Northern Lights Public School Division
Northern Lights Public School Division
The Northern Lights Public School Division is situated in the northeastern region of Alberta, encompassing the picturesque Lakeland area. Spanning over 200 kilometers from the Saskatchewan border in the east to Wandering River along Highway 63 in the west, the division covers a vast geographic expanse of 14,800 square kilometers. Renowned for its natural beauty, the region offers an array of outdoor recreational opportunities throughout the year, along with a rich abundance of wildlife.
With a focus on providing diverse education options, the Northern Lights Public School Division operates 27 schools, including six outreach schools. The division has also launched the ground-breaking Learning Together Anywhere School, giving families an alternative to conventional in-person programs in response to changing requirements. Northern Lights Public School Division schools are found in places like Bonnyville, Cold Lake, Lac La Biche, Glendon, Plamondon, Ardmore, Caslan, Iron River, Wandering River, Kikino Métis Settlement, Buffalo Lake Métis Settlement, Fishing Lake Métis Settlement, and the Pine Meadow Hutterite Colony, serving about 5,800 students throughout the Lakeland region. Additionally, Beaver Lake Cree Nation, Cold Lake First Nations, Elizabeth Métis Settlement, Frog Lake First Nation, Heart Lake First Nation, Kehewin Cree Nation, and White Fish First Nation kids are served by Northern Lights Public Schools.. In addition, the division operates the Youth Assessment Center in Lac La Biche under a contract with the Alberta government.
The Lakeland region boasts a diverse and thriving economy, with major contributions from the oil and gas industry, agriculture, forestry, hunting, fishing, trapping, and tourism sectors. The presence of 4 Wing Cold Lake also adds to the economic landscape. However, the recent downturn in the oil and gas industry has had a negative impact on both the regional economy and school enrolment. Despite these challenges, the Lakeland area remains culturally vibrant and diverse, with a significant representation of First Nations and Métis communities. Moreover, the region has attracted various cultural groups, including early pioneers and individuals who have moved to the area in search of economic opportunities.
Programs
The Northern Lights Public School Division's Little Lights program is designed for kids who have been diagnosed with medical conditions like Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down syndrome, or Cerebral Palsy or who have developmental delays in areas like speech and language, motor skills, self-care, or social/emotional skills.
To determine the specific services required by children, conversations, questionnaires, and assessments are conducted, aiding in accessing the appropriate support. These services may encompass speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, psychological services, and assessments, in addition to the division's comprehensive early childhood programming. Families seeking further information can fill out the provided form or get in touch with one of Northern Lights Public School Division elementary schools. The Care to Learn Preschool, an organization licensed by the province, is located in nine schools within the Northern Lights Public School Division. It offers a nurturing environment for pre-Kindergarten children, focusing on learning, growth, and play through activities such as music, arts and crafts, games, physical activity, early math and literacy centers, and more.
All elementary schools within the Northern Lights Public School Division provide a full-day program for Kindergarten students, spanning five days a week. These programs not only adhere to the provincially-mandated half-day Kindergarten curriculum but also incorporate a Kindergarten Extension program based on Flight: Alberta's Early Learning and Care Curriculum Framework, offering students a comprehensive full-day Kindergarten experience. Certified teachers deliver the Kindergarten curriculum following Alberta Education's Program of Studies, while the Extension Educational Assistants (EA's) provide the Kindergarten Extension program. Although the specific division of time within the program may vary slightly between schools, each school will share the schedule with parents before the start of the school year in September. For instance, some schools may have students focus on the Kindergarten curriculum in the morning with their teacher and engage in the Flight curriculum with their Extension EA in the afternoon. Alternatively, at other schools, the teacher and EA may alternate responsibilities throughout the day, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience for each student.
Learning Together Anywhere (LTA) represents the latest addition to the Northern Lights Public School Division, offering a dynamic online learning platform. Students residing anywhere in Alberta can partake in this virtual educational experience facilitated by certified teachers. Through LTA, students benefit from a combination of real-time live virtual instruction, pre-recorded teacher-directed lessons and activities, as well as engaging in project-based learning.
