Prince Albert Catholic School Division Unveils Strategic Plan and Playground Grant

Trustees from the Prince Albert Catholic School Division will focus on a new Strategic Plan and an upcoming provincial program during their reports to the School Community Council (SCC) for the months of October and November. During a regular meeting held on October 6, 2023, Lorel Trumier, the Director of Education, presented the latest updates and initiatives the division is pursuing with local councils.

Trumier highlighted the importance of gathering feedback for the Strategic Plan, which will cover the period from 2026 to 2030. She expressed enthusiasm about engaging with SCCs to discuss their visions for educational improvements. “I will be looking forward to going to the SCCs and meeting with them and sharing the results more intimately with them and discussing what their hopes and dreams are for their children’s education,” Trumier noted.

In addition to the strategic planning, the division is promoting the new School Playground Equipment Grant program recently announced by the government of Saskatchewan. This initiative aims to support the creation of safe and accessible playgrounds on school-operated properties. Eligible projects may receive up to $50,000 in matching funds for constructing new playgrounds or enhancing existing facilities.

The application period for this grant program is set to run from September 9, 2025, to February 25, 2026, on a first-come, first-served basis. It is open to school community councils and parent groups associated with publicly funded schools, including public, separate, and Francophone institutions, as well as First Nation schools. Trumier emphasized the importance of sharing this information with local councils to encourage participation.

Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association (SPRA) will administer the grant program in collaboration with the school division, ensuring that communities have access to necessary resources for enhancing their playground facilities.

On October 3, 2023, trustees also met with local Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) to discuss the division’s achievements and the challenges it faces. Trumier described the meeting as productive, noting that both Prince Albert Carlton MLA and a representative from Prince Albert Northcote MLA Alana Ross’s office expressed interest in ongoing dialogue. “We are very happy about the fact that he wants to meet again, and we’ll meet with the MLAs to discuss those matters that are important to us locally, so we are happy about that,” Trumier said.

The focus on strategic planning and community engagement reflects the division’s commitment to fostering a collaborative environment that prioritizes the educational needs of students. As the new grant program and strategic initiatives unfold, the Prince Albert Catholic School Division aims to enhance both educational experiences and community involvement in shaping the future of local schools.