Catch up with Director of Education, Jennifer Williamson, for a recap of her travels around the school division each month.
October 2026
Celebrating Connections and Looking Ahead
As I travel throughout Northwest School Division, one thing continues to stand out: the strength of our school communities.
One of my favourite parts of this role is seeing our schools in action. This fall, I have had the opportunity to visit communities across Northwest Saskatchewan and witness the incredible work happening every day. From students eagerly settling into new classrooms to staff creating engaging learning experiences, there is a real sense of optimism and purpose as we begin another school year.
A particularly meaningful experience this past month was participating in the Truth and Reconciliation Walk at Pierceland School on September 30, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Events like these provide opportunities to learn, reflect, and strengthen relationships with Indigenous communities. Reconciliation is not a destination but an ongoing commitment, and I am grateful for the partnerships and conversations that continue to help us move forward together.
Building and maintaining strong relationships remains a key priority for our division. This includes our ongoing work with Indigenous and Métis partners, including Flying Dust First Nation and Métis Nation-Saskatchewan. These partnerships help us better support Indigenous student success and ensure students see their cultures, histories, and perspectives reflected in their educational experiences.
This year, we are continuing to focus on student success through our division's strategic priorities, including Indigenous education, student transitions, mental health and well-being, and literacy. While these priorities may sound broad, they all connect to a simple goal: ensuring every student feels supported, connected, and equipped to succeed.
One area that has been on my mind recently is attendance. Regular attendance has a significant impact on student learning, well-being, and sense of belonging. Missing even a few days each month can make it harder for students to stay connected academically and socially. Supporting attendance is not solely the responsibility of schools or families. It takes all of us working together to help students overcome barriers and recognize that every school day matters.
We are also learning more about how to support the well-being of our staff. Earlier this fall, more than 400
Another initiative I am excited about is the launch of Director of Education Open Office Hours. The goal is simple: create an informal opportunity for staff, families, and community members to connect, ask questions, share concerns, and discuss ideas. Our first session provided valuable conversations, and I look forward to hosting additional sessions in communities throughout the division in the coming months.
As we move further into the school year, I continue to be inspired by the dedication of our students, staff, families, School Community Councils, and community partners. Together, we are creating schools where students feel welcomed, supported, and encouraged to achieve their goals.
Thank you for the warm welcomes I have received in schools and communities across Northwest School Division. I look forward to continuing these visits and conversations throughout the year.
— Jennifer Williamson
Director of Education
Northwest School Division
September 2026 - Starting the Year Together
Starting the Year Together
September always brings a special kind of energy to our schools.
Hallways fill with conversation, classrooms come back to life and students begin reconnecting with friends, teachers and familiar routines. There is excitement, a little nervousness and a strong sense of possibility as we begin a new year together.
For me, the weeks leading up to the first day of classes were an opportunity to get back on the road, visit schools and connect with many of the people who make Northwest School Division such a welcoming place to learn and work.
Preparing to Welcome Students
Before students returned, staff from across the Division gathered for Teacher Convention at Lashburn High School and J. H. Moore Elementary School.
It was wonderful to welcome everyone back and recognize the work that happens before students ever walk through the doors. Teachers and support staff spend a great deal of time preparing classrooms, reviewing student needs, learning together and planning how they will help each student feel supported.
Part of the day focused on literacy learning. Early years teachers also took part in a three-day professional learning opportunity about evidence-based literacy instruction. The sessions explored practical classroom routines, reading practices, assessment and early supports for Kindergarten to Grade 3 students.
I appreciated the enthusiasm staff brought to this learning. Their willingness to keep growing and trying new approaches reflects the commitment we see throughout our schools.
Creating a Welcoming Start
Many schools hosted open houses before classes began. These events gave students the chance to explore their classrooms, meet their teachers, drop off supplies and become familiar with their school spaces. They also helped families make early connections with the staff who will support their children throughout the year.
These may seem like small moments, but they can make a big difference. A familiar face, a welcoming classroom and a chance to ask questions can help students begin the year with greater confidence.
As September continues, school teams will keep watching for students who may need added support with attendance, routines, friendships or access to services. By identifying challenges early and working closely with families, schools can help students build a strong sense of belonging and readiness to learn.
Strengthening Relationships with Community
Another meaningful part of the start of the year was meeting with Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation to talk about how we can continue supporting students attending Ernie Studer School.
Division staff joined Chief and Council, band members, community members and school staff for conversation and a barbecue lunch. We then met with school administration to discuss communication, shared priorities and next steps.
Strong relationships between home, school and community are essential to student success. When we listen, communicate openly and plan together, we are better able to identify barriers, respond to student needs and create learning environments where students feel connected and supported.
I am grateful to everyone who took part in the day and shared their knowledge and perspectives. This relationship-based work will remain an important part of our commitment to Indigenous education, belonging and student success.
Every Day Matters
As we begin the year, attendance remains an important focus across the Division. Attending school regularly helps students stay connected to their classmates, teachers and learning.
Our schools will continue to work with students and families to understand barriers, strengthen relationships and provide support when attendance becomes a challenge. This work is not about a number alone. It is about making sure students feel welcomed, valued and able to take part in learning.
A Strong Start Together
My early travels included visits to Paradise Hill School, Lashburn High School, J. H. Moore Elementary School, St. Walburg and Ernie Studer School. Each stop was different, but each reflected the same care, preparation and commitment to students.
Thank you to our staff for the energy and care you have brought to the new year. Thank you to families and community partners for working alongside our schools. Most importantly, thank you to our students for bringing your curiosity, ideas and enthusiasm back into our classrooms.
There is much to look forward to in 2026-27. I am excited to continue visiting schools, celebrating the people who make them special and sharing more stories from Around the Division.
— Jennifer Williamson
Director of Education
Northwest School Division
Summer 2026 - 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
