Northland School Division

Northland School Division
Located amidst the awe-inspiring landscapes of northern Alberta, Northland School Division finds itself situated in some of the most captivating areas imaginable. Spanning a vast expanse of 288,347 square kilometers, the schools of Northland School Division are nestled in proximity to majestic mountains, serene lakes, meandering rivers, lush forests, and pristine wetlands, all within the territories of Treaty 6 and 8. The division holds utmost reverence for the rich history, language, and culture that permeate these territories, recognizing their profound significance.
Within the Northland School Division, a remarkable 95% of the student population is of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit descent, proudly embracing and celebrating their diverse heritage. Across our 19 schools, which are strategically located within municipalities, First Nation reserves, and Métis Settlements, we have the privilege of serving approximately 2000 students. At the heart of our commitment lies a deep-rooted dedication to inspire each student to unlock their fullest potential, empowering them to become the best versions of themselves. To achieve this, we provide exceptional holistic educational opportunities that are facilitated by our remarkable staff members, and we forge strong partnerships with families and communities to create a united support system.
Northland School Division is unwavering in its commitment to foster an inclusive, nurturing, and respectful environment that prioritizes the well-being of all. We strive to cultivate a welcoming atmosphere where every individual feels valued, cared for, and safe, enabling them to fully engage in their educational journey. Recognizing and honoring diversity is at the core of our approach, as we believe that embracing our differences fosters a sense of belonging and fosters a stronger sense of community.
Programs
Northland School Division is resolutely committed to inspiring students to achieve their utmost potential through the provision of outstanding holistic educational opportunities, supported by a remarkable team of staff members and strong partnerships with families and communities. The division places a strong emphasis on establishing standards and protocols that promote and facilitate improvements in student attendance across the division. These efforts are driven by a set of primary goals aimed at achieving the following outcomes:

• Developing robust attendance gathering and collection processes that instill confidence and ensure accuracy at all levels of Northland School Division.
• Ensuring that the resources allocated to student attendance improvement are utilized in the best interest of the students.
• Engaging school communities through well-crafted attendance improvement strategies that raise awareness about the significance of regular school attendance, while also being mindful of the cultural perspectives within the community.

In collaboration with the Board of Trustees, Northland School Division has successfully implemented a division-wide "Attendance Recognition and Awards Program" designed to acknowledge and celebrate students who consistently demonstrate exemplary attendance. This program reinforces the value of regular school attendance as a critical factor in achieving academic success. For a detailed overview of the strategies employed within this program, please refer to the provided link.
As part of its ongoing commitment to fostering a healthy school community, Northland School Division has forged a valuable partnership with APPLE Schools, a renowned health promotion initiative that focuses specifically on schools. Through APPLE Schools, over 20,000 students across Western Canada benefit from improved healthy eating habits, increased physical activity, and enhanced mental well-being.
Within Northland School Division, the Media Relations Department plays a pivotal role in effectively disseminating clear and concise information throughout the school community. This department takes charge of showcasing the accomplishments of students and staff, managing division websites, and handling media relations. The division's commitment to excellence in communication was recognized when the Northland School Division website development project received the prestigious Award of Merit from the Canadian Association of Communicators in Education (CACE) in 2015.
Northland School Division remains firmly dedicated to nurturing an environment that fosters educational excellence, promotes student well-being, and actively engages the community. Through a range of initiatives and partnerships, the division continually strives to uplift students, celebrate their achievements, and effectively communicate the remarkable success stories that unfold within its educational landscape. Northland School Division ensures effective communication with students, parents, community members, educators, the Board of Trustees, and school division staff through a variety of channels. These include the Achimowin News Flash, an informative newsletter that individuals can subscribe to, as well as the Northland School Division website, Facebook, Twitter, and media releases. Additionally, face-to-face interactions, brochures, fact sheets, school visits, and attendance at events all contribute to fostering open and transparent communication within the division.
The Human Resources Department plays a vital role in supporting all staff members within Northland School Division. The department recognizes that positive staff management is crucial in creating a productive and stimulating work environment that best serves the interests of students and communities. By providing assistance and guidance, the Human Resources Department ensures that the needs of division staff are met effectively. The Housing Department is responsible for providing housing accommodations to educators within Northland School Division. Governed by the Residential Tenancy Act, each residence is assigned a unit number and serves as a comfortable and convenient living space for educators employed within the division. The department focuses on implementing a standardized rental fee structure that promotes equity across the division, while also prioritizing quality maintenance services to ensure the well-being and satisfaction of tenants.
The Maintenance Department assumes responsibility for maintaining the functionality and cleanliness of Northland School Division's properties. This includes addressing facility needs, conducting preventative maintenance, and taking proactive measures to ensure the health and safety of students, staff, and community members. The department oversees the maintenance of 17 schools, two outreaches, Central Office, and three maintenance shops, employing a dedicated team consisting of various roles, such as Division Facility Manager, Division Technical Supervisor, Maintenance Secretary, Area Maintenance Supervisor, HVAC Technician, Plumbers, Electrician, Carpenters, and IT Support Technician.
Northland School Division is committed to providing efficient and reliable School Bus Transportation services to all students, regardless of distance, at no cost to the families it serves. With carefully designed bus routes throughout the division, encompassing 28 routes, including 15 contract-operated routes, the division ensures optimal service for students. Annually, Northland School Division buses travel approximately 900,000 kilometers to safely transport students to and from school.

