Settling students back into regular school life following the pandemic, a new board priorities plan, and capital project success were highlights of 2023 for Western School Division (WSD) Superintendent Stephen Ross.
"As we look ahead to next year, I think we're excited to continue to help our diverse and growing community and student body continue to thrive. We expect continued enrollment growth and probably a bit of a surge next fall with the new school opening and some other projects in the community happening that might create more opportunities for housing."
Next year will also bring a big milestone achievement for the division. It was over thirty years ago, Minnewasta School was built in Morden, which was the last one built on the Southwest corner of the city.
"We're looking forward to the completion and opening of the École Discovery Trails School (EDT) and all the changes that will come with that to existing schools as well. And probably a really significant shift in our transportation system, as we add a new school into that for next year."
Samuel Jerema has been named Principal of EDT and will begin in the new year building culture in preparation of the doors opening in September on the Northwest part of the city on Parkhill Drive.
Ross added there are other areas the division will be focusing on in 2024.
"Also, we're looking forward in this next year, 'cause it's year two (sort of) as we get into our Board Priorities Plan, to look for more solidification and deeper exploration by students and staff in all of those big guiding principles the Board has set out for us to work towards."
Elevate a deepen learning, promote a healthy and thriving culture, foster student ownership, and forge community relationships are the tenets for the next four years, set out in 2023 by the trustees, based on school and community consultation.
Ross has one wish for 2024.
"And then lastly, I think we're looking forward to a more fair and equitable distribution of Provincial Education Funding to support our students and to help support our community as it continues to grow in a reasonable and fair way."
Ross noted there are lots of great things happening, and he is excited to be part of Western School Division, and to be part of the City of Morden during this time.
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