Grasslands Public School Division

Grasslands Public School Division
Grasslands Public School Division, located in the southeastern part of the province, serves a population of approximately 3,650 students in Brooks, Alcoma, Bassano, Duchess, Gem, Rolling Hills, Rosemary, and Tilley. The school district is committed to providing opportunities that inspire students to achieve and succeed as resilient learners, who in turn make positive impacts on their communities within an inclusive and welcoming environment.
The strength of Grasslands Public School Division lies in its diversity, which is harnessed to shape a better future for students through the promotion of creative solutions, critical thinking, and resilience. This is achieved by collaborating with a broader community of stakeholders to create various opportunities for students to learn, achieve, and succeed. By working together, Grasslands Public School Division and its community strive to make a lasting difference in the communities of tomorrow.

Programs in Grasslands Public School Division
The Grasslands Public School Division understands the challenges parents face in helping their children develop, learn, and reach their full potential. Recognizing that parenting is no easy task, they offer a comprehensive program called Parents as Teachers. This program not only provides valuable insights into child development but also connects parents to the necessary resources that enable them to make informed choices for their families.
Through Parents as Teachers program at Grasslands Public School Division, dedicated home visitors utilize the evidence-based Foundational Curriculum to deliver personalized home visits tailored to the unique needs of each family. During these visits, parents can expect to receive age-appropriate activities, developmental information, and valuable parenting guidance. Additionally, developmental screenings are conducted to ensure that children are healthy, safe, and progressing as expected. These screenings serve as a valuable tool for tracking a child's development and identifying any areas that may require additional support.
Furthermore, Parents as Teachers facilitates group connections, allowing parents to network and establish meaningful relationships with other parents who are navigating similar experiences. This aspect of the program fosters a sense of community, providing a platform for sharing knowledge, experiences, and support. Recognizing the importance of community collaboration, the Grasslands Public School Division also provides referrals to various community resources and concrete support whenever needed. This ensures that families have access to additional assistance beyond the scope of the program, further enhancing their overall well-being.
In terms of early learning, the Grasslands Public School Division receives Program Unit Funding (PUF) from Alberta Education. This funding specifically targets children with severe disabilities or delays, who require additional support beyond what regular programs can provide. Through PUF, individual programming supports and strategies are implemented to meet the unique educational needs of each child. To be eligible for PUF, a child must be between the ages of three (by December 31) and five (on September 1).
Emphasizing the importance of holistic well-being, the Grasslands Public School Division Innovations Wellness Team takes an active role in building, nurturing, and maintaining purposeful, positive, and professional relationships. This team prioritizes curiosity, positive regard, acceptance, the best interest of the child, and empathy in their interactions with students, families, staff, and community partners. By fostering these relationships, they create a supportive and inclusive environment that contributes to the overall growth and success of each individual within the Grasslands Public School Division.
The Hockey Canada Skills Academy (HCSA) at Tilley School, within the Grasslands Public School Division, has a primary objective of enriching the educational experience of each student by integrating hockey into their daily school routine. By utilizing arena facilities during school hours, the HCSA program aims to enhance students' confidence, self-esteem, and opportunities in both academics and athletics, extending beyond the traditional primary, intermediate, and secondary school system.
The purpose of the HCSA program at Grasslands Public School Division is to deliver individual technical skill development to students who are currently involved in playing hockey during school hours. It also provides an opportunity for all students to experience the game in an accessible school setting. It is important to note that the program's intention is not to cultivate future professional or international-level athletes, but rather to focus on skill development.
The overall objectives of the HCSA program, within the Grasslands Public School Division, are as follows:

• Enhance academic achievement by motivating students to establish a balance between academics and athletics within the school system.
• Enhance individual technical and tactical skill development in hockey.
• Ensure equal development opportunities for students with late birthdays, late bloomers, late starters, and late maturity.

