Parkland School Division
Parkland School Division
Parkland School Division functions as a committed and respected institution, delivering exceptional public education services to over 90,000 residents in the western regions of Edmonton. Encompassing an expansive area of approximately 2,450 square kilometres, Parkland School Division maintains a close-knit community where students, parents, and staff quickly acquaint themselves with one another's faces and names. The division's attendance areas stretch as far west as Tomahawk and Entwistle, encompassing rural regions south of Spruce Grove and Stony Plain, with the North Saskatchewan River forming a natural southern boundary that extends to Devon.
Parkland School Division, a respected member of the provincial schooling community, continuously maintains its distinct image by focusing on the particular needs of local families. Mindful of the ever-changing local demographics, including varying family structures, cultural backgrounds, beliefs, special requirements, socioeconomic conditions, and settings, Parkland School Division wholeheartedly serves both rural and urban communities. It remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that every student, regardless of location or abilities, receives unfettered access to the educational services they require.
Through fruitful partnerships with community stakeholders, Parkland School Division broadens the scope of its unique learning opportunities, enriching the educational experiences offered at its schools and local facilities. Notably, the Nature Kindergarten program stands as a testament to this collaborative approach, thoughtfully designed to immerse students in the world outside their traditional classrooms and foster a profound connection with the local environment. Parkland School Division prioritizes comprehensive support and nurturing for its students while diligently addressing the diverse needs of the community. Its commitment to enhancing the student experience, coupled with strong community ties and innovative programs, continues to elevate PSD's reputation as an esteemed and forward-thinking institution within Alberta's educational landscape.
Programs in Parkland School Division
In Parkland School Division, each child is recognized as a unique individual, and families have access to a diverse range of programs tailored to meet the diverse interests and needs of all students, while adhering to Alberta's program of study. These programs of choice empower students and parents to opt for specialized educational paths such as French Immersion, Christian Education, or Knowledge and Employability, as well as alternative settings like outreach and distance learning.
For individuals aged 18 and above who have not completed their grade school education, obtaining a high school diploma or its equivalent becomes essential to qualify for post-secondary education, training programs, or employment opportunities. In Alberta, students are deemed "mature" if they have reached or surpassed the age of 19 by the start of the current school year (i.e., September 1). When pupils reach the age of maturity, the Alberta government stops sponsoring their education, and those who want to get a high school diploma or a comparable one must pay for it themselves.
Various avenues exist for mature students to obtain the education necessary to enter post-secondary institutions, the trades, or the job market. The most suitable approach for each student depends on their specific circumstances, such as the number of credits they have already earned and the requirements of the educational program or career path they wish to pursue. Among the distinctive programs of choice in Parkland School Division is My PATH, a community partnership program hosted at Connections for Learning. My PATH offers students in Grades 1-9 a diverse blend of health and wellness activities, complementing the core academic curriculum. The program caters to three different participatory pathways: My PATH Core, My PATH Lite, and My PATH Outdoor Pursuits. Each pathway caters to specific student needs and educational settings. Another valuable program available to families in Parkland School Division is the Christian Program, designed for Kindergarten to Grade 9 students seeking a non-denominational and spiritually nurturing environment. This program fosters Christian values by incorporating morning prayers, Bible readings, songs, and assemblies with a Biblical perspective. Students of Parkland School Division are encouraged to embrace Christ's teachings and God's love while developing a commitment to their families, neighbors, country, and the global community, ultimately leading moral, healthy, and productive lives.
The Parkland School Division Christian Program is available at two schools within Parkland School Division: Brookwood School for students in grades K-4 and Woodhaven Middle School for students in grades 5-9. Virtual Learning, a student-centered and engaging online program for grades K-12, offers the full program of studies for each grade level. The curriculum includes videos, interactive activities, hands-on learning opportunities, and enrichment options like virtual field trips and option courses. With a focus on authenticity, Virtual Learning empowers students to demonstrate their learning in ways that align with their strengths and talents, ensuring an active and dynamic learning experience beyond simply sitting at a computer.
