<p>Additional information can be found in the November 25, 2025, Board Meeting Agenda package: <a href="https://www.myprps.com/news/november-25-2025-public-board-meeting-20251124160216">https://www.myprps.com/news/november-25-2025-public-board-meeting-20251124160216</a></p><p>------</p><p><strong>Executive Report</strong></p><p><i>Yuill School of Agriculture:&nbsp;</i>Assistant Superintendent Boyd Craven shared that the extended mild fall weather has allowed work to begin on preparing the land for the new Yuill School of Agriculture building. He also noted that discussions are underway with Medicine Hat College and SAIT to develop dual credit opportunities connected to the new high school agriculture program.</p><p><strong>2024-2025 Audited Financial Statement Approval</strong></p><p>The Board reviewed and approved the audited financial statements for the 2024-2025 school year, which show that the division remains in a strong and stable financial position. The audit, completed by MNP LLP, provided a clean opinion, confirming that the statements are accurate and follow all required public sector accounting standards. Total revenues for the year reached $63.44 million, with increases in provincial funding, school fees, and community donations.</p><p>Expenses for the year totaled $62.86 million, reflecting the full cost of operating schools across the division. Most of these dollars supported classroom learning, with $45.59 million spent on instruction from early childhood through Grade 12. Student transportation, which ensures students can travel safely to and from school each day, totaled $7.63 million. Another $7.21 million was used for operations and maintenance to keep school buildings running. System administration accounted for $2.36 million, and $77,096 supported external services.</p><p>The division ended the year with an annual surplus of $580,624, helping strengthen overall financial stability. Cash balances across the division and schools increased to $10.78 million, and total capital assets reached $48.2 million, reflecting continued investment in buildings, equipment, and learning environments.</p><p>Overall, the audit confirms that Prairie Rose is financially responsible, stable, and well positioned to continue supporting students, staff, and schools.</p><p><strong>Redcliff Building Name Change and New School Code</strong></p><p>The board approved a new school name and requested a new school code for the CASA Mental Health Program launching in February 2026. The classroom will be located in the Redcliff Mennonite Alternative Program building, which will be renamed The Link as part of the new CASA program.</p><p><strong>Other Items:</strong></p><ul><li>Trustees provided a brief update on their attendance at the recent Public School Boards Association and Alberta School Boards Association meetings. The events included professional development sessions, a fireside conversation with the Minister of Education, and elections for provincial committees. Trustees appreciated the opportunity to connect with colleagues and bring relevant insights back to support division work.</li></ul>

<p>The next Prairie Rose Public Schools board meeting will take place on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at the PRPS Division Office in Dunmore <strong>starting at 12:45 p.m.&nbsp;</strong></p><p>Board Meeting Agenda Package: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1md6XaqFChEF_SsZ-FgsQ1dNRYtBVsY-n/view?usp=drive_link">https://drive.google.com/file/d/1md6XaqFChEF_SsZ-FgsQ1dNRYtBVsY-n/view?usp=drive_link</a></p>

As-Salamu `Alaykum Dear CIS AJ Families (Grades 7-12), It is that time of year to come together to discuss your child’s progress, achievements, and goals for the rest of the semester. We believe that a strong partnership between parents and teachers is key to nurturing our students' success…The Whole Child, The Whole Way! We invite you to book your Parent-Teacher Interviews for Grades 7-12 on the following dates: 🗓️ Thursday, November 27th 🗓️ Monday, December 1st Please click the link below to select your preferred time slots with your child’s teachers: 🔗 https://outlook.office.com/book/AkramJomaaParentTeacherInterviews@prrd8.ca/?ismsaljsauthenabled We look forward to seeing you soon insha’Allah Jazakum’Allahu Khairan,

Akram Jomaa Robotics Team! First competition of the year at North Trail Secondary School. #prairierosepublicschools #igniteminds #akramjomaa #first #tech #firsttechchallenge

