Grande Yellowhead Public School Division
Grande Yellowhead Public School Division
The Grande Yellowhead Public School Division (GYPSD) is in charge of the regions south of Cadomin and northwest of the Town of Grande Cache, stretching from Jasper National Park to Evansburg. Within this expansive region, Grande Yellowhead Public School Division oversees 17 schools, five Learning Connection centers, and serves approximately 5,000 students. With a dedicated team of 600 employees and contractors, the division strives to address the unique challenges presented by the diverse communities it serves, while maintaining regional consistency and fiscal responsibility.
Recognizing the importance of respecting the distinct attributes of each community, Grande Yellowhead Public School Division understands that the success of students relies on close collaboration between schools, parents, and community members. Emphasizing the integral role of public schools within their respective communities, Grande Yellowhead Public School Division endeavors to align educational practices with community values and the specific needs of local families.
To ensure efficient and effective management, Grande Yellowhead Public School Division promotes close interaction between school-based administration, division administration, and the Board of Trustees. Through a collaborative decision-making model, these leaders work together to establish and achieve shared goals for the division. This ensures that all schools and staff within the Grande Yellowhead Public School Division are unified in their efforts and aligned towards the best interests of the students.
Programs
The Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten Early Learning Programs offered by Grande Yellowhead Public School Division are renowned for their exceptional quality and commitment to early childhood education. These programs, available at all elementary schools within the division, embrace a meaningful play-based and child-centered approach. They prioritize social and emotional learning, empathy, language development, communication skills, physical activity, literacy, numeracy, inquiry, and exploration, fostering the individual growth and positive self-image of each child.
As children embark on their educational journey with Grande Yellowhead Public School Division, they become valued members of the school community, receiving the same support and services available to students in elementary schools. They have access to certified teachers who provide tailored programming to meet their needs. Moreover, they have the opportunity to engage and collaborate with older students, benefiting from their experiences and guidance. The presence of well-equipped gymnasiums and libraries further enhances their physical and intellectual development. Special presentations, speakers, and community celebrations contribute to their holistic educational experience. Additionally, early intervention supports, including speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and the division psychologist, are available to ensure their well-being and address any specific needs they may have.
Some schools within the Grande Yellowhead Public School Division also offer the Forest School program, providing children with valuable opportunities to play, learn, and connect with nature. Educators facilitate meaningful experiences in the forest, encouraging exploration, land connections, and the study of biodiversity. While the curriculum is based on Alberta Education guidelines, each school may have its own unique focus, optional courses, and activities tailored to the needs of local students. Regardless of the chosen school or program, Grande Yellowhead Public School Division guarantees a high-quality education and a welcoming, safe, respectful, and caring environment for all students.
Assessment plays a crucial role in monitoring student progress and understanding their knowledge and abilities based on the curriculum. It occurs through various means such as assignments, quizzes, tests, and observations, allowing teachers to gather evidence and provide meaningful feedback. Report cards serve as a formal means of communication between schools and parents, providing updates on the child's progress and achievements at specific times throughout the year. Continuous assessment takes place daily in every classroom, enabling teachers to identify strengths and areas for improvement, guiding instructional strategies to support each child's learning journey.
Grande Yellowhead Public School Division embraces diversity and acknowledges the traditional territories of Treaty 6 and Treaty 8. It recognizes the significance of these lands as meeting grounds, gathering places, travel routes, and ancestral homes for Indigenous peoples, Métis, and Inuit communities.
The division takes great pride in its collaborative efforts with various partners to ensure the inclusion of Indigenous perspectives in all programs offered within its schools.
Partnerships include Alberta Education, local Friendship Centers, the Edmonton Regional Learning Consortium, parents, teachers, Elders, Traditional Knowledge Keepers, community members, post-secondary institutions, the Palisades Stewardship Education Centre and as well as countless additional community members and institutions.
These collaborations aim to support teachers in expanding their knowledge about the history and legacy of residential schools, treaties, and the history of Indigenous peoples. By doing so, they are better equipped to meet the specific needs of Indigenous and Métis students.
