Filipino communities forming significant portions— Horizon is tackling diversity and inclusion challenges in a setting many might wrongly assume to be homogeneous. Dr. Wilco Tymensen, Superintendent of Horizon, explains the division’s central focus: “We’ve worked very heavily on engaging and empowering students. We all know that students can succeed in school, but struggle once they’re out. Our mandate is to make sure that they are not only successful while they’re with us but that they’re also prepared to be contributing citizens once they leave.” This outlook led the division to extensively consult with thousands of community members, including parents, staff, and students, to understand the values that matter most. Dr. Tymensen shares, “The importance of continual improvement, inclusion, and respect for diversity came through loud and clear.” The insights gained from this process helped shape Horizon’s approach, ensuring that it reflected the student population’s needs and resonated with the larger community. Given Horizon’s rural location, the diversity of its student body is remarkable. “People often think of small farming communities as being fairly uniform, but that’s not our reality,” Dr. Tymensen notes. He highlights the school’s inclusion of all students, regardless of background.This focus on inclusivity is paired with an emphasis on relationship-building— both crucial aspects of Alberta’s teaching and leadership quality standards, which the division has embraced. “The relationships we build are vital to the education process,” says Dr.Tymensen.“It’s a core competency, and it’s heartening to see that reflected in our culture and our structure.” PREPARING STUDENTS FOR A NEW ECONOMY As the world of work evolves, education must, too. Horizon School Division has recognized this shift, particularly at the high school level, where the focus is increasingly on preparing students for the realities of a new economy. “One of our core mandates is to get kids ready for the next step, whether it’s post-secondary education 343 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 11 HORIZON SCHOOL DIVISION
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