Northern Lights Public Schools

🚌 IS YOUR CHILD TAKING THE BUS FOR THE FIRST TIME? JOIN US FOR MEET THE BUS! 💛✨

Starting school is a big adventure, and we want to help our youngest learners feel confident and excited for day one on August 31st!

Northern Lights Public Schools invites all new bus riders—especially our new Kindergarten students—to attend Meet the Bus next week! Students will get to meet a real bus driver, tour a school bus, learn important bus safety rules, and go on a short practice ride. No registration is required—just drop in!

🗓️ 2026 MEET THE BUS SCHEDULE:

📍 Lac La Biche (Vera M. Welsh Elementary): Tuesday, Aug 25 @ 10:00 AM

📍 Bonnyville (Duclos School): Wednesday, Aug 26 @ 10:00 AM

📍 Ardmore (Ardmore School): Wednesday, Aug 26 @ 1:00 PM

📍 Cold Lake (Art Smith Aviation Academy): Thursday, Aug 27 @ 9:00 AM

📍 Cold Lake (North Star Elementary): Thursday, Aug 27 @ 11:00 AM

📍 Cold Lake (Cold Lake Elementary): Thursday, Aug 27 @ 1:00 PM

👉 Learn more about busing or apply to drive: nlpsab.ca

🔒 COUNTDOWN TO BACK TO SCHOOL: UPDATE YOUR PASSWORDS! 💻

As we prepare for the August 31st start, taking a quick minute to review your account security helps keep your family's information safe!

Today’s Tip: Password Refresh 🔐

To protect your digital accounts, we recommend updating your passwords regularly. If you haven't refreshed your credentials in a while, now is the perfect time before the school year begins!

Step-by-step instructions on changing your passwords were included in our recent parent updates.

👉 Can't find the email? Our Parent Updates are now online: https://www.nlpsab.ca/parents/parent-updates/post/parent-update-august-6-2026

📚 LEARNING IS ALREADY UNDERWAY AT NLPS! 💡✨

Students may not be back in classrooms until Monday, August 31st, but learning is already well underway across Northern Lights Public Schools! 🎒

Our school administrators and division leadership team recently wrapped up two inspiring days of collaborative planning and professional development. To build on that momentum, our newest NLPS teachers are joining us today for a dedicated day of learning and orientation before connecting with their school teams on Monday!

Thank you to all of our dedicated leaders and new teachers for their passion, vision, and commitment as we prepare for a fantastic school year ahead! 🌟

🌙 COUNTDOWN TO BACK TO SCHOOL: BACK TO A SLEEP ROUTINE! 💤

With school starting on Monday, August 31st, shifting away from summer bedtime schedules can be a challenge!

Today’s Tip: Healthy Sleep Habits ⏰

Getting back into a consistent sleep routine before the first bell rings helps students start the year feeling energized, focused, and ready to learn. Check out the Healthy Lifestyle section on our website for simple, practical tips on sleep hygiene for kids of all ages!

👉 Explore sleep and wellness tips here: https://www.nlpsab.ca/mental-health/nlps-mental-health-resources/lifestyle

📢 BOARD OF TRUSTEES: ORGANIZATIONAL & REGULAR BOARD MEETINGS 🏫

The Northern Lights Public Schools Board of Trustees will be holding its Organizational Meeting and first Regular Board Meeting of the 2026–2027 school year on Monday, August 24, 2026.

📍 Location: Bonnyville Division Office Boardroom

⏰ Organizational Meeting: Starts at 10:00 A.M.

⏰ Regular Board Meeting: Immediately following the Organizational Meeting

Key Agenda Highlights:
🗳️ Organizational Business: Nomination and election of the Board Chair and Vice-Chair for 2026–2027, trustee code of conduct review, meeting schedule approval, and committee appointments.

📄 Ratification & Approvals: Ratification of CUPE Local 2559-5 Memorandum of Agreement and approval of the 2026–2027 Board Annual Work Plan.

