As the 2025-26 school year comes to a close, Saskatoon Public Schools is reflecting on a year filled with student achievement, meaningful partnerships, and a shared commitment to helping every learner feel known, valued and believed in.

For Board of Education Chair Kim Stranden, the year can be viewed through four key areas: academics, character, engagement, and well-being.

“This year, we saw students, staff, families and community partners contribute in so many meaningful ways,” says Stranden. “With 58 schools, there is never just one story. What stands out is the incredible range of learning, achievement, care, and connection happening across Saskatoon Public Schools.”

Academically, there was much to celebrate as students achieved significant success. Standout achievements included:

• Walter Murray graduating student Drake Jordan awarded a $100,000 Schulich Leader Scholarship to support his post-secondary studies at the University of Toronto
• Walter Murray grad Amy Zhang receiving the Award of Excellence (with a 99.5 per cent GPA!) as she embarked on studies at Harvard University
• Evan Hardy Collegiate and USask graduate Emma Wintermute awarded a Rhodes Scholarship

The division also continued to offer strong programming and learning opportunities, including French Immersion, the International Baccalaureate, Cree Language and Culture, and much more. French Immersion students took part in cultural experiences such as Carnaval and educational trips to Quebec. The division also announced the name of its new city centre school, misiwe-kisik | One Sky School, which is expected to open in just over a year.

Character was also evident throughout the school year. Saskatoon Public Schools celebrated the important work of Interventionist Teachers, who provide individualized support to students. The division also marked milestones including wâhkôhtowin School’s 50th anniversary and the 20th anniversary of its Cree Language and Culture Program.

Students and staff continued to lead through reconciliation, inclusion and belonging, with learning opportunities connected to Indigenous Storytelling Month, Reconciliation Saskatoon involvement, and accessibility and inclusion initiatives like Down to Wrestle, and the raising of the Pride flag at division office.

Engagement remained a strong part of school life, with families, School Community Councils, and community partners helping create memorable opportunities for students. This year, Saskatoon Public Schools worked with partners including Operation Warm, Marafun, the Saskatoon Blades, TeleMiracle, Saskatoon Ringette, the Neil Squire Society and Mamba Basketball through the Be Well School Day Game.

“These partnerships create opportunities that students remember—whether that’s through sport, leadership, wellness, the arts, or community connection,” continues Stranden.

Student well-being was also front and centre. The division announced the next phase of the National School Food Program and later hosted Senator Tracy Muggli to see the work in action. The Saskatoon Public Schools Foundation continued to respond to growing needs through supports such as Cheer Crates, helping ensure students and families feel cared for.

Students also experienced joy, belonging and confidence through arts and athletics, including Festival of Carols, collegiate theatre productions, ArtsFest, Mustang Volley, Charger Classic, BRIT, MIT, the Hockey Academy and Kinsmen Hockey League.

The year also brought leadership change. The Board of Education elected two new vice-chairs, Anne-Marie Rollo and Kevin Schmidt, and the division is preparing to welcome a new Director of Education this summer.

“Through change, growth and challenge, our schools have continued to focus on students,” says Stranden. “That’s what I’m most proud of—the commitment across Saskatoon Public Schools to helping every student feel known, valued and believed in.”

WATCH: Celebrating achievements across 58 Saskatoon Public Schools

PHOTO: Chair of the Saskatoon Public Schools Board of Education, Kim Stranden