Assalamu Alaikum Parents and Guardians, We are excited to invite you with your family and friends to an unforgettable experience at OBK Campus! Our students will take the stage to present “Living the Prophetic Way”, a powerful and inspiring play that brings the prophetic way of living to life. We can’t wait to see you all there for this inspiring evening! Jazakum Allahu Khairan,

The CIS Omar Bin Al Khattab school community is thrilled to announce that Mohamed Ahmidatou, a grade 8T student, has memorized the Holy Quran. Congratulations, Mohamed Ahmidatou, on this extraordinary achievement. Heartfelt congratulations to his parents and teachers for their invaluable support. May this accomplishment inspire others and bring blessings to all involved, Aameen.

<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>

<p>The next Prairie Rose Public Schools board meeting will take place on Tuesday, November 25, 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/1md6XaqFChEF_SsZ-FgsQ1dNRYtBVsY-n/view?usp=drive_link">https://drive.google.com/file/d/1md6XaqFChEF_SsZ-FgsQ1dNRYtBVsY-n/view?usp=drive_link</a></p>

Islamic Book Fair – November 24–28, 2025 We are excited to welcome families to our Islamic Book Fair taking place from November 24–28 in the school library (tower basement). This is a wonderful opportunity for students and parents to explore and purchase high-quality Islamic books from a variety of trusted vendors. The fair is open to the public, so feel free to invite families and friends. We look forward to seeing you there and supporting a love of reading in our students!

An after school Martial Arts Program for Grades 1–9 girls and boys, starting November 17! This program is a collaborative venture between OBK School and MBK Academy. Don’t miss this amazing opportunity for your child to build strength, focus, and self-defense skills — all at a very feasible fee! Program begins: November 17. More details on the poster below

<p><i>Credit: George Lee, The Macleod Gazette, Local Journalism Initiative</i><br><i>Published: November 2, 2025</i></p><p>A multi-billion-dollar Alberta industry with rural roots – literally and figuratively – will reap the benefits of a new educational champion in Cypress county, the legislature heard last week.</p><p>The Yuill School of Agriculture will give high school students “the knowledge, skills and hands-on training they need to thrive in one of Alberta’s most cherished and essential industries,” Justin Wright said.</p><p>The collegiate school’s development “marks a significant milestone for public education and opportunity in southeastern Alberta,” said Wright, the UCP member for Cypress-Medicine Hat and the parliamentary secretary for rural health, south.</p><p>Construction is set to start next spring on 76 acres of land just southeast of Medicine Hat on the south side of the Trans-Canada Highway. Opening of the school is slated for the fall of 2027.</p><p>A Prairie Rose Public Schools news release says the school for grades 10-12 “marks an important step forward in advancing agricultural education and workforce development in Alberta, combining industry partnerships, community collaboration and innovative learning opportunities for students.”</p><p>Support from the Alberta government includes $725,000 towards start-up expenses. The Yuill Family Foundation donated land worth about $1 million and $600,000 towards construction. In partnership with Neubauer Farms, Prairie Rose will operate the school.</p><p>Students will be able to earn certifications, complete dual-credit courses and gain practical experience in crop and livestock management, agri-business, greenhouse operations, agricultural technology and other areas of the industry, says the school division release.&nbsp;</p><p>Neubauer Farms and the school division will work together on the school’s design and curriculum “to balance academic learning with industry-relevant experience.”</p><p>Wright told the legislature: “Agriculture is more than just an industry in Alberta. It’s the heart and soul of our province. It’s where our values, culture and entrepreneurial spirit were born. It’s a force that has shaped the resilient and tight-knit communities we proudly call home.”</p><p>He continued: “With the creation of the Yuill School of Agriculture, we’re investing in future generations who will carry forward Alberta’s proud legacy of agriculture.”</p><p>The Yuill family has a storied history in and beyond Medicine Hat, going back to the development of the clay pottery industry in the earlier 1900s. The establishment of CHAT-AM and CHAT-TV in the 1940s and 1950s foreshadowed the Yuills’ advancement of cable broadcasting.</p><p>The family is also big in sports franchise ownership and league development, including the ownership of the Medicine Hat A’s, a farm team of the Oakland A’s. It became the Medicine Hat Blue Jays and operated for 25 seasons as an affiliate of the (not this year) World Series-winning Toronto Blue Jays.</p><p>Since its founding in 2007, the Yuill Family Foundation has put more than $9 million worth of philanthropy towards capital projects and programs.</p><p>For new collegiate schools, Alberta’s 2025 budget included $22 million in start-up funding over three years and $43 million in capital supports.</p><p>The province’s website says that collegiate schools “bring together students with similar interests to benefit from enriched programming, specialized facilities and enhanced learning opportunities through a unique delivery model.”</p><p>Collegiate schools provide “a clear pathway” into post-secondary education and careers in students’ chosen fields, the site says. Eligible are public and accredited private schools that meet program criteria.</p><p>Agriculture and the agri-food industry contributed about &nbsp;$10.3 billion to Alberta’s GDP in 2023 and employed more than 83,000 people, published sources say.</p><p>Wright concluded: “The is more than just a school. It’s a promise to our youth, our province, and our future.”</p>

