Prince Albert Catholic School Division Reports Key Achievements for 2024-2025

The Prince Albert Catholic School Division has released its final draft of the 2024-2025 Annual Report, detailing significant accomplishments during the academic year. The report was approved during a board meeting held on December 16, 2024. Director of Education Lorel Trumier emphasized the importance of sharing successes and challenges transparently with the community.

Trumier noted that the annual report serves as a formal celebration of the division’s achievements. It highlights various metrics, including graduation rates and educational performance data. “The annual report is a great opportunity to celebrate in a formal way all of these successes and share with our population,” Trumier stated.

Academic Achievements and Challenges

Among the notable achievements, Grade 3 reading levels were a focal point. The report revealed that during the 2024-2025 academic year, 45.1 percent of First Nations Metis Inuit (FNMI) students were reading at or above grade level, compared to 66.2 percent of non-FNMI students, resulting in an overall average of 54.4 percent. These figures reflect ongoing challenges stemming from disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected students’ learning experiences.

Despite these obstacles, the report indicates progress in literacy initiatives. “We’re very pleased about our reading results this year because it was an area of focus for us,” Trumier remarked. The division continues to monitor these outcomes as part of its commitment to improving student performance.

The report also highlighted the role of active School Community Councils (SCCs) in driving educational initiatives and supporting the division’s emphasis on Catholic education and social justice projects.

Wellness Initiatives and Specialized Projects

Another significant development discussed in the report is the expansion of the Mental Health Capacity Building Project, which began at St. John Community School and is now extending to St. Francis School. Kara Quirion will transition from her role as Wellness Promoter to Wellness Coordinator, taking over from Regan Jacobson. The division is committed to enhancing mental health support for students, which has become increasingly vital in the wake of the pandemic.

In addition, the Specialized Support Classroom Project at St. John Community School received funding in January 2024. By March 2024, various stakeholders, including senior administration and educational consultants, collaborated to develop the program structure. Data collection efforts commenced in April 2024, and preliminary results have shown positive outcomes for students involved in the intervention.

Graduation rates for the division’s secondary schools also demonstrate remarkable success. Ecole St. Mary High School has consistently met or exceeded provincial graduation rates across all categories since the implementation of a growth plan in 2020. Notably, approximately 55 percent of FNMI students in the Prince Albert Catholic School Division graduate within three years of starting high school, surpassing the provincial average of 48 percent for FNMI students. In contrast, 91 percent of non-FNMI students graduate within three years, slightly above the provincial rate of 89 percent.

The comprehensive annual report is set to be submitted to the Saskatchewan Ministry of Education and Ministry of Finance for final approval. It is expected to be delivered to the Office of the Clerk on December 19, 2024, for tabling. The finalized report will be publicly accessible on the Government of Saskatchewan website by the end of January and at the Legislative Library.

Trumier concluded her report by acknowledging additional commendable efforts within the division, including the achievement of a clean audited financial statement. The information presented underscores the commitment of the Prince Albert Catholic School Division to fostering an environment conducive to student success and community engagement.