Prince Albert Catholic Division Celebrates Strong Graduation Rates

The Prince Albert Catholic School Division has reported encouraging graduation rates, revealing that its students continue to excel compared to their peers across Saskatchewan. Recent data from the provincial government indicates that École St. Mary High School has not only maintained but also improved its graduation rates, exceeding provincial averages in multiple categories.

Consistent Performance in Graduation Statistics

In the latest figures released for 2024, École St. Mary High School achieved graduation rates that are higher than the provincial average in five out of six monitored categories. Director of Education Lorel Trumier expressed satisfaction with the division’s consistent performance. “We are obviously very pleased that in most categories we outperform the provincial averages once again, with very notable rates when it comes to our First Nation Métis achievement rates,” she stated.

This year, approximately 80 percent of students graduated within a five-year period, a statistic Trumier highlighted as impressive. “Obviously, we want 100 percent of our students graduating, but we know that we outperform the provincial averages and have done so for the past several years,” she added. The past five years have shown remarkable consistency in graduation rates, indicating a robust educational environment.

Trumier credited the success to the collaborative efforts of students, teachers, and families. “I think there’s some great work happening with our students. They’re persevering, and our teachers are working with them to achieve these results along with their families to support them. I think it’s a community effort for sure to get this done,” she said.

Comparative Data Highlights Growth

The province monitors graduation rates for different groups, including Non-First Nation, Métis and Inuit (non-FNMI) students, as well as First Nation, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) students. The statistics indicate that the graduation rates for École St. Mary High School have consistently met or surpassed provincial results since the introduction of a growth plan in 2020. This plan aims to address the educational disparities between FNMI and non-FNMI students.

Currently, around 55 percent of FNMI students in the Prince Albert Catholic School Division graduate within three years, compared to 48 percent across the province. For non-FNMI students, the graduation rate stands at 91 percent within three years, while the provincial rate is 89 percent. Among FNMI students who do not graduate within three years, 78 percent complete their education within five years, significantly higher than the 57 percent provincial average.

When comparing historical data from the 2012-2013 academic year, the Prince Albert Catholic School Division saw 75 percent of all students graduate within three years, surpassing the provincial rate of 71 percent. For FNMI students, the division achieved 45 percent compared to the provincial 41 percent, while non-FNMI graduation rates were 92 percent in the division against 83 percent province-wide.

In terms of five-year graduation rates from the same year, the division recorded 82 percent for all students, versus 81 percent provincially. For FNMI, the figures were 71 percent in the division and 54 percent across Saskatchewan.

Chair of the Board Suzanne Stubbs praised the diverse offerings available to students at École St. Mary High School. “Our students are involved in the arts, sports, practical and applied art courses, trades and skills, sciences or all academics; there is a pathway for all students,” she noted in a press release. “Congratulations to students and staff.”

This year, when considering all graduation rates combined, 75 percent of students in the Prince Albert Catholic Division graduated, slightly below the provincial rate of 79 percent. The five-year graduation rate for the division stands at 89 percent, compared to 87 percent for the province.

The steady improvements in graduation rates showcase the ongoing commitment of the Prince Albert Catholic School Division to providing quality education and support to all students, fostering an environment where every student can find their path to success.