CIS-OBK Heritage Day, Oct. 31, 2025 Our celebration began with a beautiful assembly where our Shoyookh recited Quranic verses and reminded us that no one is superior by race or culture—only by Taqwa (righteousness). Students and staff proudly wore traditional attire, shared delicious foods from around the world, and learned about each others’ cultures and traditions. A day to strengthen our unity as a one Ummah and celebrate our diversified cultures and traditions.

<p>The Prairie Rose Public Schools Board of Trustees held its annual Organizational Meeting, where trustees selected the Board Chair and Vice Chair for the upcoming year. During the meeting, all members of the Board were sworn into their new or returning positions by the Returning Officer. The Organizational Meeting was followed by a Special Board Meeting to address current division matters and upcoming priorities.</p><p>Link to the Organizational Meeting Agenda: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FWss0nGIzM2a1vw2hxFsfHYYuIJrwR35/view?usp=drive_link">https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FWss0nGIzM2a1vw2hxFsfHYYuIJrwR35/view?usp=drive_link</a></p><p>-----</p><h3><strong>Organizational Meeting</strong></h3><p>Each fall the board of trustees elects a new or returning board chair, vice-chair and other key board representative positions. In addition to their regular duties, the following trustees will represent and attend events on behalf of Prairie Rose Public Schools during the 2025-2026 year:</p><p>✔️ Patty Rooks, Board Chair<br>✔️ Pam Cursons, Vice-Chair<br>✔️ Representative for the Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) - Pam Cursons<br>✔️ ASBA Alternate - Nancy Haraga<br>✔️ Representative for the Public School Boards Association (PSBA) - Janel Vossler<br>✔️ PSBAA Alternate - Graeme Dennis<br>✔️ Teachers Employer Bargaining Association (TEBA) - Pam Cursons<br>✔️ Representative on the Rural Caucus of Alberta - Patty Rooks</p><h3><strong>Special Board Meeting</strong></h3><p><strong>PRPS Division Calendar</strong></p><p>The Prairie Rose Public Schools Board of Trustees approved modifications to the 2025-2026 school year calendar, changing the two November professional development days (November 7 and November 10) to instructional days for students. Trustees expressed that boards have not yet been advised whether there will be any adjustments or accommodations to student assessments as a result of the strike. It was noted that recovering some of the lost instructional time is particularly important at the high school level, where schools operate on semesters. The Board approved the changes with the understanding that further adjustments may be made once additional information is provided by Alberta Education. <a href="https://www.myprps.com/calendar">www.myprps.com/calendar</a></p>

