Summer 2025 Trustee Newsletter

Message from the Board Chair

Black Gold School Division Board Chair Esther Eckert

Dear Black Gold Family,

As the 2024-25 school year comes to a close, on behalf of the Board of Trustees, I would like to thank you for your continued support, involvement and trust in public education. 

This year has had its ups and downs. The division adapted to changes, embraced some new opportunities and through it all, focused on each decision made by asking, “Is this what’s best for students?"

Securing funding for the urgently needed new high school in Beaumont was a significant highlight. The school is currently in the planning phase and moving to the design phase is the next step.  The opening of the Calmar Collegiate School next year will bring more opportunities for students as well. 

We celebrated student success as we shared in awards events and graduations.  Cheering on our sports teams as many brought home banners and medals was a proud experience. Our students who excel in the arts won competitions in drama, art and music. These academic milestones, athletic accomplishments and talent showcases, created meaningful connections for many students. 

We not only celebrate student success but acknowledge the investment of families and their involvement in shaping this year for the better.   Whether as a part of parent councils, volunteering in schools, including your voice in our community engagement opportunities you made a difference.  Sometimes your biggest task may have been getting your teenagers to school every day. 

To the exceptional teachers, support staff, administrators, bus drivers, custodians,  maintenance workers and division office staff, we salute you for your dedication and creativity in helping our school community thrive.  Education work is increasingly complex and we remain committed to supporting your wellbeing, providing you with the tools to be successful and advocating to improve working conditions.  

This quote from Steve Jobs is easily applicable to the work of being education leaders in whatever capacity that may be.   “Great things (in business) are never done by one person.  They are done by a team of people”. 

This is an opportunity to acknowledge the hard work and commitment of the trustees and senior administration. Thank you to each of you for your tireless efforts to Inspire success.  We are the visible face of governance and leadership, but outside of this group there are over 13 hundred staff who are an integral part of this team as well. They demonstrate their dedication to student success everyday in all they do.  Black Gold couldn’t support students without them.

Standing with the staff are the families of our over 13 thousand students, cheering them on and supporting them in their academic careers. 

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your investment in society’s greatest resource—our young people.

I wish you all a restful, safe summer.  We are looking forward to welcoming everyone back in the fall. 

Sincerely, 

Esther Eckert, Board Chair

Welcome Back to Our Staff

On March 20th, we were delighted to welcome our valued support staff back into Black Gold schools following the resolution of the recent job action.

Our Educational Assistants, Librarians, School Secretaries, and other support personnel are a vital part of the Black Gold Family. Their work enhances learning, fosters inclusivity, and ensures our schools remain safe and welcoming spaces for all.

Trustees at Work

Tom's Walk

On Sunday, May 25, the Black Gold community gathered in Devon for the 8th Annual Tom’s Walk—an event honouring the life of Tom Maxwell and raising awareness for mental health. Organized by Tom’s mother, former Black Gold teacher Kelly Maxwell, the walk has become a powerful tradition rooted in connection and hope.

The Board of Trustees is proud to support this event each year, aligning with our commitment to wellness and strong community partnerships. Events like Tom’s Walk remind us why mental health advocacy matters, in our schools and beyond.

“Each year, this walk shows how powerful it is when people come together with purpose,” said Devon Trustee Devonna Klaassen in a speech at the event. “What began as a personal and local response to loss has become something bigger – a tradition rooted in care, connection, and hope.”

The Board remains committed to supporting mental health initiatives that foster belonging, compassion, and hope across the Division.

2025 Edwin Parr Award

The Black Gold School Division’s Board of Trustees is thrilled to announce that Devon Reekie (above centre), a first-year Grade 8 science, physical education, and social studies teacher at Riverview Middle School in Devon, is a Zone 2 / 3 winner of this year’s Edwin Parr Award for outstanding first year teachers.

“Mr. Reekie was nominated for going above and beyond to inspire success in all students, regardless of their abilities, while juggling the demands of being a beginning teacher,” said Board Chair Esther Eckert. “His impact on students, his contributions to Riverview Middle School, and his dedication to the wider community have earned him the well-deserved honour of being named the recipient of this prestigious award. Congratulations, Devon!”

WPS Pancake Breakfast

On May 29, Willow Park School held its annual community breakfast. It was a heartwarming event that brought together students, families, staff, and community members in a spirit of gratitude and celebration. 

With smiles and hearty appetites all around, the event reflected the strong sense of partnership and support within the school community.

"I was so happy to see both our Willow Park and our Black Gold communities coming to our school today," said Principal Luchak. "A special thanks to our trustees and division office leaders for rolling up their sleeves and helping out wherever needed. It's just another example of how Black Gold is a family, and one that I am proud to be a part of."

Aspiring Young Artists' Competition

Trustee Gary Hansen, Vice Chair Angie Charpentier and Supt. Borgfjord with LCHS student Max Limeta, who artwork was included in the BGSD Permanent Student Art Collection.

The Black Gold School Division is proud to partner once again with the Leduc Art Club to host the 14th annual Aspiring Young Artists’ Competition is for students in Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12. Students had their work adjudicated by professional artists to have an opportunity to win monetary prizes, and by school trustees to have an opportunity to have their artworks included in the Black Gold School Division Permanent Collection.

Vice Chair Angie Charpentier and Trustee Gary Hansen, and Superintendent Michael Borgfjord attended the Awards Gala Ceremony on June 13 to recognize the students whose artworks were selected for the permanent collection. Hadi Naim from Ohpaho Secondary School, Sharlaine Amit, and Max Lineta from Leduc Composite High School were presented with certificates and cheques.

“Art allows us to find that common humanity, that poetry, that we all share; it reminds us that life is not just about surviving—it’s about living fully and with purpose,” said Vice Chair Angie Charpentier. “This is why arts education matters at Black Gold. It teaches our youth empathy, perspective, and how to harness their creativity. It opens minds, pushes boundaries, and gives students a voice—a voice that speaks to who they are and how they see the world.”

This event is made possible through support from Leduc Performing Arts and Cultural Foundation, Nisku-Leduc Rotary Club, City of Leduc, Black Gold School Division, Black Gold Rodeo Association, and the Leduc Recreation Centre.

High School Convocations

As the school year draws to a close, the Board of Trustees is proud to celebrate the achievements of Black Gold students at high school convocations across the Division. Receiving a diploma is a powerful milestone in a student's journey, and Trustees are honoured to attend ceremonies throughout May and June.

These events also highlight the importance of the Board’s ongoing advocacy for inclusive, well-resourced schools where every student is supported to thrive. Graduation represents not only the culmination of a student's journey but also the beginning of new pathways—whether in post-secondary, or along other avenues. We wish nothing but the best for our graduates, and we are eager to see how they will shape the future of their communities in the coming years.

Notices