<h3>Medicine Hat Regional Airport is one of the fastest growing in Canada by air traffic activity this quarter</h3><p><i>Reporter: Edi Ridder: CBC News · Posted: Dec 13, 2025 6:00 AM MST&nbsp;</i></p><p>Read the CBC online story here: <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/medicine-hat-airport-surge-9.7010534">Flight academy boosts Medicine Hat airport traffic | CBC News</a></p><p>Watch the CBC news video story here: <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/video/9.7016953">Medicine Hat airport sees boost in air traffic thanks to flight academy | CBC.ca</a></p><p>------------</p><p>Claire Courty is one of more than 50 high school students contributing to a surge in activity at the regional airport in Medicine Hat, Alta.</p><p>The 17-year-old says she has taken to the sky over southeast Alberta at least 20 times since the start of the year thanks to Prairie Rose public division’s flight school.</p><p>A partnership launched six years ago between the Dave Rozdeba South Alberta Flight Academy and Super T Aviation allows Courty and her peers to acquire their private pilot's licence along with their high school diploma.</p><p>That training, according to airport manager Logan Boyd, is a key contributor in positioning Medicine Hat Regional Airport as one of the fastest growing in Canada by air traffic activity this quarter.</p><p>The year-to-date number of takeoffs and landings on the Medicine Hat runway is 48 per cent higher compared to the 12 months prior, according to <a href="https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/71-607-x/71-607-x2024007-eng.htm">Statistics Canada figures</a>.&nbsp;</p><p>Records show there were 28,263 movements at Medicine Hat’s airport, up from 19,097 the previous year.</p><p>The high school academy is responsible for roughly a third of those movements, or about 4,700 flights, according to Super T Aviation director Doug Little.</p><p>And he said that's been steadily increasing.</p><p>Little added he expects the airport to fly past 30,000 movements during the next year due to more training opportunities, including with the flight academy.</p><p>Boyd also credited the increased activity to HALO Air Ambulance, an emergency response service based at the airport that flies a pair of helicopters across southeast Alberta, and fixed-wing patient transfer service CanWest Air.</p><h2>‘A lot of adrenaline’</h2><p>Courty, who is halfway through Grade 12, had her opening “discovery flight” in September 2023.&nbsp;A few months later, she took over the controls for the first time.&nbsp;</p><p>“It was really exciting. It was a lot of adrenaline,” Courty told CBC News from inside a workshop by the airport where students in her program are building a small plane.</p><p>The flight students spend a large part of their week at Prairie Rose’s new building by the airport, when they aren’t at their high school studying with everyone else.&nbsp;</p><p>Courty is on a fast track to become a commercial pilot, helped along by the academy she’ll graduate from next spring.&nbsp;That puts her ahead of many potential competitors for the price of $15,000 — half the cost of typical flight schools.&nbsp;</p><p>When it was first launched in 2019, the academy had only 11 students. That number has skyrocketed over the past few years to 51 in 2025.</p><p>Reagan Weeks, superintendent of Prairie Rose Public Schools, said students learn skills that can be used across the industry.</p><p>“That includes leadership, public speaking, chances to have mock interviews — that they're able to be successful candidates when out seeking employment,” said Weeks, who was key in developing the program.</p><p>“Also, once you have the confidence of being able to fly an airplane, you begin to develop that sense that, ‘Wow, if I put my mind to anything, I might be able to accomplish it.’”</p><p>She said a member of the inaugural academy class who graduated in 2021 was recently hired to be a commercial pilot for WestJet — a first for the academy.</p><h2>'Grow the sector'</h2><p>The boost in activity is welcome for an airport that has yet to return to the number of passengers it received prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.</p><p>There were approximately 33,000 passengers at YXH last year, according to the <a href="https://www.medicinehat.ca/media/vrrjlr1c/city-of-medicine-hat-annual-report-2024_online.pdf">City of Medicine Hat's 2024 annual report</a>, far below the airport's <a href="https://medicinehatnews.com/life/local-life/2024/08/15/municipal-matters-increasing-air-service-in-cities-like-medicine-hat-what-does-it-take/">pre-pandemic peak of about 75,000 in 2019</a>.</p><p>The airport offers one flight between Medicine Hat and Calgary daily through WestJet's Encore service, a far cry from the multiple carriers and several flights a day before the pandemic.</p><p>“The more activity we can show out here ... is only going to grow the sector and attract investment," said Boyd.</p><p>Premier Danielle Smith has <a href="https://medicinehatnews.com/news/local-news/2024/05/03/smith-eyes-incentives-to-entice-airlines-to-regional-airports/">previously said</a> building up regional and rural airports is an important part of <a href="https://chatnewstoday.ca/2024/05/02/alberta-premier-says-medicine-hat-has-potential-to-be-a-technology-hub/">Alberta’s transportation strategy</a>.&nbsp;</p><p>In 2024, her United Conservative government <a href="https://chatnewstoday.ca/2024/06/04/medicine-hat-saves-cash-on-airport-master-plan-after-alberta-grants/">provided Medicine Hat’s airport with $275,000</a> in grants to fund an ongoing master plan that could determine future expansion.</p><p>Selena McLean-Moore, director of Medicine Hat's economic development team, described the flight academy as “a significant economic enabler” for the region.</p><p>“Through the training, they are able to support a pipeline of workforce that could impact our defence and aerospace industry in southeast Alberta,” she said.</p>