Recognizing the needs of families requiring child care beyond regular school hours, Northern Lights Public School Division provides an Out of School Care program. Designed for children enrolled in Kindergarten and above, this program ensures quality care delivered by professional and certified child care staff. Families may also be eligible for government subsidies offered through Human Services. The division's child care programs are held to a standard of excellence that surpasses Alberta's regulated requirements, reflecting the commitment to exceptional care and support for students.
Northern Lights Public School Division also caters to families seeking alternative educational options. Through the Home Education option, families can partner with Northern Lights Public School Division, benefiting from the partnership with the Learning Together Anywhere School for students in grades 1 to 9 and the Northern Lights Outreach schools for students in grades 10 to 12. This comprehensive approach allows families to tailor their child's education while ensuring a supportive learning environment.
Inclusive education lies at the heart of Northern Lights Public School Division commitment. The division strives to provide optimal learning opportunities for all students, including those with diverse learning needs. From basic care and life skills programming to specialized enrichment for exceptional students, the division is dedicated to creating positive learning experiences tailored to individual needs.
Northern Lights Public School Division also embraces the admission of non-resident students and foreign exchange students. Recognizing the educational benefits that arise from cultural diversity, the Board believes in providing foreign students with the opportunity to enroll in Northern Lights Public School Division schools, subject to availability of space and suitable programs that meet their educational needs. Principals play a pivotal role in assessing eligibility and determining the suitability of foreign students' enrollment, ensuring a well-rounded educational environment for all.
Accommodation
The Northern Lights Public School Board takes immense pride in its commitment to meeting the diverse needs and preferences of international students, including their housing requirements. In some of its schools, the division offers dedicated housing facilities designed specifically for international students. These facilities provide a nurturing and secure environment, enabling students to immerse themselves in their studies while forging lasting friendships and cultivating a sense of community.
In situations where on-campus housing is not available, the Northern Lights Public School Division actively assists international students in finding suitable accommodation through alternative avenues. One popular option is the arrangement of homestay families, where students reside with local families who provide room and board. Homestays offer a unique opportunity for cultural immersion, allowing students to experience the day-to-day life of Canadian families firsthand. The costs associated with a homestay arrangement typically encompass accommodation, meals, and additional support services, with approximate monthly expenses ranging from $800 CAD to $1,300 CAD.
Renting private housing, such as flats or shared homes, is another potential option for overseas students. Renting gives students the freedom and flexibility to live with classmates or roommates, establishing a feeling of community and shared experiences. Rental prices may differ depending on criteria such as location, size, and amenities. Monthly expenses for students should range between $1,000 CAD and $1,500 CAD, excluding other costs such as electricity and internet.
Future Prospects
Upon successful completion of your studies at the Northern Lights Public School Board, you gain access to pursuing education at the post-secondary institutions and consequently pursuing the post-graduation work visa program, which offers international graduates the invaluable chance to acquire practical work experience in their chosen fields.
One of the remarkable advantages of studying in Canada is the opportunity to obtain permanent resident status. As a graduate of the Northern Lights Public School Division, you possess a solid foundation for pursuing permanent residency through various immigration programs. The Canadian government recognizes the immense value that international graduates bring to the country's workforce and provides clear pathways, such as the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), to facilitate the permanent residency process.
While some graduates may initially consider gaining work experience and returning to their home countries, Canada's abundant opportunities and high standard of living often inspire the desire for permanent settlement. Choosing to stay offers the possibility of Canadian citizenship, which brings a multitude of advantages, including access to comprehensive healthcare, social services, and the ability to participate in the democratic processes through voting. Canadian citizenship enables you to fully integrate into Canadian society, build a long-term career, and enjoy the privileges and benefits that come with being part of the Canadian community.
The Northern Lights Public School Division is committed to empowering graduates with the tools and opportunities needed to thrive in the job market and achieve their aspirations. Whether it's gaining work experience, pursuing permanent residency, or ultimately seeking Canadian citizenship, the division's comprehensive education equips you for a successful and fulfilling future in Canada.
In case, if you need help with Custodianship and Homestay in order to study in Northern Lights Public School Board or other schools in Canada, please fill in application below or contact us directly.
