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By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

uptick

A look at school enrolment around central Alberta

Oct 13, 2022 | 2:40 PM

School enrolment numbers are in from around central Alberta.

For the most part, student enrolment is up.

“The increase in enrolment in Red Deer Public is welcomed news,” said Red Deer Public Schools Superintendent Chad Erickson. “We believe learning best happens in the classroom, and it’s a positive sign that after two years we are nearly back to our pre-COVID-19 enrolment numbers.”

Lindsay Thurber saw the highest increase in the division, going up 83 students. The top countries represented by the 99 international students are Brazil, Belgium, Spain and Germany, the division notes.

Similar sentiment is being felt at Wild Rose School Division.

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“Our enrolment numbers have been in a steady decline over the past 10 years, so it is nice to see this leveling off and even having a modest increase,” says Brad Volkman, Superintendent. “All of our schools and staff are committed to creating powerful learning environments and improving the life chances of all our students.”

At Wolf Creek Public Schools, where there was an overall 2.6 per cent increase in the number of students enrolled, the pressure is being felt.

“Some of it is students returning following learning from home over the pandemic, families moving into the area, and in general new families coming to Wolf Creek,” said Tim De Ruyck, Superintendent.

“We always welcome new students into our schools, but it does come with certain pressures in some of our schools. That has been addressed recently as the board approved additional teacher FTE to help address class size and enrolment pressures from increased enrolment.”

Finally, at Clearview Public Schools, there is optimism about what the growth could mean.

“Seeing additional provincial funding this year and in the future will be helpful as we work to provide opportunities for students. Most important, however, is the story these numbers tell about growth for our rural communities. It’s exciting to see families moving to this area,” says Guy Neitz, Clearview board chair.

“It’s good news for the viability and sustainability of rural central Alberta. Welcome to all of our new students and their families.”

Red Deer Public Schools

Overall: 11,154 students >> up 256 from 10,898
First Nations, Metis and Inuit (FNMI): 937 >> down eight from 945
International: 99 (25 more next semester)

Wolf Creek Public Schools

Overall: 7,723 >> up approximately 200
FNMI: 674
International: not reported

Wild Rose School Division

Overall: 4,475 >> up 30 from 4,445
FNMI: 526 >> up 63 from 463
International: not reported

Clearview Public Schools

Overall: 2,363 >> up 72 from 2,291
FNMI: 192 >> up four from 188
International: not reported

Chinook’s Edge School Division

Overall: 11,053 >> up 21 from 11,031
FNMI: 929 >> up slightly
International: 11 >> up slightly

Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools

Not reporting until Oct. 28