Dear Black Gold students, families, and staff,

Welcome back! As we start a new school year I am deeply appreciative of all of the wonderful experiences that our Division and communities provide to connect and support one another. Black Gold School Division believes that we Inspire Success for each and every member of our learning community.

Our future rests on building stronger partnerships, a greater sense of trust and unity, and working diligently to provide our students with the best possible education we can provide. As we open our doors and hearts to another year of learning I want to take a moment to express how excited I am to embark on this journey with all of you.

The start of a new school year always brings with it a mix of emotions—anticipation, excitement, and maybe even a few jitters. For some, it’s a return to the familiar, while for others it’s the beginning of a new adventure. We know that the opening of Ohpaho Secondary School and the reconfiguration of the Leduc catchment areas has created more changes than usual for staff and students but it also brings tremendous opportunity to build even stronger communities.

“Our future rests on building stronger partnerships, a greater sense of trust and unity, and working diligently to provide our students with the best possible education we can provide.“

Whether you’re a returning member to one of our schools or joining us for the first time, know that you belong in our Black Gold family, and together we will create safe, inclusive and welcoming environments where everyone can thrive.

This year, we are enacting our strategic priorities by focusing on the theme of “Visible Learning.” “Visible Learning” is about making the process of learning clear, tangible, and accessible to everyone – from teachers through to students and parents. It’s about understanding how learning happens, recognizing the progress being made, and celebrating the growth that each student experiences. It’s about encouraging students and teachers to be decision makers using critical thinking skills to deepen learning and by creating greater student interest in the learning process as we prepare them for a future of great opportunity.

Our goal is to ensure that learning is not just something that happens behind the scenes but is an active, visible process that engages students, families, and staff alike. In the spirit of this theme, we will continue to nurture an inclusive and welcoming environment where every student feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed.

As we look ahead, we have many exciting initiatives planned to enhance the educational experience for all our students. From new curriculum updates, innovative teaching strategies, and the construction of our collegiate school in Calmar, we are committed to providing the best possible education for every child.
We are also continuing our focus on well-being, ensuring that our schools are safe, supportive, and joyful places where students can thrive both academically and emotionally.

I also want to take a moment to acknowledge the importance of continuing our journey toward truth and reconciliation. We are committed to learning from the past and building a future that reflects respect, understanding, and inclusion. This year, we will be introducing new programs and opportunities to deepen our collective understanding of Indigenous and Metis cultures and histories, fostering a more inclusive environment for everyone.

Welcome back—I’m looking forward to a fantastic year ahead!

Warm regards,

Michael Borgfjord,
Superintendent of Schools/CEO