P.A. Catholic division graduation rates above provincial average

PRINCE ALBERT — Figures from the Prince Albert Catholic School Division’s annual report show that 63 percent of First Nations, Metis and Inuit (FNMI) students graduate within three years of starting high school, a 23-point lead over that provincial average.

Among non-FNMI students, 94 percent graduate within three years of starting high school. That’s also above the provincial average of 84 percent.

Prince Albert’s Catholic Department formally approved its annual report during its regular January 30 meeting. Director of Education Lorel Trumier said the graduation numbers are one of the report’s many highlights.

“We always strive for excellence for our children in what we do and how we approach it. And the annual report shows the variety of ways we’re trying to do that,” she said.

“Whether it’s a partnership with those who serve and support our emergency lunches, to the program we provide to our students, to the highly skilled staff we have in relation to the work they do, to improve student learning outcomes.”

The province monitors graduation rates for non-First Nation, Métis and Inuit (non-FNMI) students, First Nation, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) students, and all students combined. Ecole St. Mary High School’s graduation rates have met or exceeded the province’s results in all categories since the province launched a growth plan in 2020 focused on eliminating the disparity between FNMI and non-FMNI students .

Of the PA Catholic FNMI students who do not graduate in three years, 84 percent graduate in five years. For the rest of Saskatchewan, that number is 62 percent.

Trumier said the relationship they form with students and parents is a key to success in the department.

“They understand that we care about their children and that there is a place for all of them in different ways and in different places,” she said. “You watched different programs to get there. We are so proud of our graduation rates because we know these kids are life changing.”

Each year, school departments are required to submit annual reports to the Department of Education for submission to the Saskatchewan legislature. The report provides an overview of the division’s activities and results for the year ended September 1, 2021 to August 31, 2022.
“The journey is from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade,” Trumier said. “This is what we’re celebrating, the year in our school department. The journey starts at Pre-K, and we start with these kids who know we need to get them there.

In addition to detailing the school department’s activities and achievements, the report describes how the department is implementing its strategic plan, includes a management report confirming the financial review and audited financial statements, and includes appendices for further information.

The Catholic Division Board of Directors formally approved its annual report during its regular meeting on Monday.

The report will be published on the department’s website in the next few days. In previous years, the report was reviewed during the annual voters’ convention, but that policy was removed from the Education Act in 2017.

The department received notification that all financial and non-financial requirements for submission to the Legislature had been met. The report was sent to the Office of the Secretary of the Legislature on December 20, 2022 for submission and then to the Legislature.