Parkland School Division is dedicated to supporting students with diagnosed special needs, with over 800 students benefitting from specialized programs catering to behavioural, communication, intellectual, learning, and physical disabilities. The division prioritizes providing reasonable accommodations within regular classroom settings in the designated neighbourhood schools whenever possible. Each student with special needs receives personalized support through an Individualized Program Plan (IPP), which is collaboratively implemented by classroom teachers in partnership with parents.
Among the specialized programs at Parkland School Division for students with special needs are the Early Education Program, Life, Academic, Work Skills (LAWS), Relating Everyday Academics & Life Skills (REAL), and the STEPS Program. Parents of children with identified severe special needs may qualify for significant tax credits from the Government of Canada through the Child Disability Benefit. This financial support can be used for therapy, specialized equipment or devices, and respite care, making it easier for families to address their child's medical, physical, and mental needs effectively. Some families of students who study at Parkland School Division have received substantial financial assistance through the Child Disability Benefit, enhancing their ability to provide the best care and support for their child's overall well-being.
Accommodation in Parkland School Division
Parkland School Division recognizes the importance of providing a comfortable and supportive living environment for its international students. While the Division does not operate its own on-campus housing facilities, it collaborates closely with local housing providers to assist overseas students in finding suitable accommodation options. The Parkland School Division International Student Services team offers guidance and support to help students connect with local housing providers, making the transition to living in Stony Plain a smooth and positive experience.
Homestay, for example, allows overseas students to live with a Canadian host family, offering a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in Canadian culture and customs. Beyond providing a safe and welcoming home environment, homestay families often become mentors and friends to the students, ensuring they feel a sense of belonging while away from home. The costs for homestay accommodation in Stony Plain, Alberta typically range from $800 CAD to $1,000 CAD per month, which includes accommodation, meals, and utilities. Homestay living not only offers students a chance to experience Canadian family life firsthand but also creates a supportive environment for academic success.
While homestay is a popular choice, Parkland School Division also acknowledges that some international students may prefer alternative housing arrangements. Rental options are widely available in Stony Plain and nearby areas, with average costs for a one-bedroom apartment ranging from $1,000 CAD to $1,500 CAD per month. Sharing apartments or rooms with roommates is another viable option, which can significantly reduce living costs and provide an opportunity to build new friendships. For students seeking more independence, there are also various student housing complexes available, offering amenities such as fully furnished apartments, communal spaces, and recreational facilities.
Future Prospects
After successfully completing their educational journey at institutions such as universities or colleges, graduates from Parkland School Division find themselves poised for promising employment prospects in Canada. The country offers various avenues for career growth and development, allowing graduates to explore diverse opportunities in their chosen fields.
Upon completing their studies at post-secondary institutions in Canada, international graduates become eligible to apply for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program. This work visa program grants them the opportunity to gain valuable professional experience in Canada, further honing their skills and knowledge in their respective fields. The PGWP is a significant stepping stone for graduates, providing them with practical exposure and connections in the Canadian job market.
Canada values the contributions of international graduates and offers pathways for them to transition from temporary to permanent residency. One such program is the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), which specifically targets individuals with Canadian work experience. Through CEC, graduates can apply for permanent resident status, allowing them to settle in Canada on a more permanent basis. Additionally, various Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) offer routes to permanent residency based on graduates' skills, education, and work experience.
Canadian citizenship becomes a feasible choice for individuals aspiring to establish Canada as their permanent residence. Acquiring citizenship offers a multitude of advantages, encompassing full engagement in Canadian society, access to social benefits, and the privilege of travel using a Canadian passport. Beyond that, it symbolizes a deep sense of belonging, empowering graduates to actively contribute to their communities and play a pivotal role in shaping the nation's future.
In case, if you need help with Custodianship and Homestay in order to study in Parkland School Division or other schools in Canada, please fill in application below or contact us directly.
