NS News & Information

Hey all, Welcome Back! Monday November 16 is Instructional Day #47 of 84 for semester 1.

We hope our students and families had a restful and enjoyable November Break. As we return to classes and familiar routines, we are entering an important stretch of Semester 1. There are just five full weeks until Christmas, and these weeks provide an important opportunity for students to reconnect with teachers, review their progress, complete outstanding assessments, and keep moving forward in their courses. Small, consistent steps over the next five weeks can make a significant difference.

Our Priority of Practice (School Education Plan), focused on increasing student engagement through future-focused learning, reminds us that students are most successful when they understand where they are in their learning, what success looks like, and what their next steps need to be. We encourage every student to check in regularly with their teachers, ask questions, use feedback, complete assessments, and seek support early. Families can help by having regular conversations about progress and encouraging students to connect with their teachers when they need clarification or support.

Our recently released Alberta Education and Childcare Assurance Measure Results, Fall 2026, reinforce something we deeply value at Next Step: relationships matter. An incredible 96% of parents strongly agreed and 4% agreed that “Teachers care about your child.” Our students shared that same strong sense of connection, with 86% strongly agreeing and 12% agreeing that “My teachers care about me.” Students also expressed tremendous pride in Next Step, with 83% strongly agreeing and 16% agreeing that “I am proud of my school,” while 92% strongly agreed and 6% agreed that “I would recommend my school to a friend.”

Those results are worth celebrating, but more importantly, they remind us of the foundation we have built together. Care, connection, belonging, and high expectations create the conditions for students to engage and succeed. Over these next five weeks, let’s put that foundation into action. Students, reconnect with your teachers. Know where you stand. Ask for help when you need it. Complete that next assessment. Take the next step. Families, thank you for continuing to encourage, support, and partner with us. Together, let’s make these five weeks purposeful and productive because at Next Step, Small steps are still progress.

With appreciation,

Mr. B. Spady, Principal

Ms. D. Bennett & Mr. R. Davies, Assistant Principals

Next Step enrollment: 832 total (442 SPO, 241 FSO, 128 NSO, 21 VGO)

We are excited to invite you to our upcoming Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences at FSO and SPO. These meetings are an important opportunity to discuss your child's progress and collaborate to support their learning journey. Please sign up in advance. In-person or by phone options are available for both locations. Phone call is available for online students.

Select which school you would like to book with:

• Fort Saskatchewan (FSO): Tuesday, November 24 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
• Sherwood Park (SPO): Wednesday, November 25 from 4:30-6:30 p.m.

November 15-22 Metis Week

November 16-20 Anti-Bullying Awareness Week

November 21-22 Intermediate First Aid Session

November 24 PST Conferences 4:30-6:30pm (FSO & VGO)

November 25 PST Conferences 4:30-6:30pm (SPO)

November 25 Virtual School Advisory Council 12pm
December 3 FSO Christmas Lunch

Dec 19-Jan 3 Christmas Break

Jan 4 Classes Resume

Jan 9-10 Diploma Exam Prep (ELA 30-1, SS 30-1, Math 30-1/2)

Jan 16-17 Diploma Exam Prep (Bio 30, ELA 30-1, SS 30-1, Math 30-1/2)

Jan 18 ELA 30-1/2 Dip Part A

Jan 19 SS 30-1/2 Dip Part A

Jan 20 Math 30-1/2 Dip

Jan 20 Bell Lets Talk Day

Jan 21 ELA 30-1/2 Dip Part B

Jan 22 SS 30-1/2 Dip Part B

Jan 23 Diploma Exam Prep (Sci 30)

Jan 23-24 Diploma Exam Prep (Bio 30, Chem 30, Physics 30)

Jan 23-24 Intermediate First Aid

Jan 25 Bio 30 Dip

Jan 26 Chem 30 Dip

Jan 26 FSO Open House 6pm

Jan 27 Physics 30 Dip

Jan 27 Virtual School Council 12pm

Jan 28 Sci 30 Dip

Jan 28 SPO Open House 6pm

Jan 28 Last day Semester 1

Jan 29 Professional Learning (No School)

We value the voice and involvement of our families and invite all parents, guardians, and caregivers to participate in our School Advisory Council meetings throughout the 2026–27 school year.

