December 01, 2023
Grande Prairie, AB, December 1, 2023 - Grande Prairie Public School Division is proud to announce its receipt of two prestigious Bravo! Awards for the video projects "Rise of the Phoenix" and "The Academy" at the 2023 BRAVO! Awards given out by the Canadian Association of Communicators in Education (CACE). The...
November 30, 2023
December 1, 2023 - In a vivid display of artistic talent, the Grande Prairie School Division is proud to announce the winners of the annual Board of Trustees Holiday Art Card Contest. This year, the competition welcomed submissions from students in grades 9-12 across Bridge Network, Charles Spencer, and Grande Prairie...
November 23, 2023
November 22, 2023 – For over seven years, the Grande Prairie Firefighters Charitable Foundation has been committed to supporting our school division's School Nutrition Program, ensuring students have access to nutritious food essential for academic and personal growth. This year, they donated $10,000 raised through their annual golf tournament. On behalf of our students and staff,...
November 20, 2023
November 20, 2023 - Bullying Awareness Week is November 20-24, 2023. It is a time to promote awareness and understanding of bullying and its impacts. Our schools are committed to being safe, welcoming, and inclusive environments. If your child needs support while at school , start by talking with their teacher.
This year’s theme, Where...
November 17, 2023
November 17, 2023 - From November 20-24, we are joining the celebration of Education Worker Recognition Week! We want to extend our deep gratitude to all GPPSD education workers - from teachers to custodians, and bus drivers to division staff - who make a positive difference marinating our schools as safe, caring, welcoming communities. Thank you for all you do!
...
November 15, 2023
November 15, 2023 – The Grande Prairie Composite High School is proud to be the recipient of an international award, receiving platinum recognition during the 2023 Facilitation Impact Awards, held on November 2nd. This accolade, presented by the International Association of Facilitators (IAF), recognizes the school's recent initiative, the Phoenix Philosophy...
November 13, 2023
November 13, 2023 - Tourmaline Oil Corp.'s Darla Bartsch and Ryan Brown presented a generous donation of $5,237 to our school nutrition program. Raised during a summer golf tournament, this contribution underscores the strong community spirit in Grande Prairie. Funds from this donation will support the GPPSD Nutrition Program which...
November 06, 2023
November 6, 2023 - Let's team up to keep our students healthy during the Cold and Flu Season. Alberta Health Services (AHS) recommends:
Practicing good hygiene habits daily can help keep children healthy.
If a child feels unwell, they should rest and recover at home to help prevent the spread of...
October 24, 2023
October 24, 2023 – Cold temperatures and winter conditions have returned to our region. As per Grande Prairie Public School's administrative procedure, schools remain open during regular school hours, despite winter weather. School buses will not operate if the temperature in the City of Grande Prairie at 6:00 a.m. is -40°C or...
October 20, 2023
October 20, 2023 - The Grande Prairie Public School Division (GPPSD) is re-emphasizing the value of both the FirstView App (school bus tracking) and ZPass + App (student tracking). The FirstView App , tailored for both mobile and desktop users, is the best way for families to get real-time information on...
October 06, 2023
October 6, 2023 - It is the time of year when GPPSD's Board of Trustees are looking for young artists who want to help create their Holiday Art Card! A wonderful chance for GPPSD students to showcase their talent and win!
Students in grades 9-12 from Bridge Network, Charles Spencer High School,...
September 18, 2023
September 18, 2023 - The City of Grande Prairie has issued free transit passes to Grades 1 to 12 students. On behalf of The City, the Grande Prairie Public School Division is distributing the passes through your child's school. Please watch for it.
What to Look for: A Youth SUPERPASS...
September 13, 2023
September 13, 2023 – We are proud to share that Daisy Nellis, a student at the Grande Prairie Composite High School, has been selected as one of only 40 youth province-wide to be part of the 2023-2024 Minister's Youth Council, helping to shape Alberta's education future.
"I am super excited for...
