WWW.SRSD.CA SEINE RIVER SCHOOL DIVISION PREPPING FOR TOMORROW THROUGH VOCATIONAL INNOVATION
PREPPING FOR TOMORROW THROUGH VOCATIONAL INNOVATION SEINE RIVER SCHOOL DIVISION AT A GLANCE SEINE RIVER SCHOOL DIVISION WHAT: A school division operating 15 schools with K-12 English and French Immersion programs, technical-vocational training, and adult education WHERE: Southeastern Manitoba, Canada WEBSITE: www.srsd.ca HOW A MANITOBA SCHOOL DIVISION IS EXPANDING EDUCATIONAL PATHWAYS TO MEET REGIONAL WORKFORCE NEEDS 1 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 06
The Seine River School Division,serving 15 schools across Southeastern Manitoba, operates with a clear twotier priority system that guides its educational philosophy. Established in 1959 and headquartered in Lorette, the division manages programs ranging from K-12 English and French Immersion to technical-vocational training and adult education. “For our school division, we have two areas of priorities: board priorities and school division priorities,” explains Colin Campbell, Superintendent and CEO of Seine River School Division. “Board priorities focus on teaching and learning, promoting curiosity, creativity, and innovation. We emphasize working with communities and rights holders, making sure we engage with them to get their perspective on decisions within the school division. Our 2 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 06
educational programs reflect community needs and empower students to reach their individual potential.” The divisional priorities complement this framework through four established pillars: systems wellness, high-quality learning, operational efficiency, and continuous improvement. Campbell notes that these aren’t just abstract concepts but practical guidelines. “System wellness means looking at the wellbeing of staff and students at school. High-quality learning focuses on literacy, numeracy, and French language instruction in our dual-track immersion schools. all viewed through an indigenous educational lens, which is vital to our division and across Manitoba.” PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND WELLNESS Seine River School Division views teacher development as the cornerstone of educational excellence, investing substantially in both professional growth and staff wellbeing programs. “One thing that’s really important to us is ensuring that all staff have opportunities for professional growth and development every year,” says Wendy Bloomfield, who has served on the division’s board for over 40 years.“We work closely with our teachers association and provide them money to look at doing professional development. We also have a divisional wellness committee that provides opportunities for all staff, trying to keep morale at a good level.” Professional development in Seine River isn’t arbitrary but strategically aligned with divisional goals. The division’s approach connects teaching improvements with measurable student outcomes, allowing for both division-wide consistency and school-specific innovation. “Professional development needs to be anchored to something or else you’re just picking the latest ideas that aren’t connected to your focus,” Campbell explains. “Each school builds out their plan based on where student improvement is needed. What our staff should feel is alignment between what the division wants to accomplish in literacy, numeracy, and French education—all wrapped in indigenous education—while still giving schools autonomy to create plans specific to their community.” ADDRESSING POST-COVID LEARNING GAPS Operating across southeastern Manitoba’s growing communities, Seine River School Division has identified foundational skills development as crucial for long-term academic recovery and student success. “We definitely highlight the value we hold as a school division in early childhood education,” Campbell says. “We know that even pre-covid, if kids can get off to a good start with experienced teachers at younger ages, our students will be more productive and successful when they reach grades four, five, middle school, and especially high school. Our early literacy focus is an important piece to student success.” The pandemic’s educational impact continues to reverberate through the system, creating challenges 3 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 06 SEINE RIVER SCHOOL DIVISION
that will require sustained attention over the coming decade. The division is implementing targeted interventions based on detailed analysis of which grade levels were most affected during key developmental periods. “The trends seen across Canada and North America show there are gaps that have occurred, and those will take time to work through,” Campbell notes.“We know where students were during COVID, what grade they were in, where they are now, and what impacts they might be dealing with. It will take 10-12 years for students to come through our education system who haven’t experienced COVID. We’re supporting their education appropriately.” This focus on early learning will be further enhanced by the division’s planned expansion. The new vocational high school in Ste. Anne, expected to be completed by 2028, will include early childhood education programming, preparing students for careers in this field while simultaneously addressing the region’s childcare shortage. With reports of facilities in the area having waitlists of up to 500 families, the division is strategically developing educational pathways that both remediate learning gaps and address critical workforce needs in early childhood education. ACADEMIC AND VOCATIONAL PATHWAYS Seine River School Division has moved beyond the traditional university-focused educational model to embrace a multi-pathway approach that recognizes diverse student aspirations. “We try to offer a lot of options for students,” explains Yvan St. Vincent, Principal of Ste. Anne Collegiate, which serves approximately 350 students from grades 9-12. “It used to be that if you were in high school, we were preparing you for university. We’ve seen a huge shift in that, as trades and other workforce areas have become very important. Our course offerings appeal to different student interests and passions.” The division’s comprehensive approach includes specialized programming in family studies and food nutrition alongside traditional academic subjects and technical training. St. Vincent highlights the value of these practical courses in building life skills that benefit all students regardless of career path. “Those courses are important for all our students because at some point they will start their own families, and these courses help anchor them for those lifestyle choices,” St. Vincent says. “We also offer wood and metal work because those areas are important to many learners. We try to offer something for all students and not pigeonhole that we’re producing 100 percent university students or 100 percent trade students.” The division’s apprenticeship program stands as a cornerstone of its vocational education strategy, providing real-world experience alongside academic studies. The program’s substantial enrollment demonstrates the region’s strong demand for skilled workers. 4 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 06
