Northland School Division

Northland School Division Thanks for stopping by to learn more about Northland School Division!

Commitment

To inspire students to be the best they can be by providing outstanding holistic educational opportunities, with amazing staff and strong partnerships with families and communities. Vision

“Our students love to come to school in Northland”

Thank you for visiting our page!

Celebration marks major step forward for Paddle Prairie School replacement 🏫 https://www.nsd61.ca/about-us/division-news...
06/16/2026

Celebration marks major step forward for Paddle Prairie School replacement 🏫 https://www.nsd61.ca/about-us/division-news/post/celebration-marks-major-step-forward-for-paddle-prairie-school-replacement

Northland School Division joined Paddle Prairie Métis Settlement, the Government of Alberta and community partners on June 2 to celebrate an important step forward for Paddle Prairie School.

A community barbecue was held at the Paddle Prairie Communi-Plex to recognize the approval of planning funding for a replacement school. The event brought together settlement leadership, students, families, school staff, trustees, Northland staff and provincial representatives. 🍔

“This celebration was an opportunity to recognize the work that helped move this project forward,” said Board Chair Tanya Fayant. “Northland School Division is grateful to Minister Dan Williams, Paddle Prairie Métis Settlement and everyone who has supported the call for a replacement school. This is an important step for students, families and the settlement, and we look forward to continuing this work as planning moves ahead.”

Following the celebration, Northland representatives met with Paddle Prairie Métis Settlement Council to discuss the new school project and the importance of working together as planning moves ahead.

The discussion included the capital planning process, possible school concept, community participation, shared use opportunities, location feedback, grades offered and next steps.

Northland School Division thanks Paddle Prairie Métis Settlement, Minister Dan Williams and everyone who helped organize the celebration. Northland looks forward to continuing this work with the Government of Alberta and Paddle Prairie Métis Settlement. 🤝

🎉 Danion Barker appointed Career Pathways School Principal https://www.nsd61.ca/about-us/division-news/post/danion-barke...
06/12/2026

🎉 Danion Barker appointed Career Pathways School Principal https://www.nsd61.ca/about-us/division-news/post/danion-barker-appointed-career-pathways-school-principal

Northland School Division is pleased to announce the appointment of Danion Barker as Principal of Career Pathways School, effective the 2026-2027 school year.

Barker brings 15 years of experience in education, with teaching and leadership experience at the elementary, secondary and post-secondary levels. His career has included work in alternative education, inclusive education, curriculum development and educational support.

Barker has also worked extensively with Indigenous families across Canada to help create learning environments where students feel engaged, seen and supported.

💬 “Education is most effective when schools, families and communities work together,” said Barker. “I am committed to helping every student feel valued, supported and inspired to pursue their goals. I am excited to begin this new chapter with Northland School Division and look forward to working alongside students, staff and families at Career Pathways School.”

💬 “We are pleased to welcome Danion to Career Pathways School,” said Superintendent of Schools and CEO Cal Johnson. “His experience in alternative education, inclusive education and curriculum development will be valuable in supporting the work of the school. His commitment to student success and helping students feel valued, supported and inspired aligns well with Career Pathways School and Northland School Division’s work to help students thrive.”

Barker holds a Doctor of Education in Leadership, Curriculum and Instruction from American College of Education. He also has a Master of Education in Teaching and Learning from the University of Ottawa, along with education and leadership credentials from McGill University and the University of the West Indies.

📱 Summer School Returns for 2026 https://www.northlandonlineschool.ca/summer-school 🎓 Northland School Division is offer...
06/11/2026

📱 Summer School Returns for 2026 https://www.northlandonlineschool.ca/summer-school

🎓 Northland School Division is offering Summer School for a second year in partnership with Northland Online School, open to high school students across Alberta.

Students can catch up, move ahead, or earn credits in a flexible online environment.

📅 Program runs from July 6th to July 31st
🗓️ Registration deadline is Monday, July 6th
✅ Work at your own pace
✅ Teacher support
✅ Courses include English, Social Studies, Math, Science, Career and Life Management, Physical Education, Aboriginal Studies, Forensics, Food and Workplace Safety, Job Preparation, Work Experience, and the Registered Apprenticeship Program

📲 Use the QR code in the image below to register
📧 Contact Tessa at [email protected] if you have questions

Learn more at https://www.northlandonlineschool.ca/summer-school.

