Exploring Drumheller Valley Secondary School

Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 130 No 3, 23 May 2025, page no 28.

Nestled in the heart of the Alberta Province of Canada is the rural town of Drumheller, with a stable population of 8,000 people. Drumheller Valley Secondary School stands as a beacon of education and community spirit. 

Serving grades 7-12, this public school has approximately 450 students and is managed by a dedicated team comprising one principal and two assistant principals. The school shares a close relationship with its sister institution, Greentree Elementary School, which caters to grades K-6.

Student demographics and enrolment trends
Drumheller Valley Secondary School faces unique challenges and opportunities in its student demographics and enrolment trends. Each grade level accommodates around 50 students, all supported by a team of 40 teachers and assistants, with a preferred class size of 25. However, the school is experiencing a gradual decline in enrolment, attributed to a decreasing birth rate and competition from schools in Strathmore, a nearby town with more affordable housing options.

International student program
Overseen by an international principal, the school hosts 73 international students who reside in the school dormitory and engage in English language learning. These students have varied enrolment durations, ranging from a few months to a full academic year, and receive individualised attention to support their educational journey.

Innovative programs and extracurricular activities
The school prides itself on offering a diverse array of programs and extracurricular activities that cater to the interests and talents of its students. Among these are student-led projects and specialised programs such as e-sports, video arts, and media arts. The Connections Program, which began as a vocational initiative, now provides a wide range of options and personalised enrolment decisions. The Strive Program is designed for high achievers, currently enrolling four full-time students.

Dormitory life and support
Life in the school dormitory is structured and supportive, with supervision provided by both day and evening staff. Room checks, hourly rounds, and a sign-in/out sheet ensure student safety and accountability. Study time is scheduled from 6:30pm to 7:30pm in the library, and students are assigned chores to foster responsibility. Curfews are set at 9pm for junior high students and 10pm for senior high students, with various evening activities available to enhance their residential experience.

Community and facilities
Drumheller, though a small town, offers essential services such as a supermarket, medical facilities, and a hospital. The town also hosts a penitentiary with 1,000 inmates, contributing to its unique community dynamics. Within the school, the library features “Dinosaur Lillian” (pictured right), a cherished artifact from the local Dinosaur Museum, alongside facilities like a sewing room and a cosmetology room.

Challenges and future directions
The school faces challenges, including declining enrolments and curriculum changes implemented without teacher consultation. To address these issues, the school plans to hire additional teachers in September. The division has also employed a paediatrician and a child and developmental psychiatrist to support student wellbeing, although there is a one-month wait to see a doctor.

Community engagement and transition programs
Engagement with the broader community is facilitated through various initiatives, despite the school’s decision to turn off comments on its Facebook page to manage interactions. Transition meetings with elementary schools in May and experience days help incoming students acclimate to the secondary school environment.

Conclusion
Drumheller Valley Secondary School exemplifies a commitment to providing a comprehensive and supportive educational experience. Despite facing enrolment challenges and curriculum changes, the school continues to innovate and adapt, ensuring that its students receive a well-rounded education in a nurturing environment.

Leah Mertens
Deputy General Secretary (Member Services)