Local police kept busy leading up to Labour Day Inside Wednesday, September 4, 2024 Vol. 47, No. 36
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Back to School Patricia Harcourt Editor
It was an exciting morning as students returned to Viking School on Tuesday, Sept. 3, to begin their 2024-2025 school year. Students all over the Battle River School Division started their new school year right after the Labour Day long weekend. Parents escorted younger ones along the tree lined streets or dropped students off in vehicles, while buses drove into the parking area to let other students off from the rural areas. Principal Tracy Doerkson stood at the front of the school entranceway to greet this year’s crop of students ranging from Kindergarten to Grade 12. Doerksen said there was only one new teacher this year in Grade 4. Dr. Ricer, who was acting vice-principal in previous years, has moved on to Forestburg School. Doerksen said the school will not be having a vice-principal of its own. Education Minister Demetriosis Nicolaides commented on the students going back to school, stating: “As kindergarten to Grade 12 students begin to head back to school after the summer break, I want to wish all students, teachers and school support staff the very best for the year ahead.” Nicolaides added: “As we start this new school year, I am incredibly proud of our continued collaboration with education partners and all the exciting things we are doing together to support student success in the classroom and beyond.” He said there is “more choice than ever
in our school system, with a wider selection of charter, separate, independent, francophone, and public schools.” There are also more dual credit and college programming offering students opportunities to explore a full range of career choices. In fact, a giant career fair is now being planned to take place this fall at the Viking School. The school, Town of Viking, FCSS, and other social agencies are all involved in making this opportunity for young people to find out about various careers they may be interested in pursuing. Acres said organizers plan to bring former students back who have established “great careers” they can share with current students at the school. “It’s just so exciting to see,” she said. “I think it could become a really big thing, possibly a two-day event,” speaking at the June council meeting. “With these diverse educational pathways, I am confident students will discover their passions and find pathways to help them achieve their goals,” continued Nicolaides, in his return to school statement. Viking’s Cpl. Ryan Doucette reported last week that the detachment is getting more involved in community events, and this includes the school. “This has allowed connections to continue to grow,” he said, with the school welcoming detachment officers to interact with their students. This “has fostered an overwhelmingly positive relationship with many of the youth in the area as a result of their dedication,” he said.