Learning Opportunities
ARES 2026: Resilient Roots, Bold Futures: Partnering for Innovation in Rural Schools
Presented By
Series Sessions
| Date | Time |
|---|---|
| Mar 01, 2026 | 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm |
| Mar 02, 2026 | 8:30 am to 5:00 pm |
| Mar 03, 2026 | 8:30 am to 12:00 pm |
Location
Grade Levels
AllWelcome to the 2026 Alberta Rural Education Symposium, an enriching three-day event taking place from March 1st to March 3rd at the River Cree Casino and Resort. Under the guiding theme of Resilient Roots, Bold Futures: Partnering for Innovation in Rural Schools, our symposium aims to explore the critical facets of governance and leadership within the context of rural education.
Sunday, March 1
5:00 - 6:30 Registration
6:30 – 7:00 Opening Address - Michael Borgfjord
7:00 - 8:45 Evening with the Minister
8:45 – 10:00 Reception with MLAs--No Host Bar
Monday, March 2
7:45 - 8:30 Breakfast and registration
8:30 - 8:45 Opening Address - Michael Borgfjord
8:45 - 10:00 Education that Matters for the Students We Teach - Dr. Kevin Lamoureux
10:00 - 10:15 Coffee & Networking
10:15 - 11:15 Mini-Panel: Truth and Reconciliation, Place Based Learning - sharing discussion - Cal Johnson, Debbie Mineault, Mr. Swampy
11:15 - 12:00 Setting the Stage: System Pressures, Shared Responsibility and Opportunities for Rural Schools - Patrick Rivard
12:00 – 1:00 Lunch
1:00- 2:00 Addressing Complex Needs and Challenges through Community Partnerships - Patrick Rivard
2:00 - 2:30 Table Talk
2:30 - 3:00 Addressing Complex Needs and Challenges through Community Partnerships cont'd - Patrick Rivard
3:00 - 3:30 Division Sharing
3:30 - 4:00 Wrap Up - Patrick Rivard
4:00 - 5:00 Entertainment
Tuesday, March 3
7:45 - 8:30 Breakfast
8:30 - 9:00 Opening Comments - Michael Borgfjord
9:00 - 10:45 Panel: Dual Credits/Collegiate Programming - Kevin Van Lagen, Brennan McDonald and Justin Klaassen
10:45 - 11:00 Coffee and Networking
11:00 - 12:00 System Wellness from a Division Point of View with a Rural Context - Kevin Langer
12:00 - 12:15 Closing Address- Michael Borgfjord
12:15 - 1:00 Lunch
Strengthening Government Relations for Rural School Boards ASBA Conference Extension--1:00 - 3:00 pm
This session will share guidance for rural school boards to build and sustain constructive relationships with government. It will focus on translating local realities to clear advocacy messages that resonate with decision makers and position boards as solution-focused partners.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ATTEND THE ASBA EVENT FOLLOWING LUNCH, PLEASE REGISTER here
Target Audience
Leaders, Administration