Learning Opportunities

Welcome 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 - Steven Langer

12:00 - 12:15  Closing Address- Michael Borgfjord

12:15 - 1:00  Lunch

Target Audience

Leaders, Administration