At the beginning of each school year, Grande Yellowhead Public School Division conducts screenings and assessments for every student, providing valuable information to teachers about their individual strengths and areas requiring targeted interventions. Screening assessment tools utilized include the 3 Rs Literacy Assessment Screen, Highest Level of Achievement Test (H.L.A.T.), Right to Read, and Reading Readiness Screening Tool (RRST). Grande Yellowhead Public School District offers various educational options to cater to different preferences and circumstances. Families can choose between online or print-based distance learning, home education, or a blended program. Campus Grande Yellowhead Public School District , available in community high schools, provides flexible learning opportunities for students in Grades 7-12. Through the Hapara Learning Management System, teachers offer self-paced resources and materials aligned with Alberta Education curriculum and informed by assessments. This allows students who prefer an independent program to engage in teacher-supported learning. Unique courses like Math 31 are also accessible to support students' individual post-secondary plans.
Families interested in these options can reach out to their local school principal, while high school students can discuss hybrid options with their principals to create a blended program combining in-person and online courses. Grande Yellowhead Public School Division remains dedicated to offering diverse and personalized learning opportunities to meet the needs of its students.
Accommodation
As students from around the world seek educational opportunities in diverse locations, finding suitable accommodation becomes a key consideration. For international students joining Grande Yellowhead Public School District in Edson, Alberta, securing housing that meets their needs is an important aspect of their experience. This article delves into the available housing options for overseas students and highlights GYPSD's commitment to supporting their accommodation needs.
While GYPSD strives to provide comprehensive support to its international student community, it is important to note that not all schools within the division maintain on-campus housing facilities. However, the division collaborates with local housing providers to assist students in finding suitable accommodation options in the Edson area. For students who prefer the convenience of on-campus living, some schools may offer limited residential facilities. These purpose-built accommodations are designed to create a conducive environment for students' academic and personal growth.
In situations where on-campus housing is not available, Grande Yellowhead Public School Division actively supports international students in exploring alternative options. One popular choice is living with a carefully selected homestay family. Homestays offer a unique opportunity for cultural immersion, where students become part of a local family while studying in Edson. The cost of homestay accommodations typically includes a private room, meals, and utilities, with prices ranging from $800 CAD to $1,200 CAD per month.
Otherwise, for international students is renting accommodations in the Edson community. On average, a one-bedroom apartment in Edson ranges from $900 CAD to $1,300 CAD per month. Sharing an apartment or room with a roommate can significantly reduce individual costs, providing a more affordable option for students.
Future Prospects
Picture yourself stepping into the professional realm after graduation, armed with a valuable asset – the post-graduation work visa program after the completion of public college or university in Canada. With this program, GYPSD graduates are eligible to obtain a three-year work permit after getting post-secondary education in Canada, allowing them to gain real-world experience in their chosen field. It's an opportunity to dive headfirst into Canada's dynamic workforce, contribute your skills, and establish a solid foundation for future growth.
What if you could turn your post-graduation work experience into a ticket for long-term settlement in Canada? The possibilities are within reach. Canada offers immigration programs that prioritize skilled workers, and Grande Yellowhead Public School Division graduates fit the bill. The Express Entry system, a gateway to permanent residency, evaluates your qualifications, work experience, language proficiency, and other factors. If you meet the criteria, you can pave your way to a fulfilling future as a permanent resident of Canada. Canada's thriving economy and diverse industries present an enticing landscape for Grande Yellowhead Public School Division graduates. Whether you're passionate about technology, healthcare, engineering, finance, or any other field, the Canadian job market has something for you. With a Grande Yellowhead Public School District education under your belt, you'll possess the knowledge and skills necessary to make a significant impact and thrive in your chosen profession. The possibilities are as vast as the breathtaking landscapes that surround you.
As you embrace your new professional journey, consider making Canada your permanent home. Settle into a country that values diversity, fosters inclusivity, and embraces cultural richness. Experience the warmth of Canadian communities, forge lifelong connections, and contribute to the growth of this remarkable nation. Canadian citizenship opens doors to even greater opportunities, including the right to vote and access to social benefits. It's an invitation to be an active participant in shaping the future of your adopted homeland.
In case, if you need help with Custodianship and Homestay in order to study in Grande Yellowhead Public School District or other schools in Canada, please fill in application below or contact us directly.