<p><i>Credit: George Lee, The Macleod Gazette, Local Journalism Initiative</i><br><i>Published: November 2, 2025</i></p><p>A multi-billion-dollar Alberta industry with rural roots – literally and figuratively – will reap the benefits of a new educational champion in Cypress county, the legislature heard last week.</p><p>The Yuill School of Agriculture will give high school students “the knowledge, skills and hands-on training they need to thrive in one of Alberta’s most cherished and essential industries,” Justin Wright said.</p><p>The collegiate school’s development “marks a significant milestone for public education and opportunity in southeastern Alberta,” said Wright, the UCP member for Cypress-Medicine Hat and the parliamentary secretary for rural health, south.</p><p>Construction is set to start next spring on 76 acres of land just southeast of Medicine Hat on the south side of the Trans-Canada Highway. Opening of the school is slated for the fall of 2027.</p><p>A Prairie Rose Public Schools news release says the school for grades 10-12 “marks an important step forward in advancing agricultural education and workforce development in Alberta, combining industry partnerships, community collaboration and innovative learning opportunities for students.”</p><p>Support from the Alberta government includes $725,000 towards start-up expenses. The Yuill Family Foundation donated land worth about $1 million and $600,000 towards construction. In partnership with Neubauer Farms, Prairie Rose will operate the school.</p><p>Students will be able to earn certifications, complete dual-credit courses and gain practical experience in crop and livestock management, agri-business, greenhouse operations, agricultural technology and other areas of the industry, says the school division release.&nbsp;</p><p>Neubauer Farms and the school division will work together on the school’s design and curriculum “to balance academic learning with industry-relevant experience.”</p><p>Wright told the legislature: “Agriculture is more than just an industry in Alberta. It’s the heart and soul of our province. It’s where our values, culture and entrepreneurial spirit were born. It’s a force that has shaped the resilient and tight-knit communities we proudly call home.”</p><p>He continued: “With the creation of the Yuill School of Agriculture, we’re investing in future generations who will carry forward Alberta’s proud legacy of agriculture.”</p><p>The Yuill family has a storied history in and beyond Medicine Hat, going back to the development of the clay pottery industry in the earlier 1900s. The establishment of CHAT-AM and CHAT-TV in the 1940s and 1950s foreshadowed the Yuills’ advancement of cable broadcasting.</p><p>The family is also big in sports franchise ownership and league development, including the ownership of the Medicine Hat A’s, a farm team of the Oakland A’s. It became the Medicine Hat Blue Jays and operated for 25 seasons as an affiliate of the (not this year) World Series-winning Toronto Blue Jays.</p><p>Since its founding in 2007, the Yuill Family Foundation has put more than $9 million worth of philanthropy towards capital projects and programs.</p><p>For new collegiate schools, Alberta’s 2025 budget included $22 million in start-up funding over three years and $43 million in capital supports.</p><p>The province’s website says that collegiate schools “bring together students with similar interests to benefit from enriched programming, specialized facilities and enhanced learning opportunities through a unique delivery model.”</p><p>Collegiate schools provide “a clear pathway” into post-secondary education and careers in students’ chosen fields, the site says. Eligible are public and accredited private schools that meet program criteria.</p><p>Agriculture and the agri-food industry contributed about &nbsp;$10.3 billion to Alberta’s GDP in 2023 and employed more than 83,000 people, published sources say.</p><p>Wright concluded: “The is more than just a school. It’s a promise to our youth, our province, and our future.”</p>