Accommodation
For those seeking the convenience and support of on-campus housing, certain schools within Northland School Division provide comfortable and convenient living spaces for students. The rental fees for on-campus housing typically range from $500 CAD to $800 CAD per month, depending on the specific location and amenities offered. These housing options aim to foster a conducive learning environment by providing students with proximity to their schools and a supportive community atmosphere.
However, Northland School Division understands that students have diverse preferences and circumstances, and therefore offers flexibility in choosing alternative accommodation arrangements. Many international students opt for rentals, which provide them with the independence and freedom to select a living space that aligns with their preferences and budget. Rental prices vary depending on factors such as location, size, and amenities, with average monthly costs ranging from $600 CAD to $1,000 CAD.
Another popular accommodation choice for international students is the homestay program, which offers a unique cultural immersion experience. Through homestay programs, students have the opportunity to live with local host families who provide a nurturing and supportive environment. Homestay fees typically range from $800 CAD to $1,200 CAD per month and cover accommodation, meals, and additional support from the host family. Alternatively, some students may choose to share rooms or apartments with fellow students to reduce expenses and create a sense of camaraderie. The cost of shared accommodations can range from $400 CAD to $700 CAD per month, depending on factors such as location, size, and shared amenities.
Future Prospects
Upon completing their educational journey finalizing it with university or college degree, graduates are eligible to apply for post-graduation work permit programs. These programs grant them the opportunity to acquire valuable work experience in Canada, further enhancing their skills and expertise in their respective fields.

Additionally, graduating students hold the potential to obtain permanent resident status in Canada. The country recognizes and appreciates the contributions and abilities of international graduates, offering various avenues for them to transition from temporary residency to permanent residency. Notably, the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program specifically targets individuals with Canadian work experience, facilitating their path to permanent residency.
Attaining permanent resident status empowers graduates to establish a long-term life in Canada, a nation brimming with prosperity and abundant opportunities across diverse industries. Thriving sectors such as technology, healthcare, finance, engineering, and more provide a wealth of employment prospects that align seamlessly with the skills and qualifications acquired during their education in Northland School Division.
Furthermore, Canada's unwavering dedication to diversity, inclusivity, and multiculturalism cultivates a warm and embracing environment for graduates to settle and forge a fulfilling life. The country's robust social services, exceptional education system, and accessible healthcare ensure a high standard of living for its residents. For those yearning to fully integrate into Canadian society, Canadian citizenship presents itself as a promising possibility. Obtaining Canadian citizenship confers numerous advantages, including full participation in Canadian democracy, access to social benefits, and the freedom to travel with a Canadian passport. Moreover, Canadian citizenship symbolizes a profound sense of belonging, empowering individuals to actively contribute to their communities and shape the future of Canada.

 

In case, if you need help with Custodianship and Homestay in order to study in Northland School Division or other schools in Canada, please fill in application below or contact us directly.