An innovative partnership provides NSD students an opportunity to explore forestry

Northland School Division (NSD) celebrated an innovative learning partnership at Calling Lake School on Friday, May 5, 2023. Earlier this year, a pilot project was established for NSD students to explore a career in forestry. The project is made possible through a partnership between NSD, Alberta-Pacific Forest Industries Inc. (Al-Pac), and Woodland Operations Learning Foundation (WOLF). While participating in the pilot project, NSD students are taking a Career and Technologies Studies (CTS) Forestry option and earning credits for work in the classroom.

“This project is another example of how important partnerships are in education,” said Dr. Nancy Spencer-Poitras, Superintendent of Schools/CEO, Northland School Division. “As a school division, we are always looking for creative ways to enhance the learning experience for Northland students and increase their success. We very much value the relationship we have with Al-Pac and WOLF. Relationships with communities and education partners play an integral role in helping students graduate and achieve success.”

“The Board is very pleased to see these learning opportunities come to fruition and benefit Northland students,” said Cathy Wanyandie, Board Chair, Northland School Division. “The priorities for Northland are excellence in learning, excellence in leadership and excellence in relationships. The partnership between NSD, Al-Pac and WOLF is an example of how Northland is achieving these priorities.”

“Al-Pac is proud to support Northland School Division as a partner in this project,” said Diane Smith, Business Unit Leader, Stakeholder Relations & Sustainability at Al-Pac. “The Career and Technology Studies Forestry option is an innovative way for students at Calling Lake School to learn about the forest sector, and we were thrilled to be invited to engage with students about careers in forestry.”

During the first week of May, NSD students participated in an in-school simulator experience and practical learning session with WOLF instructors. These valuable learning experiences were supported by a grant Al-Pac applied for from the Forest Resource Improvement Association (FRIAA). On May 5, 2023, a career networking event took place at Calling Lake School. Students were able to discuss careers with Bigstone Cree Nation, CAREERS and Al-Pac.

Group Photo

Back row: Mark Owens, Director of Student Engagement, Attendance and Completion (Northland School Division), Dave Kamelchuk, Woodlands Coordinator, Forest Resources (Alberta-Pacific
Forest Industries Inc. (Al-Pac) ), Wally Rude, Ward 8 Trustee Elect (Northland School Division), Dr. Nancy Spencer-Poitras, Superintendent of Schools/CEO (Northland School Division), Jason Wiks, Calling Lake School Principal.

Middle row: Courtney Miller - Ecologist, Stakeholder Relations & Sustainability (Al-Pac), Cathy Wanyandie, Board Chair (Northland School Division), Kiera Stewart-Shepherd, Advisor, Indigenous Relations (Al-Pac)

Front Row: Mabel Houle (Calling Lake student) and Keyano Cardinal (Calling Lake student)
The students are holding a certificate that recognizes the hours completed using the Woodland Operations Learning Foundation (WOLF) simulators.