<p><strong>Subject: Return to Classes – October 29, 2025</strong></p><p>Good afternoon PRPS families,</p><p>Prairie Rose Public Schools is sharing an important update regarding the return to classes following recent labour action. Students will return to class on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, and school buses will be running on their regular schedules.</p><p><strong>School Calendar Adjustments</strong><br>To help recover instructional time lost during the labour disruption, the Board of Trustees has approved adjustments to the school calendar. The two previously scheduled SI/PD Days on November 7 and November 10 will now become regular in-class learning days for students. Remembrance Day (November 11) will remain a statutory holiday, and schools will be closed on that day.</p><p>We understand that some parents and guardians may have already made plans for these dates. We appreciate your flexibility and understanding as we work to support students in re-establishing routines and regaining valuable learning time. If your child is unable to attend on these added instructional days, please contact your school directly.</p><p><strong>Fees, Assessments, Activities, Events, etc.</strong><br>We know parents will have questions related to several non-instructional related items, including fees that have been paid, grades and exam accommodations, extracurricular activities, cancelled events, etc. While we do not currently have all the answers, we will be working closely with school staff to review each situation and determine the best path forward. As more information becomes available, updates will be shared with impacted families.</p><p><strong>Next Steps</strong><br>The past month has not been easy for our staff, students, or families. We want to sincerely thank everyone for their patience, cooperation, and support during this time. As operations resume, we ask for continued compassion and understanding—recognizing that not everyone will return with the same feelings or experiences.</p><p>Our shared priority remains clear: helping students get back on track, re-engaged with their learning, and reconnected with their peers and school communities.</p><p>Thank you for your partnership and understanding as we return to regular school operations.</p><p>Sincerely,</p><p>Patty Rooks<br>Board Chair, Prairie Rose Public Schools</p><p>Reagan Weeks<br>Superintendent, Prairie Rose Public Schools</p>

<p>The next Prairie Rose Public Schools board meeting will take place on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at the PRPS Division Office in Dunmore <strong>starting at 10:00 a.m.&nbsp;</strong></p><p>Board Meeting Agenda Package: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/13tAhNvkeBwe6pkPs_l1UJfHcInc01IbK/view?usp=drive_link">https://drive.google.com/file/d/13tAhNvkeBwe6pkPs_l1UJfHcInc01IbK/view?usp=drive_link</a></p>

Truth and Reconciliation Week & Orange Shirt Day This past week, our school community commemorated the Truth and Reconciliation Week and today we marked the Orange Shirt Day. Staff and students proudly wore orange shirts to show solidarity with Indigenous peoples and to affirm that “Every Child Matters.” As Muslims, we stand committed to justice, learning, and working alongside all other communities including the FNMI in the spirit of respect, healing, and reconciliation. Today and every day, we promise to keep the conversation alive, to preach for the truth, and to build a future rooted in recognition and unity.

<p>The next Prairie Rose Public Schools board meeting will take place on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at the PRPS Division Office in Dunmore starting at 12:45 p.m.&nbsp;</p><p>Board Meeting Agenda Package: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OH02srd4nDhhJgUaNHitZSuWp9USYwtu/view?usp=drive_link">https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OH02srd4nDhhJgUaNHitZSuWp9USYwtu/view?usp=drive_link</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p>

The 2025–2026 school year is off to an excellent start! A heartfelt thank you to our fantastic staff and parents for making this day possible. Students returned with joy and excitement this morning. Here are a few glimpses from our first day together.

Welcome Back! Assalaam Alaikum Respected Parents & Guardians, We look forward to welcoming you and your kids tomorrow, Insh'Allah. Below are some important details regarding the new school year, 2025–2026. All KG to Grade 9 students are expected to be back tomorrow, Tuesday, September 2nd, with classes beginning promptly at 7:45 AM. Please note that there will be no morning assembly, so students will head directly to their classrooms upon arrival. The school time this year is 07:45 am until 03:05 pm (12:30 pm on Mondays). KG AM finishes at 11:15 am & KG PM starts at 11:35 am. All students must be picked by 03:20 pm (12:40 on Mondays) as no supervision will be provided after then. You may order school supplies through https://schoolstart.ca (select CIS - OBK) or purchase items individually using the 2025–2026 Supply List (available at the school office). School uniforms are available for purchase from Elegance Design (www.elegantinc.ca). School contacts: Website: www.obk.myprps.com General inquiries: info.obk@prrd8.ca Phone Number: (587) 353 8900 Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/cis.obk/ If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our school office. We’re here to support you every step of the way and are looking forward to a successful year ahead! OBK School Administration

