Fort McMurray Public School Division
Fort McMurray Public School Division
Fort McMurray Public School Division, a distinguished educational institution, proudly houses 16 schools in Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada, catering to a diverse range of students. From the Early Childhood Development Program for three-year-olds to the graduating Grade 12 students, Fort McMurray Public School District offers a comprehensive array of programs to meet the needs of its student body.
With a commitment to excellence, Fort McMurray Public School Division embraces various educational pathways to ensure that every student receives a high-quality learning experience. From French Immersion to innovative fine arts programming, coding, power engineering, and sports academies, the school district is dedicated to doing what's best for its students. By providing a safe and caring environment, the division creates a conducive atmosphere for learning, nurturing the potential of each student.
Aligned with Alberta Education's objectives, Fort McMurray Public School Division focuses on four key goals. The first goal emphasizes the provision of high-quality learning opportunities for all students, ensuring that their individual needs are met while addressing the demands of society and the economy. The division is committed to supporting children and youth at risk through effective programs and supports, ensuring their needs are addressed comprehensively. Furthermore, the division aims to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to transition seamlessly into post-secondary institutions or contribute effectively to society and the economy.
Programs
Fort McMurray Public School District, an esteemed educational institution, is dedicated to providing a wide range of division-wide programs to cater to the diverse needs of its students. These programs encompass various areas of focus, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive learning experience for all.
Under the Early Learning program, Fort McMurray Public School Division offers the Early Childhood Development Program (ECDP), providing literacy-enriched play opportunities for children who are three years old before December 31st of the upcoming school year. This program is available in all elementary schools within the division, alongside the Kindergarten programs, emphasizing the importance of early education and development.
In line with its commitment to inclusivity, Fort McMurray Public School District adopts a philosophy that strives to provide opportunities for students with special needs to be integrated into regular classrooms whenever possible. The division offers a variety of designated programs to cater to students with severe disabilities, while also providing individualized program planning to address each student's unique requirements. Fort McMurray Public School Division recognizes the significance of Indigenous education and collaborates closely with local Indigenous leaders to engage parents and families in supporting student success. Through collaborative partnerships, the division works to develop culturally relevant programs, resources, and student supports, promoting First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Education (FNMI Education) within its schools.
Addressing the crucial aspect of mental health, the division integrates mental health supports within its schools, working in conjunction with government services such as Alberta Health and Child and Family Services, as well as community agencies. School counselors play a vital role in providing individual and group interventions, focusing on identifying core problem areas and supporting classroom learning. These efforts align with the Regional Collaborative Service Delivery - Region 2 (Wood Buffalo Regional Collaborative Service Delivery Framework) to ensure effective mental health support for students.
Fort McMurray Public School Division upholds the values of a welcoming, caring, respectful, and safe school environment across all its facilities. The division's commitment to Safe and Caring Schools is demonstrated through various initiatives, including Character Education programs, Anti-Bullying Programs, Bus Safety measures, and Crisis Management protocols, fostering a positive and secure atmosphere for students to thrive. Recognizing the importance of flexibility in education, Fort McMurray Public School Division provides the Home Education Centre, catering to families seeking alternative learning options for their children. The division offers a diverse range of program choices, working closely with parents to select the most suitable program that aligns with their child's individual needs.
Fort McMurray Public School District (FMPSD) is dedicated to offering a range of school-specific programs in its elementary schools, providing unique opportunities for students to enhance their learning experiences and develop important skills.
One of the notable programs in collaboration with FMPSD is the APPLE School program. Partnering with APPLE Schools, Fort McMurray Public School Division aims to build a healthy school community by improving students' healthy eating, physical activity, and mental health habits. With a proven track record of positively impacting health outcomes in schools, APPLE Schools works with school communities in a cost-effective manner, benefiting over 30,000 students in 93 schools across Northern Alberta, Manitoba, and the Northwest Territories.
Fort McMurray Public School Division has also implemented the Leader in Me™ program, a whole-school transformation model based on the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. This program serves as an operating system, improving the performance of all other programs and equipping students with the self-confidence and skills needed to thrive in the 21st-century economy. The Leader in Me™ process fosters leadership skills in students, allowing them to discover their unique strengths and opportunities to shine. By incorporating the language of the 7 Habits into the curriculum, Fort McMurray Public School Division deepens student understanding and reinforces shared values.