September 11, 2023
September 11, 2023 –The Grande Prairie Public School Division is proud to announce local businessman and philanthropist Sean Sargent as this year’s nominee for the Alberta School Board Association’s Friends of Education Award. The award recognizes organizations and individuals that have made a significant contribution to education in communities across Alberta. ...
August 25, 2023
August 25, 2023 - As the summer winds down, anticipation builds for the new school year ahead. At Grande Prairie Public School Division, we believe in equipping our students and families with the necessary resources to succeed. Here are some ways families and students can start preparing for a smooth transition...
August 24, 2023
August 24, 2023 – The Grande Prairie Public School Division expresses heartfelt thanks to United Way Alberta Northwest and supporters of their annual Tools 4 School Campaign. Through their generosity, 223 GPPSD students who could use a hand-up will have essential school supplies ready for the first day of school.
These backpacks...
July 26, 2023
July 25, 2023 – With just over a month left of summer, we are eagerly awaiting the return of students and the start of a new school year. The first day of school for Kindergarten-Grade 8 students is on September 5, 2023. Students in high school will receive communication from their school about...
June 15, 2023
June 15, 2023 - The last day of school for students in the 2022-2023 school year is June 27. The last day for staff is June 28, and schools will be closed at the end of the day. If you have questions after June 28th, GPPSD's central office is open 8:00 a.m. ...
June 09, 2023
June 9, 2023 – Grande Prairie Public School Division is proud to share the University of Calgary (U of C) has awarded Sam Ergando the Kennedy Scholars Academic Excellence Scholarship, a first for the Division. The scholarship, created by Paul Kennedy, is given out annually to one first year U of...
May 30, 2023
June 1, 2023 - June is National Indigenous History Month and June 21st is National Indigenous People's Day. We acknowledge and celebrate the history and take time to learn about the unique cultures, traditions and experiences of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. Thanks to our Indigenous Programming, during the month of June, students will...
May 25, 2023
May 25, 2023 – The Royal Canadian Legion has announced Kieran Watson, a Grade 7 student at the Grande Prairie Christian School as the winner of their national award in the category of Intermediate Poetry. On behalf of his school, Travis Fehler, Principal of the Grande Prairie Christian School proudly congratulates Kieran on receiving this prestigious award, "his captivating...
May 23, 2023
May 23, 2023 - We are proud to announce Alberta Ballet, in partnership with our Academy Grande Prairie is bringing the magic of dance to students in The City of Grande Prairie.
This community outreach pilot program aims to increase access to the magic of dance for more Albertans. Youth ages 8-17 are invited...
May 19, 2023
May 19, 2023 - The Grande Prairie Composite High School is proud to present the first Phoenix Philosophers series speaker: Shubh Patel, Comp Alumni and IB graduate. The Comp encourages all IB and next year's IB students to attend this speaker series where Patel will share his experiences of being an IB student at the high school, and his...
May 17, 2023
May 17, 2023 - Congratulations to our music students! We are very proud of your amazing results during the final week of the 2023 Grande Prairie and District Music Festival! Awards in alphabetical orde r:
Aspen Grove Gr 5 Recorder Ensemble - Silver Derek Taylor Public School Gr 5 Recorder...
May 16, 2023
May 16, 2023 - The health and safety of students and staff is our priority. Given the current wildfire situation and the resulting smoke, we want to assure parents and guardians our schools are continuously monitoring the Air Quality Health Index throughout the school day.
Any time the AQHI reaches: 4-6...
May 03, 2023
May 3, 2023 – Sandy McDonald, Superintendent of GPPSD is pleased to announce Vice Principal appointments for the 2023-2024 school year, including three people who are new to the role. "Leadership is one of three priority areas in our 3-Year Division Education Plan. We know effective leadership practices that support our staff result...
May 03, 2023
May 3, 2023 – The Academy Grande Prairie, is our passion-driven sports and arts academy and we are offering free shadow classes for any child in Grades 4-12 who lives in the city of Grande Prairie.
"This is an excellent opportunity for your child to try out our Academy dance, hockey, soccer or...
