As one of our school goals, we have decided to make attendance a focus at Naicam School. The youngest in the family would have received this note earlier in the week. We realize that some absences are unavoidable but we ask parents to support the vital role that attendance plays in your child's learning and success. 

We were so fortunate to have Paige Crozon (Olympic athlete) and Alice Kuipers (Published author) visit us yesterday. 

As one of our school goals, we have decided to make attendance a focus at Naicam School. The youngest in the family would have received this note earlier in the week. We realize that some absences are unavoidable but we ask parents to support the vital role that attendance plays in your child's learning and success. 

We were so fortunate to have Paige Crozon (Olympic athlete) and Alice Kuipers (Published author) visit us yesterday. 

Please see the following Government of Saskatchewan news release announcing students,
staff and representatives of the North East School Division joined Education Minister Jeremy
Cockrill and Premier Scott Moe to celebrate the grand opening of the new Kindergarten to
Grade 12 school in Carrot River. The release can be found at Carrot River Celebrates Grand
Opening of New Kindergarten to Grade 12 School | News and Media | Government of
Saskatchewan

IN PHOTO:

Premier Scott Moe, MLA Fred Bradshaw, Mackenzie Thesen (CRVS Student), NESD Board
Chair Lori Kidney, Body Label (CRVS Student), Honourable Jeremny Cockrill (Minister of Education),
Honourable Terry Jenson (Minister of SaskBuilds and Procurement).

North East School Division No. 200

Notice of Intent to Change School Attendance Area Boundaries

Under authority of Section 85(1)(i) and Section 122(1) of The Education Act, 1995 the Board of Education made the following motion at their meeting held September 17, 2024:

That the attendance boundary for the North East School Division No. 200 will be changed from the Star City  attendance area to Tisdale in accordance with the following land locations:  NW-10-44-16-W2,  NE-10-44-16-W2, SW-10-44-16-W2, SE-10-44-16-W2, NW-3-44-16-W2,  NE-3-44-16-W2, SW-3-44-16-W2, SE-3-44-16-W2, NW-34-43-16-W2,  NE-34-43-16-W2, SW-34-43-16-W2, SE-34-43-16-W2,  NW-27-43-16-W2,  NE-27-43-16-W2, SW-27-43-16-W2, SE-27-43-16-W2, NW-22-43-16-W2,  NE-22-43-16-W2, SW-22-43-16-W2, SE-22-43-16-W2, NW-15-43-16-W2,  NE-15-43-16-W2, SW-15-43-16-W2, SE-15-43-16-W2, NW-33-42-16-W2,  NE-33-42-16-W2, SW-33-42-16-W2, SE-33-42-16-W2, NW-28-42-16-W2,  NE-28-42-16-W2, SW-28-42-16-W2, SE-28-42-16-W2,  NW-34-42-16-W2,   SW-34-42-16-W2;

And that the proposed changes will be communicated in local area papers and correspondence will be sent to the affected families;

And that the Board will be accepting written submissions and/or delegations sharing any concerns about the proposed changes at the October 22, 2024 Regular Board Meeting.

A written submission should be sent to the division office at divisionoffice@nesd.ca or 402 Main Street, Box 6000 MELFORT SK S0E 1A0 by October 15, 2024. Anyone wishing to appear as a delegation must contact the Director of Education at 306-752-5741 by October 15, 2024.

 For additional information regarding the outlined changes, please contact the transportation office at 306-873-4555 or visit our website at https://www.nesd.ca/Board/Boundary_Reviews .

NOTICE OF ABANDONMENT OF POLL

North East School Division No. 200

Whereas a poll is not required pursuant to The Local Government Election Act, 2015 for the office of Board Member: North East School Division No. 200

• • • • • Sub-Division No. 3 (1 Member)
        • Sub-Division No. 5 (1 Member)

 I hereby give public notice that no voting for the said office will take place and that the following persons are elected by acclamation:

• • • • • Sub-Division No. 3: Jason Ens
        • Sub-Division No. 5: Ryan Pederson

Dated at Melfort this 10^th day of October 2024.

 Tanya Biesenthal, Returning Officer

NOTICE OF POLL

North East School Division No. 200

Public notice is hereby given that a poll has been granted for the election of:

 Board Member:          North East School Division No. 200

Subdivision No. 1: Includes the community of Hudson Bay and area.

Subdivision No. 2: Includes the communities of Carrot River, Arborfield and areas.

Subdivision No. 4: Includes the community of Melfort and area.

Subdivision No. 6: Includes the community of Tisdale and area.

Subdivision No. 7: Includes the communities of Bjorkdale, Porcupine Plain and areas.

Town of Nipawin: 1 Member at Large

Voting will take place on Wednesday, the 13^th day of November 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the polling places listed below: 

I will declare the results of the election at the North East School Division Central Office, 402 Main Street in Melfort on Thursday, November 14^th at 1:30 PM.

Dated at Melfort, SK this 16^th day of October 2024.

