"Our focus has kids at the centre - they are the heartbeat of the district"
In Peace River South ...
- staff is involved in decision making
- individual professional growth plans and peer support systems are supported by the district
- parent involvement is promoted at all levels
- educational innovation is embedded in the culture of the district
Peace River South provides exciting opportunities for professional growth and career development, for both new and experienced teachers.
The Peace River South district lies in a triangle, which is bounded on the north by the Peace River, on the south and west by the Rocky Mountains, and on the east by the Alberta-British Columbia border. The terrain is mostly foothill and prairie in nature, and the region is one of the richest grain and cattle-producing districts of the province.
Oil, gas, and coal have increased in the last five years, which has resulted in an increase in the number and types of available employment.
The four largest communities are Dawson Creek, Chetwynd, Tumbler Ridge, and Pouce Coupe.
Edmonton (400,000 population) is one hour away by air, six to seven hours away by car. Prince George (50,000 population) is forty-five minutes by air, five hours by car. Grande Prairie (60,000 population) is 80 miles away and Fort St. John (20,000 population) is 45 miles away.
Dawson Creek is the service centre for the region. This includes services to support local industry and a variety of community agencies. It is also the local centre for government offices.
Dawson Creek (12,000 population) is the administrative centre of School District #59. It has five elementary schools, with one being a dual track French Immersion school and one being a Community school, and one two campus High school, DCSS-SP Campus (grades 10,11,12) Central Campus (grades 8,9). These schools serve an enrolment of 2880 students.
Pouce Coupe (750 population) is 10 km from Dawson Creek. It has one elementary school (193 pupils). Initially this was the first settlement in the South Peace Region.
Chetwynd (3,000 population) is located 100 km west of Dawson Creek in the foothills of the Rockies on the Hart Highway. Chetwynd is a rapidly developing community reflecting the vigor and enthusiasm of the north. It is a hub for industrial development and exploration in both the oil, gas and forestry industries. It has one high school and four elementary schools with one being a dual track French Immersion School.
Tumbler Ridge (1,500 population) is located either 100 km south of Chetwynd or 120 km south west of Dawson Creek. This attractive and friendly community was carefully planned. Community services and recreation are excellent. The once coal booming community is experiencing a resurgence along with extensive oil and gas component. It has one elementary school and one high school (grade 7 – 12).
Recreation
Each of the three major communities provides excellent recreational facilities and a vast array of community activities.
The Peace River Area is a sportsman's paradise, providing winter and summer recreation activities, big-game hunting and lake and river fishing.
The angler may catch Trout, Arctic Grayling or Rocky Mountain Whitefish in the lakes and streams of the district. Some stocking of Rainbow Trout has been carried out.
Winter sports include: hockey, skating - speed and figure skating, snowmobiling, curling, badminton, volleyball, bowling, basketball, swimming, plus downhill and cross-country skiing.
Summer activities include: baseball, softball, swimming, golf and horseback riding. Playground facilities are available for children. The rodeo is a major summer activity for many people. Fall fairs are held in many outlying regions.
A variety of cultural opportunities exist within the communities of Peace River South. Band and orchestral groups, a theatre group, an art society, and a dance group all contribute to the arts scene.
Climate
Generally winters are dry and cold - temperatures can drop to -40°C range for short periods. Snow cover is usually continuous from late October through March, although chinook and/or other unusual weather patterns can change conditions overnight.
Summers are dry and warm - a very warm day would be 33°C. The soils are able to use the low rainfall effectively so that the average rainfall of five inches annually (12.7 cm) will produce good crops and keep lawns green. Sunlight hours are the longest in the province.
Average Temperatures: January -13°C, April 7°C, July 21°C, October 8°C.
The Peace Country offers abundant opportunity for outdoor activity. A clean, clear atmosphere, coupled with an exciting variety of landscape, provides a healthful environment for children and adults alike.
