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Community Current: May 2026

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  May 21, 2026

Welcome to the FSD Community Current, a connection to recent news and stories from the Foothills School Division. 

Be sure to get all the news from FSD and your child's school by downloading the free FSD app (click here to learn more)

Important Dates

May 27 – Board Meeting at 1:00pm

May 30 – Indigenous Graduation & Awards Ceremony

June 25 – Last Day of School

June 29 – Summer Break (Schools Closed)

August 15 – Student Timetables & Homerooms posted on Edsembli

 

 

Don’t Miss This

We don't want you to miss any of these opportunities or news items. Be sure to act quickly for any registrations.

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Registration for 2026–2027 FSD School Bus Services is now open

If riding the bus is in your plan for next school year, be sure to apply for bus service today!

All families must apply every year. Applying early helps ensure routes, staffing, and schedules are in place for a smooth start to the school year.

 

What you need to know:

  • Application and fee payment are completed through your Edsembli Family Portal
  • $100 fee per rider; maximum $250 per household
  • Details and link to apply are at our website
  • Registration closes June 19

Thank you for registering early to help us plan safe, reliable transportation for students from day one.

Register Today


 

Summer School 2026

Registration for Summer School is now open to support student choice and continued learning opportunities. In addition to core academic courses, students can take advantage of earning credits in Welding, Business, Psychology, Aboriginal Studies, Holocaust Studies, and so much more. Learn more and register at our website before May 30.

 

Learn More & Register Today

 


 

2026–2027 Instructional Calendar updated

At the request of the Government of Alberta to support the use of schools as voting locations on October 19, 2026, the Foothills School Division Board of Trustees has approved a change to the 2026–2027 school year calendar:

The previously scheduled professional learning day of Friday, October 23, 2026, has been moved to Monday, October 19, 2026. This change ensures a non‑instructional day for students while schools are in use by the public as voting stations.

Learn More

 


 

Indigenous Student Graduation & Awards Ceremony

Join us on May 30, 2026, at the Viking Rentals Centre in Okotoks to honour our graduating students who identify as First Nations, Inuit and Métis and our students who have been nominated for the ASBA Honouring Spirit Award.

Learn More

 


FSD welcomes provincial investment to support classrooms and learning

Foothills School Division has welcomed new provincial funding aimed at reducing class sizes and directing additional resources into classrooms across the province. The investment will help schools respond to enrolment pressures and support positive, well‑resourced learning environments as planning continues for the 2026–2027 school year.

Learn More

 


  

Fast Forward to a Flourishing commUNITY

Students, staff, families, and community partners are shaping the future of learning in Foothills School Division through ongoing engagement. Community conversations launched in May help identify strengths, challenges, and opportunities that will inform future planning. Learn more about this project and how FSD Board of Trustee Governance guides this work in the May edition of Footnotes.

Read Footnotes

 



FFSF Fore Education Golf Tournament | August 20

Join the Friends of Foothills Schools Foundation for its Third Annual Golf Tournament! Proceeds enhance learning for FSD students.

FORE!


 

Learning & Belonging

Foothills School Division continues to focus on learning environments where students feel safe, supported, and connected. FSD students demonstrate creativity, leadership, and skill through meaningful learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom.

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Kalin Rancourt and Mina Van Ee on the podium for silver in video production. 
 Facebook | Skills Canada Alberta

 

Student‑created theatre

Students at École Secondaire Highwood High School debuted an original stage production written and produced by their Advanced Acting class. The performance explored the impact of artificial intelligence on family life and highlighted strong student voice and collaboration.

Read Article

 

Skills Alberta success

Students from École Secondaire Highwood High School and École Secondaire Foothills Composite High School | Alberta High School of Fine Arts earned recognition at the 2026 Provincial Skills Canada Competition, showcasing excellence across skilled trades and technology categories.

Read Article

 

 

FSD students are inspired at Young Authors Conference

Foothills School Division students were excited to attend the Young Authors Conference on May 9, a special opportunity to celebrate creativity, storytelling, and a love of writing. Hosted in collaboration with Christ the Redeemer School Division, the event brought young writers together to learn, share ideas, and be inspired in their growth as authors.

 

Read Article

 

Operation Prevention at Oilfields High School

Students at Oilfields School participated in a powerful learning experience focused on the dangers of impaired driving. This initiative was delivered in partnership with municipal enforcement, RCMP, emergency services, health partners, and community organizations.

 Read Article

 

 


Foothills Composite High School brings students together through Inclusive Game Day

ÉSFCHS | AHSFAS is hosting an Inclusive Game Day on M ay 26 in partnership with the Jays Care Foundation, creating a fun, welcoming event designed for students of all abilities. Supported by leadership students, teachers, and educational assistants, the day highlights the power of inclusion, collaboration, and belonging through play and shared experiences.


Read Article

 

Celebrating Our CommUNITY

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Students at École Percy Pegler School in Okotoks learn from members of our community.

Rooted in this place: 50 years of belonging at École Percy Pegler School

École Percy Pegler School is celebrating 50 years as a place of learning, connection, and community. This story reflects on the relationships, shared history, and sense of belonging that have shaped generations of learners.

Read Article

 

 

Blue Bronna Wilderness fuels learning at Longview School

Outdoor learning is helping students at Longview School build confidence, curiosity, and connection. Through hands‑on wilderness experiences, students are learning beyond classroom walls while supporting well‑being and engagement.

Read Article

 


 

Okotoks Oilers inspire students through buddy program

A partnership between the Okotoks Oilers and Dr. Morris Gibson School is building meaningful connections through mentorship, encouragement, and positive role‑modeling for students.

Read Article

 

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Students at Dr. Morris Gibson have a meet and greet with some of the Okotoks Oilers as part of the O.I.L.E.R.S. Buddy Program

 


Leadership announcements

Several new principals and vice‑principals have been announced for the 2026–2027 school year, reflecting Foothills School Division’s commitment to strong leadership and continuity in our schools. Meet our entire school leadership team at our website.

 Meet the School Leadership Team

 

Leadership excellence recognized in High River

Dave Roberts, retiring principal of École Secondaire Highwood High School, has been named a recipient of the Alberta Teachers’ Association Council for School Leadership Distinguished Leadership Award, recognizing decades of service and leadership within Foothills School Division.

Read Article


 

MP John Barlow visits Oilfields High School to see community‑connected learning in action

Foothills School Division welcomed Member of Parliament John Barlow to Oilfields High School for a visit highlighting innovative, community‑connected learning. The visit showcased how partnerships and real‑world experiences support student engagement and meaningful learning opportunities.

Read Article

 


 

Win a Pizza Party for Your Child’s Classroom!

Make a nomination for classroom of the month and win like students at ÉJCS!

Both Sun Country and The Eagle host Classroom of the Month! Visit these two links to nominate your child’s class to receive a pizza party.

 

Visit High River Online                    Visit Okotoks Online 

 

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Previous Classroom of the Month winner Madame Marnie Polege's grade 2 French immersion class from École Joe Clark. HighRiverOnline | Kevin Wallace

 

 

Thank you

Thank you to our families and community partners for your continued support. Together, we are building flourishing learning communities where every learner can succeed.


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