To make participation as accessible as possible, all meetings will be held virtually. Regular attendance is not required. Whether you are able to join us for one meeting or several, you are always welcome. These meetings provide an opportunity to stay connected, hear school updates, and contribute to conversations that support our students and school community.

Upcoming meeting information and virtual meeting link will be shared through the school calendar and our bi-weekly NSO News and Information.

2026–27 Meeting Dates

• November 25 at 12:00 p.m.
• January 27 at 12:00 p.m.
• March 10 at 12:00 p.m.
• May 5 at 12:00 p.m.

We appreciate the perspectives, ideas, and support our families bring to Next Step and hope you will join us when you are able. Small steps are still progress.

We are proud to share the recently released Alberta Education and Childcare Assurance Measure Results for Fall 2026. These results provide an important reflection of how our students and families experience Next Step, and we are incredibly encouraged by the strength of the feedback across our school community.

Our overall assurance measures were largely rated Very High and Excellent, including:

Student Learning Engagement: 94.8%

Citizenship: 92.8%

Education Quality: 97.2%

Welcoming, Caring, Respectful and Safe Learning Environments: 95.9%

Access to Supports and Services: 98.4%

Parental Involvement: 94.2%

Several supplemental measures were equally strong, with Safe and Caring at 97.5%, Work Preparation at 97.8%, and Lifelong Learning at 96.7%, all rated Very High / Excellent.

Relationships continue to be at the heart of Next Step. While we are proud of all of these results, the feedback about relationships, care, and belonging is particularly meaningful. Our families told us: 96% of parents strongly agree and 4% agree that “Teachers care about your child.” Our students reinforced that message, with 86% strongly agreeing and 12% agreeing that “My teachers care about me.” That means 98% of students responded positively to this important measure.

Students also expressed a strong sense of pride and connection to Next Step:

83% strongly agree and 16% agree that “I am proud of my school.”

92% strongly agree and 6% agree that “I would recommend my school to a friend.”

For a school built around relationships, acceptance, flexibility, individualization, respect, and responsibility, these results matter deeply. They tell us that students are not only accessing quality learning and support, but that they feel cared for, connected, and proud to be part of our school community.

These results reflect the collective efforts of our students, families, staff, and community partners. We are proud of these results, but we also recognize that assurance data is not simply something to celebrate. It helps us identify what is working and where we can continue to grow. We will use this feedback as part of our ongoing school improvement work and our commitment to creating meaningful, engaging learning experiences for every student.

At Next Step, we know that progress does not always look the same for every learner. What matters is that every student has people in their corner, opportunities to succeed, and a place where they know they belong.

Review major curriculum topics to build your understanding and learn test-writing strategies for diploma exams. Boost your confidence in the exams through tips and practice questions. Parents can register and pay for Diploma Prep courses by logging into the PowerSchool Parent Portal the same way you usually do to access fees. You do not need to create a new Parent Portal account to register for Diploma Prep.

Class times: 8:30 am - 3:30 pm (includes a 30-minute lunch break). All classes are located at Salisbury Composite High School (20 Festival Way, Sherwood Park)
Cost is $125 per course. $75 for Science 30 (one day session).

January 9-10: English Language Arts 30-1, Social Studies 30-1, Math 30-1 & Math 30-2
January 16-17: *English Language Arts 30-1, *Social Studies 30-1, *Math 30-1, *Math 30-2, & Biology 30 *ELA, Social & Math are all repeat sessions from previous weekend.
January 23-24: **Biology 30, Chemistry 30, Physics 30 & (Science 30 is January 23 only) **Biology is a repeat session from the previous weekend.

For questions regarding Diploma Exam Prep sessions, families can reach out to nextstep@eips.ca or call 780-464-1899.

We are offering our first weekend of Intermediate First Aid on November 21-22 for EIPS and Non-EIPS students!

Graduation is an exciting milestone, and we are looking forward to celebrating the accomplishments of our Class of 2027. Throughout the year, we will share important information and reminders to help students and families prepare for this special occasion.

Virtual Graduation Information Meeting February 17, 2027 | 6:00 p.m. -Students, parents, and guardians are invited to attend a virtual information meeting to learn about graduation requirements, timelines, ceremony details, and upcoming events.

Graduation Portrait Sessions -Portraits provide students with an opportunity to capture this important milestone and will be used for graduation-related materials and keepsakes.

• March 9-10, 2027 – Sherwood Park Campus
• March 11, 2027 – Fort Saskatchewan Campus

Grad Gown Pick-Up Begins May 26, 2027- Students may begin picking up their gowns and grad materials from their campus.