April 25, 2023
April 25, 2023 – May 3 rd is Hats On! For Mental Health Day. In recognition, students are encouraged to wear a hat to help us create awareness and show their support. "One of our priorities as a school division is to see students prepared academically, socially, and emotionally to complete high school,' explains...
April 21, 2023
April 24, 2023 - We are proud to celebrate our Support Staff during this week long event.
Superintendent Sandy McDonald shared "The efforts of our support staff are essential to helping our students succeed. The pride our support staff have in their work, their commitment to continuous improvement, and relationships they build...
April 18, 2023
April 18, 2023 - Our annual Grande Prairie Public School Division Assurance survey has launched. Parents, guardians, and staff will have received an email with a link to our annual survey from their school; please check your inbox or spam folder. If you require the link to be resent,...
March 24, 2023
March 24, 2023 - Sandy McDonald, our Superintendent for the Grande Prairie Public School Division (GPPSD), has received the provincial EXL Award for Excellence in School System Leadership. Sandy was given the award at the Annual General Meeting of the College of Alberta School Superintendents (CASS), held March 23, 2023. Jointly sponsored by Xerox...
March 10, 2023
March 13, 2022 - March 13-17 is Substitute Teachers' Appreciation Week and we are proud to recognize the many ways in which our substitute teachers contribute to the success of all students.
Substitutes have the same daily responsibilities as classroom teachers, including instruction, management, and supervision of students. However, they have the added...
February 17, 2023
February 17, 2023 - Pink Shirt Day began in 2007 when a student in Nova Scotia was bullied for wearing a pink shirt to school. Since then, it has grown into a worldwide opportunity to promote healthy relationships, respect diversity and take a stand against bullying. Please join us as we wear pink...
November 08, 2022
November 8, 2022 - Mark your calendar because on November 12th, GPPSD's Phoenix football team will be hosting the Bev Facey Falcons for the Larry Wilson (Regional Based) Tier 1, ASAA Provincial Playoffs for 2022!
"I am very proud of how our team has performed this season," says Symon Pfau, Head Coach of...
November 04, 2022
October 24, 2023 - While the snowy landscapes offer opportunities for fun and exploration, they also come ensuring we are prepared for the cold. Here are some practical tips and guidelines for families as they help their children navigate the winter season while at school. Elementary and Junior High Students: At...
October 11, 2022
Celebrating GPPSD student achievement at the 21st annual Striving for Excellence awards night October 11, 2022 – 150 students from across the Grande Prairie Public School Division (GPPSD) were celebrated for their outstanding achievements during the 21 st annual Striving for Excellence Awards night on October 5.
Proudly hosted by...
June 21, 2022
Grande Prairie, AB, June 21, 2022 - Announcing the opening of the new Grande Prairie Composite High School (GPCHS) facility for the 2022/2023 School Year. The new school is the single largest high school north of Edmonton and will be opening its doors to over 1,200 Grade 9-12 students.
"We are proud...
June 17, 2022
Grande Prairie, AB, June15, 2022 – Student Advisory Committee is Looking for Committee Members
Grande Prairie Public School Division students in grades 5-11 can now apply to become a member of our Student Advisory Committee!
Purpose The development of a Student Advisory Committee will provide the Board an opportunity to...
June 10, 2022
Grande Prairie, AB, June 10, 2022 – Calling all students! Your design could be the new face of our Music Grades 5-8 Program of Choice!
Rules:
Create a logo that represents music. Take inspiration from the world around you, including music classes. It can incorporate the Grande Prairie...
June 01, 2022
Grande Prairie, AB, June 1, 2022 – On May 27 and 28, students competed in the 2022 North West Alberta School Athletics Association (NWASAA) Junior High Zones and the 2022 NWASAA High School Zones Championships.
Image: Team A from Derek Taylor Public School pose with their coach after winning...
May 13, 2022
Grande Prairie, AB, May 13, 2022 – Excitement is in the air at the Grande Prairie Public School Division (GPPSD), where students and staff prepare for graduation ceremonies. GPPSD is pleased to announce all celebrations will be in-person. List of events in chronological order: May 20, 2022 – Grande...