 Tanya Biesenthal, Returning Officer

Notice of Advance Poll

North East School Division No. 200

Public notice is hereby given that provision has been made for advance polls for:

 Board Member:          North East School Division No. 200

• • • Subdivision No. 1: Includes the community of Hudson Bay and area.
    • Subdivision No. 2: Includes the communities of Carrot River, Arborfield and areas.
    • Subdivision No. 4: Includes the community of Melfort and area.
    • Subdivision No. 6: Includes the community of Tisdale and area.
    • Subdivision No. 7: Includes the communities of Bjorkdale, Porcupine Plain and areas.
    • Town of Nipawin: 1 Member at Large

 Voting will take place for each Subdivision on the dates and hours specified for each location:

Dated at Melfort, this 16^th day of October 2024

Tanya Biesenthal, Returning Officer

Yesterday a bus driver and 27 of our Tisdale Middle and Secondary students were involved in a school bus accident that occurred shortly after school near Kinistin. Some were airlifted for medical attention, and we were informed that some have serious injuries.  For further details, please see the RCMP statement released later today.

We would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to all the emergency responders and health practitioners for their quick response and care to all those involved. On behalf of all of us at NESD we are sending our healing thoughts and wishes for a quick recovery to those involved.

Stacy Lair

Director of Education

North East School Division

Treaty 4,5&6 Territory

North East School Division - Transportation Office

Information regarding NESD School Board Elections can be found at - https://nesd.ca/Board/BoardElections/ 

Board Election Advance Polls are happening across the North East this week. 

Information about the candidates can be found at https://nesd.ca/Board/Election%20Nominee%20Profiles 

Notice of Advance Poll

North East School Division No. 200

Public notice is hereby given that provision has been made for advance polls for:

 Board Member:          North East School Division No. 200

Subdivision No. 1: Includes the community of Hudson Bay and area.

Subdivision No. 2: Includes the communities of Carrot River, Arborfield and areas.

Subdivision No. 4: Includes the community of Melfort and area.

Subdivision No. 6: Includes the community of Tisdale and area.

Subdivision No. 7: Includes the communities of Bjorkdale, Porcupine Plain and areas.

Town of Nipawin: 1 Member at Large

 Voting will take place for each Subdivision on the dates and hours specified for each location:

Remember to vote for the School Board Elections at the Election Polls

NOTICE OF POLL

North East School Division No. 200

Public notice is hereby given that a poll has been granted for the election of:

Board Member:          North East School Division No. 200

Subdivision No. 1: Includes the community of Hudson Bay and area.

Subdivision No. 2: Includes the communities of Carrot River, Arborfield and areas.

Subdivision No. 4: Includes the community of Melfort and area.

Subdivision No. 6: Includes the community of Tisdale and area.

Subdivision No. 7: Includes the communities of Bjorkdale, Porcupine Plain and areas.

Town of Nipawin: 1 Member at Large

Voting will take place on Wednesday, the 13^th day of November 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the polling places listed below: 

 
I will declare the results of the election at the North East School Division Central Office, 402 Main Street in Melfort on Thursday, November 14^th at 1:30 PM.

Dated at Melfort, SK this 16^th day of October 2024.

 Tanya Biesenthal, Returning Officer

Unofficial results are shared.  Official results to follow on Thursday.

The NESD Regular Board Meeting is on Tuesday, November 26, 2024 at1:30pm at the NESD Office at 402 Main Street, Melfort, SK. 

The Regular Board Meetings are open to the Public for viewing, not for presenting.  If someone is wanting to present at an NESD Board meeting - please review Board Policy 107-Board Operations- 6. Delegations

NESD is doing great things - video

Wishing all of our North East School Division Staff, Students and Families a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Students return to school on Monday, January 6, 2025. 

NESD Board Highlights – November & December 2024

Newly Elected Board Members

Annual Report Approved

Support for the New Student CELL Phone Policy

Assistance with School Van Purchases

School Division Celebrations – Football and Volleyball

The next publicBoard meeting is January 21, 2025

November 26, 2024 Board Highlights

The Public Library, City of Melfort, and Melfort Arts Council are pleased to bring Wilbur Sargunaraj, Cultural Intelligence Facilitator, to Melfort next week.  You are invited to join us for a series of free events celebrating diversity and building connections. During his visit, Wilbur will also be presenting at three elementary schools, inspiring students with his powerful message of understanding and inclusion.  POSTER

You’re invited to:

Book Reading, Author Signing & Concert

Jan 16 | 6:30–8 PM | Melfort Public Library

Unconscious Bias Workshop (great free PD opportunity!)

Jan 17 | 1–3 PM | Kerry Vickar Centre

Cricket Tutorial

Jan 17 | 3:30–5 PM | Kerry Vickar Centre

Exploring CQ Photo Exhibition

Jan 17–Feb 16 | Kerry Vickar Centre

No registration required!  I’ve attached the poster so please feel free to print or share with co-workers, friends, or anyone else who may be interested!

A special thank-you to our sponsors: Melfort Rotary and Saskatchewan Lotteries.

Dear NESD Families,

We hope this message finds you well. We are writing to provide an update to the September bussing communication we shared regarding the ongoing challenges with school bus services.

Transportation Services at the North East School Division continues to face challenges, which lead to many temporary cancellations of bus routes. Reliable transportation is a critical need for many families, and we acknowledge the many disruptions that have impacted your daily routines, and we sincerely apologize for the hardships you’ve experienced.

As you may be aware, the primary cause of the route cancellations has been a shortage of mechanics—a challenge impacting industries province-wide. We are pleased to share that additional mechanics have recently joined our team. Furthermore, we are increasing our reliance on third-party shops to ensure buses are maintained all while meeting all safety standards. In addition, to support our fleet, we have accelerated our next order of new buses.