<p>The Prairie Rose Public Schools Board of Trustees held its annual Organizational Meeting, where trustees selected the Board Chair and Vice Chair for the upcoming year. During the meeting, all members of the Board were sworn into their new or returning positions by the Returning Officer. The Organizational Meeting was followed by a Special Board Meeting to address current division matters and upcoming priorities.</p><p>Link to the Organizational Meeting Agenda: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FWss0nGIzM2a1vw2hxFsfHYYuIJrwR35/view?usp=drive_link">https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FWss0nGIzM2a1vw2hxFsfHYYuIJrwR35/view?usp=drive_link</a></p><p>-----</p><h3><strong>Organizational Meeting</strong></h3><p>Each fall the board of trustees elects a new or returning board chair, vice-chair and other key board representative positions. In addition to their regular duties, the following trustees will represent and attend events on behalf of Prairie Rose Public Schools during the 2025-2026 year:</p><p>✔️ Patty Rooks, Board Chair<br>✔️ Pam Cursons, Vice-Chair<br>✔️ Representative for the Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) - Pam Cursons<br>✔️ ASBA Alternate - Nancy Haraga<br>✔️ Representative for the Public School Boards Association (PSBA) - Janel Vossler<br>✔️ PSBAA Alternate - Graeme Dennis<br>✔️ Teachers Employer Bargaining Association (TEBA) - Pam Cursons<br>✔️ Representative on the Rural Caucus of Alberta - Patty Rooks</p><h3><strong>Special Board Meeting</strong></h3><p><strong>PRPS Division Calendar</strong></p><p>The Prairie Rose Public Schools Board of Trustees approved modifications to the 2025-2026 school year calendar, changing the two November professional development days (November 7 and November 10) to instructional days for students. Trustees expressed that boards have not yet been advised whether there will be any adjustments or accommodations to student assessments as a result of the strike. It was noted that recovering some of the lost instructional time is particularly important at the high school level, where schools operate on semesters. The Board approved the changes with the understanding that further adjustments may be made once additional information is provided by Alberta Education. <a href="https://www.myprps.com/calendar">www.myprps.com/calendar</a></p>

<p><strong>Subject: Return to Classes – October 29, 2025</strong></p><p>Good afternoon PRPS families,</p><p>Prairie Rose Public Schools is sharing an important update regarding the return to classes following recent labour action. Students will return to class on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, and school buses will be running on their regular schedules.</p><p><strong>School Calendar Adjustments</strong><br>To help recover instructional time lost during the labour disruption, the Board of Trustees has approved adjustments to the school calendar. The two previously scheduled SI/PD Days on November 7 and November 10 will now become regular in-class learning days for students. Remembrance Day (November 11) will remain a statutory holiday, and schools will be closed on that day.</p><p>We understand that some parents and guardians may have already made plans for these dates. We appreciate your flexibility and understanding as we work to support students in re-establishing routines and regaining valuable learning time. If your child is unable to attend on these added instructional days, please contact your school directly.</p><p><strong>Fees, Assessments, Activities, Events, etc.</strong><br>We know parents will have questions related to several non-instructional related items, including fees that have been paid, grades and exam accommodations, extracurricular activities, cancelled events, etc. While we do not currently have all the answers, we will be working closely with school staff to review each situation and determine the best path forward. As more information becomes available, updates will be shared with impacted families.</p><p><strong>Next Steps</strong><br>The past month has not been easy for our staff, students, or families. We want to sincerely thank everyone for their patience, cooperation, and support during this time. As operations resume, we ask for continued compassion and understanding—recognizing that not everyone will return with the same feelings or experiences.</p><p>Our shared priority remains clear: helping students get back on track, re-engaged with their learning, and reconnected with their peers and school communities.</p><p>Thank you for your partnership and understanding as we return to regular school operations.</p><p>Sincerely,</p><p>Patty Rooks<br>Board Chair, Prairie Rose Public Schools</p><p>Reagan Weeks<br>Superintendent, Prairie Rose Public Schools</p>

<p>The next Prairie Rose Public Schools board meeting will take place on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at the PRPS Division Office in Dunmore <strong>starting at 10:00 a.m.&nbsp;</strong></p><p>Board Meeting Agenda Package: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/13tAhNvkeBwe6pkPs_l1UJfHcInc01IbK/view?usp=drive_link">https://drive.google.com/file/d/13tAhNvkeBwe6pkPs_l1UJfHcInc01IbK/view?usp=drive_link</a></p>