📢 Murray Marran appointed Superintendent of Schools and CEO https://www.nsd61.ca/about-us/division-news/post/murray-marr...
06/04/2026

📢 Murray Marran appointed Superintendent of Schools and CEO https://www.nsd61.ca/about-us/division-news/post/murray-marran-appointed-superintendent-of-schools-and-ceo

Northland School Division (NSD) is pleased to announce the appointment of Murray Marran as Superintendent of Schools and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective September 1, 2026.

Marran brings nearly 30 years of experience in education, including senior leadership roles at both the school division and school levels. He previously served as Superintendent of High Prairie School Division and is returning to Northland School Division, where he served as Associate Superintendent of Human Resources.

His career has included leadership roles in public and private education settings in Alberta. Marran has served as a teacher, department head, Director of Admissions, Chief Financial Officer, principal, Assistant Superintendent of Finance and District Principal of Accountability. His experience includes work in human resources, finance, school operations and system leadership.

💬 “Our nationwide search resulted in a strong field of applicants,” said Tanya Fayant, Board Chair. “Mr. Marran was selected because of his proven leadership, his knowledge of Northland School Division and his commitment to working with the communities we serve. His experience connects well with Northland School Division’s Education Plan and the division’s focus on strong relationships, supporting the academic, cultural, social and emotional needs of students, and helping students thrive.”

💬 “I am enthusiastically looking forward to continuing my career in education with Northland School Division,” said Marran. “My time in High Prairie School Division as their Superintendent & CEO gave me incredible opportunities to effect collaborative and mindful change and improvement focused on student success. I am excited to be working again with Northland School Division as we continue providing assurance that the division is meeting the needs and aspirations of our students, staff, and communities. Northland’s success has come from a strong governing Board and visionary leadership from Mr. Cal Johnson. I look forward to preserving and advancing Mr. Johnson’s previous work and wish him the very best in the new chapter in his life.”

🎓 Marran holds a Bachelor of Education and a Master of Education from the University of Calgary. He also holds a Master of Business Administration from Royal Roads University in Victoria, B.C.

Northland School Division looks forward to welcoming Marran back to the division and working together to support students, staff, families and the communities it serves.

🏆 Curtis Walty receives PSBAA award for contributions to public education https://www.nsd61.ca/about-us/division-news/po...
06/01/2026

🏆 Curtis Walty receives PSBAA award for contributions to public education https://www.nsd61.ca/about-us/division-news/post/curtis-walty-receives-psbaa-award-for-contributions-to-public-education

🎉 Northland School Division (NSD) is pleased to announce that Media Relations Manager Curtis Walty has received the 2026 Special Contribution to Public Education: Media Award from the Public School Boards' Association of Alberta - PSBAA.

The PSBAA advocates for and represents the voices of children attending Alberta’s public schools. The association presents the Special Contribution to Public Education: Media Award to recognize an individual or organization whose commitment to public school education and children leaves a lasting and positive legacy.

💬 “Curtis is the kind of professional every organization hopes to have but very few are lucky enough to find,” said Cal Johnson, Superintendent of Schools/CEO. “He is diligent, committed and incredibly thoughtful in his work. Curtis understands Northland School Division’s priorities and helps share our story with clarity, integrity and trust. His work often happens behind the scenes, but its impact is felt across every corner of the division.”

💬 “On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I congratulate Curtis on receiving this provincial award,” said Tanya Fayant, Board Chair. “Curtis plays an important role in supporting Board advocacy, organizing and facilitating community engagements, and helping gather the voices that support the development of Northland School Division’s Education Plan. We appreciate his commitment to sharing the Northland story and supporting the work of the Board.”

💬 “I am grateful and honoured to receive this recognition,” said Walty. “This award reflects the value of communications in public education, from sharing meaningful stories to supporting engagement, relationships and strategic leadership. I am thankful to everyone who has supported and encouraged me along the way.”

🏆 Walty was recognized at the PSBAA Special Recognition Awards Ceremony on Saturday, May 30, at the Westin Downtown Calgary.