The bus driver shortage continues to be another concern. We remain committed to exploring new strategies and solutions to improve staffing and service levels to add to our existing strategies, such as our current employee recruitment referral bonus.

We recognize the significant impact these challenges have on families, and we are continuously working to improve our service and resolve issues more quickly. Please know that student safety and well-being remain our highest priorities, while making every effort to minimize disruptions.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact Transportation Services at 306-873-4555 or transportation@nesd.ca. We also welcome and appreciate your support in sharing our job postings, which can be found on our website: https://www.nesd.ca/Careers/AvailablePositions/.

To those families who have been without bus service during the 2024-25 school year, we extend our sincerest apologies. We appreciate your continued patience and understanding, as we navigate these challenges.

Sincerely,

Stacy Lair
Director of Education
North East School Division

January 21, 2025 - NESD Board Meeting Highlights

January 2025 Board Highlights

• New Indigenous Cultural Practices Procedure
• Financial Report for Sept 2024 – Nov. 30, 2024
• NESD Infrastructure: Funding applications, challenges and needs
• Board Community Update
• 2025-2026 Calendar Development
• Board Update: Senior Leadership Efficiency Report
• Celebrating Connection and Empowerment – Porcupine Plain Comprehensive
• Celebrating Innovation – Carrot River Valley School

Director’s report

• Transportation Services Update
• Financial Literacy Curriculum Planning
• Elder’s Tea
• Guarding Mind Survey

NEXT Board Meeting: Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at 2:00 at the North East School Division Office at 402 Main Street, Melfort, SK.

Board Highlights can be found:  https://nesd.ca/Board/Minutes&Highlights/ 

Technology, Finance, Payroll and Administrative Assistants

 Build your future right here at home and make a difference in your community. 

*Includes affiliated and federated colleges

How do I get started?

Visit saskatchewan.ca/hhr-train and explore health care education, institution websites for programs, salaries and job descriptions.

Student Aid

Take advantage of financial aid to help support your education! You may have access to student loans, grants, scholarships, bursaries and more.

Learn more at saskatchewan.ca/student-aid.

Phone: 1-800-597-8278

Email: studentservices@gov.sk.ca

Other student aid programs:

·         Loan Forgiveness for Nurses and Nurse Practitioners (up to $20,000)

·         Graduate Retention Program (up to $24,000)

·         Final Clinical Placement Bursary (up to $3,000)

·         Saskatchewan Rural and Remote Recruitment Incentive (up to $50,000)

Follow us online!

We share student testimonials, program application deadlines, scholarship and student aid information, as well as fun and interesting facts about Saskatchewan’s post-secondary institutions.

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/SKStudents

Instagram - @SkStudents

X - @SkStudents

HHR Training Brochure

NESD Regular Board meeting highlights from February 25, 2025 - link

February 2025 Board Highlights

• NESD Board Engages with Local MLAs on Key Priorities
• NESD Ready Plan (Business Continuity Plan)
• NESD Indigenous Education Responsibility Framework (IERF)
• School Bus Purchases
• 2025-2026 NESD School year calendars
• Celebrating Connection and Empowerment
• Staff Appreciation

Director's Report

• School Improvement Planning Day
• Math Leads
• Career Counselor Meeting
• School Leadership Team 

Next Board Meeting: Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at 1:30pm at the North East School Division Office at 402 Main Street, Melfort, SK. 

Board Highlights can be found:  https://nesd.ca/Board/Minutes&Highlights/ 

North East Early Years Summit

Professional Development Workshop

8:30am - 4:00pm

Kerry Vickar Centre - CJVR Performing Arts Theatre

Melfort, SK

EARLY BIRD DEADLINE: March 31, 2025

The March 25, 2025 Regular Board Meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at 1:30 pm at the North East School Division Office at 402 Main Street, Melfort, SK.

This meeting is open to the public.

The public package can be found at https://nesd.ca/Board/Minutes&Highlights/

Under PUBLIC Board Packages - March 25, 2025 Public NESD Board Package

Please read the linked letter from the Saskatchewan Health Authority regarding the increase of measles in Saskatchewan.

April 2, 2025 - SHA Measles Letter

Please see the NESD Board Highlights for the NESD Regular Board Meeting on March 25, 2025.

All 2024-2025 Highlights can be found at - https://nesd.ca/Board/Minutes&Highlights/ 

Next Board Meeting: Tuesday, May 13, 2025 in Tisdale, SK at the Tisdale Recplex-Salopian room.

March 25 Board Highlights

• Land Transfer to the Town of Choiceland for New Daycare Facility
• May 13 - Upcoming School Administrator and Board Linkage
• Information Technology Update
• Transporation Department Update
• Guarding Minds Survey Results Review

Director's Report

• New Teacher Mentorship
• Safe Response Training
• Student Led Conferences
• School Administration and Superintendent Learning Walks
• NESD Board Policy Review Committee
• Linkage with North East Teachers Association
• Linkage with CUPE 4875
• September 2025 Staffing Changes

Kids Help Phone’s (KHP) e-mental health services and resources are free to access, 24/7 across Canada. KHP supports students with any issue on their mind, big or small. https://kidshelpphone.ca/

https://stream.edonline.sk.ca/videos/rover/KHP_2025_Promotional_Video_for_Youth_English.mp4?autoplay=true&public_access_key=eba2cee0d7b76c183f1be30d51a605c3-dawojmtihlbxkrvcngpfeszqyu

Notice of Intent to Change School Attendance Area Boundaries - Star City School

Under the authority of Section 85(1)(i) and Section 122(1) of The Education Act, 1995 the Board of Education made the following motion at their meeting held May 13, 2025:

 That beginning in the 2025-2026 school year, the attendance area for Star City School of the North East School Division No. 200 will be allotted to the Tisdale and Melfort attendance areas for grades 7 to 12 in accordance with the 2025-26 Star City Boundary Change Report;

 And that the proposed changes will be communicated in local area papers and correspondence will be sent to the affected families;

And that the Board will be accepting written submissions and/or delegations sharing any concerns about the proposed changes at the June 24, 2025 Regular Board Meeting.

