January, 2026

Good morning everyone, and welcome back. It is hard to believe we are in 2026. I almost neglected to change the date in the header. I guess it will take time to get used to writing 2026, as it did when it was time to write 2025 (and likely every year before that). 

I hope each of you found moments of rest, connection, and renewal over the Christmas break. Whether your holidays were filled with celebration, quiet reflection, or simply a change of pace, I am grateful to be welcoming you back as we begin a new calendar year together. 

For my family and me, this season was marked by profound loss. My mom passed away on December 16, and her absence is perhaps the most challenging realization I have had to rationalize. She suffered a stroke on November 4 and later that month was later flown by air ambulance from Flin Flon to Saskatoon due to complications. Throughout her battle, we held onto hope, supported by her inspiring efforts to win yet another health-related complication, and by the incredible care from medical professionals, which was truly second to none.

Having battled cancer six times, undergone double valve replacement and bypass surgery as a result of multiple chemotherapy treatments, and survived three prior strokes (TIAs), my mom was the very definition of resilience. Her strength, determination, grace, and love continue to inspire our family and those who knew her. 

Like any of you who have experienced the loss of a parent, I am learning how profoundly it changes you. It reshapes how you see the world, how you measure time, and how you understand love. Grief has a way of reminding us just how deeply relationships shape our lives, and just how fragile life truly is. Renowned author C.S. Lewis captured this truth powerfully when he said, “Grief is the price we pay for love.” While the pain of her loss is real and heavy, so too is the reminder of how fortunate we are to have loved deeply and have been loved dearly in return. But I have come to understand in my life that learning to live with a hole in your heart that will never heal is a process that only time has the ability to help with. There are many moments of significant sadness, but eventually, the wonderful memories of a remarkable life well-lived will help fill a small fraction of that hole. 

As we step into 2026, I do so with a renewed sense of purpose and gratitude for family, community, and the meaningful work we do together. Every day, you show up for children and youth in profound ways. You create safe spaces, spark curiosity, build confidence, and offer hope, often in moments when it is needed most. For these reasons, I am filled with optimism about what lies ahead for Horizon. Our priorities remain rooted in what we know truly makes a difference: strong teaching and learning, responsive support for our complex classrooms, inclusive and accessible environments where everyone belongs, and the well-being of both students and staff. Together, we will continue to strengthen Tier 1 practices, learn from one another, and build the collective capacity to ensure every child thrives. When we stay connected to our shared purpose and to one another, I am confident there is no limit to the impact we can have in realizing the Board’s vision and mission. I am grateful for your dedication and confident that, together, we will make 2026 a year of growth, possibility, and meaningful progress for the children, families, and communities we have the honour to serve.

The start of a new year is always an opportunity to recommit to what matters most, to remember to extend grace to ourselves and others, and to approach our work with optimism and care. I truly hope that 2026 brings you health, joy, growth, and moments of pride in the difference you make every day.

Once again, thank you for the extraordinary work you do in supporting children, families, communities, and each other. It remains an honour to serve alongside each of you. I wish you a meaningful and rewarding 2026.

-Kevin

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

Director of Education/CEO

Horizon School Division No. 205

[email protected]

@kevingaringer

Good evening, Horizon.

As we step into 2026 together, I want to take a moment to reflect on the power of kindness, generosity, and community. Nothing captures that spirit better than our annual Christmas Hamper Project, which we wrapped up just before the break. This year, we supported 147 families and 368 children across the Division. Each child received items including a wrapped gift, a book, treats, personal hygiene items, and warm winter clothing, while every family received blankets, eggs, potatoes, and a grocery gift certificate to help with holiday meals.

The hampers also included an array of thoughtful in-kind donations: handmade quilts, knitted toques and mitts, children’s vitamins, hygiene items, fresh potatoes, and farm eggs. These weren’t just hampers, they were bundles of care, packed with love and generosity.

From the hand-decorated boxes by our students across our system, to the numerous volunteer gift wrappers, to the school groups, businesses, and individuals who gave their time, resources, and talents, it was truly a community effort. Volunteers from BHP, RBC, MNP, and our own students, staff, and trustees rolled up their sleeves to make sure each hamper was packed and delivered with the utmost care.

