May, 2026

Good morning, Horizon.

As we move further into the spring season, there is a growing sense of excitement in our schools as we approach graduation and the many milestones that mark the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. This time of year offers a meaningful opportunity to reflect on how far our students have come, while also looking ahead to the possibilities that await them. As Henry David Thoreau said, “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.”

As we celebrate the outstanding achievements of our youth, we are also very aware of the challenges our region is facing due to the added moisture we have seen this spring. Many of our RMs and families in our farming areas are facing significant issues due to road closures and washouts. Some of our communities have and may continue to declare states of emergency. We will do whatever we need to in order to help manage this dire situation. We were to have a DLT meeting on Monday, but I have postponed it to the 11th to ensure principals are in their schools tomorrow so they can help support staff, students, and families as they navigate this critical time. If you have any concerns or issues with getting to work, please communicate directly with your principal or supervisor, and we will support you in whatever way we can. Times like these make me thankful to be part of a caring and strong community like Horizon. We will, as we always have, come together to ensure the care and safety of our communities and each other. 

Division Office

As usual, our Senior Leadership Team began the week with a meeting to share updates and prepare for upcoming meetings. These regular meetings are an important way for us to stay connected and focused on supporting student learning and well-being across Horizon. Following the meeting, we took time to celebrate our division office staff with April birthdays over a potluck coffee break. It was a welcome chance to pause and connect.  

Horizon Central Athletic Association

The Horizon Central Athletic Association held its spring meeting on Tuesday afternoon to review the past season, discuss upcoming events, and plan for continued opportunities that support student participation and growth through athletics. It was also an opportunity to celebrate HCAA coaches for their outstanding contributions to our young people and sport. 

Board of Education - Joint Operations Committee

The Joint Operations Committee, which oversees the partnership aspects of Humboldt Collegiate, met virtually on Thursday afternoon. Committee members from Horizon included Board Chair Linda Mattock and Trustee Melanie Craswell. They met with Greater Saskatoon Catholic School Trustees and staff to review financials, discuss shared priorities, and ensure the continued success of this important partnership. Staff joining me from my office were Superintendent of Finance Services Sarah Reding, Superintendent of Human Resources Cory Popoff, and Executive Assistant Marni Sogge.

2026-27 Budget

On Wednesday morning, I met with Sarah, Cory, and Assistant Superintendent of Finance Services Lori Washkowsky to review the potential staffing allocations for the 2026–27 budget, ensuring our plans align with Board and divisional priorities and support student learning across Horizon.

Student Mental Health Day

On Thursday, the Student Wellness Team hosted Horizon’s second annual Student Mental Health Day, where a group of Grade 7–12 students from almost every school in the Division came together for a day focused on well-being, connection, and learning. The day featured a resource fair and keynote presentations by Kyla Thompson and DJay McGrath, who shared powerful messages with students. Entertainment was provided by Matt Gore, known as “The Ginger Ninja,” adding an engaging and memorable element to the day.

Thank you to everyone who participated and those who organized the event, including the Horizon counselling staff, Superintendent Terry Leibel, and Coordinator Darlene Popoff. Thank you to our keynote speakers and entertainer, and to the many partners who contributed to the resource fair. Your collective efforts helped create a supportive and impactful experience for our students. A number of our trustees were able to attend as well, and I certainly thank them for making the day a priority in their busy lives.

Humboldt Public School

Executive Director Sean Chase, Director Stephanie Casper, and Consultant Rosemarie Gress from the Ministry of Education’s Student Achievement and Supports department visited Humboldt Public School on Thursday afternoon. Humboldt Public assigned a Specialized Support Classroom for the 2025-26 school year, and Sean and his team took the opportunity to visit and see the excellent work happening at HPS as part of the program. 

I was joined by Superintendent Jacquie Bergerman, Coordinator Darryl Dickson, and Superintendent Jeremy Rolheiser, as Principal Paul Strueby and Vice Principal Jennifer Showers toured the group through the school, focusing on the classroom. 

New Training Facility

On Friday morning, I attended a formal announcement at the new location of the Government of Saskatchewan, BHP, and Carlton Trail College along Highway 5. The event marked a significant milestone for the region, with the announcement of a multi-million-dollar investment to support the development of the new BHP Technical Training Centre in Humboldt.

This new centre will expand Carlton Trail College’s existing campus and play an important role in preparing the next generation of skilled workers. It is encouraging to see such strong collaboration between government, industry, and education, and the lasting economic and learning opportunities this investment will bring to our communities. We look forward to updates on the renovations and the facility’s opening scheduled for fall of 2027. 