As-Salamu `Alaykum Dear Parents, We are excited to invite you to our Open House on Monday, September 29th from 5:30–6:30 pm! 🎉 This is a wonderful opportunity to: ✅ Meet your child’s teachers ✅ Explore their classrooms and learning spaces ✅ Learn about our goals and vision for the year ✅ Connect with other families and strengthen our school community Your presence means so much to us and to your children—we look forward to welcoming you insha'Allah! 💙 📍 [School Name] 📅 Monday, September 29th 🕠 5:30 – 6:30 pm We can’t wait to see you there, insha’Allah! ✨

<p>The next Prairie Rose Public Schools board meeting will take place on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at the PRPS Division Office in Dunmore starting at 12:45 p.m.&nbsp;</p><p>Board Meeting Agenda Package: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OH02srd4nDhhJgUaNHitZSuWp9USYwtu/view?usp=drive_link">https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OH02srd4nDhhJgUaNHitZSuWp9USYwtu/view?usp=drive_link</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p>

First Week of School To help ensure a smooth start, we will have a staggered entry during the first week: Tuesday, September 2nd: Students with last names A – M only Wednesday, September 3rd: Students with last names N – Z only Thursday, September 4th: All students attend Friday, September 5th: All students attend

<p><strong>Dunmore, AB</strong> - At a special public meeting held on August 25, 2025, the Prairie Rose Public Schools (PRPS) Board of Trustees approved wage and benefit increases for non-unionized support staff and bus drivers, effective September 1, 2025.</p><p>The Board motions included the following:</p><ul><li>A 6% wage increase for non-unionized support staff.</li><li>A 3% wage increase for PRPS bus drivers.</li><li>An increase of $75 to the Health/Wellness Spending Account for non-unionized support staff.</li><li>A directive for administration to undertake a market wage grid review for non-unionized support staff to ensure wages remain comparable within the education sector.</li></ul><p>“The Board of Trustees recognizes the essential work of our support staff, whose contributions directly impact the success of our students,” says PRPS Board Chair Lois Bedwell. “Our decision reflects the importance of providing fair compensation, but also the need to remain competitive with other school divisions across Alberta. Attracting talent to work in our jurisdiction is a priority to ensure we have thriving and supported school environments.”</p><p>In addition to providing compensation for staff, PRPS has also prioritized support for students in classrooms. From 2022 to 2025, allocations for student support in schools increased from $2 million to nearly $3 million dollars. This number includes 114 Educational Assistants who work directly with students. Other added PRPS student directed supports include:</p><ul><li>Students who meet criteria for a severe behavioral code have one to one support.</li><li>Students with a severe medical code have at minimum 2:1 support.</li><li>A Resilience Strategist has been added to work with our most complex students and their families.</li><li>A designated Student Support Advocate works directly with students and families facing barriers to attendance.</li><li>The Student Wellness Counsellor (formerly FSLW) team has been increased by 0.2 FTE.</li><li>Occupational Therapy contracted hours have been doubled.</li><li>PRPS has partnered with the PALIX foundation to foster positive childhood experiences in our schools for all students using models such as the Brain Story and the Resilience Scale.</li></ul><p>These investments reflect the division’s commitment to ensuring students receive the support they need, while also highlighting the importance of retaining and attracting skilled staff through fair and competitive compensation. The approved support staff increases were built into the previously&nbsp;<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AC5yd1a6o7OFh__kythL8r0MuO7DzCLw/view">approved 2025–2026 operating budget</a>, which remains balanced. The decision also responds to the reality of rising costs of living in southeast Alberta and across the province, and aligns with compensation trends for education support staff in other Alberta school divisions.</p><p>For media inquiries:</p><p>Angela Baron<br>PRPS Director of Communications<br>403-527-5516 ext. 2319<br><i>communications@prrd8.ca</i></p>

