School News Archive - Vista Virtual School

Staff Preparation Days: August 27 & 28

ambercherneski — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 17:56:41 +0000

VVS – Start up for 2026-2027

Staff Preparation Days: Thursday, August 27 and Friday, August 28

Faculty and staff are currently preparing for the upcoming academic year. Replies to phone messages and email inquiries may be delayed. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

First Student Day: Monday, August 31

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In Memory of Parker

alyssaperry — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 21:05:49 +0000

We are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of 11-year old Parker Wells and the profound loss felt by his family, friends, and the wider community.

On behalf of the Vista Virtual School community, we extend our sincere condolences to all those affected by this heartbreaking loss.

As our flag flies at half-mast over the August long weekend, we stand alongside our community in remembering Parker and holding everyone impacted by this tragedy in our thoughts.

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Register for 2026-2027 Grades 2-9

ambercherneski — Thu, 28 May 2026 17:30:48 +0000

We are excited to announce that registration for the 2026/2027 school year is now open for all current primary students who are going into grades 2-9. To register your student for the upcoming school year, please follow the steps below:

Log in to your existing SchoolEngage parent account.
Find and select this registration form: VVS 26-27 RETURNING Elementary and Junior High Student Registration Form (Grades 1-9)
Complete the registration form to secure your student’s spot.

We are excited to continue supporting your student’s learning journey!

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Pembina Hills Career Fair – May 5

ambercherneski — Mon, 04 May 2026 14:19:50 +0000

Pembina Hills School Division is hosting a Career Fair that is open to the public!

The Career Fair will be held at the Spirit Centre, 9603 100 Street in Westlock.

When: Tuesday, May 5th.
Time: 9:30 to 4:30 P.M.

There will be a scavenger hunt/passport that students can complete to be entered into door prizes at the fair!

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Meet ViVi – Our New Website ChatBot!

alyssaperry — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 14:39:25 +0000

Hello VVS Students,

We are excited to introduce Vivi, our new chatbot on the VVS website!

Vivi is here to help families and students find information quickly and get answers to common questions, especially during our busy periods. Please note that Vivi is designed specifically to answer questions about our school, programs and process. It will not be able to respond to general or unrelated questions.

Vivi is still learning, so we encourage students and families to give it a try and help it get smarter. The more questions about VVS that Vivi receives, the better it becomes at helping everyone navigate the website and find what they need faster.

Since this is a new tool, a little polishing may still be needed. If you notice anything that could be improved, please let us know how it is working!

As a reminder, questions submitted through Vivi may be reviewed by school support staff, and all use should follow our Technology Acceptable Use Policy (AP 80-05) on the Pembina Hills School Division website. Please make sure your messages are appropriate and respectful.

We hope Vivi will make it easier for families to access information and get the answers they need, right when they need them. Give it a try next time you visit the home page of our website!

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Alberta Health Services – Measles Notice

ambercherneski — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 15:03:27 +0000

Alberta Health Services has shared a notice about measles in our communities:

How to stay safe from measles: The best way to keep yourself and your family safe is the measles vaccine. The measles vaccine works very well, is safe and free of charge.

What is Measles? Measles is a very contagious illness. It spreads through the air when someone with measles breathes, talks, coughs, or sneezes. Measles can make people very sick and, in some cases, it can be deadly.

If you or your children have not had the measles vaccine, or if you are not sure about what vaccines you have had, please call Health Link at 811 or your local health unit.

Signs of Measles:

• A fever of 38.3° C or higher
• Cough, runny nose, red eyes, white spots inside your mouth
• A rash that appears 3 to 7 days after fever starts, usually beginning behind the ears and on the face and spreading down to the body and then to the arms and legs. The rash can be very red, brownish-red or purple depending on your skin colour.

If you have any questions, please call Health Link at 811. For the full AHS message to various communities, please visit: https://www.alberta.ca/public-health-advisories

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Division – A Message of Support for the Tumbler Ridge School Community

ambercherneski — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 15:19:46 +0000

A message shared from the Pembina Hills School Division:

We are deeply saddened by the tragic act of violence that occurred at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia, resulting in the unimaginable and heartbreaking loss of life.On behalf of our Board of Trustees and entire school division, we extend our sincere condolences to the families, students, staff, and broader community affected by this unimaginable tragedy.We stand alongside our colleagues in British Columbia, holding their school community in our thoughts as they navigate the days and weeks ahead.

Vista Virtual School joins our community in mourning. As our flag flies at half-mast, we extend our sincerest sympathies to all those touched by this tragedy.

https://www.pembinahills.ca/our-division/news/a-message-of-support-for-the-tumbler-ridge-school-community/

If you or anyone you know needs help – mental health resources.

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Digital Marketing CTS course Semester 2

ambercherneski — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 16:00:01 +0000

Do you want to explore the world of business and marketing? Are you curious about growing a business online? If so, then you should consider enrolling in E-Commerce 1, which we are offering in collaboration with Jelly Academy.

This course is your go-to guide for all things digital marketing and is open to high school students. Discover why it is important to have a digital marketing strategy and learn how to identify your ideal buyers. You will also gain an understanding of how to determine the most effective ways to reach your target audience and set SMART marketing goals. It is all here – the essential knowledge for taking your business to the next level!

But that is not all! When you complete this course, you will earn two CTS credits and be awarded a Jelly Academy Digital and PR Certificate. This certificate is proof that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the world of e-commerce.

Kindly note that a $200 refundable deposit is required for this course. The deposit will be returned upon successful completion of the course. The last day to register is February 18, 2026. If you are interested in registering for E-Commerce 1 for the semester 2, be sure to request this course when you fill out your registration form. If you have any questions about this course, please contact vvsupport@pembinahills.ca

Course Dates: March 2nd to June 1st, 2026

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Schulich Leadership Scholarship – Nominations

ambercherneski — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 16:00:05 +0000

The Schulich Leader Scholarship is open to one graduating high school student per school who plans to enroll in a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) program at one of the program’s partner universities, which include the University of Alberta and the University of Calgary.

Candidates are assessed based on academic achievement, demonstrated capacity for leadership, creativity, and entrepreneurial mindedness, and interest in careers related to technology, engineering, business enterprise, or applied science. Strong consideration is given to students with financial need.

Scholarships Available
One of 50 Engineering Scholarships valued at $120,000 each or one of 50 science, technology, or math scholarships valued at $100,000 each.

How to Be Nominated
To be considered for one of these scholarships, you must be nominated by a teacher or academic counsellor. If you believe you should be nominated, please e-mail our principal at steven.kaplan@pembinahills.ca before January 28, 2026.

Submitting an Application
If you are selected as the ONE nominee for Vista Virtual School, then you will be required to submit an application by February 18, 2026. Applicants must provide the following information:

Contact information for two referees who will upload reference letters in support of the nomination
The universities you wish to attend
Your top three achievements (academic or other) – 50 words maximum per achievement
Essay demonstrating why you should win – 600 words maximum
Optional essay to outline extenuating circumstances – 250 words maximum
Short answer to identify where you see yourself in 10 years – 50 words maximum
Copy of up-to-date transcript, credit counsel summary, or detailed academic report
Headshot profile image for publicity

When Is A Winner Chosen?
Winners will be confirmed between March 7 and June 15, 2026.

Learn more about Schulich Leadership Scholarships here.

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Letter to Parents/Guardians – Alberta Chief Medical Officer of Health

ambercherneski — Fri, 19 Dec 2025 18:59:54 +0000

The Alberta Chief Medical Officer of Health has released a letter for parents/guardians regarding influenza immunization.

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