Catch up with Director of Education, Jennifer Williamson, for a recap of her travels around the school division each month.
Looking Back on 2025-26
Welcome to the first edition of Around the Division!
One of my favourite parts of serving as Director of Education is the opportunity to get out into our schools, connect with students and staff, and see firsthand the learning, celebrations and community that make Northwest School Division such a special place.
Throughout the year, I had the opportunity to visit schools across the Division, and as the 2025-26 school year came to a close, there was certainly no shortage of activity!
Celebrating Culture and Connection
June was an especially meaningful month of learning, celebration and connection as schools recognized National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day.
I was grateful to see students learning alongside Elders, Knowledge Keepers, families and community partners through experiences that celebrated the cultures, histories, languages and contributions of First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples.
One of the highlights was our NWSD and Kopahawakenum Community School Inter-School Powwow at the Flying Dust First Nation Powwow Arbour. Students, staff, families and community members gathered for a wonderful day of dancing, drumming and celebration.
Across the Division, there were many more opportunities for students to learn through culture and connection. Transition Place Education Centre students participated in a Tipi Pole Project, working alongside an Elder to harvest tamarack trees and learn about traditional harvesting practices. Our Michif Language Program celebrated Kindergarten students at their Sashing Ceremony, and students from Glaslyn Central School attended the Western Development Museum Powwow in North Battleford.
We also gathered at Lions Park in Meadow Lake for our Indigenous Peoples Day celebration, bringing together students from Meadow Lake and area schools and Kopahawakenum Community School for a day of cultural learning, activities and community.
These experiences remind us that truth, reconciliation and relationship-building are not limited to one day or one month. They are part of the ongoing work we do together throughout the year.
Out at the Track
June also gave me the chance to spend some time cheering on our student-athletes!
I attended track and field meets at H. Hardcastle School, Turtleford School and Glaslyn Central School, where I saw plenty of perseverance, sportsmanship and school spirit.
While ribbons, medals and personal bests are always exciting, what stood out to me was watching students encourage one another, challenge themselves and celebrate each other's successes. Those are the moments that demonstrate what school sport is all about.
Celebrating a Year of Learning
The final weeks of school are always busy ones. Classrooms and hallways are filled with celebrations, field trips, special activities and opportunities to recognize how far students have come since September.
I was fortunate to attend a number of year-end celebrations across the Division. Each one was a reminder of the tremendous amount of work that happens in our schools over the course of a year.
Our students have much to be proud of, and so do the staff who support, encourage and challenge them each day. Whether teaching in a classroom, driving a school bus, keeping our buildings clean and welcoming, supporting students one-on-one, maintaining our facilities and technology, or working behind the scenes, it takes an incredible team to make a school year happen.
A Year Around the Division
Looking back, one of the things I am most grateful for is the time I was able to spend in our schools.
From September through June, I travelled throughout Northwest School Division visiting classrooms, talking with students and staff, attending events and seeing the unique character of each of our school communities.
No two visits are quite the same — and that's part of what I enjoy most about them.
Our schools may be spread across a large geographic area, but everywhere I go, I see the same commitment to students and the same strong sense of community.
As we turn our attention to a new school year, I want to thank our students, families, staff, School Community Councils, Elders, Knowledge Keepers and community partners for everything you contributed to 2025-26.
I look forward to getting back on the road, visiting our schools and sharing more of what I see Around the Division in 2026-27.
— Jennifer Williamson
Director of Education
Northwest School Division