🌟 Enrollment Update: Limited Seats for 2025–2026! 🌟 At Calgary Islamic School – Akram Jomaa, we are dedicated to helping students grow into leaders grounded in faith, knowledge, and ingenuity. Our mission is simple yet powerful: “The Whole Child, The Whole Way.” ✅ Alberta-accredited K–12 program ✅ Strong academic foundation rooted in Islamic values ✅ Diverse, vibrant student community ✅ Opportunities for extracurricular and co-curricular growth With over 1,000 students already thriving at our campus, only a few spots remain for the upcoming school year. Don’t miss the chance to secure your child’s seat in a nurturing environment that inspires excellence in both academics and character. 👉 Apply today: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScJnID7qWANPdt6c-fmGNURbEsh8VEorLVWF_MDnk6npLjGHA/viewform #AkramJomaa #CalgaryIslamicSchool #IslamicEducation #FutureLeaders

📢✨ We’re looking forward to welcoming our students and families back soon insha'Allah! As we prepare for another year of learning, growth, and community, we’d like to share our updated school start and end times: 📅 Mondays KG – Grade 6 → 8:00 am – 12:50 pm Grade 7 – 12 → 8:00 am – 12:45 pm 📅 Tuesday – Friday KG – Grade 6 → 8:00 am – 3:10 pm Grade 7 – 12 → 8:00 am – 3:05 pm Thank you, parents and guardians, for your continued partnership. May Allah bless each of your children and grant them success in their learning journey! The Whole Child, The Whole Way.

<p>As-Salamu 'Alaykum Dear Parents/ Guardians.<br><br>We warmly welcome all new and returning families to the Calgary Islamic School community. As part of the onboarding process with Prairie Rose Public Schools, it is essential that all parents complete the new student registration form via our PowerSchool system no later than Wednesday, July 23rd, 2025.</p><p>With the transition from Palliser to Prairie Rose, we are required to re-collect all student and family information. This ensures proper account creation, timetable setup, and allocation of services for each student, Insha'Allah.</p><p>Calgary Islamic New Student / Returning Student Registration Notes</p><ol><li>It is very important that we have the new student forms completed for all OBK and AJ students who are attending school this fall as soon as possible.&nbsp;<strong>Please note Returning students are considered “New Students” as well.&nbsp;</strong>The registration process is fully digital; no paper forms are used.</li></ol><p><img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXcXhUSOTKqwroHAuSRiZ1GFN6JTJgk_QlqlADUPyuB8zIfM1Jg_tgSZ_iBfOTe1PjSJSa05vRtVMWFJY1ePkMuBOUht2MTD1JUoFwfnZLME-5X5FTeyNa57GD5toZ1E2NuC6IZH5A?key=ro10Y7tR89o7GqldkrTivA"></p><ol><li>With the transition from Palliser to Prairie Rose, all student and family information will need to be re-collected in order to create accounts, set timetables, allocate services for students, etc.&nbsp;</li><li>There are no paper forms. Families can create one main School Enrollment account to complete the forms for each child.&nbsp;</li><li>The form will request proof of identification/citizenship and any custody documentation. Kindly have these documents ready to upload at the time of registration. While it is preferable to upload them during submission, they may also be provided to the school afterward.</li></ol><p>Please complete the registration form here:&nbsp;<a href="https://registration.ca.powerschool.com/family/gosnap.aspx?action=100001054&amp;culture=en">https://registration.ca.powerschool.com/family/gosnap.aspx?action=100001054&amp;culture=en</a></p><p>Helpful Hints:</p><ol><li>If you are a parent of an AJ student who enrolled with Coulee Collegiate or South Alberta High School this spring for summer school (Chrome Academy), you will already have created a PowerSchool Enrollment account. Use the same email and password to complete the form for New Calgary Islamic School Registration form. Do not make a second account to complete the registration.</li><li>If you are registering more than one student, the form will provide you with a link to complete a second form at the end of the first registration.</li><li>If you have any issues completing the form, please contact Amberlynn Sauve at Prairie Rose Public Schools &nbsp;(amberlynnsauve@prrd8.ca).</li></ol><p>Next steps for after completing the form:</p><ol><li>An email confirmation for each student will be sent approving your enrollment with CIS. Those who are not approved will also be notified.</li><li>Following approval of the registration form, parents will begin to receive several notifications via email and text for setting up Prairie Rose Public Schools accounts.<ol><li>Watch for emails from PowerSchool Parent Portal (this is different from the PowerSchool Enrollment account used to complete the registration form).</li><li>Parents will receive an email regarding School Cash. A new account must be created with Prairie Rose Public Schools. School fee payments are required over the summer for the 2025-2026 school year.</li><li>A text message from 728443 will be sent from Prairie Rose School Division 8 asking families to opt-in for text messaging. Type the letter Y in the text box to allow CIS schools to send information from School Messenger directly via text message. This only needs to be done once per family.</li></ol></li></ol><p>Jazakum Allahu Khairan for your cooperation and trust. May Allah (SWT) bless your family and make this school year one of beneficial learning and growth for your children.</p><p>Calgary Islamic School Admissions Committee</p>