For elite student athletes, FMPSD offers the PEAK Flex Academy. This unique program allows athletes to pursue their sports while minimizing the impact on their schooling. Collaborating with local sports clubs, PEAK Flex Academy ensures that student athletes receive training from elite coaches while reducing the core time missed at school. With a focus on meeting the needs of each individual and their chosen sport, the program accommodates a variety of high-level sports, such as swimming, gymnastics, figure skating, and others.
The Tech-Trades Academy at Fort McMurray Public School Division aims to foster creativity and problem-solving skills among students. Through hands-on activities, students gain an understanding of trades principles and complete projects they can be proud of. Led by experienced industry professionals, the program offers two streams of interest: pre-engineering and multimedia. Robotics, computer-aided design (CAD), and computer sciences, including virtual reality (VR), are all covered in pre-engineering. Multimedia studies encompass photography, movie-making, sound editing, and art design. Specialized classes in renewable energy and electronics are also available. With a fun and educational environment, the Tech-Trades Academy encourages exploration, collaboration, and the development of problem-solving skills.
Accommodation
FMPSD understands that international students may have unique housing needs and preferences. As a result, the division provides guidance and support to help students explore different accommodation choices and make informed decisions. While some schools within Fort McMurray Public School Division offer on-campus housing facilities, it is important to note that availability may be limited.
For students who prefer off-campus housing, there are several options to consider. Renting an apartment or house provides independence and the freedom to personalize one's living space. The cost of rentals in the Fort McMurray area typically ranges from $1,200 CAD to $2,500 CAD per month.
Homestay is another popular option, in which students live with a local host family. Homestay provides a unique cultural experience as well as an opportunity to get immersed in Canadian culture and traditions. Homestay in Fort McMurray typically costs $800 CAD to $1,200 CAD per month, which includes lodging and meals.
Sharing rooms or flats with roommates is a less expensive alternative that promotes community and camaraderie. The monthly cost of shared housing ranges from $500 CAD to $1,000 CAD, depending on aspects such as location and arrangement.
It is important to note that while Fort McMurray Public School Division schools strive to assist international students in finding suitable accommodations, the responsibility of securing housing ultimately rests with the students themselves. Fort McMurray Public School Division recommends that students initiate their housing search well in advance, considering factors such as proximity to their school, transportation options, and personal preferences.
Future Prospects
As graduates complete their educational odyssey, a world of possibilities unfolds before them. One noteworthy advantage is the opportunity to explore post-graduation work permit programs after getting post-secondary education in Canada, enabling them to immerse themselves in invaluable professional experience within Canada's thriving job market. FMPSD's comprehensive education across schools equips graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their chosen fields.
Moreover, FMPSD graduates have the potential to carve out a permanent place for themselves in the Canadian landscape. The possibility of attaining permanent resident status offers a gateway to a lifetime of living and working in Canada, reaping the rewards of the nation's prosperity and embracing the abundant opportunities it offers. With FMPSD's esteemed qualifications, graduates are primed to meet the criteria for permanent residency, granting them the freedom to thrive in their professional pursuits.
Canada's allure as a land of endless possibilities beckons Fort McMurray Public School Division graduates to forge their future within its borders. The country's thriving economy, vibrant industries, and diverse job market serve as a magnet for those seeking long-term career growth. FMPSD's unwavering commitment to excellence ensures graduates are well-equipped to make their mark and contribute meaningfully to Canada's workforce.
What's more, many FMPSD graduates choose to make Canada their permanent home, captivated by its welcoming embrace and bountiful advantages. By opting to stay, graduates unlock a world of opportunities, where they can continue to chase their dreams, relish a high quality of life, and savor the cultural tapestry that defines Canada. For those yearning to immerse themselves fully in the Canadian way of life, Canadian citizenship stands as a desirable aspiration. Citizenship brings with it a wealth of privileges, including the right to vote, access to government programs and services, and the ability to actively participate in shaping the nation's future.
In case, if you need help with Custodianship and Homestay in order to study in Fort McMurray Public School Division or other schools in Canada, please fill in application below or contact us directly.
