Education and other school divisions, we responded to recommendations from the Provincial Auditor. Preparing for this session involved reviewing our progress on outstanding recommendations and submitting formal updates to the Committee. I appreciated the opportunity to highlight the work we’ve done to maintain safe, functional facilities across our school division and to share that all the recommendations from the Auditor were implemented.

In summary, I shared with Chair of the committee Trent Wotherspoon, the Provincial Auditor, and the rest of the committee, our appreciation for their work. There are many recommendations from the provincial auditor’s office for every sector in the province. In Horizon, we are always on a journey of continuous improvement and their recommendations help us navigate this journey. I have always said, you don’t have to be sick to get better, and these audits are a prime example of this belief.

Horizon Teachers’ Association

Also on Friday, members of the Horizon Teachers’ Association gathered for their regular convention. This annual event brings together educators from across the division for professional learning, collaboration, and connection. I was genuinely sorry not to be able to attend this year due to my obligation with the Public Accounts Committee in Regina. Still, I was grateful that our Board Chair, Garth Anderson, was able to bring greetings on the Board’s behalf and that Superintendent Jacquie Bergerman was able to step in for me and bring greetings. My sincere thanks to President Verna Lynn Gorrill and the HTA for organizing an outstanding event, including welcoming Olympic gold medallist Catriona Le May Doan as guest speaker. Thank you to all our teachers for your ongoing commitment to growth, student success, and excellence in the classroom.

Wishing you a great start to the week ahead.