<p>Calgary Islamic School is accepting applications for teaching positions at both our Akram Jomaa (K–12) and Omar Bin Khattab (K–9) campuses. CIS offers a unique opportunity to teach in a faith-based environment that blends Alberta curriculum with Islamic values. We are looking for passionate, qualified educators who are committed to academic excellence and student growth—both intellectually and spiritually. Learn more: <a href="https://canva.myprps.com/calgary-islamic-schools-careers">https://canva.myprps.com/calgary-islamic-schools-careers</a></p>

<p>Our Grade 11–12 students had an unforgettable experience through the YMCA Youth Exchanges Canada program! They visited Ottawa and spent time with students from Abraar Secondary School, exploring Canada’s capital and its rich history, from Parliament Hill to national landmarks. They even got to enjoy a day trip to beautiful Montreal! A week full of learning, laughter, and lasting memories 🇨🇦🤝✨</p>

<p>Due to smoke from nearby forest fires, air quality levels across our school division may vary throughout the day. Prairie Rose Public Schools is closely monitoring the situation to ensure the health and safety of all students and staff.</p><h4>How Decisions Are Made:</h4><p>Each school uses trusted weather sources to check the <strong>Air Quality Index (AQI)</strong> in their local area. Based on these readings, schools will adjust outdoor activities and follow safety protocols when needed.</p><ul><li><strong>If air quality is rated high risk</strong>, students will <strong>remain indoors</strong>, and the <strong>Shelter in Place</strong> protocol will be activated.</li><li><strong>If conditions fall in the moderate range</strong>, schools may limit outdoor activities, especially for students or staff with health concerns.</li></ul><h4>Monitoring Tools:</h4><p><strong>The Weather Network</strong> is used in some locations to access the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI). A rating of <strong>7 or higher</strong> triggers Shelter in Place.</p><p><a href="https://www.theweathernetwork.com/ca/weather/alberta/medicine-hat">Check AQHI for Medicine Hat</a></p><p><strong>AccuWeather</strong> provides data for many of our rural areas. If air quality is listed as <strong>Poor or Unhealthy</strong>, the same indoor protocols apply.</p><p><a href="https://www.accuweather.com/en/ca/medicine-hat/t1a/air-quality-index/46928">Check AccuWeather for your area</a></p><h4>What This Means for Your Child:</h4><ul><li>Outdoor recess, PE classes, and other outside events may be moved indoors depending on air quality levels.</li><li>Students with asthma or respiratory conditions may be given additional precautions.</li><li>Principals and staff will continue to monitor conditions throughout the day and adjust as needed.</li></ul>

