It may be the summer holiday, but the Portage la Prairie School Division continues to focus on student success. Trustee Murray McLenehan was the presenter at this week's Portage Rotary Club luncheon. McLenehan outlined some of the work the board has been doing over the past year, but also focused on the support they receive from others. He notes the presentation was a great opportunity to thank all those who help them achieve their goal of student success.
"It's important because it truly is a team effort, and I described the five team members. There's the expectation of the students, the families, staff, the community is instrumental, and of course, government."
McLenehan also took time to share some of the highlights of their 2015/2016 budget. He explains while their budget continues to support a number of initiatives, they wouldn't be able to provide all that they do without the help of stakeholders.
"The interesting thing is that we meet with everyone from parent councils to the teachers to determine what we need. They tell us what they need, ad we try our best to accommodate that. Quite often we can't do everything, but when they come to us they know we have restraints, and they try and make the nickel go as far as they possibly can."
He also highlighted some of the accomplishments of the division's students during his presentation, starting with Hayley Bedard's attendance at the Manitoba School Board's Association meeting.
"The accomplishments just go from Hayley representing district two in the province. When we go to those nights, it's very humbling to hear the accomplishments of our students. I know Oakville kids game and they spoke and their programs, they're making food hampers and reading to seniors."
He adds they don't take enough time to thank the students and the staff for all their hard work and contributions to the community.