06/25/2026
Tansi, Edlanat’e, Greetings everyone,
As the 2025-2026 school year wraps up, I want to thank all parents, guardians, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, community members and education partners. Your support, involvement and guidance continue to make a difference for Northland students.
Whether you attended a school event, shared feedback, supported learning at home, joined a school council or principal’s advisory committee, or helped guide learning through culture, language and community connection, your role matters.
Northland School Division’s Education Plan continued to guide the work happening across the division this year. The plan is connected to student learning, culture, language, land-based learning, community voice, staff support and future pathways for students.
Highlights from 2025-2026:
- We celebrated 67 students during graduation ceremonies in Anzac, Calling Lake, Wabasca-Desmarais, Paddle Prairie and Northland Online School.
- Early results show the Education Plan is helping guide positive change. High school completion increased by 17 per cent compared to the previous three-year average, more students are continuing into post-secondary education or apprenticeship training, student satisfaction improved, and the dropout rate decreased.
- Northland continued targeted engagement with the communities we serve to support the review of the Education Plan and keep it connected to community voice, student needs and shared priorities.
- Students took part in meaningful learning connected to culture, language, land-based learning, athletics, CTS, dual credit, career pathways, literacy, numeracy and leadership.
- The Superintendent’s Youth Council and Elders/Knowledge Keepers Council continued to provide important guidance connected to student voice, culture, language, land and community.
- Planning funding for a replacement Paddle Prairie School marked an important step forward for students, families and Paddle Prairie Métis Settlement.
As Northland looks ahead to 2026-2027:
- Building connections between schools and the communities we serve will remain a key focus.
- Local education plans, literacy, numeracy, assessment and student learning needs will guide school planning.
- Connections to land, language, culture and local history will remain central to the Education Plan.
- Hands-on learning, Career and Technology Studies (CTS), dual credit, career pathways, athletics, cultural activities and student leadership will continue to support student learning.
- Staff professional learning will focus on Truth and Reconciliation, Wahkohtowin, new programs of study, data literacy and Collaborative Response.
As I prepare for retirement, I want to share my sincere thanks. Northland is a special place. I am grateful for the relationships built over the years and for the opportunity to work alongside students, staff, families and the communities we serve. The voices of the communities we serve have guided this work, and I am proud of the direction Northland has taken.
Please enjoy your time with family and friends. Have a safe and restful summer break.
Hai, Hai, Mahsi cho, thank you.
Sincerely,
Cal Johnson
Superintendent of Schools/CEO
Northland School Division
