DIRECTIONS NEWSLETTER
Chinook School Division Board of Education
The Chinook Board of Education updated their goals for the 2025-2026 school year:
- The Chinook Board of Education will be accountable to the community by enhancing its visibility and accessibility within SCCs and communities by engaging SCCs in two-way feedback opportunities with the board.
- The Chinook Board of Education will advocate for adequate funding for rural education.
- The Chinook Board of Education will focus on celebrating agriculture and the important role it plays in people’s lives.
- The Chinook Board of Education will deepen understanding of FNMI culture and ways of knowing.
- The Chinook Board of Education will promote and support active, healthy lifestyles for students, staff and families.
Several actions and deliverables were identified and updated in order to meet the goals, which will be implemented by the board through the division and schools.
Valerie Gordon, Athletic Coordinator
The South West Athletic Conference (SWAC) has been in existence since 1951, with the purpose to plan, supervise and administer inter-school athletic activities in the SWAC (matching the Chinook School Division area) of Saskatchewan, including play-offs leading to section, district, conference, regional and provincial level championships.
SWAC is divided into three geographical areas called “sections”: Cypress Hills, Rolling Hills and Whitemud. Each school with students in grades 7-12 has a person designated as Athletic Director.
SHSAA Senior (high school) sports include: Golf, cross country, soccer, football, volleyball, basketball, curling, wrestling, badminton, and track and field. Junior programs offered within Chinook include volleyball, cross country, basketball, curling, badminton, and track and field, as well as some junior football in Maple Creek and Shaunavon.
Students from Gull Lake School attended the SHSAA “Women in Sport” conference in Saskatoon. High school girls from across the province gathered to take part in new activities, listen to motivational speakers and create new friendships.
The SCCHS Track and Field team scored more team points than any of the 200+ teams participating at SHSAA provincials in 2025. This is the 6th year in a row they’ve earned this title (along with 5A school championship).
The Hazlet doubles curling team competed in the first ever SHSAA doubles curling provincials, winning 4th place.
Jason Steinley, President of the Chinook Teachers' Association
MC: Ken Garinger, Superintendent of Human Resources
The governments of Saskatchewan and Canada have recently signed a three-year agreement under the National School Food Program. The federal investment is in addition to Saskatchewan's Child Nutrition Program, which in 2024-25 invested $2.7 million to assist school divisions and community-based organizations in addressing child hunger, offer nutrition education and provide skill-building opportunities like cooking classes.
The federal government is providing Saskatchewan with funds for 2024-2025 and 2025-2026, which will all be distributed to all schools in the province to share this year. This will help support the nutrition needs of children in Chinook schools, however schools will continue to need support from community partners (businesses, service clubs) who have provided additional support over the last few years to nutrition programs to help meet student needs.
The Swift Current Comprehensive High School (SCCHS) major capital project for electrical and mechanical upgrades requires Commissioning Authority Services to ensure the building systems and equipment are installed, tested and functioning correctly according to the design specifications and owner’s requirements. The funding for this service is included in the approved Ministry of Education project, which will provide a sound, efficient mechanical system conducive to a healthy, quality learning environment.
A request for proposal (RFP) was posted on SaskTenders on May 7, 2025 and closed on May 17. The RFP included a comprehensive overview of the project scope, commissioning requirements, and clearly defined evaluation criteria. Proponents were invited to demonstrate their qualifications, relevant project experience, proposed methodology, references, and competitive pricing structure. Colliers Project Leaders, project manager for the SCCHS project, convened an evaluation committee to evaluate the submissions and provide a recommendation based on their evaluation.
The evaluation process was structured around two primary weighted components:
Technical Submission: including the proponent’s understanding of the project, qualifications of key personnel, relevant experience, project methodology, and added value.
Financial Submission: including pricing structure, value for money, and alignment with project budget parameters.
Each proposal was reviewed and scored independently against the published criteria, followed by a consensus evaluation to determine the most qualified and cost-effective proponent capable of delivering the required commissioning services. Thurston Engineering stood out as the proponent that not only met all technical requirements but also offered the most competitive pricing, providing the highest value. Thurston Engineering distinguished itself through its clear understanding of the project, local presence, strong team qualifications, and commitment to quality. The Chinook Board of Education approved the awarding of Commissioning Authority Services to Thurston Engineering Services Ltd. for $127,200 plus applicable taxes.
Dianne Hahn
Chair
Subdivision 8: Swift Current
Rachelle Patzer
Vice Chair
Subdivision 3: Herbert, Hodgeville, Waldeck and area
Tena Schneider
Rachael Eliason
Subdivision 2: Cabri, Hazlet, Stewart Valley, Success and area
Katelyn Toney
Subdivision 4: Gull Lake, Tompkins, Wymark and area
Derek Moorhead
Subdivision 5: Consul, Maple Creek and area
Gwen Humphrey
Subdivision 6: Eastend, Frontier, Shaunavon and area
Susan Mouland
Subdivision 7: Ponteix, Val Marie, Vanguard and area
Ron Caswell
Subdivision 8: Swift Current