I couldn’t possibly name everyone who contributed, but please know that every single donation, every knitted item, every act of service was deeply appreciated. You’ve made a real difference for many families this season, and your generosity is a shining example of what it means to be part of Horizon. 

Expanding Capacity at Humboldt and Lanigan Schools
This week, the provincial government announced a $28.5 million investment in the 2025–26 Relocatable Classroom Program, which includes two new relocatable classrooms for Horizon. Currently, one portable is designated for Humboldt Public School, and one is for Lanigan School. The support is a timely response to our spring requests and reflects the ongoing needs related to growth in student enrolment in both communities. At Humboldt Public School, enrolment is nearing 400 students in a building designed for fewer than 350, prompting us to explore additional options with the Ministry. We will be continuing to look at additional needs related to expanded programming and washroom spaces. In Lanigan, the new school was planned with future growth in mind, and we’re now taking steps to accommodate that growth with the first addition of a portable. We’re grateful for the government’s responsiveness as we work to ensure safe and effective learning spaces for all students.

Senior Leadership Team

We began the week with a Senior Leadership Team meeting on Monday. It was an important opportunity to reconnect, reflect, and align our work to the Board’s goals for the coming months. I’m grateful to work alongside such a dedicated and thoughtful group of leaders as we continue to prioritize student learning success, student and staff wellbeing, and safe and welcoming schools.

Humboldt Early Years Family Resource Centre

On Tuesday morning, I met with CFO Sarah Reding, COO Justin Arendt, and Superintendent of Learning Jeremy Rolheiser to review plans for the Humboldt Early Years Family Resource Centre. As we look ahead to the centre's future, we’re exploring options to ensure its sustainability. The centre continues to be an important hub for our young families across Horizon, and we’re committed to ensuring it remains a welcoming and convenient space for the greater community.

Neinstein Law

On Wednesday morning, Superintendent of HR Cory Popoff and I spent a few hours in a meeting following my interview with Neinstein Law. Neinstein is leading the country in a lawsuit against Meta, Snapchat, and TikTok over challenges schools face with social media use. It was a great interview that a number of Horizon staff members had the chance to participate in. I had to cut my meeting with Cory short as I spent the afternoon with my father, who was undergoing a serious medical procedure in Saskatoon. 

Humboldt and District Museum and Gallery (HDMG)

On Thursday, I had the opportunity to attend a board meeting for the Humboldt & District Museum and Art Gallery. As a member of the board, it is always a valuable opportunity to connect with community partners and support continued collaboration between education and the arts. The museum and gallery provide meaningful cultural learning experiences for our students across the Division, and I appreciate the thoughtful discussions we have related to the work of the HDMG.

Board of Education - Audit Committee

The Board’s Audit Committee met on Thursday morning for a detailed financial and governance review. Committee members Jim Lissinna (Chair), Cheryl Norleen, Albert Pinacie, and Pamela Wintringham were joined by ex officio members Board Chair Linda Mattock and Vice Chair Mark Fedak. Joining me from my office were Superintendent of Finance/CFO Sarah Reding and Executive Assistant Marni Sogge. We reviewed the most recent financial reports and looked closely at several areas where we’ve seen increased expenditures and revenues.

Curling Canada

On Friday, I had the opportunity to spend some time in schools with our students and staff. I ended my day in Strasbourg, engaging with a couple of our students and families to score the student athletes in a curling event called Rockfest. It is a great way for students under 15 years of age to participate in a competition that requires them to take 12 different shots, each scored on a scale from 0 to 3. It was a lot of fun, and staff interested in doing it with our students can check it out on the Curl Canada website or connect with former Horizon teacher Dustin Mikush, Manager of Youth Development and Programming. Dustin is an amazing national-level resource living right in our system and is keenly interested in supporting the sport of curling in Horizon.

Finally, I want to take the opportunity to thank so many of you who shared your thoughts and condolences on the passing of my mom. Horizon is an amazing community with people who care about each other. Whenever acceptable, I’ve always tried to share the challenges that staff and families are facing, not for any other reason than there is such strength in community. I know there are many out there who are struggling deeply with challenges similar to those my family is facing, and I want you to know that you are never alone. 

