available years after the fire. When small evacuations occur, the emotional aftershocks are still felt, but the division’s ability to respond has become instinctive. “We’re better at taking care of each other,” Mywaaart says. “That’s the foundation of our resilience.” LOOKING FORWARD Over the next two years, FMPSD will continue to strengthen its focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion, embedding these principles into policy, curriculum, and culture. A new restorative practices initiative, developed in partnership with the RCMP, is training educators to replace traditional disciplinary approaches with restorative circles and relationshipbuilding strategies.The goal is to expand this model from high schools to elementary schools, creating consistency across all campuses. At the same time, FMPSD is preparing for the arrival of CASA House in 2027, a specialized facility that will expand access to mental health programming for students with complex mental health needs. “Our future is about connection—between staff and students, between schools and community, and between wellness and learning,” Nutter says. “Education in Fort McMurray has changed over the past decade,” she reflects.“We’ve faced adversity, but each challenge made us stronger, more innovative, and more compassionate. Our mission remains the same—doing what’s best for kids—but our understanding of what that means keeps growing.” In Fort McMurray, that evolution is more than policy. It’s a living practice—one that continues to educate, inspire, and heal an entire community. 247 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 12 FORT MCMURRAY PUBLIC SCHOOL DIVISION
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