🎓 NORTHLAND SCHOOL DIVISIONBURSARIES AND SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE📚 Northland School Division supports students as they tak...
06/01/2026

🎓 NORTHLAND SCHOOL DIVISION
BURSARIES AND SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

📚 Northland School Division supports students as they take their next step after high school.

💰 Bursaries and scholarships are available each year for students entering university, college or a technical institute.

✅ This includes support for students pursuing an education degree, programs outside of education, early childhood education, computer related studies or social work.

📅 DEADLINE TO APPLY: PRIOR TO JUNE 1

🔗 Scan the QR code to learn more and apply.

Saturday, May 30, 2026 https://www.nsd61.ca/about-us/division-news/post/wildfire-information⚠️ Attention Conklin Communi...
05/30/2026

Saturday, May 30, 2026 https://www.nsd61.ca/about-us/division-news/post/wildfire-information

⚠️ Attention Conklin Community School Parents and Guardians,

Northland School Division is aware that an Evacuation Alert has been issued for Conklin due to the potential spread of wildfire LWF059 toward the community.

🚨 Everyone in the Conklin area should be ready to leave on short notice. At this time, an Evacuation Order has NOT been issued.

Families are asked to stay alert and follow instructions from emergency responders.

🏫 Conklin Community School will remain open at this time.

For more information, please visit the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo website:
👉 https://www.rmwb.ca/news/posts/evacuation-alert-conklin/

🎉 Derek Begley appointed Principal at Bill Woodward School https://www.nsd61.ca/about-us/division-news/post/derek-begley...
05/29/2026

🎉 Derek Begley appointed Principal at Bill Woodward School https://www.nsd61.ca/about-us/division-news/post/derek-begley-appointed-principal-at-bill-woodward-school

Northland School Division (NSD) is pleased to announce the appointment of Derek Begley as Principal of Bill Woodward School in Anzac, effective the 2026-2027 school year.

Begley joins Northland with more than two decades of teaching and leadership experience. His career has included work in diverse education settings, including serving as Head of School at the Canadian School of Qatar.

Begley also spent several years living and working in a First Nations community in northern Quebec. This experience strengthened his appreciation for culture, relationships and inclusive education.

🏅 He believes strongly in the value of athletics and teamwork. Begley is committed to supporting school spirit, student growth and meaningful learning opportunities both inside and outside the classroom.

“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire,” said Begley, quoting William Butler Yeats. “I look forward to joining Bill Woodward School and working with students, staff, families and the community.”

“We are pleased to welcome Derek Begley to Northland School Division and Bill Woodward School,” said Superintendent of Schools/CEO Cal Johnson. “Derek brings a wide range of experience from different education settings, along with a strong focus on relationships, student learning and school community. His leadership aligns with Northland’s Education Plan and its focus on strong connections, meaningful learning and helping students thrive.”

🎓 Begley holds a Bachelor of Arts from McMaster University and a Bachelor of Education from Lakehead University. He is currently a Master of Educational Leadership candidate through Bishop’s University and has completed a Leadership Quality Standard Certificate through the University of Calgary.

Congratulations to the Northland Online School Graduating Class of 2026! 🧡🎓🎉Northland School Division was proud to celeb...
05/28/2026

Congratulations to the Northland Online School Graduating Class of 2026! 🧡🎓🎉

Northland School Division was proud to celebrate this important milestone during the graduation ceremony on Saturday, May 23rd, at Barnett House in Edmonton.

Your hard work, commitment and determination have brought you to this special moment.

🎓 Daniella Abourarabi, Calgary
🎓 Evan O’Rourke, Cochrane
🎓 Natalie Ridsdale, Notikewin
🎓 Huruy Samson, Calgary
🎓 Olivia Wanyandie, Grande Cache
🎓 Ethan Adby, Conklin
🎓 A***n Anand, Calgary
🎓 Memphis Andrews, Wabasca
🎓 Lexon Engebretson, Kinuso
🎓 Odeline Meya, Edmonton

Congratulations, graduates. Northland School Division wishes you all the best as you take your next steps!

Address

9809-77th Avenue
Peace River, AB
T8S1C9

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+17806242060

Website

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