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

Good morning, Horizon.

As we settle into the rhythm of a new calendar year, I’ve been reflecting on the quiet power of consistency; showing up each day, ready to support, guide, and care for our students. Even amidst the busyness and unpredictability of January, the beauty of teaching children remains. Education is, always was, and always will be the opportunity to be a steady, positive force in a young person’s life.

One quote that speaks to this so vividly for me is from renowned educator Rita Pierson, who said, “Every child deserves a champion, an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection, and insists that they become the best they can be.” It’s this spirit of connection and commitment that continues to guide our work across Horizon. Whether in classrooms or behind the scenes, the impact we have truly matters.

Directors’ Leadership Team (DLT)

We began the week with a virtual meeting of the Directors’ Leadership Team. This group includes principals and division leaders who play a vital role in leading our schools and departments. Our time together focused on key system updates related to final assessments, collaborative planning, and reinforcing the alignment between school-based priorities and our division-wide goals. Our meetings together continue to be an important space for shared leadership and ongoing communication across the division.

Senior Leadership Team (SLT)

The Senior Leadership Team, comprised of our superintendents and me, met to review operational matters, support emerging school needs, and monitor progress on our divisional priorities. These conversations help ensure we’re responding proactively and consistently to the evolving needs of our students, staff, and school communities.

Canadian Association of School System Administrators

Rounding out my Monday morning, I joined a virtual executive board meeting of the Canadian Association of School System Administrators (CASSA), where I represent Horizon and western Canada at the national level and international levels. CASSA is, in many ways, a cross-country forum that offers a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas, learn from one another, and grow professionally as system leaders. Joining educational leaders from across Canada, the conversations and learning provide fresh perspectives and reinforce our shared commitment to strengthening public education across North America.

Board of Education

Continuing the theme of meetings, I attended the Governance Committee meeting on Tuesday morning. Committee members Jennifer Lemky (Chair), Garth Anderson, Rhonda Kayseas, and Dana Stefanson, along with ex officio members Linda Mattock and Mark Fedak, met to address governance agenda items, including policy review. They were joined by staff members, Superintendent Sarah Reding, Executive Assistant Marni Sogge, and me. 

Following the committee meeting, Board Chair Linda Mattock and Vice Chair Mark Fedak joined Sarah, Marni, Communications Officer Jesse Green, and me to prepare the agenda for this week’s regular board meeting.

Finally, the Wall of Fame Committee, including Melanie Craswell (Chair), Irma Anderson, Paul Crow-Buffalo, Mary Ann Jones, and ex officio member Linda Mattock, met to select this year's nominee for the Wall of Fame. We are looking forward to celebrating the outstanding contributions of this year’s honouree and sharing their story with the wider Horizon community, including how education positively impacted their journey.

Budget Priorities

On Wednesday, the Board of Education and our Senior Leadership Team participated in a powerful Blanket Exercise led by Superintendent Bryan McNabb and Indigenous Instructional Coaches Amanda Moosemay and Patrick McNabb. We are so grateful to their team and to Elder Frieda from Day Star First Nation for starting our day off in a good way. With both first-time participants and those returning to the experience, the exercise once again served as a profound reminder of the complex and often painful history of Indigenous peoples on Turtle Island (North America). It was a meaningful opportunity to deepen our understanding, foster empathy, and continue our journey toward truth and reconciliation.

Following the exercise, the Board joined Sarah and me for the remainder of the day and evening to review and refine the Board’s budget priorities for the upcoming school year. This strategic planning session ensures that our financial decisions align with Horizon’s long-term goals and allows us to allocate resources in ways that best support students, staff, and school communities across the division.

Celebration Day Lunch

On Thursday, I joined Trustee Mark Fedak and Superintendents Cory Popoff and Terry Leibel, Coordinators Darlene Popoff and Darryl Dickson, Admin Assistants Kim Loose and Shelley Schell, and Marni for Muenster School’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 Muenster, and thank you to Principal Chad Hofmann and the entire school team for your hospitality and school spirit!

