April, 2025

March 31 - April 4, 2025

Good morning, Horizon.

I want to begin this week’s update with a moment of reflection. Sunday marked the seventh anniversary of the tragic Humboldt Broncos bus crash—a heartbreaking event that continues to echo through our communities, our province, and beyond. It impacted so many of us across Horizon, and the resilience of our students, staff, and communities has been critical in our processes of dealing with the resulting grief and trauma.

I spent April 6 in Regina at a Sask Cup for 16U and 15U Women. Being surrounded by some of our student athletes, staff, and families was an uplifting experience. I was able to engage in numerous conversations with students, staff, and parents regarding matters related to our work in our Division. I value those times, and being around our Horizon community is a big reason why I enjoy leading referee development at championships such as this.

April 7 has also become a day of hope and action. It is now known as Green Shirt Day, in honour of Logan Boulet and the legacy he left through organ donation. The Logan Boulet Effect has inspired thousands to register as organ donors and to talk with their loved ones about their wishes.

Congratulations to Danny Hiscock

Congratulations to Student Counselor Danny Hiscock, who has achieved Master Level Instructor status in Nonviolent Crisis Intervention. This is a rare and distinguished accomplishment. Out of more than 39,000 Certified Instructors worldwide, only 779 have earned this designation since it was established in 2011. This achievement speaks volumes about Danny’s expertise, commitment, and care.

Over the past 16 years, Danny has:

Taught 51 classes
Led 446 hours of training
Supported the learning of 808 participants

His work has significantly advanced our shared commitment to a safe and caring learning environment in Horizon. Danny, thank you for your continued dedication to supporting the well-being of our students and staff. Please join me in congratulating Danny on this well-deserved recognition!

Collective Bargaining Agreement

As you know, a new provincial collective agreement was reached and signed by both the Government-Trustee Bargaining Committee and the Teachers’ Bargaining Committee last week. The agreement, effective retroactively from September 1, 2023, to August 31, 2026, brings certainty for teachers, students, and families across Saskatchewan.

We have begun the process of addressing the rate increases for our professional teaching staff and April pay will reflect these adjustments. Our Finance and Human Resources departments are actively working with our payroll company to figure out processes that will expedite the backpay. I don’t have a timeframe for this, but we will get this work done as quickly as we can.

Directors’ Leadership Team

Our DLT was honoured to gather for a powerful day of learning and reflection focused on Indigenous education on Monday. The day began with a smudge circle outdoors, followed by opening words from Elder Stuart Bitternose. We were deeply moved by keynote speaker Barry Shingoose, who shared Star Lodge Teachings that grounded our learning in Indigenous ways of knowing.

Throughout the day, staff engaged in collaborative conversations and sessions that revisited key Leading to Learn signposts, explored outdoor education, reviewed survey findings, and examined the differences between involvement and engagement in our communities. We ended the day celebrating progress and reaffirming our commitment to reconciliation and inclusive education. Thank you to Bryan McNabb and his team of staff and principals who presented throughout the day, and DLT participants for your contributions to this important work.

Saskatchewan Distance Learning Centre

On Tuesday, we met with the Saskatchewan Distance Learning Centre (SaskDLC) to review key updates and plan ahead for the coming school year. Joining me from the division were Superintendent of Learning Trish Maxwell, Jeremy Rolheiser, who will be Superintendent following Trish’s retirement this summer, and myself. SaskDLC was represented by CEO Darren Gasper and staff from their education and business offices.

Discussions included completion data, invoicing, and supports for student success in guided learning. We explored updates to student programming, registration timelines, and Practical and Applied Arts (PAA) opportunities, including work placements. SaskDLC also gathered feedback on communication and operational processes, and we discussed steps to avoid duplicate credit enrolments. The meeting was a valuable opportunity to strengthen collaboration and ensure continued support for students.

Provincial Directors Meeting

Directors of Education from across Saskatchewan gathered in Saskatoon on Wednesday afternoon prior to the SSBA conference. We engaged in discussions related to topics of concern and challenge in our sector and ended our meeting in discussion with Ben Grebinski, executive director of LEADS.