A written submission should be sent to the division office at 402 Main Street, Box 6000 Melfort SK S0E 1A0 or via email to divisionoffice@nesd.ca, by June 13, 2025. 

Anyone wishing to appear as a delegation at the June 24, 2025, NESD Regular Board Meeting must contact the Director of Education at 306-752-5741 by June 10, 2025, as per Board Policy No. 107 (Board Operations).

For the 2025-26 Star City Boundary Change Report, please visit our website at www.nesd.ca. For additional information regarding the outlined changes, please contact the Transportation Services office at 306-873-4555.

Star City Boundary Change Report

Help shape accessibility in our schools

The Accessible Saskatchewan Act, enacted in December 2023, is provincial legislation aimed at removing and preventing barriers that affect people with disabilities. In 2025, schools divisions were tasked with creating a three-year accessibility plan to be shared publicly by December 3, 2025. 

Squarely Accessible, a consulting firm, has been contracted by the North East School Division to assist with data collection and analysis.

We want to hear from you!

North East School Division is committed to creating barrier-free schools where everyone can participate fully and equally. We are developing a three-year accessibility plan as a first step to formalize our efforts and support our commitment to meeting the requirements of The Accessible Saskatchewan Act.  

With the help of Squarely Accessible, the school division is  launching a public consultation process, including a survey and focus groups, to gather input and to make sure our plan reflects real experiences and needs.

We are holding three targeted focus groups with students (16 years of age or older), families and staff to help us better understand the barriers people face and what meaningful accessibility looks like in our schools. 

Your voice matters.

We encourage you to participate in a focus group and share your feedback so we can create spaces that reflect everyone’s needs. If you are not able to attend, or if you do not fall into one of these stakeholder groups, you will have the opportunity to provide feedback in the survey later this month.

Please register via Eventbrite: 

For parents/guardians
For staff
For students (16 years of age or older)

Thank you in advance for sharing your feedback and for helping us make our school division more inclusive and welcoming for everyone.

Your voice matters! Help us shape meaningful change and guide our accessibility efforts by taking the North East School Division Accessibility Survey before June 23!

Choose the survey that best fits your point of view:

Survey for students and families
Survey for the community / general public
Survey for all staff 

We are committed to creating barrier-free schools and work environments where everyone can participate fully and equally.  We encourage you to participate in the division-wide survey to help us better understand the barriers people face and what meaningful accessibility looks like in the North East School Division.

Visit the North East School Division website at www.nesd.ca  for more information.

Re: Act of Vandalism in Tisdale

Dear Students, Staff, Families, and Community Members,

In response to the recent act of vandalism in Tisdale, I want to express the North East School Division’s strong condemnation of this act and the harm it causes. The swastika painted over the rainbow-colored sidewalk—the rainbow is a symbol created by our students in collaboration with Suncrest College to celebrate diversity, inclusion, and belonging for all—is a disturbing and deliberate attack on the values that define our schools and our communities.  There is no place for such heinous acts in the North East School Division.

We are grateful for the leadership and swift response of the Town of Tisdale and the Tisdale RCMP. We fully support their efforts to investigate this matter and ensure accountability. The rainbow sidewalk is a powerful statement of student voice and shared commitment to creating safe, inclusive public spaces. Its defacement is not only an act of vandalism but an attempt to intimidate and silence those who continue to stand up for human dignity.

I want to commend the work of student groups in supporting youth to take the lead on concerns that matter to them. The creation of the rainbow sidewalk in Tisdale was a thoughtful and inspiring example of student-led advocacy for equity, belonging, and respect.

As a school division, we reaffirm our commitment to providing safe, inclusive, and equitable learning environments for all students and staff—welcoming all, inclusive of sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other aspect of identity. We will continue to protect, respect, accept, and include people of all identities.

To those impacted by this act: you are seen, you are valued, and you belong.

Sincerely,

Stacy Lair

Director of Education

North East School Division

Re: Response Act of Vandalism in Tisdale

Dear Students, Families, Staff, and Community Members,

On behalf of the North East School Division Board of Education, I want to express our strongest condemnation of the recent act of vandalism in Tisdale. The swastika painted over the rainbow sidewalk—a project led by students in partnership with Suncrest College—was an attack on the values of inclusion, respect, and dignity that define who we are as a public education system.

The sidewalk was a beautiful and courageous student-led statement of belonging for all. Its defacement is a painful reminder that the work of building inclusive, compassionate communities must continue, and that we each have a role to play in standing up against hate.

As your local trustee and as a Board, we fully support the leadership of our students, school staff, and administrators who have responded with resolve, unity, and care. We also acknowledge the swift action taken by the Town of Tisdale and the RCMP in their efforts to investigate this incident and hold those responsible accountable.

