Richard Froese
South Peace News
High Prairie School Division has appointed Lisa Palko as student attendance officer.
The position promotes the Division’s commitment to ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive academically and socially by a high record of attending classes, says a HPSD news release Nov. 21.
The attendance officer monitors student attendance, identifies barriers to committed attendance and works collaboratively with schools, families and community partners to create solutions that encourage students to be engaged in school.
Supt. Murray Marran says the position is valuable.
“Consistent school attendance is fundamental to student success,” Marran says.
“By welcoming a former HPSD administrator to the role, we are ensuring that students and families in the school division have the support they need to overcome challenges and create a pathway to success.”
Palko started the teaching profession working for the Little Red River Cree Nation at Fox Lake. After three years, she moved to Slave Lake and began a 30-year career with HPSD. She taught Grades 6, 8 and 9 before moving into administration. Through the years, she has been the principal of all four HPSD schools in Slave Lake and retired in 2023.