Saskatchewan School Boards Association

The Saskatchewan School Boards Association (SSBA) held an Indigenous Council Meeting on Wednesday afternoon, followed by an Indigenous Constituency Meeting for Indigenous Trustees who are members. As always, Horizon was very well represented at both meetings.

The SSBA’s Spring Assembly on Thursday and Friday was an excellent opportunity for trustees from across Saskatchewan to meet and collaborate. Keynote speaker Nina Bamberg delivered a thought-provoking address on crafting policies that support students thriving in an artificial intelligence-driven future.

The agenda also included an update on the Provincial Education Plan, remarks from education sector leaders, and sessions focused on governance, collaboration, and learning from each other. Trustees participated in valuable networking discussions, explored timely topics such as school food policy and the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code, and reflected on strengthening the board-CEO relationship. The event concluded with a renewed sense of purpose and connection as trustees continue to support students and school communities across the province.

Early Learning Event - Dr. Sarah Aiono

We have an incredible opportunity coming up in Humboldt with Dr. Sarah Aiono, renowned early years educator and advocate. Dr. Aiono will share insights into how early years education strengthens communities. Please join us for an engaging evening of conversation, learning, and connection. The event is free and open to the public, but we do ask that you register in advance at tinyurl.com/DrAionoHumboldt. Thanks to Trish Maxwell and her team for spearheading this event! See the full event poster: Dr. Aiono May 12 Event Poster

Lanigan School Update

An update on the move-in plans for the new Lanigan School was shared with families, SCCs, and staff this past week. Unfortunately, inspections identified the need for an upgrade, and changes to the smoke detection system are underway. This has delayed our original move-in timeline.

Plans are in place for classroom materials to be moved in stages this spring, with students visiting the new school ahead of the transition. Lanigan Elementary and Lanigan Central High SCCs will continue through the 2024-25 school year, coming together in June to form a united SCC for the new PreK-12 school. We are also pleased to announce that Jeff Stroeder will serve as principal, and we welcome Marci Bergen and Teri Herman to the Directors’ Leadership Team as vice principals.

Archery District Championship
The HCAA Archery District Championship took place this weekend at Watson School, and I am pleased to share that the event was a great success. Congratulations to all participating athletes, coaches, and schools for your dedication and sportsmanship.

A special congratulations goes out to our six individual champions and two team champions:

Senior Boys – Matthew Kurtz (Ituna)
Senior Girls – Julianna Beer (Raymore)
Junior Boys – Kody Riedel (Ituna)
Junior Girls – Ella Altermatt (Englefeld)
Bantam Boys – Landon Norleen (Raymore)
Bantam Girls – Clover Matheson (Englefeld)
Team Champions – Junior/Senior – Ituna
Team Champions – Bantam – LeRoy

Well done to all our athletes for representing your schools and communities with pride.

Have a great week, everyone.

-Kevin

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

Director of Education/CEO

Horizon School Division No. 205

[email protected]

@kevingaringer

April 7-11, 2025

Good morning, Horizon.

The world outside looks a lot different than it did just a week ago! With the snow melting and the sun finally shining, it’s certainly a welcome change. I won’t jinx it by saying too much more — but I’m definitely happy to see more grass than snow!

Directors’ Leadership Team

The Directors’ Leadership Team held a virtual meeting on Monday morning to discuss several key items on the agenda. Topics included the Collective Bargaining Agreement, staffing, and the discontinuation of provincial examinations, upcoming high school graduations, and many other important updates. Thank you to all who contributed to a productive conversation focused on supporting student learning and staff success. Immediately following the DLT meeting, the senior leadership team remained for our weekly check in order to follow up on several important initiatives in our system.

Celebration Day Lunch - Winston High

Big thanks to Principal Terry Braman and all at Winston for the warm welcome on Monday! Board Chair Garth Anderson and Trustee Jennifer Lemky joined staff for lunch, while Division Office staff helped supervise the noon hour. The visit wrapped up with students and staff enjoying a celebratory slice of celebration cake together.