May 03, 2022
Grande Prairie, AB, May 3, 2022 – Daniela Falaye, a Grande Prairie Composite High School student, has been awarded a prestigious University of Calgary scholarship.
The Grande Prairie Composite High School is proud to announce Daniela Falaye, a Grade 12 student in the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme will be...
January 07, 2022
Please watch for an email communication from your school principal on behalf of our
Superintendent regarding the return to in-person learning. All Grande Prairie Public School Division schools, including Central Office will reopen on
Monday, January 10, 2022.
Grande Prairie Public School Division
Email: communications@gppsd.ab.ca
Phone: 780-532-4491
November 18, 2021
Grande Prairie, AB, December 15, 2021 – On November 1, 2021, United Way Alberta Northwest launched their Period Promise Campaign to help end 'period poverty,' which is when an individual cannot afford period products. Period poverty impacts...
July 09, 2021
Please share this exciting important opportunity with your school community! With the success of the Minister’s Youth Council, the Minister of Education is looking for representatives to sit on the Minister’s Teacher Advisory Council as well as a Parent Advisory Council. The Honourable Adrianna LaGrange is looking for 40 teachers and 40...
July 05, 2021
ATTENTION ELECTORS of The Grande Prairie Public School Division. The Board of Trustees of The Grande Prairie Public School Division intends to purchase or construct a warehouse of approximately 4,500 square feet in the city of Grande Prairie, for the Division’s Maintenance Department. The purchase will be funded by a combination of...
June 29, 2021
#GPPSDThanks the Rotary Club of Grande Prairie Sunrise for the $2,900 donation to the GPPSD nutrition program. We are most appreciative of their kind gesture and their continuous support of our GPPSD students. These funds will be earmarked for Charles Spencer High School and Grande Prairie Composite High School to ensure...
June 17, 2021
The Division's Indigenous Programming is offering two $500 scholarships for our graduating Indigenous students attending a Post-secondary school or Trades Programming for the upcoming Fall of 2021. Apply today online at
http://bit.ly/GPPSDIndSch2021. Deadline: August 16 Successful applicants will be contacted no later than August 23, 2021. #GPPSDScholarship #GPAb #GPPSDIndigenous
June 08, 2021
On Thursday, June 3, 2021, Students at Charles Spencer High School (CSHS) cut the ribbon to open the Maverick Market. The initiative is driven by the Maverick Movement, a student-led club supervised by Ms. Shaylene Penner, a Charles Spencer High School teacher.
The Maverick Market is a social enterprise that...
May 31, 2021
The Grande Prairie Composite High School is pleased to announce that Malana Loxam, a Grade 12 student at the Grande Prairie Composite High School in the International Baccalaureate Program, has been awarded the prestigious $80,000 Schulich Leader Scholarship to study Bachelor of Science at the University of Calgary beginning in September...
May 26, 2021
The Board of Trustees of the Grande Prairie Public School Division (GPPSD) is very pleased to announce at their May 25, 2021, meeting of the Board of Trustees that Grande Prairie Composite High School (GPCHS) teacher Kaitlyn Frost is the GPPSD nominee for the Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) Edwin Parr...
May 18, 2021
The Young at Art Photo Contest is happening now. Students are invited to submit their photos and be entered to win some fabulous prizes, including a camera! Entry deadline is June 11. Click the link for contest details
Young at art 2021 contest poster.pdf
May 17, 2021
GPPSD is pleased to appoint two new School Administrators for the 2021-2022 school year. Mrs. Cindy Clarkson has accepted the role of Principal at Crystal Park School; Mr. Josh Hartman has accepted the role of Principal of Hillside Community School.
Mrs. Cindy Clarkson Cindy joined the Division in 2013 and...
May 17, 2021
GPPSD is pleased to announce that Mrs. Corinne Kruse has been appointed to the role of Director of Teaching and Learning, effective at the start of the 2021-2022 school year. Corinne, originally from Virden, Manitoba, is married to Darren. Corinne earned her Bachelor of Education Degree 31 years ago from Brandon...