 

School Visits

On Friday, I had the opportunity to visit Cudworth and Wakaw schools and talk with principals about the opportunities and challenges faced by staff and students. I always appreciate my time in Horizon communities with our staff and students, as you are truly the reason I wake up every day loving my job. You are also the same reason I engage in volleyball officiating at the provincial and national level. It is really just an excuse to see our staff and parents and to watch our young people engage in an activity they are passionate about. It’s also uncanny how many former students of mine are with their children, engaging in sports. It was quite fun to reconnect Rulene Schulz from William Derby School (WDS), now a veteran principal in Regina Public, with another former WDS grad Dr Carla Norleen, a veterinarian working at the U of S. It is remarkable that I had the chance to connect these former students and to see the incredible adults and parents they have become.

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

Good morning, Horizon.

"Kindness is like snow; it beautifies everything it covers." -Kahlil Gibran

I hope you were able to stay safe and warm over the weekend as we continue to push through this bitter stretch of winter. January often asks a lot of us, both in terms of energy and resilience. But I am reminded daily of the steady dedication of our staff, families, and communities. Thank you for all you do to keep our schools welcoming, warm, and safe for students during these cold months.

Family Literacy Week
Usually, I am sharing what did happen in TWIH, not what is going to happen. However, I feel it is important to remind everyone about this important part of the week ahead. This week marks Family Literacy Week, with Family Literacy Day on January 27. Since 1999, this national initiative has encouraged families to read and learn together every day. The 2026 theme, “Make Mealtime Family Learning Time”, highlights simple, meaningful ways to build literacy through everyday routines. From writing grocery lists to following a recipe or sharing stories at the table, mealtime offers rich opportunities for connection and learning. You can find helpful resources and ideas through ABC Life Literacy Canada at abclifeliteracy.ca and I encourage you to check it out.

Senior Leadership Team
We began the week with a Senior Leadership Team meeting, where we took time to check in and align on our priorities for the weeks ahead. These regular touchpoints are essential to ensuring that our planning remains responsive and coordinated across the division.

Agriculture at Lanigan School

Later that day, I met with CFO Sarah Reding, COO Justin Arendt, Superintendent of Learning Jeremy Rolheiser, Manager of Facilities Services Kam Kiland, and Agriculture Education Officer Sandra Hessdorfer to review the updated funding agreement and discuss next steps for procuring and installing an agriculture growing system at Lanigan School. This project reflects a strong partnership with Nutrien and a shared commitment to hands-on learning opportunities for students. I look forward to sharing more in the weeks ahead.

Horizon Teachers’ Association (HTA) Liaison Committee

On Monday afternoon, I joined the Board’s HTA Liaison Committee, members of the HTA, and the Senior Leadership Team for a focused discussion on classroom complexity and teacher recruitment and retention. We explored what’s working, where challenges remain, and how we can continue to strengthen supports for students and staff. Horizon has made significant strides in these areas, including adding 27 classroom-complexity teachers and increasing educational assistant support across the division. Full details will be shared in the January From the Board newsletter.

School Meetings

I was able to get to a few schools on Tuesday, ending my day in Quill Lake. There is such important and incredible work happening in our schools by our staff and students, and it is always a great opportunity for me to spend that time with principals, staff, and students.

Board Meeting

On Wednesday, the Board held its regular monthly meeting. As planned, the meeting was held virtually, and trustees engaged in a productive day of discussion and decision-making in support of our schools and students. The meeting was managed effectively, and the Board's decision items were discussed effectively. I have been part of many virtual meetings, including regular meetings with the Directors’ Leadership Team, and this meeting went just about as smoothly as the Board could hope for. As always, we are dealing with technology, but the Board managed through it and addressed the matters as well as they could. 

Canadian Association of School System Administrators (CASSA)

Later in the week, I had the opportunity to attend the CASSA Winter Meetings, held in Toronto on Thursday evening, Friday, and Saturday morning. This annual planning session brings together system leaders from across the country, and provides the CASSA Board with time to review progress on its Strategic Plan and make updates as needed. As members of the organization, we spent a great deal of time considering the summer conference being held for the first time in Saskatoon, SK. It will be a great few days of learning and engagement in early July, focusing directly on the work of senior leaders in our country. 

