Fort McMurray Public School Division (FMPSD)

Leading Alberta Education with Vision

 

Exploring strategies helping students step into academic excellence

A well-performing school division is always recognized by the key combination of high-level planning and boots-on-the-ground implementation.

Division leadership focusing on inclusivity, innovation, and academic excellence is yet another hallmark.

That is exactly what we see within the Fort McMurray Public School Division(FMPSD), one of Alberta’s core academic pillars.

The division is deeply knowledgeable about current educational trends and actively seeks partnerships with local businesses, community organizations, and higher education institutions to provide diverse opportunities for students.

Thanks to secured sustainable funding and strategic infrastructure investments that support both current and future enrollment demands, Fort McMurray continues to ensure that all of its schools have the resources they need to thrive.

Fort McMurray’s success is driven not just by nurturing students, but also by empowering educators and staff. Leadership has cultivated a supportive work environment, encouraging collaboration among teachers so that students receive the best education possible.

The division’s emphasis on mental health support, equity, and student well-being has been especially crucial, as these elements create a nurturing and inclusive environment where every student feels valued.

The result of all of the above is a vibrant, well-rounded education system that prioritizes student achievement, holistic well-being, and community involvement.

The Fort McMurray Public School Division stands as a beacon of educational innovation and community-centric development in Alberta.

With a strong commitment to empowering students and fostering a sense of belonging, FMPSD has been recognized as a driving force for student success across local, national, and even global stages.

Its harmonious approach will continue to build a strong foundation for continued growth and innovation.

The division’s ongoing journey of academic excellence, robust support systems, and community engagement paints a picture of an institution not only focused on present-day achievements but also on the future of education.

Empowering Students for Success

As the education sector still grapples with post-pandemic recovery, Fort McMurray has faced and tackled these challenges head-on.

Supporting 16 schools — 12 being elementary schools — the school division offers a variety of programming, and has built a reputation on its diverse range of academic and extracurricular offerings that support its diverse 8100+ student body.

Subjects like robotics, engineering, french immersion, coding, and even esports are commonplace within Fort McMurray schools and are great examples of how FMPSD is positioning students for success in the rapidly evolving landscape.

“We have a diverse number of programs both academic and extracurricular ranging from the Arts to STEM & STEAM to athletics at all levels — from elementary to high school,” Superintendent Annalee Nutter clarifies.

Strategic leadership combined with the dedication of staff and the proactive involvement of the Board, has seen the division embark on key initiatives that are transforming the learning landscape for its students.

One such example is the division’s specialized programs developed to help students with cognitive or learning disabilities.

But beyond the program level, the division anticipates future growth and is already acting to have support for it in place.

Most recently, the division upgraded École McTavish High School, which is also one of the division’s French Immersion Schools.

Additionally, it recently established two new elementary schools — Christina Gordon Public School and Dave McNeillyPublic School — and converted its only stand alone junior high school into a grade 7 – 12 school.

Lastly, the division’s downtown high school, Composite High School, underwent a complete modernization in recent years.

When combined, these initiatives signify a large awareness of the division’s need to not only maintain, but progress, and adapt itself to the needs of its community.

A Community Engaged in Education

Fort McMurray also plays an active role in supporting local organizations that support its students and the larger community.

“We have several staff members who are deeply involved in the community and volunteer for local nonprofits,” Nutter says.

The division often collaborates with Board leaders of major organizations like Wood Buffalo Housing, The Hub Family Resource, and Girls Inc.

Fortunately, thanks to their involvement, teachers demonstrate to students within the schools how they can become active citizens and even get involved in fundraising for many of these organizations.

Thanks to this dynamic, the division has cultivated many collaborative partnerships to the benefit of the students. One way these partnerships help is by working to help students define their career paths.

“Organizations such as Careers The Next Generation come into our schools and help students get registered apprenticeship and co-op programs. They also help our indigenous students find mentorship positions in the summer,” Nutter explains.

Fort McMurray Public School Division doesn’t just engage community organizations, it also engages the community’s members as well through a process called a Thought Exchange to get ideas and opinions on various topics related to education and budget.