To the students, families, and staff members who may feel targeted or hurt by this act: please know that the Board of Education stands with you. You are seen, you are valued, and you belong in our schools and communities.

The North East School Division remains committed to fostering safe, diverse and inclusive learning environments, welcoming all.

Sincerely,
Lori Kidney

NESD Vice chair
On behalf of the North East School Division Board of Education

Please see the following Government of Saskatchewan news release announcing students,
staff and representatives of the North East School Division joined Education Minister Jeremy
Cockrill and Premier Scott Moe to celebrate the grand opening of the new Kindergarten to
Grade 12 school in Carrot River. The release can be found at Carrot River Celebrates Grand
Opening of New Kindergarten to Grade 12 School | News and Media | Government of
Saskatchewan

IN PHOTO:

Premier Scott Moe, MLA Fred Bradshaw, Mackenzie Thesen (CRVS Student), NESD Board
Chair Lori Kidney, Body Label (CRVS Student), Honourable Jeremny Cockrill (Minister of Education),
Honourable Terry Jenson (Minister of SaskBuilds and Procurement).

North East School Division No. 200

Notice of Intent to Change School Attendance Area Boundaries

Under authority of Section 85(1)(i) and Section 122(1) of The Education Act, 1995 the Board of Education made the following motion at their meeting held September 17, 2024:

That the attendance boundary for the North East School Division No. 200 will be changed from the Star City  attendance area to Tisdale in accordance with the following land locations:  NW-10-44-16-W2,  NE-10-44-16-W2, SW-10-44-16-W2, SE-10-44-16-W2, NW-3-44-16-W2,  NE-3-44-16-W2, SW-3-44-16-W2, SE-3-44-16-W2, NW-34-43-16-W2,  NE-34-43-16-W2, SW-34-43-16-W2, SE-34-43-16-W2,  NW-27-43-16-W2,  NE-27-43-16-W2, SW-27-43-16-W2, SE-27-43-16-W2, NW-22-43-16-W2,  NE-22-43-16-W2, SW-22-43-16-W2, SE-22-43-16-W2, NW-15-43-16-W2,  NE-15-43-16-W2, SW-15-43-16-W2, SE-15-43-16-W2, NW-33-42-16-W2,  NE-33-42-16-W2, SW-33-42-16-W2, SE-33-42-16-W2, NW-28-42-16-W2,  NE-28-42-16-W2, SW-28-42-16-W2, SE-28-42-16-W2,  NW-34-42-16-W2,   SW-34-42-16-W2;

And that the proposed changes will be communicated in local area papers and correspondence will be sent to the affected families;

And that the Board will be accepting written submissions and/or delegations sharing any concerns about the proposed changes at the October 22, 2024 Regular Board Meeting.

A written submission should be sent to the division office at divisionoffice@nesd.ca or 402 Main Street, Box 6000 MELFORT SK S0E 1A0 by October 15, 2024. Anyone wishing to appear as a delegation must contact the Director of Education at 306-752-5741 by October 15, 2024.

 For additional information regarding the outlined changes, please contact the transportation office at 306-873-4555 or visit our website at https://www.nesd.ca/Board/Boundary_Reviews .

NOTICE OF ABANDONMENT OF POLL

North East School Division No. 200

Whereas a poll is not required pursuant to The Local Government Election Act, 2015 for the office of Board Member: North East School Division No. 200

• • • • • Sub-Division No. 3 (1 Member)
        • Sub-Division No. 5 (1 Member)

 I hereby give public notice that no voting for the said office will take place and that the following persons are elected by acclamation:

• • • • • Sub-Division No. 3: Jason Ens
        • Sub-Division No. 5: Ryan Pederson

Dated at Melfort this 10^th day of October 2024.

 Tanya Biesenthal, Returning Officer

NOTICE OF POLL

North East School Division No. 200

Public notice is hereby given that a poll has been granted for the election of:

 Board Member:          North East School Division No. 200

Subdivision No. 1: Includes the community of Hudson Bay and area.

Subdivision No. 2: Includes the communities of Carrot River, Arborfield and areas.

Subdivision No. 4: Includes the community of Melfort and area.

Subdivision No. 6: Includes the community of Tisdale and area.

Subdivision No. 7: Includes the communities of Bjorkdale, Porcupine Plain and areas.

Town of Nipawin: 1 Member at Large

Voting will take place on Wednesday, the 13^th day of November 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the polling places listed below: 

I will declare the results of the election at the North East School Division Central Office, 402 Main Street in Melfort on Thursday, November 14^th at 1:30 PM.

Dated at Melfort, SK this 16^th day of October 2024.

 Tanya Biesenthal, Returning Officer

Notice of Advance Poll

North East School Division No. 200

Public notice is hereby given that provision has been made for advance polls for:

 Board Member:          North East School Division No. 200

• • • Subdivision No. 1: Includes the community of Hudson Bay and area.
    • Subdivision No. 2: Includes the communities of Carrot River, Arborfield and areas.
    • Subdivision No. 4: Includes the community of Melfort and area.
    • Subdivision No. 6: Includes the community of Tisdale and area.
    • Subdivision No. 7: Includes the communities of Bjorkdale, Porcupine Plain and areas.
    • Town of Nipawin: 1 Member at Large

 Voting will take place for each Subdivision on the dates and hours specified for each location:

Dated at Melfort, this 16^th day of October 2024

Tanya Biesenthal, Returning Officer

Yesterday a bus driver and 27 of our Tisdale Middle and Secondary students were involved in a school bus accident that occurred shortly after school near Kinistin. Some were airlifted for medical attention, and we were informed that some have serious injuries.  For further details, please see the RCMP statement released later today.

