May, 2025

April 27-May 2, 2025

Good morning, Horizon!

I hope you had a wonderful Easter and a great first week back. These final weeks of the school year are always a busy and exciting time, filled with field trips, celebrations, graduations, and the many moments that mark the end of another successful year. As we head into this season of reflection and recognition, I am reminded of Paulo Coelho’s words: “Teaching is only demonstrating that it is possible. Learning is making it possible for yourself.” Thank you for the role each of you plays in inspiring students to believe in what’s possible, and for helping them make it their own.

Following a busy week leading up to Good Friday and spending time in Regina engaged with a number of our students, parents, and families at the final Sask Cup of the year, I headed to Creighton, SK, to provide care for my dad (and mom) during his recovery from open heart surgery. I was grateful to have that time with them and to lend a helping hand where I was needed. Like some of you who have older parents, we become what some call the “sandwich generation”, where we are still providing support for our adult children, but we are also providing much-needed care for our parents who are getting older. The odd time my thinking wanders off to the “have-to-dos”, I remind myself that I GET to provide this care. So many, young and old, do not have their parents, so I will remain grateful. Like almost everything in this world, we have the ability to choose our weather and often to choose what we do. I will choose to be happy and thankful for what I have…it is a far better place and far healthier place to be. I know I have great examples of this life lesson when I observe each of you.

Administrative Professionals Day

Wednesday marked Administrative Professionals Day—a time to recognize the incredible administrative staff who help keep our schools and offices operating each and every day. Whether it’s managing the front desk, coordinating schedules, or supporting staff, students, and families behind the scenes, your work makes a difference. Thank you for your dedication, your care, and the many ways you help our school communities thrive. Your professionalism and positivity set the standard for excellence in our workplace. We are far better because of you. Happy belated Administrative Professionals Day!

Senior Leadership Team

We began this past week with a senior leadership team meeting—a valuable opportunity to align our focus, reflect on key priorities, and prepare for the days ahead. A portion of our discussion was centred around the budget and our plans for addressing the Board’s vision. However, we also had a meaningful discussion related to flag protocols and ensuring that the work in our schools continues to address the needs of all our children and youth while recognising the importance of the meaning of flags.

Canadian Association of School System Administrators (CASSA) Executive Meeting

On Monday, I joined the CASSA executive board meeting virtually in my role as the western representative to the American Association of School Administrators (AASA) and executive member of CASSA. This was our final meeting ahead of the annual general meeting taking place this summer. I value this work and these opportunities to connect with colleagues from across our country and continent.

Budget 2025-26

This week, I worked closely with Superintendent of Finance Services/CFO Sarah Reding and our senior leadership team to develop Horizon’s budget. We’re preparing to present a preliminary version to the Board in late May for their review and approval, ahead of submitting the final plan to the Ministry of Education. This year again, having spent time working together with the Board during our budget priorities meetings, we were able to understand quite clearly what the will of the Board is in relation to our budget. These processes allow us to get out of the gate much faster as it relates to our human resource needs.

Throughout the process, we have always engaged with principals to understand the needs of staff and the general needs of their schools, whether related to staffing, resources, transportation, or facilities. These conversations are essential to ensuring our budget reflects the realities in schools and allows us to respond in thoughtful, effective, and efficient ways.

Saskatchewan Student Assessment

A points-of-contact update meeting for the Saskatchewan Student Assessment initiative was held on Wednesday, continuing the work to develop a provincial assessment plan aligned with Saskatchewan’s student learning priorities.

Significant progress has been made across the education sector in preparation for this work. We’re grateful to Superintendent Trish Maxwell, her learning team, and the Horizon teachers who stepped forward to contribute—your dedication is deeply valued.

Kelvington School

Work continued last week to prepare for the upcoming consolidation of Robert Melrose Elementary and Kelvington High into the new Kelvington School. This included interviews for the vice principal position, who will join Principal Kim Nicholls on the school’s leadership team and the Director’s Leadership Team. I shared the announcement that KHS staff member Jill Semko has been named to the position. Jill is super excited about this appointment, and we look forward to bringing her passion and compassion to this leadership role. Congratulations Jill!

On the operational side, I joined Trustee Jim Lissinna, Superintendent of Operational Services Justin Arendt, and Manager of Facility Services Kam Kiland for a meeting with the Town of Kelvington’s mayor and council as we discussed future plans for the Robert Melrose building once the elementary program relocates. Kelvington will transition to one school for the beginning of the 2025-26 school year, and having had the opportunity to tour the building, it is undoubtedly getting a much-needed facelift. The school will be in the enviable position of having almost zero deferred maintenance following the construction. What was very clear in my observations and discussions was just how flexible and understanding the staff has been throughout the construction process. It is also very clear how incredible Miner’s Construction has been in managing our needs and the learning needs of our students during this busy time. Well done, everyone. In less than four months, we will be whole in Kelvington.

Smile Cookies

I ended the week spending the morning at Tim Horton’s with Communications Officer Jesse Green, Administrative Assistant Melanie Gray, and Superintendent Terry Leibel, putting smiles on the faces of cookies. Thank you to Jesse for setting up this opportunity and to Melanie and Terry for being such great contributors to this necessary project. It is such a busy time of the year for everyone, so I know we had a long list of others who would have stepped in to ensure this volunteer endeavour was done effectively. We also know that finding time in hectic schedules can be challenging, but giving back to organisations like the Hospital Foundation is very important.

