Kevin Clace, the new Prairie Rose School Division (PRSD) superintendent/CEO, has enjoyed his first six months on the job since his hiring on Aug. 1.
Clace, who holds a Ph. D. in Educational Leadership from the University of North Dakota, joined PRSD at the University of Winnipeg and has been dean of the college since 2018. He originally began his teaching career at the early and middle years levels in Rosenort Elementary and Winkler Elementary, so he is very familiar with teaching in southern Manitoba.
He then held principalship roles in Red River Valley School Division at Morris School, Rosenort School, and Lowe Farm Elementary before being named PRSD’s newest Superintendent.
Clace has spent his first six months on the job digging in and getting to know all of the PRSD schools.
“As Superintendent/CEO of Prairie Rose School Division, I have had the privilege of spending the past six months visiting our nine community schools and 13 Hutterian schools,” said Clace. “These visits have been incredibly rewarding, allowing me to connect with the dedicated staff, engaged students, and supportive parents who are at the heart of our vibrant learning communities.”
“It’s been a privilege to get to know the people who contribute to making Prairie Rose such a special place. As a School Division, our focus remains on enriching students’ educational experiences and celebrating their successes. Prairie Rose School Division is a dynamic and inspiring environment, filled with a constant buzz of learning and activity.
Below are just a few highlights from 2024:
– Thanks to the Teacher Idea Fund, Jay and Ernie Lambert visited St. Laurent School, teaching students how to make boulets and bannock, singing Christmas songs in Michif-French, and sharing stories of traditional Métis Christmases. This unique experience allowed students to connect more deeply with their cultural heritage.
– PRSD’s Advanced Placement Program achieved remarkable success, with students and teachers exceeding global averages in Chemistry, English, and Calculus. Additionally, the Division proudly recognized two PRSD students, Avery Hartmann from Elm Creek and Ryan Penner from Carman Collegiate, who were named College Board Scholar Award winners.
– Miami School hosted Val Caldwell for a thought-provoking presentation on social media safety. Caldwell has reached over 5,000 Grades 5-12 students across Manitoba and Saskatchewan, educating countless parents, caregivers, and professionals.
Students from St. François Xavier, St. Eustache, and Roland School participated in the Central Manitoba Choral Workshop. There, they learned challenging harmonies and rhythms, culminating in a performance alongside other middle and high school choirs after just one day of practice.
– The Hutterian Colony High School introduced new electives in Foods and Nutrition and Electronics, promoting student engagement in optional courses. These initiatives have proven successful, with students recognizing the lifelong benefits of these learning opportunities.
– In athletics, the Miami Junior Varsity Girls won a Zone 4 Championship, Elm Creek Varsity Boys Volleyball secured the “A” Provincial Championship, and Carman Collegiate student Andrew Wolf earned a silver medal in Precision Shooting at the World Championships with Team Canada.
Looking ahead to the first few months of 2025, the Board of Trustees and Senior Administration will begin establishing the budget and preparing for the 2025-2026 school year.
“This process is a significant undertaking, and I want to express my sincere gratitude to the community members who participated in the Divisional Budget Consultation Sessions,” said Clace. “I am excited for the accomplishments and celebrations that the coming year will bring, and I look forward to continuing to work together to support the success of our students, teachers, and staff.”