We would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to all the emergency responders and health practitioners for their quick response and care to all those involved. On behalf of all of us at NESD we are sending our healing thoughts and wishes for a quick recovery to those involved.

Stacy Lair

Director of Education

North East School Division

Treaty 4,5&6 Territory

North East School Division - Transportation Office

Information regarding NESD School Board Elections can be found at - https://nesd.ca/Board/BoardElections/ 

Board Election Advance Polls are happening across the North East this week. 

Information about the candidates can be found at https://nesd.ca/Board/Election%20Nominee%20Profiles 

Notice of Advance Poll

North East School Division No. 200

Public notice is hereby given that provision has been made for advance polls for:

 Board Member:          North East School Division No. 200

Subdivision No. 1: Includes the community of Hudson Bay and area.

Subdivision No. 2: Includes the communities of Carrot River, Arborfield and areas.

Subdivision No. 4: Includes the community of Melfort and area.

Subdivision No. 6: Includes the community of Tisdale and area.

Subdivision No. 7: Includes the communities of Bjorkdale, Porcupine Plain and areas.

Town of Nipawin: 1 Member at Large

 Voting will take place for each Subdivision on the dates and hours specified for each location:

Remember to vote for the School Board Elections at the Election Polls

NOTICE OF POLL

North East School Division No. 200

Public notice is hereby given that a poll has been granted for the election of:

Board Member:          North East School Division No. 200

Subdivision No. 1: Includes the community of Hudson Bay and area.

Subdivision No. 2: Includes the communities of Carrot River, Arborfield and areas.

Subdivision No. 4: Includes the community of Melfort and area.

Subdivision No. 6: Includes the community of Tisdale and area.

Subdivision No. 7: Includes the communities of Bjorkdale, Porcupine Plain and areas.

Town of Nipawin: 1 Member at Large

Voting will take place on Wednesday, the 13^th day of November 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the polling places listed below: 

 
I will declare the results of the election at the North East School Division Central Office, 402 Main Street in Melfort on Thursday, November 14^th at 1:30 PM.

Dated at Melfort, SK this 16^th day of October 2024.

 Tanya Biesenthal, Returning Officer

Unofficial results are shared.  Official results to follow on Thursday.

The NESD Regular Board Meeting is on Tuesday, November 26, 2024 at1:30pm at the NESD Office at 402 Main Street, Melfort, SK. 

The Regular Board Meetings are open to the Public for viewing, not for presenting.  If someone is wanting to present at an NESD Board meeting - please review Board Policy 107-Board Operations- 6. Delegations

NESD is doing great things - video

Wishing all of our North East School Division Staff, Students and Families a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Students return to school on Monday, January 6, 2025. 

NESD Board Highlights – November & December 2024

Newly Elected Board Members

Annual Report Approved

Support for the New Student CELL Phone Policy

Assistance with School Van Purchases

School Division Celebrations – Football and Volleyball

The next publicBoard meeting is January 21, 2025

November 26, 2024 Board Highlights

The Public Library, City of Melfort, and Melfort Arts Council are pleased to bring Wilbur Sargunaraj, Cultural Intelligence Facilitator, to Melfort next week.  You are invited to join us for a series of free events celebrating diversity and building connections. During his visit, Wilbur will also be presenting at three elementary schools, inspiring students with his powerful message of understanding and inclusion.  POSTER

You’re invited to:

Book Reading, Author Signing & Concert

Jan 16 | 6:30–8 PM | Melfort Public Library

Unconscious Bias Workshop (great free PD opportunity!)

Jan 17 | 1–3 PM | Kerry Vickar Centre

Cricket Tutorial

Jan 17 | 3:30–5 PM | Kerry Vickar Centre

Exploring CQ Photo Exhibition

Jan 17–Feb 16 | Kerry Vickar Centre

No registration required!  I’ve attached the poster so please feel free to print or share with co-workers, friends, or anyone else who may be interested!

A special thank-you to our sponsors: Melfort Rotary and Saskatchewan Lotteries.

Dear NESD Families,

We hope this message finds you well. We are writing to provide an update to the September bussing communication we shared regarding the ongoing challenges with school bus services.

Transportation Services at the North East School Division continues to face challenges, which lead to many temporary cancellations of bus routes. Reliable transportation is a critical need for many families, and we acknowledge the many disruptions that have impacted your daily routines, and we sincerely apologize for the hardships you’ve experienced.

As you may be aware, the primary cause of the route cancellations has been a shortage of mechanics—a challenge impacting industries province-wide. We are pleased to share that additional mechanics have recently joined our team. Furthermore, we are increasing our reliance on third-party shops to ensure buses are maintained all while meeting all safety standards. In addition, to support our fleet, we have accelerated our next order of new buses.

The bus driver shortage continues to be another concern. We remain committed to exploring new strategies and solutions to improve staffing and service levels to add to our existing strategies, such as our current employee recruitment referral bonus.

We recognize the significant impact these challenges have on families, and we are continuously working to improve our service and resolve issues more quickly. Please know that student safety and well-being remain our highest priorities, while making every effort to minimize disruptions.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact Transportation Services at 306-873-4555 or transportation@nesd.ca. We also welcome and appreciate your support in sharing our job postings, which can be found on our website: https://www.nesd.ca/Careers/AvailablePositions/.

