Media Release: BRSD Launches 2025-26 School Year with Theme of Belonging

Battle River School Division (BRSD) is launching the 2025–26 school year with a strong and promising start. School staff returned to professional learning days during the last week of August. After the September long weekend, many students returned to familiar schools, others transitioned to new schools, and some were introduced to BRSD classrooms for the very first time.

While students anticipated their start to the school year, school staff arrived for the first non-instructional planning day on Wednesday, August 27. They participated in virtual learning the following day, reviewing current and new administrative procedures and processes, ViewSonic technology training, outcomes-based reporting, and continued Professional Development on Visible Learning.

On August 29, all BRSD staff gathered at the Camose Regional Exhibition for a division-wide professional learning day. Keynote speakers Ariel Haubrich, Kevin John and Christie Badry crafted presentations around the day’s theme: You Belong Here.

BRSD Superintendent of Schools Natasha Wilm extends this message with hope for students to feel they belong.

“We know that there can be a lot of emotions leading up to the first day of school,” said Wilm. “When students step into the polished hallways and bright classrooms for the first time, we want them to know how much we appreciate that they are here to learn with us. We want all students to feel welcome, safe, and that they belong. We are committed to creating school communities where students can thrive.”

Since September 2 and the start of 2025–26, welcome barbecues, pancake breakfasts and various engagement activities arranged by school admin teams have been taking place throughout the division. BRSD is appreciative to families for taking time to meet staff and make school connections as fall activities begin.

Extracurricular programs that students are already engaging in include golf, volleyball and football, in addition to cross-country running and the Battle River Race Series race from Sept. 11 to Oct. 9, 2025, with races to be held in locations such as New Norway and Camrose. BRSD is proud of team collaboration and sportsmanship exercised through its athletics programs.

Regarding academics, as mandated through BRSD’s health and personal life programs affecting Grades 4 and above, BRSD has developed Administrative Procedure 204: Gender Identity, Sexual Orientation and Human Sexuality Topics.

BRSD supports September observances including gender equality, suicide prevention, and rail safety. Schools are planning Terry Fox events and learning activities leading to Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30. This is a non-instructional day for both students and staff to engage in Indigenous learning opportunities and community events.

BRSD’s 2025-28 Education Plan continues to connect its schools and communities to essential work being done throughout the division. This model supports BRSD’s priorities: Learning Success for All, Enhance High Quality Learning and Working Environments and Well-Being.

Superintendent Wilm is looking forward to future opportunities to drive improvement throughout the division. BRSD is exploring different collaborative ways to encourage stakeholder feedback and ideas that can support BRSD in this work.

With gratitude, BRSD is excited to work together and share ideas for the best possible outcome of its vision: Every Student, Every Day a Success. Welcome to the new school year and to the possibilities that September brings. You Belong Here.