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

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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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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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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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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

Register now!

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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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• December 23, 2025 until January 4, 2026.
• Regular business hours resume on Monday, January 5, 2026.

Support Staff Availability

Our support staff will be available until Tuesday, December 23. Please make sure that you address any urgent matters with them by Monday, December 22. It is highly recommended that you submit your questions well ahead of this date to allow for a timely response. Any questions received after noon on Tuesday, December 23, will be answered when our support staff return to work in the new year.

Teacher Availability

Unless you are notified otherwise, teachers will be available until Friday, December 19. Please make sure that you address any urgent matters with them by Thursday, December 18. It is highly recommended that you submit your questions well ahead of this date to allow for a timely response. Any questions received after noon on Friday, December 19, will be addressed when teachers return to work on Monday, January 5, 2026.

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We’re excited to celebrate International Volunteer Day! It’s a special occasion to recognize the incredible impact that volunteers make in our community and to encourage everyone to discover the joy of giving back.

Volunteering isn’t just about lending a hand—it’s about building connections, learning new skills, and making a difference together. Whether it’s helping at local events, supporting organizations, or simply offering time and kindness, every act of service matters.

This year, we’re especially thrilled to announce that two of our students have shared their personal experience with us!  Their stories remind us that volunteering is not only about helping others—it’s also about growth, gratitude, and finding purpose.

Let’s come together to celebrate the spirit of service, applaud our volunteers, and be inspired by the voices of our students.

Student Spotlight: Rubaiya Rahman – Grade 8

Rubaiya Rahman has been volunteering with the Bangladesh Canada Association of Edmonton (BCAE) for the past two years. Her journey began when she accompanied her mother to volunteer, and she quickly found herself eager to help. From ensuring events run smoothly to assisting wherever needed, Rubaiya takes on a variety of roles with dedication and enthusiasm.

One of her most memorable experiences was working at the Bangladeshi tent during Heritage Week. Not only did she peel through five boxes of mangoes, but she also loved connecting with people from various backgrounds who were curious to learn about Bangladeshi culture. Rubaiya’s commitment and cheerful spirit make her a wonderful ambassador for her community.

Student Spotlight: Racheal Annett – Grade 11

Since July, Racheal Annett has been volunteering with Youth Central, finding meaningful ways to contribute to her community. Initially seeking a productive way to spend her free time, she quickly fell in love with the program’s design and opportunities. Racheal’s roles vary depending on the project, she might help at the Salvation Army by preparing and serving food or support community events with sign-ins and logistics.

Racheal cherishes the friendships and connections she builds through volunteering. Seeing the positive impact of her work, receiving recognition, and witnessing the appreciation of others has boosted her self-esteem and personal growth. She emphasizes that while volunteering may take time, the joy of helping others is truly priceless.

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The most wonderful time of the year is here, and it’s the perfect season to spread some kindness and festive cheer throughout our community! We are thrilled to invite you to participate in our annual Food Bank and Humane Society Drive running from November 14 to December 15, 2025. This crucial drive supports two vital pillars of our community: the local food banks  and the Calgary Humane Society (caring for our furry friends who need love, too!). Every single donation—from canned goods and dry pasta to pet food and toiletries—makes a huge difference and truly embodies the spirit of giving. If you can stop by, we have two drop-off points ready to receive your generous contributions during regular business hours. If you can’t make it to one of our locations, we encourage you to find a nearby food bank at foodbanksalberta.ca/find-a-food-bank/. Let’s make this holiday season bright and bountiful for everyone in our community, two-legged and four-legged alike!

Drop-Off Locations:

• Vista Virtual School Campus: 341 – 58 Ave SE Calgary, open 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM. (for drop-off)

• Barrhead: Pembina Hills School Division, 5310 – 49 Street, open 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM. (for drop-off)

For the Local Food Bank (Non-Perishable Human Foods & Non-Food Essentials)

• Protein: Canned fish (tuna, salmon), canned or dried beans, peanut butter, and dried lentils.

• Grains: Pasta, rice, oatmeal, and whole grain cereals.

• Canned Goods: Canned soups, stews, vegetables, and fruit (canned in juice is preferred).

• Basics: Cooking oil, coffee/tea, sugar, and flour.

• Baby/Toddler Items: Diapers, baby formula, and baby food.

• Hygiene/Non-Food: Toothbrushes/toothpaste, soap, shampoo, feminine hygiene products, and toilet paper.

For the Humane Society (Pet Supplies & Non-Food Essentials)

• Pet Food: Dry and wet food for both dogs and cats (new and unopened bags/cans only).

• Pet Treats: Dog and cat treats.

• Bedding: Clean towels, blankets, and pet beds.

• Litter: Non-clumping cat litter.

• Toys: Durable dog and cat toys (great for enrichment!).

• Cleaning Supplies: Bleach, laundry detergent, and dish soap.

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