Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

What is Iron Ridge Secondary Campus and what grades will it serve?
Iron Ridge Secondary Campus is the first high school in Blackfalds, serving students in grades 9 through 12. It is the fourth Iron Ridge Campus in Blackfalds, joining Iron Ridge Elementary Campus, Iron Ridge Intermediate Campus, and Iron Ridge Junior Campus. The school is part of Wolf Creek Public Schools.

When did the construction of Iron Ridge Secondary Campus begin?
Construction of the school commenced in May 2022, and is well underway.

When will Iron Ridge Secondary Campus officially open?
IRSC is set to open its doors in September 2024, welcoming students from grades 9 to 12.

What is the Commitment Survey?
The Commitment Survey is a vital tool used by Wolf Creek Public Schools to gather essential information from parents and families regarding their intentions for enrolling their child at Iron Ridge Secondary Campus. This survey plays a crucial role in the planning and development of the school, as it helps determine staffing requirements, programming availability, and other resources necessary to create a tailored and high-quality educational experience for our students. By participating in the Commitment Survey, parents and guardians provide valuable insights that guide decisions related to class sizes, extracurricular activities, and specialized programs, ensuring that Iron Ridge Secondary Campus can offer the best possible education to meet the needs of our community. Your participation in this survey is fundamental to shaping the future of our school and ensuring a successful educational journey for your child.

What is Career and Technology Studies (CTS)?
CTS encompasses various career-oriented courses such as welding, cosmetology, art, mechanics, and woodworking, providing students with valuable skills and experiences.

What Career and Technology Studies (CTS) programs will be offered at Iron Ridge Secondary Campus?
We are in the process of designing a robust set of CTS programs. The specific options will be determined based on enrollment and student input.

Can junior high students access CTS programs at IRSC?
Yes, junior high students from Iron Ridge Junior Campus (grades 7 and 8) will have the opportunity to take CTS options at IRSC, while still attending Iron Ridge Junior Campus.

How will students be able to provide input on what CTS programs they’d like at IRSC?
Programming will be determined by enrollment and interest. A form will be sent to students this fall for them to provide feedback on CTS programming and what programs they would like to see at IRSC.

Who is the principal for Iron Ridge Secondary Campus (IRSC)?
Mr. Ed Coles is the principal of Iron Ridge Secondary Campus (IRSC). He has been a dedicated educator in Alberta since 2009, and his experience includes serving as a high school administrator since 2016. Prior to his role at IRSC, he held the position of principal at Eckville Junior Senior High, demonstrating his commitment to fostering excellence in education.

What educational approach does Mr. Coles bring to Iron Ridge Secondary Campus?
Mr. Coles is committed to a student-centered approach at IRSC. His primary goal is to engage students and incorporate their input into personalized learning experiences. Under his leadership, the school is dedicated to academic excellence while also recognizing and addressing diverse learning needs. Mr. Coles aims to provide an environment where students can feel confident in their readiness for success throughout high school and beyond.

Will grades 8 & 9 students currently attending Iron Ridge Junior Campus automatically transition to Iron Ridge Secondary Campus in September 2024?
Yes, Grade 8 & 9 students who are currently enrolled at Iron Ridge Junior Campus are required to attend Iron Ridge Secondary Campus (IRSC) starting in September 2024. These students will form the base for grade 9 and grade 10 classes at IRSC, ensuring a smooth transition within the same educational community.

What options do Grade 10 and 11 Blackfalds and area students attending École Secondaire Lacombe Composite High School have regarding attendance at IRSC?
Blackfalds Grade 10 and 11 students currently enrolled at École Secondaire Lacombe Composite High School have the option to choose whether they want to remain there or attend Iron Ridge Secondary Campus (IRSC) for the 2024 school year. The WCPS Board decision allows these students the flexibility to decide their educational path, ensuring that their preferences and needs are respected during this transition period.

Which school will my child be attending?
Grade 8 & 9 students who are currently enrolled at Iron Ridge Junior Campus must attend IRSC in September 2024.

Students enrolled in grade 10-11 at Lacombe Composite High School have the choice of which school they would like to attend.  A form will be sent out in December for families to indicate their school of choice for next year. 

French Immersion students, regardless of grade, will continue to access French Immersion in Lacombe.

What changes are happening in the grade configuration for Iron Ridge Secondary Campus and its surrounding schools?
Starting in September 2024, Grade 9 programming will move from Iron Ridge Junior Campus to Iron Ridge Secondary Campus, as IRSC will be a grades 9-12 school. Iron Ridge Elementary and Intermediate grades remain unchanged. Iron Ridge Junior Campus will become a grades 7 & 8 school. Additionally, planning is underway for grades 7 & 8 students at Iron Ridge Junior Campus to take advantage of CTS programming at Iron Ridge Secondary Campus beginning in September 2024.

What is the plan for further reconfigurations in the future?
Depending on enrollment growth in Blackfalds and the surrounding area, there might be a need for additional reconfigurations in the future. The timing of these potential changes is difficult to predict due to various factors. Continuous monitoring, communication, and engagement will precede any further configuration decisions.

Will transportation be provided to students attending Iron Ridge Secondary Campus (IRSC) in the 2024 school year?
Yes, transportation will be provided to students attending IRSC in the 2024 school year. Bus services will be available based on the upcoming ridership formula issued by Alberta Education and in accordance with the new K-12 Blackfalds’ Attendance Boundary.

What are the details of the new Blackfalds’ attendance boundary?
The expanded Blackfalds attendance boundary will take effect when Iron Ridge Secondary Campus opens. It extends to the north past Township Road 400 and west past Range Road 282 at the Bentley attendance boundary. To the east, it extends down to the Joffre area past Highway 11 at the Clive attendance boundary. To view the new Attendance Boundary Map CLICK HERE. 


How can I stay informed about Iron Ridge Secondary Campus’s progress and developments?
Stay connected through our Iron Ridge Secondary Campus Facebook page and website. Don’t miss our Iron Ridge Insider video series, offering regular updates on construction, programming, and school development.

What is the Iron Ridge Insider video series?
The Iron Ridge Insider video series is an engaging and informative online series that provides an in-depth look into the development, construction progress, and educational opportunities at Iron Ridge Secondary Campus in Blackfalds. Hosted by Mr. Coles, the Principal of Iron Ridge Secondary Campus, these videos offer a firsthand glimpse into the construction process, curriculum planning, and the various aspects that make Iron Ridge Secondary Campus a unique and exciting new school in Blackfalds.

How often are new episodes of the Iron Ridge Insider released?
New episodes of the Iron Ridge Insider are released regularly, providing updates 2-3 times per month. The series aims to keep parents, students, and the community informed about the latest developments, construction milestones, curriculum updates, and other essential information related to Iron Ridge Secondary Campus. Make sure to subscribe to the Wolf Creek Public Schools’ YouTube channel and follow our social media pages to stay up-to-date with the latest episodes.

Can parents, students, and community members contribute to the Iron Ridge Insider series?
Absolutely! We encourage active participation from parents, students, and the community. If you have questions, suggestions, or topics you’d like to see covered in future episodes, please feel free to reach out to us through our official social media channels or the school’s website.