May 06, 2021
The Board of Trustees of the Grande Prairie Public School Division wishes to announce the resignation of Trustee Lynn Driedger, effective Thursday, Mar. 18, 2021. Lynn Driedger has been a Trustee of the Board since 2017 but is required to resign due to moving residency outside of the City of Grande...
May 05, 2021
Have Your Say About the new Draft Curriculum (Session May 5, 6 and 13) Alberta Education has scheduled 4 opportunities for Albertans to attend an online session, learn more about the new draft curriculum, and to ask questions.
Please visit https://www.alberta.ca/curriculum-have-your-say.aspx to identify dates/times of the sessions and to register. ...
May 04, 2021
"Name it, don't numb it! #GetReal about how you feel" is this year's theme for #MentalHealthWeek . Organized by the CMHA National / ACSM National , Mental Health Week is from Monday, May 3 to Sunday, May 9. These are times of extreme anxiety and isolation, so feeling worried and lonely...
May 03, 2021
Reminder to wear a special hat to school on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 to raise awareness of the importance of good mental health. Alberta’s teachers are concerned with the well-being of children and youth and understand that children’s physical and mental health needs must be met in order for them to...
May 03, 2021
Reminder to wear a special hat to school on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 to raise awareness of the importance of good mental health.
Alberta’s teachers are concerned with the well-being of children and youth and understand that children’s physical and mental health needs must be met in order for them...
May 03, 2021
‘Learning is a Journey'! This year #EducationWeek is taking place from today, May 3 to Friday, May 7 and the first Alberta School Week (Education Week) was held from Dec. 2 to 8 in 1928, which is 93 years ago. Education Week acknowledges the role education plays in providing students innovative learning opportunities, while...
April 30, 2021
GPPSD students in Grades 7 to 12 will be learning online from Monday,
May 3 until Friday, May 14. Please watch for updates and communication from
your school and teachers.
April 26, 2021
#GPPSDThanks all our Support Staff for their continuous hard work throughout this year. Thank you for everything you do; thanks for making a difference. #SupportStaffAppreciationWeek!
April 14, 2021
Welcome to the Composite High School. Please enjoy this welcome video.
Thank you to Mr. Adam Baldin for putting this together.
Song: Fredji - Happy Life (Vlog No Copyright Music) Music Video Link:
https://youtu.be/KzQiRABVARk
...
April 09, 2021
All Canadia n Flags across the division, and at all Government of Alberta buildings across the province, are being lowered to half-mast until further notice to recognize the passing of His Royal Highness, the Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh.
March 18, 2021
Dear parents and guardians, Many parents will receive a survey in their mailbox after March 25 from Alberta Education. Please take a few moments to complete this survey - your participation supports local and provincial planning and is very important to us.
Click the link to access the
Alberta Education Assurance...
March 16, 2021
We are pleased to expand the programming options for students interested in joining The Academy Sports and Dance program in the 2021-2022 School Year. Changes to programming include:
Expanding the number of schools offering students access to the full Academy program (Hockey, Dance and Soccer) from Grade 4 to...
March 08, 2021
Dear Parents and Guardians, Your school will be sending you an email with a link to the annual GPPSD Parent/Guardian Assurance Survey; please, watch for it! The survey is being conducted by the Grande Prairie Public School Division to gather information to improve the quality of education for all members of...
March 08, 2021
This year's Substitute Teachers' Appreciation Week is from Mar. 8 to 12, 2021, and we at the Grande Prairie Public School Division would like to send a
#GPPSDThanks to all our nearly 200 Substitute Teachers who are always willing to go above and beyond and lend a helping hand to our staff and students during this challenging year. On behalf of all the...
February 24, 2021
Thank you to Northern Metalic for their generous donation of $3,000 worth of supplies to the Career Technology Studies program at Grande Prairie Composite High School. The supplies will offer students an opportunity to learn new skills with some of those products such as bench grinding wheels, flap discs, emery cloth, chop...