Transforming Student Transportation with BusFlow Pro, Fleet Profit Center, and Geotab Telematics Since 2017, Seine River School Division has experienced a transformative shift in the management of school bus routing, safety, and maintenance, thanks to the innovation and expertise provided by BusFlow Pro, Fleet Profit Center, and Geotab. What began as a challenge to improve operational efficiency and safety has developed into a long-standing partnership that has reshaped the landscape of student transportation. BusFlow Pro, a robust school transportation management software, was designed from the ground up to simplify complex routing tasks while prioritizing student safety. Before its implementation, many divisions faced outdated methods and manual processes that were prone to inefficiencies and human error. BusFlow Pro introduced efficient, intelligent route planning and real-time visibility, significantly improving on-time performance and reducing unnecessary mileage. One of the most notable advancements is the BusFlow RideRoster app. This driver-friendly mobile tool provides a detailed routing map, stop details, and a real-time manifest of students at each stop, ensuring that no child is ever left behind or unaccounted for. Meanwhile, parents and schools gain peace of mind through BusFlow Mobile, which enables live bus tracking and accurate parental notifications. Behind the scenes, Fleet Profit Center, a trusted Geotab reseller, has provided the backbone of connected fleet technology. With over 20 years of expertise in telematics customization, Fleet Profit Center has integrated Geotab’s world-class tracking and diagnostic tools into school bus operations, enabling preventative maintenance, real-time engine diagnostics, and overall fleet safety for drivers and students. Since partnering with Fleet Profit Center, Seine River School Division has reported fewer breakdowns, improved compliance with maintenance schedules, and greater driver satisfaction. This translates to safer rides, reduced delays, and more efficient use of public funds. With Fleet Profit Center’s commitment to local support, custom reporting, and advanced rule customization, Seine River School Division receives customized insights into its unique fleet operations. Perhaps most importantly, BusFlow Pro, Fleet Profit Center, and Geotab all recognize that school transportation isn’t just about logistics—it’s about the well-being of children. By aligning innovative software with the trusted Geotab telematics platform, they have created a platform where safety, reliability, and accountability are not merely goals but everyday standards. After nearly a decade of collaboration with Seine River School Division, it’s clear that this partnership is more than just a solution—it’s a model for how technology and service can redefine school transportation for the better. We applaud the leadership of Seine River School Division in adopting and applying technology and are proud to be a valued and trusted partner. Revolutionize Your School Transportation with BusFlow Pro™ Save Time | Lower Costs | Boost Safety Call: 866-668-8503 busflowpro.com Seine River School Division
“This semester alone, we will probably hand out between 120 and 150 credits in apprenticeship credits,” St.Vincent notes.“That’s a lot of students out in the workforce while also doing a school semester. Our approach appeals to three major learning areas: trades, academics, and those who don’t yet know what they’ll do.” APPROACHING THE AI REVOLUTION “AI is new and that’s something we’re certainly dealing with as we go on,” says St. Vincent. “We’re trying to advocate that it is a valuable tool, but obviously it can’t do your high school diploma for you. It is certainly valuable in some areas. We offer several computer science classes along with computer programming and desktop publishing. Some of these are based on essential tools that probably everyone should have as we move through the 21st century.” The division ensures technology accessibility through various hardware solutions, addressing potential economic disparities among its student population. “Here at the high school, we have specialized computer labs for specific courses. After that, we have many laptops that are available to students and teachers,” St. Vincent explains. “Often teachers will book them out so the entire class can use them, but we always have some for students who need to complete assignments. We’re certainly not lacking in that area.” At the governance level, the division is developing comprehensive policies around artificial intelligence, informed by recent professional development and research. Campbell indicates this work extends beyond merely restricting AI to actively incorporating it as an educational tool. “We were at a conference a couple weeks ago with sessions on the impact of artificial intelligence in education globally,” he notes. “It starts with establishing good policy around how to ethically use AI. We must look at things differently now, including how teachers plan lessons, how teachers assess students. At the same time, AI helps some students who need support, creating a level playing 7 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 06 SEINE RIVER SCHOOL DIVISION
