Interim option catchment South Pointe and Bison Run

Due to higher then expected enrollment at Bison Run school, a notice of motion has been made for the Feb. 12 meeting of the Pembina Trails School Division Board of Trustees that will result in an early end to the interim option catchment program started in September 2023 for students from École South Point School to attend Bison Run School.  All new enrolments living in the École South Point School catchment area (except siblings of students currently enrolled at Bison Run in the program) are expected to enroll at École South Point School. 

Current interim option catchment students and their siblings may opt to continue to attend Bison Run School and will receive bussing (up to Grade 6) until June 30, 2028 when the program was originally planned to end.

Questions and Answers

Who is affected by the change?

New students who are not siblings of students currently attending Bison Run under the interim option catchment program will be required to enroll at their catchment area school, which is École South Pointe School.

Is bussing going to change for my child(ren)?

Bussing will not change for Kindergarten to Grade 6 students enrolled at Bison Run under the interim option catchment until its original end date of June 30, 2028. After that date, school of choice students will no longer be eligible for transportation under Policy EEAA. Grade 7 and 8 students are not eligible for transportation.

My older children are currently attending Bison Run as part of the interim option catchment program – can my younger children also attend?

Yes, the interim option catchment is being extended to siblings of current students until June 30, 2028.

Will my child, who is enrolled at Bison Run under the interim option catchment program and will be in Grade (1 to 6) after June 30, 2028, still be eligible for bussing to school?

No – after June 30, 2028 bussing will not be providing for students who live outside of Bison Run School catchment area.

Are there transportation options for my child to continue being bussed to Bison Run School after June 30, 2028?

Yes, you may apply for a “Seat Sale” however there is no guarantee that a bus route or seat will be available for your child.

Can we choose to now opt out of the interim option catchment program and transfer my child back to École South Pointe School?

Yes, you can enroll your child at your regular catchment area school.

My family lives in the École South Pointe School catchment area but we would like to enroll at Bison Run. Will my child be bussed?

When enrolling in a school outside of your catchment area you are opting for school of choice and bussing is not provided under Policy EEAA.

Why is the interim option catchment program ending early?

Pembina Trails has seen unprecedented growth in the Bison Run School immediate catchment area, increasing enrolment much more rapidly than originally projected. At the same time, enrolment pressure at École South Pointe School has decreased to manageable levels, allowing us to end the program earlier than originally expected.

When is the Board voting on the motion to end the interim option catchment program?

The notice of motion was made at the January 22 board meeting and the vote will be on February 12.

May I speak to the Board of Trustees about this decision?

Yes, residents are welcome to speak to the Board of Trustees about this decision at the February 12 Board Meeting. As per By-Law No 143 Procedural Delegations, individuals or Groups wishing to appear before the Board as a delegation shall notify the Secretary-Treasurer of their intention by giving notice, in writing, no later than 1 p.m. on the Tuesday the week prior to the regularly scheduled meeting of the Board at which they wish to appear. In addition to the notification, delegations are required to provide written information respecting the topic and content of their petition/presentation.  Please contact Emily Vickers at the Administration Office, 204.488.1757 ext.1277 or email evickers@pembinatrails.ca if you have any questions.