The low drop out rate for students in Rocky View School (RVS) and the above average high school completion rates continue to be a strong point for the division, according to the 2013/14 Annual Education Results Report (AERR) reviewed at the Dec. 4 RVS board of trustees meeting.
“The annual drop out rate for (RVS) students age 14 to 18 is half that of the province,” RVS Superintendent of School Don Hoium told the trustees, adding the high school completion rate for RVS students is almost 10 per cent greater than the provincial average. As reported in the Nov. 13 edition of the Airdrie City View, the RVS high school completion rate was 84.7 per cent, compared to 74.9 for the province. The drop out rate for RVS was two per cent, whereas the provincial average was 3.3 per cent. However, the RVS drop out rate has increased from 1.6 per cent in 2012/13.
Also reported in the Nov. 13 edition of the Airdrie City View, Hoium said since 2009 the Division has seen trends of increasing student satisfaction, while parental and staff satisfaction remains strong and within one to three per cent of the previous year.
However, all but one of the AERR Accountability Pillars for RVS goals, which are based on results of the satisfaction survey, have decreased with eight of 15 indicating a “significant decline.” The area with the greatest decline was “learners demonstrate global stewardship,” which was down 2.4 per cent to 86.4 per cent.
RVS’ Alberta Education Pillar Summary indicates 2.4 per cent more RVS students are achieving an “acceptable” diploma mark compared to the provincial average. RVS students achieving an “excellence” diploma mark is 1.6 per cent below the provincial average but has increased 0.5 per cent from 2012/13. “We do have areas, as does every division, to focus on,” said Trustee Sylvia Eggerer, adding there are also areas to celebrate. “We can’t just stop … we need to keep working at (the lower ranked) areas.” The AERR was unanimously accepted as information and is available on the RVS website, rockyview.ab.ca
Philanthropic achievement
As reported in the Nov. 20 edition of Airdrie City View, George McDougall High School was selected by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Calgary and Area Chapter as winner of the 2014 Generosity of Spirit Award for Outstanding Philanthropic Group in recognition of the school’s fund-raising efforts. The Board took time out of the Dec. 4 meeting to recognize this achievement and presented the school with a banner commemorating the achievement.
The Board commended the annual Ride of the Mustangs in support of the Alberta Children’s Hospital and kids who are fighting cancer, which has raised more than $420,000 in four-year history.