<figure class="media"><oembed url="https://vimeo.com/1147142802?share=copy&amp;fl=sv&amp;fe=ci"></oembed></figure><p>Angie Angle, formerly a teacher at Burdett School, has been recognized as a 2025 recipient of the Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence in STEM. The national award honours educators who demonstrate outstanding teaching practices in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics while inspiring student curiosity and engagement.</p><p>Angle, who taught science and math at Burdett School, has always emphasized hands-on learning and inquiry-based exploration. Her classroom projects combine experiments, engineering challenges, and problem-solving activities to give students the opportunity to see how STEM connects to everyday life.</p><p>“STEM really allows students to connect with material and learn more than they think they are when they are doing something fun and hands-on,” said Angle. “I want my students to always be curious. Asking questions, exploring ideas, and finding solutions is the heart of learning.” She encourages students to test hypotheses, experiment with materials and technology, and collaborate with one another to solve problems, helping them build confidence and critical thinking skills.</p><p>Scott Raible, who nominated Angle for the award, highlighted the impact of her passion on students. “That excitement transferred to her students, who also then got excited about math and science,” said Raible. “To see junior high students eager to share their learning is something truly special. Angie is a role model who inspires curiosity and a love of learning that extends far beyond the classroom.”</p><p>Angle also taught science through virtual learning for high school students, where she found strong engagement in the online environment. That success transitioned her into her current role with South Alberta High School, where she teaches and facilitates online science courses and values the accessibility of online learning. Her approach ensures that students who may not have access to hands-on STEM experiences in their local schools can still engage meaningfully with the material.</p><p>Through her teaching, Angle hopes students carry the same sense of curiosity, collaboration, and confidence they develop in her classroom into all of their future learning experiences. “I hope that my students will take that through not only into their high school careers, but also into their adult lives and pursue a lifelong learning journey,” said Angle. “STEM is not just about science and math. It’s about exploring the world, asking questions, and knowing you have the tools to find answers.</p>

<p>Additional information can be found in the December 9, 2025, Board Meeting Agenda package: <a href="https://www.myprps.com/news/december-9-2025-public-board-meeting-20251208183544">https://www.myprps.com/news/december-9-2025-public-board-meeting-20251208183544</a></p><p>------</p><p><strong>Prairie Mennonite School Presentation</strong></p><p>Trustees heard a presentation from Principal Simon Moreton highlighting the work of Prairie Mennonite School, which serves students from kindergarten through Grade 9. Trustees learned about how the school builds student leadership and school spirit through a house system, supports learning through literacy focused programming, and offers hands-on learning opportunities. The presentation highlighted strong family and community involvement, including parent-led hot lunch programs, student leadership opportunities, community service initiatives, and school wide events that regularly draw strong family participation.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Operations and Maintenance Report</strong></p><p>Director of Facilities Darrell Drefs presented the annual Operations and Maintenance report. Trustees were informed that more than 3,700 maintenance work orders were completed across the division during the past year. Infrastructure Maintenance and Renewal and Capital Maintenance and Renewal projects continue to be prioritized based on greatest need, with a significant portion of funding directed toward roofing and mechanical systems. Updates were shared on completed and upcoming projects, including parking lot upgrades, roof replacement work, mechanical upgrades, and classroom improvements. Trustees were also updated on site preparation for the future Parkside School project in Redcliff and on value scoping work underway in Oyen to review long term facility options.</p><p><strong>PAT and Diploma Results</strong></p><p>Trustees reviewed the Provincial Achievement Test and Diploma Examination results for the 2024-2025 school year. It was noted that curriculum changes affected the number of Grade 6 students writing Provincial Achievement Tests and that results were released later than usual due to labour action. Participation rates for Prairie Rose students remained higher than the provincial average. Trustees also noted an increase in diploma writers, largely connected to additional testing at South Alberta High School, which impacted overall results. Division leadership shared that strategies within the new education plan are focused on improving outcomes through curriculum alignment and consistent instructional practices.</p><p><strong>Annual Education Results Report</strong></p><p>Superintendent Reagan Weeks presented the Annual Education Results Report, which outlines student achievement, learning supports, and division priorities within Alberta’s Assurance Framework. Trustees noted a significant increase in student enrollment across Prairie Rose, which continues to inform planning and resource decisions. The report highlighted areas of progress, including student engagement, strong participation rates in provincial assessments, and high school completion rates. The results reflect Prairie Rose’s ongoing focus on igniting minds through strong instruction, kindling hearts through student supports, and forging futures through successful transitions and completion. Results from both provincial measures and local data are used to identify strengths and areas for continued focus, guiding instructional priorities and division planning for the year ahead.