Framework for Enhancing Student Learning (FESL)
** click here to see the Framework Report that outlines the goals, strategies, targets, and resource allocations for student success in all areas.
Student Learning – Intellectual Development
District Speech Contest 2026
Individual
1st – Bentley Logeman – École Central – Why Nuclear Energy is Awesome!
2nd – Sophia Banks – CM Finch – Why I Want to be a Doctor
3rd – Mackenzie Fell – ARYES – How to be a Leader
Overall Team Aggregate Score
1st – ARYES
2nd – CM Finch
3rd – École Central
Student Learning – Human & Social Development
Classroom Champions
Melissa Tierney from Classroom Champions has provided the following update and report …
I am happy to share that many schools from SD60 signed up again. Here is a list of the signed up schools:
- Anne Roberts Young Elementary
- Alwin Holland Elementary
- Robert Ogilvie Elementary
- Duncan Cran Elementary
- Bert Ambrose Elementary
- Baldonnel Elementary
- Upper Halfway Elementary
- Wonowon Elementary
- Hudson’s Hope Elementary
Every school in the district has the opportunity to be mentored this year by a Classroom Champions Olympic or Paralympic athlete, guiding students in building SEL skills like perseverance, goal setting and leadership.
As a registered Canadian charity and thanks to the generosity and support of our sponsors and fundraising, all schools can access this program fully funded, at no cost to the school or district.
How can learning from an athlete improve grades?
Because it grows a child’s belief that they can work through something that is hard.
Students look up to these athletes as positive role models. Through Classroom Champions, they get to hear real stories of struggle, showing that these famous athletes are real people who have needed to develop skills to work through their own challenges.
So instead of your student throwing their pencil away when faced with a tough math problem, they are inspired to keep trying, just like their athlete mentor said they did after they crashed in front of the whole world racing to qualify for the last Olympics.
In partnership, Melissa Tierney, Canadian Outreach Lead
Classroom Champions – Hudson’s Hope Elementary Secondary School
Classroom Champions Celebration Day – Alwin Holland Elementary & Bert Ambrose Elementary
What an incredible day of learning, connection, and inspiration at our Classroom Champions Celebration!
We were honoured to welcome two-time Paralympic gold medalist Greg Stewart to our school for a full day of activities.
Greg spent the morning visiting classrooms, connecting with students, sharing his experiences, and thoughtfully answering questions.
Our School Ambassadors did a wonderful job welcoming Greg and giving him a tour of our school.
Students and staff enjoyed a delicious barbecue lunch before an exciting afternoon of activities.
We were also thrilled to welcome students from Bert Ambrose to join us for the celebration.
One of the highlights of the day was Greg’s shot put demonstration, where he shared the mechanics and techniques behind his sport and gave students the opportunity to try shot put for themselves.
Students also enjoyed storytelling in the teepee with Dale Boissonneault, participated in handgames led by Diane Barclay, Kirbi Ford, and Jody Ryan under our tents, and had a blast at our Big Games station featuring Jumbo Jenga, Ladder Toss, Giant Checkers, and Connect 4.
The day was filled with laughter, learning, teamwork, and meaningful connections. Events like these help bring our school community together while providing students with memorable experiences and inspiring role models.
We want to send a huge thank you to PETRONAS, who not only supported this event financially, but also sent amazing volunteers to help throughout the day. Your generosity, enthusiasm, and commitment to our students helped make this celebration such a tremendous success.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this day so special!
Janny Lavoie, Principal, Alwin Holland Elementary
Bert Ambrose Elementary was excited to join Alwin Holland Elementary to meet our Classroom Champion, Greg Stewart!
Students participated in a variety of stations throughout the afternoon, including a shot put station with Greg.
It was a great way to reinforce the ideals we have practiced throughout the year with Classroom Champions — teamwork, community, and healthy living!
It was a beautiful day that was enjoyed by students and staff.
Melissa DeGroot, Principal, Bert Ambrose Elementary
Student Learning – Career & Skill Development
AASEE – Association for the Advancement of Science & Engineering
School District #60 students at Bert Bowes Middle School and Dr. Kearney Middle School recently had the opportunity to engage in hands-on science and engineering presentations delivered by the Association for the Advancement of Science and Engineering Education (AASEE). Sponsored by the Halfway River Group, the presentations introduced Grade 7–9 students to interactive activities designed to spark curiosity and connect classroom learning to real-world careers in science, technology, engineering, and skilled trades.
AASEE is a Canadian organization focused on promoting science and engineering education for K–12 students through engaging, activity-based learning experiences. Students explored concepts related to engineering design, problem-solving, electricity, and technology while learning how these skills connect to future career pathways.
These presentations align closely with School District #60’s continued focus on ADST (Applied Design, Skills and Technologies), career education, and providing students with meaningful exposure to STEM and skilled trades opportunities at an early age. The district appreciates the support of the Halfway River Group in helping bring these valuable learning experiences to local middle school students.
Brian Campbell, District Principal, Careers & International Education
People Development
NPSS Teacher, Brant Churchill – recognition from the Canadian Association of Physicists
Summer Workshops for Newer Teachers & LOPs
Each year, the district curriculum staff facilitate a week of workshops in support of planning for the new year on a myriad of topics.
Workshops are open to all teachers in SD 60. Registration is required in order to ensure we book an appropriately sized space, have sufficient materials as well as planning for catering. Lunch is provided for full day sessions.
This year, workshops will be offered August 31 through September 3, which is the last week of summer break.