For over 65 years, MJ Roofing has been providing flat roofing services to all of Manitoba. We specialize in the inspection, maintenance, replacement, and 24/7 emergency leak repair of all flat roofing systems. Established in 1959 by brothers Mike and Joe Prokopich, MJ Roofing thrives on developing and maintaining long term client relationships, providing unparalleled customer service, and quality workmanship backed by an industry leading warranty. Many of our clients have been with us for decades and we’re proud that they trust us to provide them with solutions that address the short and long term goals they have for their properties. They range in size from single building owners to large portfolio property managers to institutional interests such as school divisions in locations throughout the entire province. Our dedicated Account Representatives and detailed roof condition reports provide building owners with all of the information they need to make informed decisions to protect their properties. Contact us at info@mjroofing.net or (204) 586-8411 to discuss how MJ Roofing can help you manage your roofs. Dedicated to providing the highest quality workmanship and customer service MAINTENANCE REPLACEMENTS INSPECTION & CONDITION REPORTS 24/7 EMERGENCY SERVICE SNOW REMOVAL METAL CONTACT US 909 Jarvis Ave, Winnipeg MB R2X 0A1, Canada 204.586.8411 info@mjroofing.net www.mjroofing.net
field. We’re going to slowly have those conversations about ethics and setting good policy around AI.” RESPONDING TO COMMUNITY NEEDS The Seine River School Division is advancing plans for a new vocational high school in Ste. Anne, marking a significant expansion of the division’s educational infrastructure.This project, first approved in 2023 and recently reconfirmed in the provincial budget, addresses space constraints and workforce development needs in Manitoba’s rapidly growing southeastern region. “We’ve been announced to get a new high school in a couple of years, and it’s going to be a vocational high school,” St. Vincent explains. “The board and I have really advocated for that vocational piece. We see the value in that for our entire division, not just for this school. We live in a rural area where trades and the workforce are very strong, and a vocational high school would only complement and help support the area.” The new facility, scheduled for completion by 2028, will be in the northeast part of Ste.Anne.The project aims to alleviate current overcrowding issues, where three schools, elementary, high school, and immersion, share limited facilities with nearly 430 students in a building designed for fewer. “The newest building that opened here in Ste. Anne just this week mentioned they have 500 folks on their waiting list looking for daycare spots,” St. Vincent notes. “That new school can accomplish a lot, providing early daycare spots, hopefully in the school itself as that’s supposed to be part of the new bills, and having students leave high school ready to enter that workforce to support growing demand.” THE REWARDS OF LIFELONG LEARNING The Seine River School Division leadership team embodies the principle of continuous learning, a value reflected in both their professional approach and educational philosophy. We engage with educators to turn buildings into environments that are conducive to learning. We offer solutions that integrate multiple systems and leverage analytics to continuously adapt so students are safer and assets are more efficient. We can even help schools secure funding and reduce operational expenses to solve budget challenges. Honeywell offers a wide range of building solutions to help you deliver on your educational mission. HELP YOUR SCHOOL BUILDINGS MAKE THE GRADE Learn more 9 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 06 SEINE RIVER SCHOOL DIVISION
PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n BusFlow Pro www.busflowpro.com BusFlow Pro was developed by Fleet Profit Center to meet the growing demand for smarter, safer, and more efficient student transportation. Acknowledging the challenges encountered by school districts, transportation providers, and parents, we created a robust suite of solutions that streamline communication, enhance accountability, and improve operational oversight. n MJ Roofing www.mjroofing.net For over 65 years, MJ Roofing has been providing flat roofing services to all of Manitoba. We specialize in the inspection, maintenance, replacement, and 24/7 emergency leak repair of all flat roofing systems. n Honeywell www.honeywell.com Honeywell is committed to enhancing educational environments by integrating advanced building solutions. We empower schools with innovative technology that helps improve safety, energy management, and operational efficiency. Our analytics-driven systems support educators in delivering optimal learning experiences while navigating budget challenges and securing funding for essential upgrades. “I certainly believe in lifelong learning,” St. Vincent affirms, connecting this principle to current educational challenges. “As far as education goes, we’re probably in the depths of COVID right now. I have more 18 to 20-year-old students in high school than we ever had. When we dig into that, it’s because they lost years during COVID or fell so far behind that they’re still in high school. It’s actually been valuable having them at 18, 19, 20 years old, to have conversations with students who are 14, 15, 16, to show how important it is to get our education.” For Campbell, who joined as Superintendent recently, the human element stands as the most rewarding aspect of educational leadership. This perspective aligns with the division’s emphasis on community engagement and student-centered learning. “Without question, it’s the people we work with in education,” he says. “Our role is to serve kids, their families, and our community. This division is filled with staff that love working with children, which can’t be understated. What I enjoy most is working with our committed board. If we all maintain the lifelong learner mindset, we provide our students with opportunities to be successful, and that’s what excites me every day.” As Seine River School Division moves forward with its ambitious plans for a new vocational high school by 2028, this focus on lifelong learning and community responsiveness will remain central to its educational mission in southeastern Manitoba, ensuring students develop skills that serve them throughout their careers and lives. 10 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 06
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