The philosophy of the HCSA program emphasizes that it is supplementary to the existing programs run by Local Hockey Associations (LHAs). The primary responsibility of the HCSA is to provide additional training for school-aged hockey players, regardless of gender, skill level, or competitive/recreational involvement, who are registered and playing on their LHA team or wish to register with the LHA. The HCSA program focuses on individual improvement in skills and academic accomplishment rather than forming or building competitive teams. It is an equity-based program that ensures access to students through a bursary program, when needed, within the school and/or school board. Hockey Canada and its members have approved the HCSA program, which has also received the school board's and the LHA's written support. For students to participate in the HCSA program at Grasslands Public School Division, they must be registered or interested in registering with an LHA and attending a school that operates the HCSA program. All students, regardless of their skill level or family income status, are eligible to participate. However, students enrolled in the HCSA program must maintain the academic and behavioral standards established and monitored by the school and/or school board in order to remain in the program.

Accommodation in Grasslands Public School Division
Pursuing education in a foreign country can be an exciting and transformative experience for international students. However, one of the essential aspects to consider is finding suitable accommodation during their stay.
Grasslands Public School Division in Brooks, Alberta, recognizes the importance of providing a supportive and inclusive environment for international students. To cater to their housing needs, some of its schools offer on-campus accommodation options specifically designed for overseas students. These facilities are designed to ensure convenience, safety, and comfort, allowing students to focus on their studies and immerse themselves in the educational experience.
If on-campus housing is not available or suitable for all international students, the Grasslands Public School Division recognizes the importance of addressing their accommodation needs through alternative solutions. One popular option is living with a homestay family, which provides a unique opportunity for cultural immersion. Homestay families open their homes to international students, offering a safe and supportive living environment. Students become part of the family, sharing meals, participating in family activities, and gaining firsthand experience of local customs and traditions. The costs associated with homestay accommodation can vary but typically range from $800 CAD to $1,200 CAD per month, depending on the location and services provided.
Moreover, international students who opt to study at Grasslands Public School Division may explore rental options such as apartments or shared housing arrangements. Renting a private apartment can cost approximately $1,000 CAD to $1,500 CAD per month, depending on the size, location, and amenities. Alternatively, sharing an apartment or renting a room with a roommate can significantly reduce expenses, with costs ranging from $500 CAD to $800 CAD per month.
Future Prospects
Upon wrapping up their educational pursuits at Grasslands Public School Division, international graduates who then apply for post-secondary education at colleges and universities can find themselves eligible to apply for the coveted Post-Graduation Work Visa Program upon graduation from such post-secondary institutions. This remarkable initiative allows these graduates to spread their wings and soar in the Canadian job market for a span of up to three years, depending on the duration of their program. This invaluable work experience provides a solid foundation for building a thriving career and immersing oneself in the Canadian professional landscape.
Grasslands Public School Division's graduates possess a unique advantage—the potential to secure permanent resident status in Canada. The Canadian government extends a warm welcome to skilled individuals who have completed their studies within the country's borders. With a focus on attracting talent with Canadian educational credentials and work experience, international graduates enjoy a favorable pathway to transition from temporary residency to permanent settlement, fostering a sense of belonging and stability. Canada's charm extends far beyond its picturesque landscapes; it also resides in the abundance of opportunities it offers to those who opt for long-term settlement. Graduates from Grasslands Public School Division are greeted by a thriving job market brimming with enticing possibilities that perfectly match their distinct skills and qualifications. Whether it's the dynamic technology sector, the ever-evolving realm of healthcare, the world of finance, or the realm of engineering, a multitude of industries warmly embraces these exceptional individuals. Moreover, obtaining permanent residency unlocks a wealth of advantages, including access to Canada's comprehensive social services, renowned educational institutions, and a society that deeply values diversity and inclusivity. This nurturing environment fosters personal and professional growth, paving the way for an extraordinary journey of self-realization and achievement.
For those captivated by the charm of Canada and yearning for a deeper connection, the prospect of Canadian citizenship is an exhilarating opportunity. Citizenship bestows a plethora of privileges, including the right to vote, unfettered access to government services and programs, and the freedom to explore the world under the protection of a Canadian passport. To achieve this coveted status, aspiring citizens must meet specific eligibility criteria, including residency requirements, language proficiency, and a comprehensive understanding of Canadian history and values.

 

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