Truth & Reconciliation
National Indigenous History Month
Monday, June 1, marked the start of National Indigenous History Month, with National Indigenous Peoples Day occurring in 3 weeks, on June 21.
In preparation, here’s an updated list of outdoor learning resources & opportunities put forward by Outdoor Learning School and Store, recommended by their Indigenous staff, advisors and partners, and developed by Indigenous authors, educators and organizations: https://outdoorlearning.com/indigenous-learning/
In order to support meaningful positive change, we need to go beyond a day or a month each year, and extend our learning across all 4 seasons. And so these recommendations offer opportunities to extend this learning throughout the year ahead.
Experiences Canada – Celebrating 277 Indigenous Youth with fully funded exchanges!
June marks the start of National Indigenous History Month — a time to listen, learn, and honour the rich heritages, vibrant cultures, and enduring histories of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples across Turtle Island.
At Experiences Canada, we believe youth travel is a powerful tool for reconciliation and mutual respect. During our 2025-2026 program year, 277 First Nations, Inuit, and Métis youth participated in life-changing exchanges across Canada, making up 15% of all exchange participants this year!
Through travel and storytelling, these inspiring youth built lifelong bridges of mutual understanding. Check out a few of the incredible journeys we supported this season:
- Connecting North and South: Students from St. Daniel Catholic Elementary School (Kitchener, ON) led by Carlos Roque, and Sautjuit School (Kangirsuk, Nunavik, QC), led by Joseph Louka, completed a powerful, reciprocal cultural exchange across December 2025 and April 2026.
- Land-Based Learning & Sport: Between April and May 2026, youth from Pembina Trails Collegiate (Winnipeg, MB), led by Bradley Ryant, and Gjoa Haven Minor Hockey (Gjoa Haven, NU), led by Matt Rutledge, connected through shared community experiences and land-based learning.
- Interprovincial Connections: Youth from The Key First Nation (Saskatchewan), led by Jay-Cee Brass, and Niksik (Igloolik, NU), led by Shanshan Tian, came together in April and May 2026 to share their distinct community traditions and build deep regional connections.
For many rural, remote, and northern communities, cost and distance can be major barriers to travel. We work to remove those barriers by fully covering travel costs, coordinating logistics, and offering additional Special Measures funding to help ensure youth have the support they need to participate. We are deeply committed to keeping our youth exchanges accessible so Indigenous youth always have a platform to travel, share their lived experiences, and lead the conversation.
Get involved for 2026-27!
Whether you’re part of an Indigenous community interested in participating in an exchange, or a non-Indigenous group looking to build meaningful cultural connections through an exchange, we encourage you to get in touch!
Applications to travel in Fall/Winter 2026 are due by June 30, 2026.
“Take 3”
Dr. Kearney Middle School
Go-Kart Rodeo
The Go-Kart Club has rapidly evolved into a cornerstone of hands-on learning and student engagement, expanding from a small pilot group to a robust team of dedicated grade 7–9 builders in just its second year. Integrated with the newly revamped Go-Kart Fabrication 9 class, students have successfully designed and constructed a fleet of functional karts, a feat that recently culminated in the inaugural SD60 Go-Kart Rodeo and captured the attention of both local media and the CBC.
By bridging the gap between digital design and physical construction, the program provides an authentic, real-world fabrication challenge. The genuine delight on the students’ faces as they race their finished creations is a testament to the power of working with their hands to build something truly useful.
Beyond the workshop, the program’s impact on student learning and well-being is profound. For high-performing students, the club is an exciting arena to apply advanced digital design skills learned in robotics directly to physical engineering. For those who traditionally struggle with core academic subjects, the after-school build sessions have become a highlight of their week and a powerful motivator for school attendance. Most importantly, the club fosters a strong sense of belonging; students are forging new friendships, building a supportive social network, and developing a deeper connection to the school community—factors that consistently translate into improved academic performance and overall confidence.
Will McColm, Robotics & Go-Kart Teacher, Dr. Kearney Middle School
Musical Theatre – “Mean Girls” – May 28-30, 2026
Our talented students proudly presented this year’s musical theatre production, Mean Girls. After months of rehearsals, singing, dancing, and teamwork, our cast and crew brought this energetic and entertaining Broadway hit to life. Audiences enjoyed outstanding performances, impressive choreography, and plenty of laughs as our students showcased their creativity, confidence, and dedication.
We are incredibly proud of the hard work and commitment demonstrated by everyone involved, and we are grateful to our school community for supporting and celebrating their achievements on stage.
Christopher Nock, Principal, Dr. Kearney Middle School
Learning Services – DHH Creative Connections Day – June 9, 2026
We welcomed Deaf and Hard of Hearing students from across the School District for a day focused on connection, creativity, communication, and fun. Students had the opportunity to meet peers from other schools, participate in a collaborative art project led by local artist Diane Hoffmann, enjoy games and activities with local actress Taylor Hastings, share a picnic lunch, spend time building friendships and say their goodbyes to long standing SD60 TDHH Sally Birley who will be retiring this month.
One of the highlights of the day was the collaborative art project pictured below. Each student and adult participant contributed an individual canvas that came together to create a larger piece of art representing the ASL sign for “I Love You.” The project beautifully reflects the uniqueness of each participant while demonstrating the strength of our DHH community when we come together. This piece of art will be displayed at Learning Services in the upcoming months.
The day was filled with laughter, creativity, and meaningful connections. Events like this provide our students with valuable opportunities to meet others who share similar experiences and to develop a stronger sense of belonging within our district.