We are starting to see some significant changes to our temperatures for the foreseeable future (in a good direction). I know we are not completely out of the deep freeze, but it is nice to have a break right at the end of January. 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

Good evening, Horizon.

I spent this weekend reflecting on how global challenges are impacting all of us. The world feels unsettled by conflict, uncertainty, and pain, both around and even here at home. With so many challenges stemming from leadership decisions worldwide, it feels especially important to stay grounded in what we know is vital: our children's futures. As renowned writer Morgan Harper Nichols reminds us, “No matter the uncertainties around you, may you choose to stay grounded in what you know is good and true.” We don’t have the ability to control what leads to the crises that dominate the headlines and weigh heavily on our families, communities, and ourselves, but we can control how we show up for one another and, most importantly, for our students. I have always known that our schools are places of stability, care, and hope. Every day, through your words, actions, and presence, you create environments where our children feel safe and cared for, and are capable of imagining a better future. Our work matters deeply, especially when the world feels anything but steady.

In saying all of this, staying grounded in our purpose does not mean ignoring the realities around us. It does mean responding to the feelings associated with these realities with compassion, professionalism, and resolve. It means remembering that education is, at its core, an act of optimism and belief in what is possible. In Horizon, our purpose is lived out in classrooms, hallways, buses, offices, and playgrounds where relationships are built, dignity is upheld, and learning continues even in difficult times. Thank you for the care, courage, and quiet leadership you bring to this work every day. Your commitment makes a difference not only for our students and families but for the strength and well-being of each other.

Senior Leadership Team
We began the week with a Senior Leadership Team meeting, where we took time to check in and align on our priorities for the weeks ahead. These regular touchpoints are essential to ensuring that our planning remains responsive and coordinated across the division.

Learning Improvement Plans

We rescheduled our Learning Improvement Plan (LIP) meetings this week to connect with school leaders to discuss student learning, explore data-driven strategies, and review the supports in place to enhance outcomes across Horizon.

Superintendents Jacquie Bergerman, Terry Leibel, Bryan McNabb, and Jeremy Rolheiser joined me at their assigned LIP schools to meet with principals and vice principals. Bridgette Millen, Coordinator of Learning, joined me for the meeting at Lakeside Colony School. We met with St. Brieux, Lake Lenore, Annaheim, Wynyard Elementary, Wynyard Composite, Quill Lake, Watson, William Derby, Bulyea Elementary, Nokomis, Drake, and Lanigan schools. As always, I want to thank school teams for the undeniable focus on learning outcomes and school improvement. 

Horizon Teachers’ Association (HTA)

On Tuesday afternoon, I met with HTA Liaison President Verna Lynn Gorrill to review several items, including an early discussion regarding next year’s school calendar. I always appreciate the opportunity to connect and hear the HTA's perspectives on issues that impact our collective work.

Provincial Reading Screeners

On Wednesday afternoon, a meeting was held with several representatives from the Government of Saskatchewan to discuss the upcoming rollout of the Provincial Reading Screener tool. There has been an extensive review regarding the progress on acquiring the tools and a preview of the draft administration schedule for the 2026–27 school year. School divisions have been invited to provide feedback ahead of further discussions at the February Provincial Education Plan Implementation Team (PEPIT) meeting, which is scheduled for this week. I will share more information when things are finalized. 

Digital Citizenship, Safety & Wellness

On Friday, I met with Margot Denomme between LIP meetings. Margot was instrumental in the development of the resource that led to a curriculum that is being used in Horizon. Later, several Horizon educators participated in an interactive training session to introduce the Digital Citizenship, Safety & Wellness curriculum, a 10-module program designed to support digital literacy, online safety, and student well-being. The session provided an overview of the monthly modules and weekly lessons, demonstrated how to access resources through the Kikori platform, and outlined the support available to staff during implementation. We look forward to the continued implementation of this important resource across Horizon.

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