</p><p><strong>Executive Report</strong></p><ul><li>Trustees congratulated PRPS teacher Angie Angle on receiving the Prime Minister’s Award.</li><li>Class size and complexity data from PRPS was submitted to Alberta Education by the November 24, 2025, deadline. The data was requested by the province following labour action by the Alberta Teachers’ Association and included student numbers, staff roles, aggression incidents, and diverse learner numbers. PRPS will also be reviewing the numbers internally to determine where additional support or changes can be made to better support students and teachers.</li></ul><p><strong>Commendations</strong></p><ul><li>Trustees thanked the I.F. Cox School choir for performing Christmas carols for the Board prior to the meeting. Watch the video here: <a href="https://vimeo.com/1145338381">https://vimeo.com/1145338381</a></li><li>Appreciation was extended to staff for meeting Alberta Education complexity reporting timelines.</li><li>Trustees recognized Prairie Rose staff for their work in organizing family events, concerts, and community fundraising initiatives.</li><li>Trustees thanked the Community Foundation for providing grants that continue to support Prairie Rose schools and students.</li></ul><p><strong>Other Items:</strong></p><ul><li>Trustees received an update on supports for students with complex needs. A division committee has been established that includes principals and instructional and learning team members to help address complex and aggressive behaviours. The committee is focused on improving coordination, sharing strategies, and supporting schools in managing challenging situations.</li><li>There were no reports from the Alberta School Boards Association, the Public School Boards Association of Alberta, or the Rural Caucus.</li></ul>

<p>The next Prairie Rose Public Schools board meeting will take place on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at the PRPS Division Office in Dunmore <strong>starting at 12:45 p.m.&nbsp;</strong></p><p>Board Meeting Agenda Package: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kRYgLh3RaPJ4vCY0C9aOH9thM0aWDwIx/view?usp=drive_link">https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kRYgLh3RaPJ4vCY0C9aOH9thM0aWDwIx/view?usp=drive_link</a></p>

<p>Additional information can be found in the November 25, 2025, Board Meeting Agenda package: <a href="https://www.myprps.com/news/november-25-2025-public-board-meeting-20251124160216">https://www.myprps.com/news/november-25-2025-public-board-meeting-20251124160216</a></p><p>------</p><p><strong>Executive Report</strong></p><p><i>Yuill School of Agriculture:&nbsp;</i>Assistant Superintendent Boyd Craven shared that the extended mild fall weather has allowed work to begin on preparing the land for the new Yuill School of Agriculture building. He also noted that discussions are underway with Medicine Hat College and SAIT to develop dual credit opportunities connected to the new high school agriculture program.</p><p><strong>2024-2025 Audited Financial Statement Approval</strong></p><p>The Board reviewed and approved the audited financial statements for the 2024-2025 school year, which show that the division remains in a strong and stable financial position. The audit, completed by MNP LLP, provided a clean opinion, confirming that the statements are accurate and follow all required public sector accounting standards. Total revenues for the year reached $63.44 million, with increases in provincial funding, school fees, and community donations.</p><p>Expenses for the year totaled $62.86 million, reflecting the full cost of operating schools across the division. Most of these dollars supported classroom learning, with $45.59 million spent on instruction from early childhood through Grade 12. Student transportation, which ensures students can travel safely to and from school each day, totaled $7.63 million. Another $7.21 million was used for operations and maintenance to keep school buildings running. System administration accounted for $2.36 million, and $77,096 supported external services.</p><p>The division ended the year with an annual surplus of $580,624, helping strengthen overall financial stability. Cash balances across the division and schools increased to $10.78 million, and total capital assets reached $48.2 million, reflecting continued investment in buildings, equipment, and learning environments.</p><p>Overall, the audit confirms that Prairie Rose is financially responsible, stable, and well positioned to continue supporting students, staff, and schools.</p><p><strong>Redcliff Building Name Change and New School Code</strong></p><p>The board approved a new school name and requested a new school code for the CASA Mental Health Program launching in February 2026. The classroom will be located in the Redcliff Mennonite Alternative Program building, which will be renamed The Link as part of the new CASA program.</p><p><strong>Other Items:</strong></p><ul><li>Trustees provided a brief update on their attendance at the recent Public School Boards Association and Alberta School Boards Association meetings. The events included professional development sessions, a fireside conversation with the Minister of Education, and elections for provincial committees. Trustees appreciated the opportunity to connect with colleagues and bring relevant insights back to support division work.</li></ul>