🤝 Engagement & Event Planning: Discussions regarding Student Advisory Council and School Councils with the Board meeting dates, as well as updates on the Northern Skies Elementary School event and recent meetings with Minister Long and MLA Cyr.

Public board meetings are open to our communities as we work together to support student success across Northern Lights Public Schools!

👉 View full meeting agendas and details on our website: https://www.nlpsab.ca/board/board-meetings

🤝 THANK YOU FISHING LAKE MÉTIS SETTLEMENT! 💙✨

Northern Lights Public Schools would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Fishing Lake Métis Settlement for inviting us to meet with settlement administration and attend yesterday's parent open house!

It was a wonderful opportunity to connect, listen, and build on our partnership in supporting students and families. Superintendent Jimmi Lou Irvine was joined at the event by Janalee Slaney, our new Associate Superintendent of People Services & Indigenous Relations, Rose Lapointe – Principal of Northern Lights Outreach Schools, and Brandon Isert – Principal of Cold Lake Junior High.

We deeply value these meaningful opportunities to collaborate with community leaders and parents as we work together to ensure every student feels supported, connected, and set up for success! 🌾🎒

🗓️ COUNTDOWN TO BACK TO SCHOOL: MARK YOUR CALENDARS! ✏️

With school starting on August 31st, planning ahead makes the whole year run smoother!

Today’s Tip: 2026-2027 School Calendar 📚

Our 2026–2027 School Calendar highlights all major holidays, non-instructional days, and break periods across the division so you can plan family time in advance.

For school-specific events, meet-the-teacher nights, and other activities, check your child’s school website!

👉 Download the 2026–2027 Division Calendar here: https://www.nlpsab.ca/download/549271

✨🏆 NLPS STUDENT SHOWCASE: Impact Award Spotlight! 🏆✨

Wrapping up our Impact Award showcases, we are shining a massive light on Gabrielle Spanier from Learning Together Anywhere School! 💥💻

📝 Why she won: Gabby is an extraordinary Grade 9 leader whose warmth, self-motivation, and positive influence reach every corner of her online school community! Gabby actively promotes a vibrant school culture by consistently engaging in learning opportunities with accountability and a contagious smile. She models exceptional citizenship and empathy by mentoring younger students as they navigate the unique challenges of digital learning, generously offering her time and patience to break down barriers.

Thank you, Gabby, for using your digital presence to amplify collaboration and ensure that every online student feels a deep sense of belonging! 🌐🖥️✨Board Vice-Chair Mandi Skogen and Chair Karen Packard presented Gabby with her award in June.

🧠 COUNTDOWN TO BACK TO SCHOOL: PREPARING FOR CHANGES! 💛

A new school year brings exciting new routines, but transitions can sometimes feel overwhelming for students and families alike.

Today’s Tip: Transition Support & Mental Health Resources 🎒

Whether your child is starting preschool, moving to a new building, or stepping into high school, we have resources to help make the shift smoother. Visit the Mental Health section of our website to explore tips on managing back-to-school anxiety and navigating change together.

👉 Access our transition resources here: https://www.nlpsab.ca/mental-health/nlps-mental-health-resources/preparing-for-change

✨🏆 NLPS STUDENT SHOWCASE: Seven Teachings Award Spotlight! 🏆✨

Wrapping up our Seven Teachings spotlights, we are shining a massive light on Grade 8 student Vienna Waskewitch from Aurora Middle School! 🌳🏀

📝 Why she won: Grounded firmly in her heritage, Vienna uses her traditions as a compass to navigate her learning while leading her peers with integrity, humility, and heart. Known as a "quiet force" who leads by example rather than volume, Vienna’s calm demeanor anchors her basketball team during high-pressure games. Beyond the classroom, she is a passionate advocate for social justice who speaks up with poise and conviction to elevate the perspectives of girls and women.

Vienna, your unwavering work ethic, kindness, and commitment to community beautifully reflect the spirit of the teachings! 📣❤️🌟