IRSC Newsletter

As we step into December at Iron Ridge Secondary Campus, I’m inspired by the strong momentum we’re seeing across our school. Our students continue to show what it means to be part of #BisNation through their effort, curiosity, and commitment to learning each day.

December is a shorter month, but it’s a meaningful one. Students are wrapping up major projects, showcasing their learning, and setting goals for the new year. Our athletics programs, options classes, and Inreach supports continue to thrive, and it’s exciting to watch this school come into its own as a vibrant, supportive, and dynamic place for students to learn and grow.

Looking ahead, January will bring our first major exam period, running January 26–29. Over the next several weeks, teachers will be preparing students with review, practice, and clear expectations. Families can support this by helping students stay organized, keeping routines steady, and encouraging them to reach out early if they need support.

What continues to stand out at IRSC is the way our students and staff care about each other and the pride they take in our school community. Each day, we see students demonstrating our core Bison values of showing respect, overcoming challenges, and investing in their learning.

Thank you to our students, staff, and families for your ongoing commitment to building something special here at IRSC. I’m looking forward to another great month of learning, growth, and connection as we close out the first half of the school year.

Ed Coles

Principal

Iron Ridge Secondary Campus

Dec 2: Iron Ridge Collective @ 3 PM (access link on website)

Dec 4: Pipe Trades Camp (26 students going to RDP)
Dec 12: Instructional Day (previously a PD Day)

Dec 17/18 - PE 20/30 and Sports Performance field trip to Trailhead Climbing

Dec 19: Last Day of Classes

Dec 20 - Jan 4: Winter Break

Jan 5: Classes resume

Jan 23: Last day of classes for Grade 12

Jan 26 - 29: Exam break for Grades 9 - 11

Regarding PATs and Diplomas

Grade 9 Provincial Achievement Tests (PATs) and Grade 12 Diploma Exams have been cancelled for the month of January. PATs and Diplomas will proceed in June. Students currently enrolled in diploma level courses will not be writing any cumulative final exams in January. Instead, they will write their final unit exams in class prior to January 26th. Their final day of classes is January 23rd. January 26th is the last opportunity for any missed tests or assignments for Grade 12 students. Their course-earned mark will be their final grade. Diploma exemptions for January will not carry forward: any students who do not pass a diploma course in January will be required to write the diploma exam if they retake the course in Semester 2 or next year.

Other exam details:

• Grade 9 classes will continue as normal during the final week of January. All Grade 9 exams will be written in class. Grade 9s are expected to remain at school after completing an exam to attend the rest of their classes.
• Grades 10-12 students will have an exam break from January 26 - 29th. During this time, Grade 10-12 students are not permitted to be in the school building if they are not writing a test UNLESS they are meeting with a teacher.
• Students must stay for a minimum of one hour before they may turn in their exam.
• Students are expected to bring a pencil and a calculator (if required) to their test. They are permitted to bring in a water bottle. Scrap paper will be provided if needed.
• If students are unable to attend to write their exam, they are responsible for contacting their class teacher and making alternative arrangements to write it during the makeup days.

Click the link below to access the exam schedule.

Be aware this is subject to change - please check back regularly for any updates.

We are excited to have begun the process of planning for our first-ever graduating class: "First Herd out of the Gates"! Our Grad supervisor is Miss Bendera, supported by Mrs. Pfeifer. So far, we have held a Purdy's Chocolates fundraiser, as well as a silent auction and bottle drive. We have raised $4575 towards our grad fund. Thank you to parents, guardians, IRSC staff, community members, and sponsors for their continued support of our graduating class!

We held a parent meeting on November 18th. Please click here to access the presentation for more specific information about grad. Grad fees ($75) have been added to PowerSchool for our 2026 graduates. These fees will be due March 1, 2026. All school fees must be paid for graduating students to walk the stage in June.

Next on our Grad Committee to-do list is booking a caterer for the graduation banquet by December 8th. If you have any recommendations, please reach out to shannon.bendera@wolfcreek.ab.ca! IRSC would love to show support for local business by having a local caterer for this event.

• Door Decorating Contest - Homeroom classes will be competing for the best winter/holiday-themed door design. Contest begins December 1st and judging takes place on December 18th.
• Wellness Flex - On December 19th, students will be able to sign up for a physical or mental wellness activity during our daily Flex block.

Our November shout out winners were:

Raymond Conley

Ben McEvoy

Sophia Bullert

Kennedy Bertelsen

Nelia Thomas

Cohen Bursey

Tyrell Strauss

Students and staff can nominate students for a shout out to recognize them for doing something positive within our school. All students who receive shout outs are named at assembly and then entered into a monthly draw for prizes, which are sponsored by Blackfalds McDonalds and Boston Pizza.

If you would like to sponsor a shout out prize, please let us know!

The Oasis Room takes place daily in our Upper Learning Commons and is supervised by Johnathan DuHamel from the Oasis Youth Centre (sponsored by Youth Unlimited). This space is a place students can gather and spend time with their friends or engage in activities during lunch.