<p>While Mattias Radke loves playing hockey and is a goalie on the U18 hockey team with the South Alberta Hockey Academy, he is aware it is a career that will eventually end. “It's nice that I found a program like this that supports the hockey side with the school side. I have two classes a day on top of the hockey and I’m still able to get all my work done,” said Radke.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>For his last semester at Eagle Butte, Radke is taking Chemistry 30 and Physics 30 and says he gets his homework and studying done after school and when the team is on the bus travelling to an away game. He still needs to take calculus but plans on taking that course online next year when he is plays Junior A hockey for the Kindersley Klippers.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>He’s been playing hockey for as long as he can remember. “I probably started playing organized hockey when I was six or seven and became a goalie when I was ten years old. I like the brotherhood I get from being on a team and appreciate both the high and low moments that come with the sport. When we win, it’s the best feeling ever and it’s crazy the contrast from winning and losing. Feeling the joy of winning a big game is why I still play, and I love being competitive,” stated Radke.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>He’s excited to be going to Kindersley to join the Klippers and plans to play junior hockey a few years before pursuing a post-secondary education in biomedical engineering while hopefully continuing to play hockey. “For me, hockey will end eventually, and I need a backup plan,” said Radke.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Currently recovering from knee surgery, biomedical engineering holds an interest for Radke due to many injuries he’s sustained over the years. “With biomedical engineering I wanted to develop certain things that are going to help people with injuries to keep playing. If someone hurts themselves, I’d like to develop a way they can keep doing what they love. I wanted to do medicine, and I also wanted to be an engineer, so that’s why I chose biomedical engineering,” concluded Radke.</p><p>By Samantha Johnson, Prairie Rose Public Schools Content Writer&nbsp;</p>

<p>Alayna Martens enrolled in a dual-credit program for her Grade 10 year at Senator Gershaw School rather than taking any of the traditional options available. With a love of animals and an interest in veterinary medicine, the Veterinary Technical Assistant Certificate will allow Martens to work in a vet clinic as a non-registered member.</p><p>The last of her exams will be written in May, allowing Martens to attend the Olds College convocation in June and walk across the stage. She has sent out resumes to volunteer at a clinic over the summer and plans to continue volunteering or applying for paid positions for the next two years.</p><p>While Martens could fast-track to become a veterinary technician after graduating high school, her goal is to take a Bachelor of Science degree and then enrol in the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program at either the University of Calgary or the University of Saskatchewan. The dual-credit program allowed Martens to try some courses and get some practical experience working in a veterinary setting to see if it would be a viable career for her.</p><p>Martens completed five courses to complete the requirements for the certificate. The first she took in the summer prior to beginning her Grade 10 year, followed by two courses in the fall semester and the final two courses this semester.</p><p>“I had to be at Olds College on some weekends, five times last semester and four times this semester. It’s definitely busy but lots of fun,” said Martens. “I carpooled with another student from Lethbridge. We would drive up together and sleep there Friday night. Saturday was a full day and, depending on the course, we would either participate in a lab or handle live animals. We’ve been practicing different restraints for animals and their behaviours this semester. Last semester was a focus on surgery, so we learned about surgical instruments and practicing clinical procedures.”</p><p>Martens was also able to spend a day at a vet clinic as part of the course, which she enjoyed. Having grown up around horses and other large animals, she didn’t have much experience with smaller animals until her weekends at Olds College. Although her focus is getting a position in a clinic, she could also work in another animal-related area, such as at the SPCA.</p><p>“I’ve wanted to be a vet since I was quite young. To be able to try it out has been a great experience. I have lots of first-hand experience with animals and wanted to find a career where I could mix my passion with animals and be able to make a living,” stated Martens.</p><p>Martens used her experience in the Veterinary Technician Assistant dual-credit program for her 4-H speech this year as well as for the project she completed for the Senator Gershaw exhibition of learning.</p><p>“I would say it was a great experience if one isn’t sure what career they want to pursue because it is only one year,” concluded Martens. “It is a fantastic program. The professors are amazing and I got to learn lots and meet new people. If students want to try something new, this is a good course to look at.”</p><p>By Samantha Johnson, Prairie Rose Public Schools Content Writer&nbsp;</p>