The Garden Valley School Division (GVSD) has announced a two-year initiative aimed at fostering stronger connections with homeschool families in its community. The initiative, funded by a provincial grant, seeks to build trust, offer resources, and create pathways for those considering a transition back to traditional schooling.
At an information evening held on December 3, over two dozen attendees gathered to learn more about the program. Katherine Penner, one of the educators involved, emphasized the division’s goal of developing positive relationships with homeschool families, many of whom have traditionally maintained a degree of distance from public schools. “We are trying to develop positive relationships and get our name out there, showing we’re willing to work together,” Penner explained.
Key goals of the initiative
Dan Ward, Superintendent of GVSD, outlined the primary goals of the initiative:
Resource accessibility – providing homeschool families access to division resources such as online courses, part-time schooling options, and community programs.
Support for transitions – assisting students and families in navigating a potential return to traditional schooling, including credit assessments for high school diplomas.
Building trust – creating a bridge between the homeschool community and the division through transparent communication and support.
Ward noted that the Division’s new homeschool engagement coordinators, both experienced educators, will play a vital role. “These two teachers will be the first point of contact for many homeschool families, answering questions about part-time attendance, online learning, and more,” he said. However, he stressed that the coordinators are not responsible for oversight of homeschooling programs, which remains under the provincial office.
Community response
Feedback from the event was positive, with many attendees expressing appreciation for the effort to connect with the homeschool community. Ward highlighted the importance of providing families with information to make informed decisions about their children’s education. “It’s not about encouraging all homeschoolers to return to public school,” he said. “Many families will continue homeschooling through K–12, but we want them to know the door is always open.”
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The initiative also includes outreach efforts to families who may have fallen off the provincial homeschool registry, reminding them of registration requirements and available supports. To date, the division has contacted over 50 families in this capacity.
Looking ahead
GVSD plans to launch a dedicated homeschool engagement page on its website in the coming weeks, providing easy access to information and contact details for the initiative. For now, families can reach out via phone or email to learn more.
“We want the community to know we’re here as a resource,” Ward said. “Whether it’s answering questions about middle school programming, supporting high school transitions, or simply providing guidance, our goal is to be approachable and helpful.”
The event marked a promising start to what the division hopes will be a lasting and meaningful relationship with the homeschool community.
~ With files from Alexander Peters ~