The division actively seeks partnerships with local businesses, towns, and other educational institutions to strengthen the social fabric of the community. Through initiatives like the third annual Youth Mental Health Summit, the division, a part of a collective called The Network, collaborates with health and social services, education partners, local service providers, and local governments to address pressing issues such as mental health and readiness for learning. One of the key partnerships The Network is exploring with Kickstand, a group funded by the Government of Alberta that focuses on integrated youth community services. By working towards establishing an Integrated Youth Community Services Hub, the division, as a part of The Network, aims to create a centralized resource where young people and families can access mental health support, educational resources, and other services in one convenient location. This initiative is still in the planning stages, but the division’s proactive approach to addressing community needs exemplifies its broader goal of positioning education as the cornerstone of a healthy, thriving community. Finally, the division considers parents to be an extremely vital part of the community and does not slack in keeping its channels open for frequent and open communication. “We stand by the fact that parents in the community are partners in education, so we keep up a constant dialogue to make sure that we’re checking in, gathering feedback, and sharing that feedback with the community to inform our decisions as we move forward,” explains Manager of Communications & Community Sara Fox. BUILDING TRUST AS A CATALYST A FLOURISHING FUTURE Looking ahead, Foothills School Division is committed to continuing its focus on placing education at the center of a flourishing community. The division recognizes that trust in public institutions, including schools, has been eroded in recent years, and it aims to rebuild this trust by enhancing transparency, engagement, and inclusivity. One of the strategic actions the division has undertaken is the Foothills School Division Assurance Survey, which solicits input from parents, staff, and the wider community on how to foster a more connected and supportive learning environment. The survey results guide the division’s efforts to 9 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 10 FOOTHILLS SCHOOL DIVISION
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