Clearview Public Schools is starting the year with increased enrolment, the board of trustees heard during their Sept. 14 meeting.
According to the board meeting highlights, when school started in September there were 2,369 students enrolled, an increase of 89 students over 2021/2022 school year levels.
The largest increases were seen in Stettler Elementary School, with 22 students, Wm. E. Hay Secondary Campus, with 15 students, Erskine School, with 14 students, and Gus Wetter School, with 12 students.
Minister’s meeting
Clearview chair Guy Neitz and trustees Becky Scott, Greg Hayden, Erika Grice, along with superintendent Scott Leys, travelled to Red Deer on Sept. 12 for a meeting with Education Minister Adriana LaGrange.
“Trustees felt the meeting was positive and productive,” is noted in the meeting highlights sent out Sept. 15.
According to the highlights, Clearview’s trustees believe that Minister LaGrange understands the challenge of certification for Career and Technology Studies (CTS) and the increasing costs of supplies for those programs.
Other topics broached with the minister were rural transportation and the challenge of attracting new bus drivers and looking into funding for a “value-scoping” study of the Wm. E. Hay Secondary campus junior high wing.
Passing of Queen Elizabeth
Neitz acknowledged the passing of Queen Elizabeth, praising her honorable leadership and public service.
In recognition of the Queen’s passing, Clearview has lowered the flags at all schools to half mast until her funeral.
Clearview schools will observe a day of mourning on Sept. 19. Schools will remain open and staff and students will hold a moment of silence at 10 a.m.
International field trips
Clearview Public Schools trustees voted unanimously to once again accept proposals from schools for international field trips, deeming them a “valuable learning experience.”
Proposals will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis paying particular attention to political conditions in the destination country.
International field trips ground to a halt during the COVID-19 pandemic and this is the first time since 2020 that the board is again considering them.
Additionally, the board has approved Wm. E. Hay Secondary Campus French students for a trip to Quebec in May 2023.
Finally, Big Valley and Byemoor schools have received permission to keep planning a possible trip through Experience Canada Exchange, where Clearview students would visit a school in another Canadian jurisdiction for a week while students from those schools would be welcomed here.
Community engagement
Following the success of meetings with municipal governments earlier in 2022, Clearview is looking to now engage with local industry and business leaders.
The focus of the conversations would be on employment and pre-employment opportunities for Clearview students, including apprenticeship and work experience programs.
Clearview’s goal is to build new and ongoing relationships and partnerships with businesses within the region.
As well, Clearview hopes to meet with all regional municipalities again in the first half of 2023.