As you know, Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) is developing a transition plan for students impacted by the decision to relocate the senior high French Immersion program and balance senior high enrolment in Sherwood Park. As a reminder, last January 2024, after an exhaustive review, the EIPS Board of Trustees made the decision to:

• relocate the senior high French Immersion program to Salisbury Composite High; and
• balance senior high enrolment by redesignating Lakeland Ridge senior high students to Bev Facey Community High.

Both are effective when the new Sherwood Park replacement school opens, expected in the 2026-27 school year. Overall, the solution aligns with the feedback heard, supports the Division’s program goals, addresses enrolment concerns and is sustainable into the future.

To ensure a smooth transition for students, staff and families, EIPS will consult with all impacted stakeholders to develop an effective implementation plan—starting with an online survey. EIPS will launch the survey this Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024. As soon as the survey opens, EIPS will notify you by email and provide a direct link for easy access.

The survey is also being distributed to impacted staff and students. Grade 10 students will receive a link through email. Meanwhile, students in grades 7 to 9 will complete the survey in class—participation is voluntary. The survey closes on November 20.

Once the survey closes, EIPS will review all the feedback provided and begin developing a draft transition plan—considering local needs, program and outcome requirements and strategies to ensure student achievement. In early 2025, the Division will share the draft plan at a public feedback session—collecting any input stakeholders may have. It will use that input to fine-tune and perfect a final version of the transition plan.

As always, EIPS will continue to inform the school community as details become available. In the meantime, for more information or to subscribe to updates, visit eips.ca.