FSD Community Current: June 2026
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Welcome to the FSD Community Current — your connection to recent news and stories from the Foothills School Division. As we close another school year, thank you for being part of our learning community. Have a safe, restful, and joyful summer!
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Important Dates | |
June 25 | Last Day of School for Students |
June 26 | Non-Instructional Day (all schools) Learner Profiles posted to Edsembli |
June 29 to August 27 | Summer Break |
August 15 | Student timetables & Homerooms posted on Edsembli |
August 21 | School office staff available for email and phone inquiries |
August 28 | Schools accessible to families and students Student Learning Transition Day (check with your school for details) |
August 31 | First Day of Classes for 2026–2027 |
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2025-2026 Year-End Message from the Foothills School Division Board of Trustees
As the 2025–2026 school year comes to a close, the Board of Trustees extends its sincere gratitude to the students, families, staff, volunteers, and community partners who make Foothills School Division such an exceptional place to learn, work, and grow. This year has been one of learning, growth, and connection. As a newly elected Board, we have spent time strengthening our understanding of one another's perspectives, building a shared commitment to student success, and working alongside administration to ensure our decisions remain focused on what matters most: creating the conditions for every learner to flourish. Throughout the year, we have had the privilege of visiting schools, attending student performances, athletic events, celebrations, and community gatherings, and witnessing firsthand the remarkable things happening across our division. From academic achievement and skilled trades competitions to fine arts performances, athletic accomplishments, leadership initiatives, and acts of kindness and service, our students continue to inspire us with their talents, perseverance, and contributions to their communities.
This year also marked an important step forward in our community engagement work. Through our Fast Forward to Flourishing commUNITY conversations and ongoing dialogue with students, staff, families, school councils, municipalities, Indigenous partners, and community organizations, we have continued to explore what it means to create the conditions for both learners and communities to flourish. These conversations have reinforced the importance of listening, building relationships, and working together to shape the future of public education in Foothills School Division.
The Board would also like to express its heartfelt appreciation to the many staff members whose dedication makes a difference in the lives of students every day. Whether in classrooms, learning commons, offices, workshops, buses, school grounds, or division offices, our teachers, educational assistants, counsellors, therapists, administrative assistants, office administrators, bus drivers, maintenance and facility services staff, transportation team members, athletic directors, fine arts teachers, school leaders, support staff, and executive team members each play an essential role in supporting student learning, wellbeing, and success. Public education is a collective effort, and we are deeply grateful for the care, expertise, and commitment our staff bring to their work each day.
As a Board, we remain committed to strong governance, responsible stewardship of public resources, and advocacy on behalf of students, families, and communities. This year, that work included ongoing conversations regarding funding, transportation, student supports, local decision-making, and ensuring rural and urban students alike have access to meaningful learning opportunities close to home. To our graduates, congratulations. Whether you are completing Kindergarten, Grade 6, Grade 9, Grade 12, a post-secondary pathway, or a career in education, we celebrate your accomplishments and wish you every success in the journeys ahead. To our retirees, thank you for the lasting contributions you have made to our schools, our students, and our communities. Your influence will continue to be felt for years to come.
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, thank you for your trust, partnership, and support of public education. We wish everyone a safe, restful, and joyful summer and look forward to welcoming students and staff back in the fall as we continue working together to support learning, growth, and flourishing throughout Foothills School Division.
Theresa Letendre
Board Chair
Trustee, Ward 3
Footnotes May 2026 Listening, Learning & Leading Forward
Don’t Miss This
Register today for the third annual FORE Education Golf Tournament with the Friends of Foothills Schools Foundation
Fast Forward to a Flourishing Community — Implementation Plan 2026–2029
Our community-driven plan to keep schools at the heart of strong, connected, rural communities is moving forward. The next community gathering takes place October 15.
Registration for 2026–2027 Bus Service — Apply Now
If riding the bus is part of your plan for next year, please apply soon — applications are required every year.
The priority date of June 19 has passed, but you can still apply through your Edsembli Family Portal. Late applications may result in service delays.
▶ Applying on time helps us plan safe, reliable routes for a smooth start in the fall.
2026–2027 Instructional Calendar Updates
Two edits to the 2026-2027 Instructional Calendar have been made.
At the request of the Government of Alberta:
- October 19, 2026 is a non-instructional day (professional learning)
- October 23, 2026 is an instructional day
Learn More
To provide a shared learning opportunity with Hannah Beach for staff and parents:
- March 12, 2027 is an instructional day
- March 22, 2027 is a non-instructional day (professional learning)
Learn More
FFSF Fore Education Golf Tournament — August 20
Join us at the Friends of Foothills Schools Foundation for its Third Annual FORE Education Golf Tournament.
