NSO Weekly News

September 18-23, 2023

Sherwood Park - Fort Saskatchewan - Vegreville

We hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! Monday is Instructional day #12 of 85, for non-diploma courses. Our Next Step vision is to create a community of learners who embody the virtues of acceptance, flexibility, individualization, respect, and responsibility.


High School students are required to check in and meet with their instructor(s) weekly. It is recommended that multiple check ins occur each week to ensure successful completion of academic course work. Students not adhering to the weekly check in schedule or failing to engage in learning process will be removed from their course.


Please note every Tuesday, Counsellor Elli Hansen will be at the Fort Saskatchewan campus. Have a great week! #gogreen Mr. B. Spady Principal & Mrs. K. Porter Assistant Principal

Order Next Step gear HERE

Official online shopping portal for Next Step. Enjoy a wide selection of products from a variety of brands that you can then customize. Our site lets students, parents & staff choose to fit their needs 24/7 with no minimum order quantities.

Update your PowerSchool information

The EIPS Correction and Verification Form is available online through your PowerSchool Parent Portal. Use the form to access and update your child’s records information—including address, parent and guardian information, emergency contacts and medical information. Reviewing the form and submitting updates ensures the school has the most up-to-date information regarding your child.


When reviewing the form, pay close attention to all listed phone numbers, email addresses and emergency contact information. Also, if you recently moved, now is the time to ensure the Division has your updated address. Throughout the year, the Division and school uses the listed information to communicate with families about important information, including updates, the latest news and events.


EIPS Correction and Verification Form Review and update the form by Sept. 22, 2023.

School Advisory Council Meeting Sept 26

Our first hybrid meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 26 in Sherwood Park. We hope you can join us in-person or virtually. Meeting starts at 6 p.m. Regular attendance is not required. Please check out our school calendar and NSO Weekly News for scheduled School Advisory Council Meetings. Join meeting HERE


Agenda and last meeting Minutes to follow. Future meeting dates: October 24, November 28, January 23, February 27, April 23

Upcoming events

September 21 Emergency Readiness Drill at Sherwood Park campus 11:20 a.m.

September 26 School Advisory Council 6pm (Virtual & in-person)

September 29 Orange Shirt Day activities

September 30 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

October 2-6 Read In Week

October 4 Early Dismissal (Staff Meeting)

October 5 World Teachers’ Day

October 6 Professional Learning Day- No School

October 9 Thanksgiving- No School

October 10 World Mental Health Day

October 17 Parent Teacher Conferences 5-7:30pm (FSO)

October 19 Parent Teacher Conferences 5-7:30pm (SPO)

October 24 School Advisory Council 6pm

October 30 ELA 30-1/2 Diploma Part A

October 31 Social 30-1/2 Diploma Part A

October 31 Halloween

November 1 Skills Canada Alberta Try-A-Trade

Post Secondary Open House Dates

October 13 -14 Old’s College Registration

October 14 University of Alberta Registration

October 21 Augustana (University of Alberta Campus) Registration

October 21 Concordia University Registration

October 21 King’s University Registration

October 21 Mount Royal University Registration

October 21 University of Lethbridge Information

October 28 NAIT Registration

October 28 Red Deer Polytechnic Information

October 28 University of Calgary Registration

November 3-4 SAIT Information

November 4 MacEwan University Information

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Indigenous Family Gatherings

Welcome to the new school year! We would like to invite you and your family to our first of 3 Indigenous Family Gatherings for our EIPS Fort Saskatchewan Schools this year.


When: September 26, 6:00-7:00pm

Where: Turner Park Gazebo (near the campground and ball diamond)

Who: EIPS Fort Saskatchewan & Sherwood Park School’s First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Families.


Please join us for an hour of connection and snacks! Snacks will be provided, but please feel free to bring a lawn chair!

Next Step Support Team follow-up request!

Sorry that we missed you seeing you. Need help navigating academic support, career guidance, personal matters, mental health supports or other assistance? Our Guidance Counsellor and Success Coach are available and will follow up.


Please fill out the short form via the QR code attached and Elli or Aley will be in touch soon!

Alberta Health Services Newsletter

The September edition of the Alberta Health Services Addiction and Mental Health Newsletter focuses on parent involvement in schools.

Our Vision

Next Step envisions itself as not just an educational institution, but a vibrant community of learners deeply committed to virtues that go beyond the classroom. Here's a brief overview of the core values that make up the vision:


Acceptance- We strive for a diverse and inclusive environment where every student, parent, caregiver, and staff member feels accepted, irrespective of their background, beliefs, or circumstances. We believe that learning is most effective when everyone feels like they belong.


