From degraded fields to a living classroom, the Aki Centre embodies Seven Oaks’ reconciliation journey, one that honors truth. “Land-based education is not new, it’s old, it existed before colonial systems removed that,” Nazeravich notes, “so really, it is a return and a restoration of culture and ways of learning that we’re always here, and that we’re interrupted by colonization.” PREPARING STUDENTS FOR THE FUTURE Seven Oaks School Division’s innovative Career Ready program gives grade 12 students a head starts in skilled trades through an intensive, handson approach.“We have HVAC, aviation maintenance, plumbing and pipe fitting, and electrical,” explains Kreml. The program combines classroom theory with real-world experience, students spend the first months learning fundamentals before transitioning to internships with local firms. What sets Seven Oaks apart is how students earn dual credits.“As they’re completing that with us here in Seven Oaks, they’re also acquiring credits at the college level as well,” Kreml notes, “it’s essentially getting them a head start.” One remarkable success story saw an automotive student leverage this experience to enter engineering at the University of Manitoba. The student credited the program’s practical focus with preparing him for universitylevel theory. Unlike traditional vocational tracks that begin in grade 9, Seven Oaks’ concentrated grade 12 model preserves student choice. “Students still have that full, robust high school experience,” Kreml emphasizes, allowing them to explore arts and electives before specializing.This flexibility ensures career preparation doesn’t come at the expense of well-rounded education. INFRASTRUCTURE AND TECHNOLOGY Seven Oaks School Division is transforming its physical and digital landscapes to meet growing community needs. The division recently upgraded West Kildonan Collegiate with new science labs, a dance studio, and fitness facilities to serve expanding neighborhoods. “The surrounding area is seeing exponential residential growth,” notes Kreml, with three new K-8 schools planned through 2028 to accommodate Aurora, Meadowlands, and Highland Point developments. Technology integration focuses on enhancing, not replacing, traditional learning. “We’ve moved away from the dedicated computer lab to having technology right within the classroom to support learning,” Kreml explains, emphasizing devices as tools to deepen understanding.“It’s not going to be a substitute for the teacher and student interaction, 7 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 06 SEVEN OAKS SCHOOL DIVISION
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