A Community Reception hosted by the Board of Trustees invites other boards and partners from the community to discuss its biggest issues, offering the opportunity to advocate for students.

Additionally, division leaders meet with local MLAs and city officials like the Mayor to plan broader initiatives surrounding things like transportation and joint-use agreements.

“Overall, staff and trustees alike are out and about in the community, and the division is known and recognized. Part of attracting people to our city is the education we provide, so we do our best to highlight what we’re able to offer,” says Board Chair Linda Mywaart.

A Tradition of Achievement

The division’s commitment to fostering academic and extracurricular excellence is reflected in the sheer number of awards and scholarships its students have garnered over the years.

Prestigious awards such as the Schulich Leader Scholarship and the Loran Scholarship have been won by FMPSD students, along with other high-profile recognitions like the TD Community Leadership Award.

Perhaps one of the most remarkable achievements came from a Fort McMurray student who won the international Breakthrough Junior Challenge—a $250,000 scholarship in addition to significant funding for her school and teacher.

The division has also seen notable achievements in the arts, with staff and students recognized by organizations such as the Wood Buffalo Arts Council Awards.

Esports has also emerged as another area of excellence, with students recently placing first in a provincial-level competition—a testament to the division’s ability to stay current with industry trends and youth interests.

Even Indigenous elders from the community who collaborate with the division on student initiatives have won provincial accolades like the Esquao Awards, honoring leadership and cultural contributions.

These victories, alongside stellar performances in the Skills Canada competitions and world competitions such as VEX Robotics demonstrate FMPSD’s ability to produce high-achieving students ready for the future.

This well-rounded approach to academics ensures that students are equipped with the tools they need to thrive in whichever career path they choose.

The Future of Education: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion… and Infrastructure

FMPSD’s future is rooted in a commitment to inclusivity and belonging. Leadership reflects a deeply held belief in the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

These values are woven into the fabric of the division, influencing policies and decision-making at every level.

“Diversity, equity, and inclusion are huge for us because of who we are. We want to make sure everybody feels like they belong and feel welcomed in our school division,” Nutter explains.

The DEI initiative now titled “We Belong”  is a fundamental focus for FMPSD, especially as it continues to grow in both size and diversity.

In the past Seven years, the division has seen an astounding 41% increase in student enrollment. As the community expands, so does the need to ensure that every student feels welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed.

In line with this, FMPSD is dedicated to addressing mental health challenges—a priority that has become even more urgent in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are hosting a CASA Classroom this year to help students that need specialized support in education to support their well-being and mental health,” says Director of Inclusive Learning Cynthia Shelley.

The specialized mental health support that these classes offer will ensure students can thrive in an educational setting tailored to their unique needs.

However, with growth comes the need for expanded infrastructure, and the division is not shying away from this challenge.

The Division is currently in the design phase for a new, modern replacement build for Westwood Community School, which is expected to provide much-needed space to accommodate the increasing student body.

Further, it is also pushing for the installation of more modular classrooms to address the growing enrollment at one of its other high schools,  École McTavish.

These efforts reflect the division’s proactive approach to ensure that its facilities can meet the demands of an ever-growing student population.

Looking to the future, the school division’s priorities remain clear: continuing its focus on foundational skills in literacy and numeracy, advancing its DEI initiatives, and expanding mental health support.

The division is steadfast in its commitment to creating an environment where every student can reach their full potential, both academically and personally.

With the support of a forward-thinking Board and a dedicated community, it is well-positioned to continue its trajectory of growth and success.

The Fort McMurray Public School Division’s ongoing focus will be on cultivating a learning environment that is both inclusive and innovative, where every student is prepared for the future, no matter where their journey takes them.

This story is one of resilience, growth, and boundless potential—an institution that is shaping the leaders of tomorrow while ensuring that every child has a place to belong today.

AT A GLANCE

Fort McMurray Public School Division (FMPSD)

What: A key academic pillar in Alberta, FMPSD is known for its innovation, inclusivity, and commitment to educational excellence.

Where: Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada

Website: https://www.fmpsdschools.ca/