Grad BBQ Celebration June 1, 2027 -Our annual Grad BBQ to celebrate grads and recognize their accomplishments alongside classmates and staff.

Graduation Ceremony June 4, 2027 | 1:30 p.m. Fort Saskatchewan DOW Centre (Shell Theatre)

Family members, friends, staff, and community supporters are invited to celebrate the Class of 2027 as students cross the stage and mark the completion of an important chapter in their educational journey. As we work toward graduation, we encourage students to remain focused on their learning goals, communicate regularly with their teachers, and take advantage of the flexible supports available at Next Step. We look forward to celebrating the perseverance, growth, and achievements of our graduates.

Our Student Success team at Next Step is designed to maximize school engagement, increase academic success and enhance social, emotional and physical well-being for students.

Sherwood Park: Success Coach is Jennifer.Martinez@eips.ca email & direct line 7804102942 (student/family strategies & community connections)

Fort Saskatchewan: Success Coach is Janet.Clarkson@eips.ca email & direct line 7804103981 (student/family strategies & community connections)

Vegreville: Family School Liaison Worker Carlin.Adams@eips.ca email & direct line 7804103989 (student/family strategies & community connections)n

Our Next Step online shop is open. Browse a variety of apparel and merchandise from different brands, and customize your favorites with our approved Next Step logos and graphics.

Whether you’re a student, parent, staff member, or supporter, there’s something for everyone. Shop 24/7 with no minimum orders! Click here to check it out!

We are grateful for the time our families took to complete the 2025–26 EIPS Annual Parent & Caregiver Feedback Survey. Your feedback is essential in helping us reflect, celebrate, and continue to grow as a school community. This year’s results highlight many areas of strength that reflect the dedication of our staff, the resilience of our students, and the partnership we share with families.

Top Highlights from Our Survey Results. We are proud to share five key areas where parent and caregiver feedback demonstrates outstanding results:

• My child's individual needs are met. 79.26% Strongly Agree and 19.26% Agree (Top 2-99%)
• How satisfied are you with the quality of teaching at your child’s school? 87.12% Strongly Agree and 12.12% Agree (Top 2-99%)
• My child's encouraged to do their best. 84.44% Strongly Agree and 14.81% Agree (Top 2-99%)
• My child's learning the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to be successful in life. 66.67% Strongly Agree and 28.89% Agree (Top 2-96%)
• How satisfied are you with the quality of education your child's receiving at school? 83.33% Strongly Agree and 13.64% Agree (Top 2-96%)
• School staff care about my child. 83.33% Strongly Agree and 15.91% Agree (Top 2-99%)
• In your opinion, has the quality of education your child's experienced improved, stayed the same or declined in the past three years? 84.09% Improved and 11.36% stayed the same
  

These results speak to something we value deeply at Next Step: relationships, encouragement, and a commitment to meeting students where they are. As an alternative high school program, we know that success looks different for every learner. It is affirming to see that families recognize:

• The care and connection built by our staff

• The personalized support provided to students

• The commitment to helping students take meaningful steps forward

Small steps are still progress. We sincerely thank our families for their ongoing partnership and trust. Your feedback helps guide our School Education Plan and ensures we continue to focus on what matters most, supporting every student to succeed. Together, we will continue to build on these strengths while listening closely for opportunities to grow.

Register today: NEW Student Registration

Fulltime in-person hybrid (on campus once a week):

• 19 years of age or younger as of September 1.
• Registrations are accepted throughout the school year based on capacity and resources.
• Students residing within the province of Alberta are eligible for registration.
• Access to an academic success coach to help support your educational goals.
• If you are a current EIPS student, you do not require a referral to attend Next Step Full time prior to September 29. After September 30 you will need to get approval from your current school.

Adult Learner:

• 20 years of age or older as of September 1.
• If you are interested in completing or upgrading your high school education through our program, please reach out to our school for assistance.
• Students no longer require pre-requisite materials and can proceed to 30 level courses.
• Meet with an academic advisor to help support your educational goals.
• There is $125 per credit fee for adult learners.

Full Time on-line only:

• 19 years of age or younger as of September 1.
• Registrations are accepted throughout the school year based on capacity and resources.
• Students residing within the province of Alberta are eligible for registration.