To those families who have been without bus service during the 2024-25 school year, we extend our sincerest apologies. We appreciate your continued patience and understanding, as we navigate these challenges.

Sincerely,

Stacy Lair
Director of Education
North East School Division

January 21, 2025 - NESD Board Meeting Highlights

January 2025 Board Highlights

• New Indigenous Cultural Practices Procedure
• Financial Report for Sept 2024 – Nov. 30, 2024
• NESD Infrastructure: Funding applications, challenges and needs
• Board Community Update
• 2025-2026 Calendar Development
• Board Update: Senior Leadership Efficiency Report
• Celebrating Connection and Empowerment – Porcupine Plain Comprehensive
• Celebrating Innovation – Carrot River Valley School

Director’s report

• Transportation Services Update
• Financial Literacy Curriculum Planning
• Elder’s Tea
• Guarding Mind Survey

NEXT Board Meeting: Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at 2:00 at the North East School Division Office at 402 Main Street, Melfort, SK.

Board Highlights can be found:  https://nesd.ca/Board/Minutes&Highlights/ 

Technology, Finance, Payroll and Administrative Assistants

 Build your future right here at home and make a difference in your community. 

*Includes affiliated and federated colleges

How do I get started?

Visit saskatchewan.ca/hhr-train and explore health care education, institution websites for programs, salaries and job descriptions.

Student Aid

Take advantage of financial aid to help support your education! You may have access to student loans, grants, scholarships, bursaries and more.

Learn more at saskatchewan.ca/student-aid.

Phone: 1-800-597-8278

Email: studentservices@gov.sk.ca

Other student aid programs:

·         Loan Forgiveness for Nurses and Nurse Practitioners (up to $20,000)

·         Graduate Retention Program (up to $24,000)

·         Final Clinical Placement Bursary (up to $3,000)

·         Saskatchewan Rural and Remote Recruitment Incentive (up to $50,000)

Follow us online!

We share student testimonials, program application deadlines, scholarship and student aid information, as well as fun and interesting facts about Saskatchewan’s post-secondary institutions.

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/SKStudents

Instagram - @SkStudents

X - @SkStudents

HHR Training Brochure

NESD Regular Board meeting highlights from February 25, 2025 - link

February 2025 Board Highlights

• NESD Board Engages with Local MLAs on Key Priorities
• NESD Ready Plan (Business Continuity Plan)
• NESD Indigenous Education Responsibility Framework (IERF)
• School Bus Purchases
• 2025-2026 NESD School year calendars
• Celebrating Connection and Empowerment
• Staff Appreciation

Director's Report

• School Improvement Planning Day
• Math Leads
• Career Counselor Meeting
• School Leadership Team 

Next Board Meeting: Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at 1:30pm at the North East School Division Office at 402 Main Street, Melfort, SK. 

Board Highlights can be found:  https://nesd.ca/Board/Minutes&Highlights/ 

North East Early Years Summit

Professional Development Workshop

8:30am - 4:00pm

Kerry Vickar Centre - CJVR Performing Arts Theatre

Melfort, SK

EARLY BIRD DEADLINE: March 31, 2025

The March 25, 2025 Regular Board Meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at 1:30 pm at the North East School Division Office at 402 Main Street, Melfort, SK.

This meeting is open to the public.

The public package can be found at https://nesd.ca/Board/Minutes&Highlights/

Under PUBLIC Board Packages - March 25, 2025 Public NESD Board Package

Please read the linked letter from the Saskatchewan Health Authority regarding the increase of measles in Saskatchewan.

April 2, 2025 - SHA Measles Letter

Please see the NESD Board Highlights for the NESD Regular Board Meeting on March 25, 2025.

All 2024-2025 Highlights can be found at - https://nesd.ca/Board/Minutes&Highlights/ 

Next Board Meeting: Tuesday, May 13, 2025 in Tisdale, SK at the Tisdale Recplex-Salopian room.

March 25 Board Highlights

• Land Transfer to the Town of Choiceland for New Daycare Facility
• May 13 - Upcoming School Administrator and Board Linkage
• Information Technology Update
• Transporation Department Update
• Guarding Minds Survey Results Review

Director's Report

• New Teacher Mentorship
• Safe Response Training
• Student Led Conferences
• School Administration and Superintendent Learning Walks
• NESD Board Policy Review Committee
• Linkage with North East Teachers Association
• Linkage with CUPE 4875
• September 2025 Staffing Changes

Kids Help Phone’s (KHP) e-mental health services and resources are free to access, 24/7 across Canada. KHP supports students with any issue on their mind, big or small. https://kidshelpphone.ca/

https://stream.edonline.sk.ca/videos/rover/KHP_2025_Promotional_Video_for_Youth_English.mp4?autoplay=true&public_access_key=eba2cee0d7b76c183f1be30d51a605c3-dawojmtihlbxkrvcngpfeszqyu

Notice of Intent to Change School Attendance Area Boundaries - Star City School

Under the authority of Section 85(1)(i) and Section 122(1) of The Education Act, 1995 the Board of Education made the following motion at their meeting held May 13, 2025:

 That beginning in the 2025-2026 school year, the attendance area for Star City School of the North East School Division No. 200 will be allotted to the Tisdale and Melfort attendance areas for grades 7 to 12 in accordance with the 2025-26 Star City Boundary Change Report;

 And that the proposed changes will be communicated in local area papers and correspondence will be sent to the affected families;

And that the Board will be accepting written submissions and/or delegations sharing any concerns about the proposed changes at the June 24, 2025 Regular Board Meeting.