Lanigan School

Following lunch in Watrous, we met in Lanigan for a tour of the new school. Joining us from the Board were Garth Anderson and Mark Fedak, along with a number of staff from the division office. The school is looking amazing, and we appreciate the chance for an updated tour.

As the end of the school day came to a close, staff from both schools were able to enjoy a tour of the school in preparation for moving to the new facility in May. Our initial plan would have seen us starting in the new facility right after the Easter break. However, due to a fire safety code interpretation, we have had to push our start date to right after the long weekend in May. With the opportunity to see their learning spaces, teachers and support staff are in a good position to plan for what should be moved over the last 6 weeks of school and what should be stored until August.

Board Agenda Meeting

We held our Board agenda meeting at Lanigan Elementary School following the tour on Monday afternoon, and we are all set for our April meeting this week. Table officers Garth and Mark joined Executive Assistant Marni Sogge, Communications Officer Jesse Green, and me to discuss the agenda items and ensure we have included all the necessary items for discussion, information, and decision-making.

Horizon Central Athletic Association (HCAA)

Tuesday afternoon, HCAA held their spring meeting to discuss the calendar for 2025-26. It was a meaningful chance to recognize the commitment of our volunteer coaches and look ahead to the Saskatchewan High School Athletic Association’s annual general meeting and awards. President Curtis Strueby ran the meeting along with other members of the executive, along with Student Activity Administrator Brian Grest. Likely the biggest discussion that took place was related to a conflict that happens every year during pre-district track. With issues between other sports like club volleyball impacting so many of our students’ abilities to compete in track, the committee discussed this matter in great detail. In the end, there is really only one solution that makes sense…to have a track that can house our district championships during any kind of weather, allowing us the ability to move this date back. I will discuss this more in the weeks and months ahead, as getting support for this initiative will be significant. For now, the dates have not changed for 2025, and the HCAA will continue their plans related to pre-district track.

On the topic of athletics, we are in the midst of both archery and badminton seasons. A special thank you goes out to all our coaches for their time and dedication to supporting student athletics. A particular shout-out goes to Coach Brandon Tkatch for his leadership in Ituna’s archery program this spring. With generous support from the Beaver Hills Wildlife Federation, the program received significant funding, and in a meaningful show of gratitude, Brandon and his students are hosting a supper in the Federation’s honour. Students will take the lead in preparing, serving, and running the event, with all proceeds going back to the Federation — a wonderful example of community spirit and student involvement.

Congratulations to all of our archery athletes on a fantastic season!

This year’s Archery District Champions:

Senior Boys: Matthew Kurtz (Ituna)

Senior Girls: Julianna Beer (Raymore)

Junior Boys: Kody Riedel (Ituna)

Junior Girls: Ella Altermatt (Englefeld)

Bantam Boys: Landon Norleen (Raymore)

Bantam Girls: Clover Matheson (Englefeld)

Junior/Senior Team: Ituna

Bantam Team: LeRoy

Well done, everyone!

Sask Central Hutterian School Celebration Day Lunch

We had our second Celebration Day lunch of the week, this time at the Raymore Hutterite Colony. The lunch was a little different, as the children eat with their families at lunchtime, so Trustee Cheryl Norleen and Superintendent of Learning Trish Maxwell along with Learning Coordinator Jeremy Rolheiser enjoyed lunch with Principal Chantelle Felton.

Staffing Update

It has been a busy few months already on the staffing front. Superintendent Cory Popoff and his staff of Manager Monica Arendt and Officer Sydney Knaus have been actively addressing staffing needs in schools and across the division. On Friday we set about hiring the Coordinator of Learning position. Once again, we had outstanding candidates for this important role in our system and more will be announced later this week. We were also able to finalize one of the last few admin positions I have been working with Cory and others to complete. An announcement will be forthcoming related to the principal position at New Horizon Colony School at Twin Creek Colony.

I know there is a lot more to do including addressing the 27 teaching positions that have sprung out of provincial bargaining. We will continue to look forward to our efforts to get these and all our positions filled prior to the end of May if at all possible