Celebration Day Lunch
Trustee Melanie Craswell joined me at Schell School’s celebration day lunch on Friday. Staff enjoyed a well-deserved meal while Superintendents Jacquie Bergerman, Terry Leibel, Cory Popoff, and Coordinator Darryl Dickson supported supervision. Thanks to Executive Assistant Marni Sogge, Administrative Assistants Kim Loose and Shelley Schell, and our work experience student from Carlton Trail College, Christine Tschetter, who made sure the lunch and celebratory cake were organized! We were warmly welcomed and appreciated the hospitality of Schell’s wonderful school community.

Graduations

This past Friday marked the beginning of celebrations for Horizon’s Class of 2026, with graduation ceremonies at Lake Lenore and Winston High schools. It was wonderful to see students recognized for their accomplishments and to share in this important milestone alongside families, staff, and community members.

Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall Scholarship

Congratulations to Minh (Tien Nguyen Hanh) Nguyen from Wakaw School, who was awarded the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall Scholarship for his leadership and commitment to education, school, and community. We wish Minh the very best!

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 afternoon, everyone. 

Welcome back from a beautiful weekend. I think it is safe to say that we are on the home stretch of the school year, but that certainly does not mean things are slowing down. There is still so much learning, celebration, and activity happening across Horizon in the weeks ahead, and it is always one of the most rewarding times of the year to see our schools so full of energy and accomplishment.

This past weekend in Edmonton was a profound reminder of the beautiful cycles of life. As I enjoyed time with two of my sons and their significant others, I also rejoiced with my oldest son and his wife as they prepare for the next chapter in our family story with the impending birth of a baby boy in early September. Mother’s Day is about to take on an exciting new dimension for them and for all of us. With that anticipation and deep regard, I extend a truly heartfelt Happy Mother’s Day to every mother and surrogate mother across Horizon and beyond. The bond a mother shares with her children is timeless. No matter how many years pass or how old we become, a mother remains a source of strength, guidance, and unconditional love that is critical to her children's lives and the fabric of her family. To those who nurture, lead, and love with everything they have, thank you for all that you do.

Having recently turned 58, you expect to have many of the answers. And yet, while I was rejoicing this Mother’s Day Sunday, I also found myself in a quiet space that I’ve never occupied before…my first Mother’s Day without my mom. For anyone who has experienced this first, you understand the hollow ache that comes with the realization that her warm voice and reassuring touch have transitioned from a regular part of reality into a memory that must be worked at to hold on to. I have heard it said that it is a profound shift to go from being someone's child to being the keeper of their legacy. I now have a deeply personal understanding of that perspective. 

As we head into this new week, that loss brings a sharp clarity to the work we do in Horizon. For many of the children walking into our classrooms this morning, you become the primary source of that “reassurance”. You are the steady, kind, and fair presence they rely on when their own worlds feel uncertain. In every decision you make and every bit of warmth you extend, you are a transition person for them. Thank you for taking on this vital role with such heart. You aren’t just teaching or supporting, you are truly making the world a softer, better place for our students.

Humboldt & Area Guardian Angels

On Monday, I had the pleasure of attending the Humboldt & Area Guardian Angels' annual general meeting to share a little about Horizon and the work underway in our schools and communities. The Guardian Angels is a dedicated group of volunteers who knit, crochet, and sew beautiful handmade items for those in need, and their generosity has supported our Christmas Hamper project for many years. We are incredibly grateful for the care and compassion they continue to show to families across Horizon, and I appreciated the opportunity to thank them personally and spend time with the group during their AGM.

2026-27 Budget

On Tuesday morning, I met with Superintendents Sarah Reding and Justin Arendt, along with Assistant Superintendent Lori Washkowsky, to review next year’s budget for Horizon’s operational services needs. A great deal of discussion takes place at these meetings, as every line item is reviewed to ensure we prepare budget considerations for the Board’s review that align with the priorities they have established.  

Canadian Association of Principals

This year’s Canadian Association of Principals conference, themed as “Growing Leaders, Growing Communities”, was held in Regina. I was able to join the event on Wednesday and part of Thursday with some of our Horizon administrators, and enjoyed the excellent collaboration and learning, including keynote speakers such as Saskatchewan’s Katie White, who is an award-winning author, coach, and education consultant who has worked with our DLT and teachers in Horizon. I appreciated CAP's invitation to attend as a member of the executive of CASSA, the Canadian Association of School System Administrators. 

Celebration Day Lunch

Annaheim School’s Celebration Day lunch was held on Thursday, with Board Chair Linda Mattock and me joining staff for a meal while Superintendents Cory Popoff, Jacquie Bergerman, and Terry Leibel, and Inclusive Education Coach Jolene Gullacher stepped in to supervise the lunch hour. Congratulations to everyone at Annaheim School. Thank you to Principal Karma Knittig, her staff, and students for the warm welcome, and thank you to the team from the division office for organizing lunch and cake for everyone. 

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