August 20, 2026
Highwood Golf Club in High River
Proceeds enhance learning opportunities for FSD students.
Register / Sponsor at FoothillsFriends.ca
Learning & Belonging
Feeling safe and supported matters for student success. Here are just a few ways that is happening in our schools across the division.
Junior Kindergarten student at École Joe Clark in High River is starting trends and making friends, one jean jacket at a time.
Free Summer Programs with Minds Matter!
Keep connection and wellness going all summer. The Minds Matter team is bringing free programs to High River, Okotoks, and Diamond Valley this July and August — including Spot of Emotion (ages 6–10), Tween Connection (ages 10–14), and outdoor Mindful Movers. Check dates and locations and register early.
Earn Post-Secondary Credits — French Immersion Dual Credit
High school students in French Immersion can earn post-secondary credits through a dual credit course — a great head start on their learning journey.
A Junior Kindergarten Idea Becomes a Club Built on Kindness
A wonderful example of student creativity and heart: an ÉJCS Junior Kindergarten student’s idea grew into a school club centered on kindness — proof that big things start with young leaders.
Belonging on the Diamond
One baseball game on May 26 made a big difference in our schools and community. Find out how the Jays Care Foundation and community spirit hit a home run for inclusion.
Our CommUNITY
We are strong and vibrant because of those within our community. We are fortunate to have incredible staff team members, volunteers, and community partners who make learning fun, safe, and exceptional in our schools.
Support staff team members were celebrated for their positive impact on June 10
2026–2027 School Leadership
Several new principals and vice-principals have been announced for the coming school year, reflecting FSD’s commitment to strong leadership and continuity in our schools. Meet your school’s leadership team.
Meet the School Leadership Teams
Honouring the Impact of Our Team Members
We recently celebrated team members whose dedication makes a lasting difference in students’ lives. Thank you to every team member who helps our students explore, develop, and celebrate their gifts.
Read the Celebration of our Award Winners
Recognizing our team and congratulating our retirees
Every year, we gather to celebrate our team at Milestones. This annual event is a collaboration between FSD, ATA Foothills Local 16, and CUPE Local 5040 to celebrate employees from across the division who are receiving a long service award and those who are retiring after a fulfilling career in education.
Community Safety Partnerships
Foothills School Division continues to strengthen its partnerships with local law enforcement and community safety agencies. After an initial meeting earlier this year, there is a commitment to establish a collaborative committee to address safety concerns and trends within schools, the region, and our community. It is through this shared responsibility that we can effectively support one another and make a lasting, positive impact.
With this partnership, Okotoks RCMP will be using one of our schools for a training exercise in July. Please watch our website for a shared message from Okotoks RCMP and FSD about what you can expect to see.
FYI
Division Office Summer Hours
Foothills School Division office is open at reduced hours over the summer:
June 30 to August 14, the office will be open Monday to Thursday, 8:30am to 4:00pm.
During that time, the office is closed on Fridays as well as Wednesday, July 1, and August 3 to August 7.
Regular business hours (Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm) will resume on Monday, August 16.
What we are working on this summer
Schools may be closed, but our teams will be busy getting things ready for the year ahead. Here are a few of the projects we are working on:
- FSD Summer School
- New Curriculum Designing
- Supporting the FFSF Literacy Playground
- Facilities team at schools for regular maintenance and projects
- Custodial contractor in schools for the annual deep-clean
- Tech Services updating systems and installing hardware in schools
- Planning bus routes and tuning up our fleet
- Website content updates
- Designing opportunities for engagement with community and families
- Preparing for a great year ahead!
Thank You
Thank you to our families and community partners for your continued support throughout the year. Together, we are building flourishing learning communities where every learner can succeed. Wishing you a safe and happy summer — we look forward to welcoming students back on August 31.
Stay Informed: Board Meetings • FSD App • All News
Stay Connected: foothillsschooldivision.ca • communications@fsd38.ab.ca • Facebook • Instagram
We honour the spirit, life, and lessons this land and its ancestors teach us. We acknowledge the traditional land and territories of the Siksika, Piikani, Kainai, Tsuut’ina, and Îyârhe Nakoda as well as the Foothills District and the Rocky View District within the Battle River Territory of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government of Alberta.
Foothills School Division | 129 4th Ave SW, PO Box 5700, High River, AB | (403) 652-3001
