Edmonton Public Schools

Last week, more than 1,000 student athletes from Edmonton and beyond came together for the seventh annual Metro Athletics Unified Jamboree! Friendships were made, fun was had and the spirit of inclusion and sportsmanship was on full display.

Unified Sports is a Special Olympics program where students of all abilities train and compete on the same team. This year’s events featured a welcome parade, 3-on-3 basketball, bocce ball, bean bag toss and more. A big thank-you to Jasper Place School and Metro Athletics for hosting such an inspiring and memorable event.

📣Shoutout to 20 student nominees who were recognized for the 2026 Michael A. Strembitsky Award of Excellence at the May 26 Board meeting. 📣

An extra special shoutout to Eastglen High School’s Elizabeth Wolde, who received the gold medallion, Dr. Anne Anderson’s Chloe Ge, who was awarded the silver medallion and Victoria School of the Arts’ Alyx Goddard, who won the bronze medallion. You are all incredible role models. Way to go!

Check out all the recipients: https://epsb.ca/news/students/2026michaelastrembitskyawardofexcellence.html?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_id=michaelstrembitsky2026

Tell us about your experience using SchoolZone! 📣 We’re inviting parents, guardians and students to take a short survey. Your feedback will help us learn how SchoolZone can better support communication between families and schools. 📝 Complete the survey by June 15: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SchoolZone-families

June is National Indigenous History Month, and June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day. Join us in listening to Indigenous voices, celebrating First Nations, Métis, and Inuit cultures, histories, languages and perspectives, and honouring the lives, contributions, histories and accomplishments of Indigenous peoples.

May has been a busy and vibrant month, with celebrations for Asian Heritage Month in some Division schools. Here’s a snapshot of some of the events and artwork that honour the lives, contributions, histories and accomplishments of people in Canada and across the world.

What a year for the Skilled Trades and Technology Collegiate! Launched in fall 2025, the collegiate helps students understand, plan and prepare for apprenticeship and employment in high-demand trades by providing them with skills, certifications and other unique opportunities.

Year 1 highlights:

👥 More than 500 students signed up for specialized trades and tech-related courses offered by the Division.

📚 More than 60 information sessions, class visits, evening events and open houses were held.

💡 Students were able to learn what an apprenticeship is, try out a variety of trades, attend information sessions at NAIT, and learn about offerings like Campus EPSB and dual credit.

💰 Grant money allowed schools to purchase 3D printers, “trying the trades” equipment kits, laser engravers and other trades-related equipment.

🏫 More than 100 Division schools benefitted from courses, events and funds.

More is in the works for the 2026–27 school year, and an Expression of Interest is now open! Learn more about programming available for students in Grades 9–12 and how to get involved: https://epsb.ca/programs/skills/skilledtradesandtechnologycollegiate/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_id=tradescollegiate2026

June 1 to 5 is Pride Week across Edmonton Public Schools! Schools are committed to being welcoming and inclusive places for everyone during Pride Week and all year long. Join us next week as we show support for all 2SLGBTQIA+ staff, students and families. Learn more about Pride Week at Edmonton Public Schools: https://epsb.ca/media/epsb/ourdistrict/topicsofinterest/sogi/Pride_Week_at_Edmonton_Public_Schools.pdf?_gl=1*heej1y*_ga*MTY2NDIxNTAyNy4xNzQ0ODE5MTA3*_ga_XVK8L3KTMN*czE3NDY1NDU5MjgkbzI1JGcxJHQxNzQ2NTQ1OTY0JGoyNCRsMCRoMA..*_ga_EV04EGJZ2F*czE3NDY1NDU5MzQkbzIzJGcxJHQxNzQ2NTQ1OTU1JGowJGwwJGgw&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_id=prideweek2026

Today we celebrate exempt staff and the many ways they help strengthen and support our Division every day.

In a large and complex organization, collaboration and connection matter 🤝 Through their expertise and leadership, exempt staff help keep schools supported, teams connected and students at the centre of what we do. Thank you, exempt staff!

The signs of spring are everywhere across the Division—and we’re here for it. Have a great weekend! 🐤🌷☀️☂️