Part Time on-line only (specific programming available) up to 10 credits:

• 19 years of age or younger as of September 1.
• Registrations are accepted throughout the school year based on capacity and resources.
• Students residing within the province of Alberta are eligible for registration.
• Students can complete up to 10 credits while being registered with another school authority (School Board).

Shared or referred EIPS Student:

• If you currently attend another EIPS school and are looking to complete one class a semester with Next Step while attending your primary school full time, contact your counsellor or administration.
• You will require a referral from your current school to take a Next Step course concurrently with primary school programming.
• Registrations are accepted at the start of a semester and are prioritized based on graduation requirement.

Fees: Next Step does not charge course fees for students 19 years of age or younger as of September 1. Any textbook resources assigned to a student are to be returned once a course is completed. If the textbook is not returned, a replacement fee will be charged to the student account. *Note per credit fees apply for adult learners.

For more information, visit our website!

Looking for support as your teen navigates the changes and challenges of growing up? Navigating the Shift is a parent education series designed to provide families and caregivers with helpful information, practical tools, and support.

Sessions are open to all parents and caregivers in the community. To view upcoming sessions and learn more, visit the FCSS Navigating the Shift Series.

Are you or someone you know interested in exploring a career in the trades? There are currently some employment opportunities available in the Sherwood Park and Fort Saskatchewan areas!

Position 1: Gasfitter
Location: Sherwood Park
Schedule: Full-time preferred
Requirement: Valid driver's license

Responsibilities include:

• Installing, servicing, maintaining and dismantling temporary heating systems.

• Working with propane and natural gas systems.

• Servicing and maintaining construction heaters.

• Loading and unloading equipment and operating 1- and 2-tonne picker trucks.

• Providing excellent customer service.
  
  

Position 2: Field Diesel Mechanic
Location: Sherwood Park and Fort Saskatchewan
Schedule: Full-time preferred
Requirement: Valid driver's license

Responsibilities include:

• Maintaining and repairing mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and diesel systems on a variety of rental and customer equipment.

• Travelling to customer job sites to perform equipment repairs and maintenance.

• Maintaining a clean and professional service vehicle.
  
  

Position 3: Rising Edge

Location: Dow Site

Schedule: Full-time, starting as soon as possible
Requirement: Valid driver’s license

Responsibilities include:

• Perform physical outdoor labor, including digging, lifting, cable pulling and moving materials and equipment in various weather conditions.

• Maintain a clean, safe and organized job site, including snow removal as needed.

• Safely operate and maintain company vehicles and basic hand tools.

• Assist equipment operators with attachments and the movement of equipment and materials.

• Report vehicle maintenance needs to the Site Supervisor.

These opportunities are a great way to gain valuable experience and explore potential career pathways in the trades!

Inter Pipeline is offering Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) opportunities for students interested in gaining hands-on experience in an industrial workplace.

Important Dates

Application Deadline: November 29, 2026

Anticipated Start Date: January 31, 2027

Trades Available:

Millwright- Learn alongside experienced tradespeople working with mechanical equipment, maintenance, repairs, alignment, pumps, bearings, and other industrial systems.

Electrician- Gain exposure to industrial electrical systems, including motors, wiring, controls, electrical equipment, and safe work practices.

Instrumentation & Control Technician- Learn about the instruments and control systems used to monitor industrial processes, including sensors, transmitters, valves, measurement, calibration, and troubleshooting.

What every RAP student will be expected to do

• Follow all Inter Pipeline health, safety, security, and environmental requirements, site rules, and supervisor directions.
• Attend required orientations and training, wear required personal protective equipment, and report hazards or concerns immediately.
• Listen carefully, ask questions when unsure, and accept regular coaching and feedback.
• Arrive ready to work, communicate absences appropriately, and demonstrate dependable attendance and punctuality.
• Work respectfully with employees and contractors, contribute to the team, and maintain confidentiality.
• Complete routine or repetitive entry-level tasks carefully and recognize when a decision must be referred to a qualified tradesperson.
• Keep tools, materials, and work areas clean and organized and complete any assigned learning records or RAP documentation.

Who Can Apply?

To be considered for these opportunities, students must:

• Be interested in pursuing Millwright, Electrician, or Instrumentation
• Be eligible for RAP
• Have already completed HCS 3000: Workplace Safety Systems
• Have already completed HCS 3010: Workplace Safety Practices
• Be dependable, responsible, and ready to learn
• Take workplace and personal safety seriously
• Be able to follow instructions and ask questions when unsure
• Demonstrate professional behavior, teamwork, and a positive attitude

How to Apply

Applications are completed through Careers: The Next Generation.

