Prince Albert Catholic School Division Celebrates Strong Graduation Rates

Recent data from the provincial government indicates that the **Prince Albert Catholic School Division** continues to excel in graduation rates, surpassing provincial averages in several key categories. **Ecole St. Mary High School** has demonstrated significant progress, achieving higher graduation rates than the overall figures for **Saskatchewan**.

In the latest assessment, the school outperformed the province in five out of six measured categories. **Lorel Trumier**, the Director of Education, expressed satisfaction with the consistent performance, stating, “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.”

Trumier highlighted that approximately **80 percent** of students in the division graduate within five years, showcasing the commitment to student success. While the goal remains to achieve **100 percent** graduation, the division has consistently outperformed provincial averages for several years.

The province evaluates graduation rates for both **First Nation, Métis, and Inuit (FNMI)** students and their non-FNMI counterparts. This year, the graduation rates for **Ecole St. Mary High School** have exceeded provincial results across all categories since the launch of a growth plan in **2020**, aimed at addressing disparities between FNMI and non-FNMI students.

Notably, around **55 percent** of FNMI students in the **Prince Albert Catholic School Division** graduate within three years of entering high school, surpassing the **48 percent** provincial average for FNMI students. In contrast, **91 percent** of non-FNMI students graduate within three years, compared to **89 percent** across the province.

For those FNMI students who do not graduate within three years, the statistics are telling: **78 percent** eventually graduate within five years, a significant increase from the **57 percent** rate for FNMI students throughout Saskatchewan.

The data from **2024** holds historical significance, allowing for comparison with earlier figures from the 2012-2013 academic year. During that period, **75 percent** of students in the division graduated within three years, compared to **71 percent** in the province. Specifically, FNMI graduation rates were **45 percent** in the division and **41 percent** provincially, while non-FNMI rates stood at **92 percent** versus **83 percent**.

For five-year graduation rates in **2012-2013**, the division recorded **82 percent** of students graduating, while the province reflected a rate of **81 percent**. Among FNMI students, the division saw a **71 percent** graduation rate, compared to **54 percent** province-wide.

The focus on diverse pathways for students at **Ecole St. Mary High School** is evident. Board Chair **Suzanne Stubbs** remarked, “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 at Ecole St. Mary High School.” She extended congratulations to both students and staff for their achievements.

In total, the overall graduation rate for the **Prince Albert Catholic Division** stands at **75 percent** this year, slightly below the **79 percent** provincial rate. The five-year graduation rate for the division is **89 percent**, surpassing the provincial rate of **87 percent**.

This positive trend reflects the dedicated efforts of educators and the community in supporting student success. As the division continues to build on its accomplishments, it remains committed to ensuring that all students receive the education they deserve.