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

May 5-9, 2025

Good morning, Horizon.

Last Monday was the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. I’d like to thank Admin Assistant Melanie Gray and Coordinator Kalie Hendry for setting up a display in the division office and helping to raise awareness about the national tragedy of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirited individuals. This day reminds us of the urgent need for justice, healing, and systemic change. As a division, we remain committed to reconciliation, truth-telling, and creating safe, inclusive spaces for all.

Also, last week was Mental Health Week in Canada, with the theme Unmasking Mental Health. The idea of “unmasking” refers to people feeling the need to hide their struggles, whether to protect themselves from judgment or simply to get through the day. It is a powerful reminder that we often don’t know what others carry beneath the surface. By creating space for honesty and vulnerability, we make it easier for people to show up as their whole selves. I know our schools will continue to support students, staff, and families with that same care and empathy you demonstrate every day. I know that many ways we support mental health are through our people, but education is truly a crucial mechanism to make the change we need to see. Curriculum supports like Project 11 and app-based hotlines like HelpME from StopIT Solutions are critical for our work to be successful. We are also exploring an excellent curricular connection to The Family Smartphone Guide, a copy of which is in each of our schools. When we combine human resources, research-based practice, and education, the sky is the limit on addressing this vital need in our schools and our world. And we couldn’t do any of that without our staff, so thank you for the work you do to create safe, supportive spaces for all!

Directors’ Leadership Team

On Monday morning, principals, vice principals, and senior leadership gathered virtually for a Director’s Leadership Team meeting. The agenda focused on critical areas such as student learning, wellness, transitions, and graduation rates. These regular online meetings offer meaningful opportunities to share perspectives, align our efforts, and reflect on where we’re headed as a leadership team.

Celebration Day Lunch at Humboldt Collegiate

On Monday, I joined Trustee Linda Mattock for Humboldt Collegiate’s Celebration Day lunch. We received a warm welcome, and staff enjoyed a shared meal while division office staff kindly stepped in to supervise the lunch hour. The celebration wrapped up with cake for the entire school. Congratulations to HCI, and thank you to Principal David Milette and the entire team for your hospitality and school spirit!

Budget

Superintendent of Finance Services/CFO Sarah Reding and I continued working with the senior leadership team this week to refine Horizon’s 2025-26 budget. We’re preparing to share a preliminary version with the Board, which is responsible for setting the division’s priorities and ultimately approving our approximately 111 million dollar budget.

Student Mental Health Day

A huge thank you to our dedicated Student Counsellors and Superintendent of Student Wellness, Terry Leibel, for hosting the Student Mental Health Day on May 6. Held at the Lanigan Community Hall, the event welcomed a handful of Grade 7-12 students from each school to participate in inspiring keynote presentations by Robb Nash and Michael Ball, personal stories from past Horizon students, interactive mindfulness exercises, and valuable workshops on emotional resilience and coping strategies. Students also enjoyed peer discussions, entertainment, a free pizza lunch, and received swag bags filled with mental wellness resources. We appreciate the commitment from all who made this day meaningful and helped us take steps toward building resilience, promoting awareness, and reducing stigma around mental health.

Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE)

On Wednesday afternoon, CUPE Local 4799 President Marie Moore and Vice President Carleen Theissing met with Superintendent of Human Resources Cory Popoff and me. This was the second meeting we have had in the last week and a half, and once again, it was an excellent opportunity for us to discuss matters of importance to both the Union and Horizon School Division and its employees.

Wynyard Elementary Playground Project

I had the pleasure of joining the excitement in Wynyard on Thursday as elementary students and staff celebrated a generous donation from Sofina Foods, bringing them significantly closer to their goal of a new addition to the school playground. We’re incredibly grateful for the strong support of local businesses and their investment in our school communities. A big thank you goes out to the local SCC, Principal Michael Jordan, and the staff of Wynyard Elementary for their efforts to bring this project to fruition.

Playground Funding

This announcement from the Government of Saskatchewan is great news. The new School Playground Equipment Grant will include $3.75 million in annual funding, and schools will be able to apply for up to $50,000 in matched funding to upgrade or build new playgrounds. The program will be delivered in partnership with the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association and is expected to open for applications in fall 2025. We will be sure to share more details, including eligibility and application criteria, as they become available. Although it is not going to fund an entire playground, it is certainly a much-appreciated addition to help our schools and SCCs on their path toward building a prominent structure for our children and students.

School Meetings and Lanigan Transition

I had the chance to travel to Englefeld, Lanigan, and Watrous at the end of the week to meet with principals at each location and spend time in some classrooms. I also had the chance to discuss a plan while at Lanigan that will allow teachers the time they need to get into their classrooms in the new Lanigan School starting Monday, so that students will begin learning in the school on May 20, 2025. The plan will mean that no instructional time will be lost in the transition to the new facility and that teachers will have time to set up their classrooms in anticipation of bringing in their learners.

It has been a long 5+ years since the project's announcement in Lanigan, and finally, we are all but ready to begin the next 50+ years in the new facility. We will still need to address abatement issues in both LES and LCHS, as well as the decommissioning of both facilities, but it is anticipated that we will complete all these stages by October of this year. On behalf of Trustee Mark Fedak and the Board, I want to thank our staff, students, SCCs, families, and communities for their patience throughout this project. Having a chance to tour the facility with Mark on Friday, I know the wait will be well worth it!