division for just over a year, describes the guiding philosophy as deeply rooted in relationships.“People are just looking for that connection,” Reid says. “They want to feel connected to their school. They want to have good relationships with their child’s teacher. Our board embraces the philosophy of being connected to our public and gaining feedback to lead a school division that meets the needs of the families we serve.” This sense of connection informs nearly every aspect of the division’s work. From personalized teaching methods and community-based programs to collaborative planning and workforce readiness, the Sunrise School Division is committed to preparing students for a future that reflects both opportunity and change. RESPONDING TO A DIVERSE REGION Although rural, Sunrise School Division defies easy classification.As Reid explains,“We have agriculturebased communities, others that are focused on tourism, and several that are bedroom communities for Winnipeg. So, we’re quite diverse economically— recreation, agriculture, and serving the capital region are our three big pushes.” This range of community profiles presents both logistical challenges and unique opportunities. Reid notes that while a broad reach makes it difficult to implement division-wide programs on a large scale, it also allows the district to develop tailored, localized initiatives that respond directly to community needs. One such program is the motorsports course at Lac du Bonnet Senior School, which teaches students the skills in minor engine repair in high demand in the local recreational vehicle industry. “It’s an excellent opportunity for kids to get their hands dirty and then transition into a large business that exists right in their home community,” Reid says. EDUCATION MEETS INDUSTRY Such real-world applications are central to the division’s approach.The high school apprenticeship program is thriving across Sunrise, particularly in its fastest-growing southwestern communities.“We’ve got great partners in new home construction and small businesses that provide on-the-job training through the apprenticeship program,” Reid shares. Two career development program leaders coordinate these efforts, one focused on high school and the other on middle years, who help connect students with employers and post-secondary opportunities. Board Chairperson Paul Magnan emphasizes how this work ties back to the division’s values.“Connections and engagement are key,” he says.“We work with nine municipalities, and it’s about partnering with them, 351 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 08 SUNRISE SCHOOL DIVISION
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