<p><strong>Dunmore, AB</strong> - At a special public meeting held on August 25, 2025, the Prairie Rose Public Schools (PRPS) Board of Trustees approved wage and benefit increases for non-unionized support staff and bus drivers, effective September 1, 2025.</p><p>The Board motions included the following:</p><ul><li>A 6% wage increase for non-unionized support staff.</li><li>A 3% wage increase for PRPS bus drivers.</li><li>An increase of $75 to the Health/Wellness Spending Account for non-unionized support staff.</li><li>A directive for administration to undertake a market wage grid review for non-unionized support staff to ensure wages remain comparable within the education sector.</li></ul><p>“The Board of Trustees recognizes the essential work of our support staff, whose contributions directly impact the success of our students,” says PRPS Board Chair Lois Bedwell. “Our decision reflects the importance of providing fair compensation, but also the need to remain competitive with other school divisions across Alberta. Attracting talent to work in our jurisdiction is a priority to ensure we have thriving and supported school environments.”</p><p>In addition to providing compensation for staff, PRPS has also prioritized support for students in classrooms. From 2022 to 2025, allocations for student support in schools increased from $2 million to nearly $3 million dollars. This number includes 114 Educational Assistants who work directly with students. Other added PRPS student directed supports include:</p><ul><li>Students who meet criteria for a severe behavioral code have one to one support.</li><li>Students with a severe medical code have at minimum 2:1 support.</li><li>A Resilience Strategist has been added to work with our most complex students and their families.</li><li>A designated Student Support Advocate works directly with students and families facing barriers to attendance.</li><li>The Student Wellness Counsellor (formerly FSLW) team has been increased by 0.2 FTE.</li><li>Occupational Therapy contracted hours have been doubled.</li><li>PRPS has partnered with the PALIX foundation to foster positive childhood experiences in our schools for all students using models such as the Brain Story and the Resilience Scale.</li></ul><p>These investments reflect the division’s commitment to ensuring students receive the support they need, while also highlighting the importance of retaining and attracting skilled staff through fair and competitive compensation. The approved support staff increases were built into the previously&nbsp;<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AC5yd1a6o7OFh__kythL8r0MuO7DzCLw/view">approved 2025–2026 operating budget</a>, which remains balanced. The decision also responds to the reality of rising costs of living in southeast Alberta and across the province, and aligns with compensation trends for education support staff in other Alberta school divisions.</p><p>For media inquiries:</p><p>Angela Baron<br>PRPS Director of Communications<br>403-527-5516 ext. 2319<br><i>communications@prrd8.ca</i></p>

Admissions for the 2025-2026 We are pleased to announce that admissions for new students (Kindergarten through Grade 9) for the 2025-2026 academic year are now officially open and we are still accepting applications! We invite you to become part of our vibrant learning community. To start the application process and discover everything our school has to offer, please follow the link below. ➡️ Start Your Application Here https://obk.myprps.com/admission-registration The portal contains the application form, a list of required documents, important deadlines, and more. We encourage you to apply early as spaces are limited. We look forward to receiving your application and welcoming your family to our school. Contact the Admissions Officer: amberlynnsauve@prrd8.ca