A written submission should be sent to the division office at 402 Main Street, Box 6000 Melfort SK S0E 1A0 or via email to divisionoffice@nesd.ca, by June 13, 2025. 

Anyone wishing to appear as a delegation at the June 24, 2025, NESD Regular Board Meeting must contact the Director of Education at 306-752-5741 by June 10, 2025, as per Board Policy No. 107 (Board Operations).

For the 2025-26 Star City Boundary Change Report, please visit our website at www.nesd.ca. For additional information regarding the outlined changes, please contact the Transportation Services office at 306-873-4555.

Star City Boundary Change Report

Help shape accessibility in our schools

The Accessible Saskatchewan Act, enacted in December 2023, is provincial legislation aimed at removing and preventing barriers that affect people with disabilities. In 2025, schools divisions were tasked with creating a three-year accessibility plan to be shared publicly by December 3, 2025. 

Squarely Accessible, a consulting firm, has been contracted by the North East School Division to assist with data collection and analysis.

We want to hear from you!

North East School Division is committed to creating barrier-free schools where everyone can participate fully and equally. We are developing a three-year accessibility plan as a first step to formalize our efforts and support our commitment to meeting the requirements of The Accessible Saskatchewan Act.  

With the help of Squarely Accessible, the school division is  launching a public consultation process, including a survey and focus groups, to gather input and to make sure our plan reflects real experiences and needs.

We are holding three targeted focus groups with students (16 years of age or older), families and staff to help us better understand the barriers people face and what meaningful accessibility looks like in our schools. 

Your voice matters.

We encourage you to participate in a focus group and share your feedback so we can create spaces that reflect everyone’s needs. If you are not able to attend, or if you do not fall into one of these stakeholder groups, you will have the opportunity to provide feedback in the survey later this month.

Please register via Eventbrite: 

For parents/guardians
For staff
For students (16 years of age or older)

Thank you in advance for sharing your feedback and for helping us make our school division more inclusive and welcoming for everyone.

Your voice matters! Help us shape meaningful change and guide our accessibility efforts by taking the North East School Division Accessibility Survey before June 23!

Choose the survey that best fits your point of view:

Survey for students and families
Survey for the community / general public
Survey for all staff 

We are committed to creating barrier-free schools and work environments where everyone can participate fully and equally.  We encourage you to participate in the division-wide survey to help us better understand the barriers people face and what meaningful accessibility looks like in the North East School Division.

Visit the North East School Division website at www.nesd.ca  for more information.

Re: Act of Vandalism in Tisdale

Dear Students, Staff, Families, and Community Members,

In response to the recent act of vandalism in Tisdale, I want to express the North East School Division’s strong condemnation of this act and the harm it causes. The swastika painted over the rainbow-colored sidewalk—the rainbow is a symbol created by our students in collaboration with Suncrest College to celebrate diversity, inclusion, and belonging for all—is a disturbing and deliberate attack on the values that define our schools and our communities.  There is no place for such heinous acts in the North East School Division.

We are grateful for the leadership and swift response of the Town of Tisdale and the Tisdale RCMP. We fully support their efforts to investigate this matter and ensure accountability. The rainbow sidewalk is a powerful statement of student voice and shared commitment to creating safe, inclusive public spaces. Its defacement is not only an act of vandalism but an attempt to intimidate and silence those who continue to stand up for human dignity.

I want to commend the work of student groups in supporting youth to take the lead on concerns that matter to them. The creation of the rainbow sidewalk in Tisdale was a thoughtful and inspiring example of student-led advocacy for equity, belonging, and respect.

As a school division, we reaffirm our commitment to providing safe, inclusive, and equitable learning environments for all students and staff—welcoming all, inclusive of sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other aspect of identity. We will continue to protect, respect, accept, and include people of all identities.

To those impacted by this act: you are seen, you are valued, and you belong.

Sincerely,

Stacy Lair

Director of Education

North East School Division

Re: Response Act of Vandalism in Tisdale

Dear Students, Families, Staff, and Community Members,

On behalf of the North East School Division Board of Education, I want to express our strongest condemnation of the recent act of vandalism in Tisdale. The swastika painted over the rainbow sidewalk—a project led by students in partnership with Suncrest College—was an attack on the values of inclusion, respect, and dignity that define who we are as a public education system.

The sidewalk was a beautiful and courageous student-led statement of belonging for all. Its defacement is a painful reminder that the work of building inclusive, compassionate communities must continue, and that we each have a role to play in standing up against hate.

As your local trustee and as a Board, we fully support the leadership of our students, school staff, and administrators who have responded with resolve, unity, and care. We also acknowledge the swift action taken by the Town of Tisdale and the RCMP in their efforts to investigate this incident and hold those responsible accountable.

To the students, families, and staff members who may feel targeted or hurt by this act: please know that the Board of Education stands with you. You are seen, you are valued, and you belong in our schools and communities.

The North East School Division remains committed to fostering safe, diverse and inclusive learning environments, welcoming all.

Sincerely,
Lori Kidney

NESD Vice chair
On behalf of the North East School Division Board of Education