Flexibility- Understanding that each learner is unique, we aim to offer flexible learning and a range of teaching methodologies to cater to individual needs. Whether through elective courses, extracurricular activities, or personalized learning paths, flexibility is at the heart of our educational approach.


Individualization- Building on the concept of flexibility, we focus on personalized education. Our staff are committed to identifying each student’s strengths, and areas for growth, allowing for a more tailored educational experience while maintaining a high academic standard. This individual attention ensures that every student is equipped with the tools they need to succeed both academically and personally.


Respect- In our community, respect is mutual. Staff, students, caregivers, and parents are encouraged to show respect for each other's ideas, feelings, and contributions. We believe that open dialogue, grounded in respect, fosters a rich learning environment where complex issues can be discussed and dissected.


Responsibility- While our staff are committed to providing the best educational experience possible, we also encourage students, caregivers and parents to take responsibility for their learning journey. This includes active participation in school activities, regular communication with staff, and a commitment to personal and academic growth.


For parents, caregivers, and families, becoming a part of the Next Step community means joining a network committed to these virtues. Together, we work toward providing an educational experience that values the uniqueness of each student, respects the input of each community member, and prepares learners for a future full of possibilities.

Plan your Career with ALIS

Careers, Learning and Employment is a great resource. Get help writing your resume or cover letter, learn how to network and prepare for your interview and check out job search resources and labour market information.

Learning Clicks

Thinking about life after high school? Explore your options and discover how other students are forging their paths.

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Rainbow Alliance

Welcome back! We wanted to let you know about the upcoming Rainbow Alliance will be up and running starting later this month, attached are the upcoming dates until December. If you have any questions about Rainbow Alliance feel free to let me know, if you want me to come into a GSA meeting and discuss what Rainbow Alliance is, please contact Kristi.


Kristi Wahl (She/Her)

Youth and Family Coordinator

Family and Community Support Services

City of Fort Saskatchewan 780-992-6265

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Fort Saskatchewan High

Fort High Information Bulletin

Sabre Scene

Salisbury Sabres parent Information.

2022-23 EIPS Feedback Survey Results

The results are available for the 2022-23 EIPS Annual Feedback Surveys: For Parents and Caregivers and For Students.


Next Step Parent & Caregiver areas of strength:

  • There is open and honest communication within my child's school. (82.35% strongly agree, 11.76% agree)
  • My child's individual needs are met. (74.29% strongly agree, 22.86% agree)
  • School staff care about my child. (86.96% strongly agree, 8.70% agree)
  • How satisfied are you with the quality of education your child's receiving at school? (79.41% strongly satisfied, 16.18 % satisfied)
  • How satisfied are you with the leadership at your child's school? (85.51% strongly satisfied, 8.70% satisfied)
  • In your opinion, has the quality of education your child's experienced improved, stayed the same or declined in the past three years? (75.36% improved, 8.70% stayed the same)
  • How satisfied are you with opportunities provided to be involved in your child's education? (66.18% strongly satisfied, 29.41% satisfied)
  • The school keeps me informed about my child's progress and achievement. (79.41% strongly agree, 19.12% agree)


Next Step Student areas of strength:

  • I can openly and honestly communicate with teachers, staff and students at my school. (50.89% Strongly agree, 46.43% agree)
  • At school, my individual learning needs are met. (56.14% Strongly agree, 41.43% agree)
  • At school, I’m encouraged to do my best. (62.61% Strongly agree, 34.78% agree)
  • The staff at my school care about me. (75.44% Strongly agree, 20.18% agree)
  • How satisfied are you with the quality of education you’re receiving at your school? (62.28% Strongly agree, 31.58% agree)
  • How satisfied are you with the leadership at your school? (62.28% Strongly agree, 28.07% agree)
  • In your opinion, has the quality of education you’ve experienced improved, stayed the same or declined in the past three years? (77.19% Strongly agree, 13.16% agree)
  • I’m learning the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to be successful in life. (26.96% Strongly agree, 67.83% agree)
  • I feel supported by my school as I prepare for life beyond high school. (26.96% Strongly agree, 66.96% agree)


Next Step Parent Results: Next Step Parent Survey Results 2023
Next Step Student Results: Next Step Student Survey Results 2023

Hours of Operation

Students, parents, and caregivers can access our campus locations during the following times:

Monday 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Tuesday 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Wednesday 8:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Thursday 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Friday 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

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