February 19, 2021
We are honoured to have the Swanavon School staff recognized and selected as the winning recipients for the Passionate Heart Exceptional Team Award. This marks the 15th annual Passionate Heart Awards, and they celebrated with a virtual recognition ceremony on February 12, 2021. Congratulations to all the Passionate Heart Award nominees and #GPPSDProud of our Swanavon...
February 18, 2021
The Minister's Youth Council gives students opportunities to share input and perspectives on provincial programs and initiatives. This student engagement initiative: ⚪️ empower students as leaders of their learning ⚪️ provide opportunities to build positive working relationships with education partners ⚪️ engage students as leaders of change in their communities ⚪️...
February 18, 2021
On Friday, Jan. 29, 2021, Green for Life (GFL), the Division's waste removal services provider, will deliver individually wrapped Tim Horton's cookies for all staff at schools, maintenance office, and central office. GFL's kind gesture honours the importance of the daily efforts made by GPPSD teachers, support staff, and administrators to...
December 16, 2020
GPPSD Celebrating 10 Years Long Service Awards - The Board of Trustees of the Grande Prairie Public School Division values the great opportunity to recognize and reflect on the excellent staff who work in our School Division. Especially within these complicated COVID times, the Board is incredibly thankful for the opportunity...
December 15, 2020
GPPSD Celebrating Retirement Recognition - The Board of Trustees of the Grande Prairie Public School Division values the great opportunity to recognize and reflect on the excellent staff who work in our School Division. Especially within these complicated COVID times, the Board is incredibly thankful for the opportunity to show their...
December 15, 2020
The Grande Prairie Public School Division Education Foundation is grateful to have received a generous grant of $34,150 from the Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta from the Government of Canada's Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF) to support student health and wellness.
The Executive Director of the GPPSD Education Foundation, Shaundra...
December 14, 2020
GPPSD Celebrating Exemplary Service Awards - The Board of Trustees of the Grande Prairie Public School Division values the great opportunity to recognize and reflect on the excellent staff who work in our School Division. Especially within these complicated COVID times, the Board is incredibly thankful for the opportunity to show...
December 09, 2020
Seventeen schools within the Grande Prairie Public School Division have just received additional funding support from the Grande Prairie Public School Division Education Foundation. Each year the Foundation calls for applications for funding aimed at supporting programs and projects that will enhance the learning opportunities for our students.
GPPSD Education...
November 27, 2020
The Grande Prairie Public School Division (GPPSD) was very pleased to learn that the Grande Prairie Firefighters Charitable Foundation had donated $15,000 to supplement the GPPSD Nutrition Program.
Figure 1 - Justin Davidson, Chairperson of the Grande Prairie Firefighters Charitable Foundation, accompanied with other members from the foundation, hands cheque...
November 09, 2020
A Grande Prairie Composite High School (GPCHS) physical education teacher, Troy Sandboe, has been awarded this year’s North West Zone Award of Merit by the Alberta Schools’ Athletic Association (ASAA). This award is given in recognition of outstanding service to the students of Alberta schools in the promotion and operation of...
November 05, 2020
Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers, the attached letter below has been sent out by your school principal. The first part is a letter from Alexander McDonald, Superintendent of Schools and attached after, is a written letter from Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Chief Medical Officer of Health, explaining the changes made to the screening questionnaire...
August 25, 2020
Please read as there is important information on the start of school enclosed.
May 21, 2020
As we look forward to the opening of the new school, we will be re-branding as we head to the new school, allowing all members of our school community to unify under one logo, mascot/name, and slogan. We have honoured the rich tradition of the Grande Prairie Composite High School by...
May 26, 2016
The Board of Trustees are pleased to announce that Mr. Alexander (Sandy) McDonald has been appointed as the new Superintendent of Schools and Chief Executive Officer effective June 1, 2016. “Throughout his career with GPPSD, Sandy has proven his leadership and commitment to our students. And we are fortunate to have...