Before applying:

1. Create a Careers: The Next Generation account
Students who do not already have an account will need to create one.

2. Complete your Careers application
Make sure your information is complete and up to date including your resume and cover letter.

3. Apply for the Inter Pipeline RAP opportunity
Select the trade opportunity you are interested in: Electrician, Millwright, or Instrumentation

If you need help creating your resume, cover letter, or for more information make sure you contact your school's Success Coach.

Campus EIPS is offering new programming. Check out these learning opportunities on their website!

Undergraduate applications in Alberta

ApplyAlberta is a secure online system that allows you to apply to one or more of Alberta’s public colleges, universities, and technical institutes.

What you’ll need to apply

• Your Alberta Student Number (What is an ASN?)
• Names of all the high schools and post-secondary institutions you have attended
• All your high school courses and corresponding grades
• A credit card to pay your application fees (learn more)

New to High School? All students require a MyPass account to obtain diploma marks, transcripts and so much more. If you have not created an account, please click on the link below and follow the instructions on how to do so.

Create a MyPass account

Are you planning to pursue a career in the mechanical trades? The Jake Weitz Memorial Scholarship provides financial support to students pursuing education and training in the trades.

Eligible areas include:
• Automotive Service Technician
• Heavy-Duty Equipment Technician
• Agricultural Equipment Technician
• Aviation Maintenance Technician

In the first two years, 24 scholarships totaling $24,000 have been awarded. April 2027 will mark the scholarship’s third year of supporting students pursuing careers in the trades.

Students are encouraged to learn more about eligibility requirements and the application process at:

www.jakeweitz.ca/how-to-apply

Want to know more about awards and scholarships available to you? Refer to the Scholarships and Awards page on the EIPS Intranet. This page has details and submission requirements for a variety of awards and scholarships.

ALIS – Alberta Learning Information Service - Students can find information about grants, scholarships and bursaries that may help cover the cost of post-secondary education. The site also provides guidance on finding and applying for financial assistance and other ways to help pay for school.

Scholarships Canada - Students can do advanced searches for scholarships, bursaries and grants. This site also offers information on loans and tips on budgeting and applying for scholarships.

www.schoolfinder.com - Students can find comprehensive information on thousands of schools, scholarships and careers. Information on entrance prerequisites including cut-off percentages is also available on this site.

cmsf.ca - Canadian Merit Scholarship Foundation. Program designed for students looking for scholarships in leadership. Students looking for scholarship opportunities who show promise of leadership and a strong commitment to service in the community.

Our vision is to create a community of learners who embody the virtues of acceptance, flexibility, individualization, respect, and responsibility. Motto: Small steps are still progress!

At Next Step, we believe that consistent engagement in learning is key to academic success. Students who do not actively participate in their course for a period of 30 days will be withdrawn from the course. Should a student wish to reengage, they will be required to meet with our Student Success team to discuss their commitment and develop a plan to ensure future success. As we say at Next Step, "small steps are still progress," and we are here to support every step of your journey. This policy ensures students remain committed to their learning, while also providing them with the necessary support to reengage effectively.

Appropriate use of personal communication devices contributes to the safety and security of students and staff, minimizes risk to personal wellbeing and disruption to instruction, and protects personal privacy and academic integrity. As such, all personal communication devices are to be out of sight during instructional hours from: 9:00-11:30am & 12:30-3pm

Students may not access a PCD unless given permission by the teacher for a specific educational task or purpose. PCDs shall not be on the student unless the use is for: a diagnosed medical condition; or an identified inclusive-educational need.

From a security perspective, the most important function of an exterior door is for protection from the elements and to control entry for building security. All exterior doors will be locked, and opened only for student and visitor access during designated school entry times and special events. Students who arrive when doors are locked, as well as parents/caregivers and visitors, will be welcomed into the office after ringing the doorbell/video-monitored intercom entry system. All visitors must sign in and out of the school and follow the visitor protocol.

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.*Reminder every Wednesday is early dismissal.

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

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

#gogreen

Email: nextstep@eips.ca
Website: eipsnextstep.ca
Phone: 7804641899
X: @eipsnextstep