The Pacer Pulse

First, Happy Fathers Day to all of our Pacer dads! I was fortunate to spend some time with my own dad over lunch on Sunday. You can tell he was thrilled for the picture!

We are officially in the last week of the 2025/26 school year at PCHS, and our exam week is in full swing! Pacers have been seen diligently studying for their exams in the Pacer Dome, helping teachers with end of year clean up, and enjoying the sunshine (when it has been available!). This week is EXTRA exciting as this Thursday we celebrate the Graduating Class of 2026. Please see the official invitation below, in addition to the exciting events all grads need to be aware of.

To represent this extraordinary class, it is my privilege to share with our our 2026 Valedictorian. This is a student who embodies everything it means to be a Pacer: academic excellence, steadfast determination, and a massive amount of heart. Congratulations to this years Valedictorian... Ms. Nicole Estavillo.

June is National Indigenous History Month, a time to honor the rich history, heritage, and diversity of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples across Canada. On June 21, we celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day, choosing the summer solstice because of its traditional significance as a time of gathering, gratitude, and community.

To commemorate, our school community shared Bannock with each other! Bannock is a quick flatbread with deep roots. While variations existed pre-contact using wild plants and roots, the flour-based version we know today was adopted by many Indigenous nations in the 18th and 19th centuries. It quickly became a vital staple due to its durability and how easily it could be made while traveling. More than just food, bannock represents resilience, adaptation, and resourcefulness. Sharing it is a reminder of the enduring strength of Indigenous cultures and a wonderful way to bring our school community together in the spirit of reconciliation.

Thank you for Mr. Sommerfeld and Mrs. Fosshiem for organizing this delicious treat for our students to commemorate such an important day!

On Sunday, I had the opportunity to partake in the exciting activities happening at the Edson Friendship Centre for their National Indigenous Peoples Day alongside my nephews, niece, and my own children. We enjoyed some delicious Bannock, Wild Rice, coloring, and one of our very own Pacers put together some scent filled tea bags for me!

Please take note of when your Pacer has exams to wrap up the year. Students are expected to remain in their respective exam for a minimum of one hour and teachers are available in the afternoons for drop in support. Once your exam is done, please ensure you drop off your textbook at the Library to avoid any fines!

One of my absolute passions outside of school is Soccer! This year, I had the opportunity to coach my son's U7 House League team and we wrapped up our season this past Thursday. You would never guess it with the hot dog bun sticking out of his mouth, but he takes it so seriously and loves the sport!

If you do not already follow our school's Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/pchspacers), please consider doing so as we update it regularly. Send any questions our way at (780) 723-6035 or pop by anytime - we always welcome a visit!

Kristin Basaraba

Principal

Parkland Composite High School

We are excited to share with you an exciting offering being opened up to GYPSD students for the 2026/27 School Year!

Starting in September, students have the opportunity to partake in the Human Anatomy Dual Credit Course - please see the attached flyer for more information.

A few key pieces of information:
- Interested students MUST have received credit in Biology 20 prior to the start for the 26/27 school year (pre-requisite).
- Students MUST have the time and dedication to complete this course while also completing in-person high school courses.

Benefits of this course...
- FREE to take for GYPSD students!
- Start post-secondary work before leaving high school.
- Offered via online, flexible learning (asynchronous instruction).
- Instructed by Parkland's very own Mr. Andersen!
- Recognized by multiple post-secondary institutions, such as the University of Alberta, MacEwan University, Concordia University, and as a possible prerequisite course for many programs.

At this time we are collecting student interest before opening up formal registration.

Interested?? Please speak with a Career & Academic Advisor or PCHS Administration.

Please see the information below pertaining to some unique summer programs.

Human Nature Projects (HNP) Canada. We are a federally registered, youth-led non-profit organization dedicated to increasing environmental literacy by raising awareness about current environmental issues to inspire meaningful and equitable environmental action. Our long-term vision is to create a global climate-resilient community of environmentalists who act locally while thinking globally. Since our founding in 2020, we have been able to mobilize over 10,000 youth in 25 countries across 4 continents in environmental education, action and restoration. We are reaching out to inform you about several 2026 summer volunteering opportunities for high school students.

Youth Environmental Advocacy Fellowship

Our upcoming 2026 Youth Environmental Advocacy Fellowship (YEAF) is a three week long educational experience, with a focus upon water conservation and climate change. Our 2026 YEAF will occur synchronously on Zoom between July 6 and July 17 for two weeks every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, with an additional day on July 24th for a final presentation to share what they’ve learned. Throughout the fellowship, participants attend workshops hosted by various environmental experts, including professors, educators, non-profit leaders, etc., to gain a holistic understanding of the importance of water conservation and its many nuances. Students will have the opportunity to earn 50 volunteer hours in the span of just three weeks, while gaining relevant internship experience, exploring environmental issues related to human activities, and working on a hands-on deliverable that demonstrates what they have learned.

Apply with the following link: https://airtable.com/app1wiJ8lGF0Ffvv3/pagUoOCii6OPMWPZd/form

Blue Futures: Oceans in a Changing Climate

In recognition of World Oceans Day, we are hosting a virtual event on Saturday, July 4, from 11am-1pm PDT. Students will learn about one of the most pressing challenges facing our oceans, ocean acidification, and hear from a panel of environmental leaders and professors as they discuss broader issues surrounding ocean health, marine conservation, and the future of our oceans. Participants will also gain insight into current research and career pathways in environmental fields, and can earn up to 4 volunteer hours.

For more information, you may check our Instagram (@hnpcanada) or to email us at outreach@hnpcanada.ca.

🔽 Check out the upcoming events from Settlement Services! 🔽

See the flyer below shared by our Wellness Navigator, Ms. Brianne Benson. The underlined links in the picture are clickable buttons, posted below the flyer.

MONDAY 22 | EXAM WEEK

EXAMS | 9:00

• DIP: PHYSICS 30

• PAT: SOCIAL STUDIES 9 (part B)

• PAT: SOCIAL STUDIES 9 K&E

• FINALS: Block 2 (in your classroom)

TUESDAY 23 | EXAM WEEK

EXAMS | 9:00

• DIP: SCIENCE 30

• PAT: SCIENCE 9

• PAT: SCIENCE 9 FRIM

• PAT: SCIENCE 9 K&E

• FINALS: Block 3 (in your classroom)

WED 24 | EXAM WEEK

EXAMS | 9:00

• FINALS: Block 4 (in your classroom)

Pre-Graduation Events

• 12:45 Grad Ceremony Rehearsal - Bring your gown & stole

(class photo, PGMS/MBE/Westhaven walkthroughs)

• 3:30 Grand March Practice Run-Thru

(for those grads attending the evening celebration)

THUR 25 | *please DO NOT block bus lane access*

• Graduation Convocation Ceremony | Parkland Composite

• 9:45 Doors open

• 10:00 Grads to the Pacer Dome

• 10:30 Ceremony begins

• Evening Ceremony | Parkland Composite

• 6:00 Doors open

• 6:30 Celebration begins
  
  

FRI 26 | Last day of school

• Exams | 9:00

• Make-Up/Missed Exams