<p>As-Salamu 'Alaykum Dear Parents/ Guardians.<br><br>We warmly welcome all new and returning families to the Calgary Islamic School community. As part of the onboarding process with Prairie Rose Public Schools, it is essential that all parents complete the new student registration form via our PowerSchool system no later than Wednesday, July 23rd, 2025.</p><p>With the transition from Palliser to Prairie Rose, we are required to re-collect all student and family information. This ensures proper account creation, timetable setup, and allocation of services for each student, Insha'Allah.</p><p>Calgary Islamic New Student / Returning Student Registration Notes</p><ol><li>It is very important that we have the new student forms completed for all OBK and AJ students who are attending school this fall as soon as possible.&nbsp;<strong>Please note Returning students are considered “New Students” as well.&nbsp;</strong>The registration process is fully digital; no paper forms are used.</li></ol><p><img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXcXhUSOTKqwroHAuSRiZ1GFN6JTJgk_QlqlADUPyuB8zIfM1Jg_tgSZ_iBfOTe1PjSJSa05vRtVMWFJY1ePkMuBOUht2MTD1JUoFwfnZLME-5X5FTeyNa57GD5toZ1E2NuC6IZH5A?key=ro10Y7tR89o7GqldkrTivA"></p><ol><li>With the transition from Palliser to Prairie Rose, all student and family information will need to be re-collected in order to create accounts, set timetables, allocate services for students, etc.&nbsp;</li><li>There are no paper forms. Families can create one main School Enrollment account to complete the forms for each child.&nbsp;</li><li>The form will request proof of identification/citizenship and any custody documentation. Kindly have these documents ready to upload at the time of registration. While it is preferable to upload them during submission, they may also be provided to the school afterward.</li></ol><p>Please complete the registration form here:&nbsp;<a href="https://registration.ca.powerschool.com/family/gosnap.aspx?action=100001054&amp;culture=en">https://registration.ca.powerschool.com/family/gosnap.aspx?action=100001054&amp;culture=en</a></p><p>Helpful Hints:</p><ol><li>If you are a parent of an AJ student who enrolled with Coulee Collegiate or South Alberta High School this spring for summer school (Chrome Academy), you will already have created a PowerSchool Enrollment account. Use the same email and password to complete the form for New Calgary Islamic School Registration form. Do not make a second account to complete the registration.</li><li>If you are registering more than one student, the form will provide you with a link to complete a second form at the end of the first registration.</li><li>If you have any issues completing the form, please contact Amberlynn Sauve at Prairie Rose Public Schools &nbsp;(amberlynnsauve@prrd8.ca).</li></ol><p>Next steps for after completing the form:</p><ol><li>An email confirmation for each student will be sent approving your enrollment with CIS. Those who are not approved will also be notified.</li><li>Following approval of the registration form, parents will begin to receive several notifications via email and text for setting up Prairie Rose Public Schools accounts.<ol><li>Watch for emails from PowerSchool Parent Portal (this is different from the PowerSchool Enrollment account used to complete the registration form).</li><li>Parents will receive an email regarding School Cash. A new account must be created with Prairie Rose Public Schools. School fee payments are required over the summer for the 2025-2026 school year.</li><li>A text message from 728443 will be sent from Prairie Rose School Division 8 asking families to opt-in for text messaging. Type the letter Y in the text box to allow CIS schools to send information from School Messenger directly via text message. This only needs to be done once per family.</li></ol></li></ol><p>Jazakum Allahu Khairan for your cooperation and trust. May Allah (SWT) bless your family and make this school year one of beneficial learning and growth for your children.</p><p>Calgary Islamic School Admissions Committee</p>

<p>Salaam, CIS OBK Families,</p><p>Please note that effective July 1st, our school contacts will be as the following:</p><p>* General Information: info.obk@prrd8.ca</p><p>* Registration: amberlynnsauve@prrd8.ca (no dot between first and last name)</p><p>* School Principal: moussaouarou@prrd8.ca (no dot between first and last name)</p><p>School timing for next year: 07:45 am - 03:05 pm</p><p>Monday dismissal: 12:30 PM.</p>

<p>Kindergarten Celebration</p><p>We had a memorable time celebrating our Kindergarten students as they finished an important year of learning. They showed great perseverance and courage, and looked so proud in their favourite clothes and graduation hats!</p><p>The children sang graduation songs and Islamic nasheeds with confidence. The big smiles and loud applause from parents showed just how proud everyone was.</p><p>We wish our little graduates all the best as they move on to Grade 1. Well done, everyone!</p><p>&nbsp;</p>