Education Foundation of GPCSD
Our Mission
Message from Chair
"There were a number of interesting things going on in the past year. Perhaps the most memorable event was the relocation of the Foundation office from the School Board office to St Clement School. Despite the work and confusion, the move put our office in better contact with the Foundation food program which is centered at St Clement.
This relocation brought about other opportunities. We had the opportunity to reimagine the work of the Foundation and the relationship between the School Board and the Foundation. As a result of this we have reworked the formal name of the Foundation and the names for some of the activities that describe the work of the Foundation.
This also created an opportunity to reorganize and clarify some of the basic policies and procedures governing the daily operation of the Foundation.
Special thanks to Kari and Monique for their hard work through all this. Thanks also to the Board for their cooperation and understanding.
Naturally the regular work of the Foundation continues. The food program remains a large part of weekly operation. Businesses continue to support this work. The staff 50/50 draw is an important source of funds and enabled increased support for the scholarship program as well as the special projects program. All in all, it’s been an interesting year.”
John Witschen
Message from Executive Director
“2024 marks my 11 years with the Education Foundation of GPCSD, to the Board of Directors: I am grateful not only for your time, but also for your commitment to our mission. Your belief in our work and your willingness to contribute to our efforts inspire me every day. I am honored to have you as part of our Board, your volunteer service is a testament to the power of compassion, kindness, and community spirit that drives our mission. Thank you again for your remarkable contributions. I look forward to continuing our work together in the years to come.”
Kari Prichard
nourishED Campaign
Founded by the Education Foundation of GPCSD, “nourishED” is a campaign dedicated to raising awareness and support for the increasing needs of our student community. We believe that nourishing the mind, body, and spirit creates a safe, healthy, and positive learning environment for every student, regardless of circumstance.
nourishED VALUES:
Enrichment & Inspiration: We empower students and educators by providing scholarships, funding for special teaching projects, and supporting innovative educational experiences that foster creativity and excellence.
Nurturing for Knowledge: We promote student health by providing a nutrition program “Food For Thought”, recognizing the essential link between physical well-being and academic success.
Holistic Support: We nourish the mind, body, and spirit of our students through comprehensive support, including faith-based initiatives that foster a sense of hope, purpose, and community.
The GP Schools Snack Program will be changing our name! When the program began, the service was offered in one of the Catholic Schools and 3 of the Public Schools, and a snack was delivered everyday to each of the classrooms, this is why it was named “The GP Schools Snack Program”. Since then, our program has grown into much more then just a snack program and reaches out to all the Grande Prairie & District Catholic Schools, including our 3 out of town schools ( no longer JUST GP Schools). Our program will stay the same, but our new name will be “FOOD FOR THOUGHT”.
The Food for Thought Program
Food for Thought Program Sponsors
Petroleum Association
Grande Prairie Firefighters Charitable Foundation
Tourmaline Oil Corp.
Thank you to Tourmaline for their generous donation to our Food for Thought Program! We received $13.923.67 for our program to help ensure no child goes hungry. The Education Foundation is grateful for the support from our community for reaching out to assist in nurturing the bodies and minds of all our students.
Breakfast Club Canada
Since 2017, Breakfast Club Canada donated over $275,000 to support our Program. Providing funding for food, supplies and equipment.
Archie Harvey Memorial
Presidents Choice Children Charity
Since 2020, President’s Choice Children’s Charity donated nearly $200,000 to support the Program and students.
Applications will open March 1 2025, please check our website for more information.
Applications for the 2025-26 funding will open April 1 2025.
Spreading Love this Holiday Season!
Angel Tree Gifts
Teachers Kindness Gift
Kindness Baskets
Christmas Family Hampers
The Education Foundation of GPCSD delivered 46 food hampers to families within our District.
Family Grocery Orders
17 families in our District will receive a grocery order from the Food for Thought program to fill their fridges over the holidays.
Career Academy Funding
4 main programs are:
- Dual credit courses (post-secondary courses offered to high school students).
- Work Experience
- Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP)
- Green certificate (agricultural based programs and run similar to apprenticeships)
Iceberg Hockey Tournament!
The Organizers of The Iceberg Hockey Tournament presented a cheque for $8000!!
The tournament was founded in 2017 to raise funds for and increase awareness of children’s mental health. All tournament proceeds provide direct funding for mental health assessments.
To date the Iceberg Tournament has donated $23,000 to the Grande Prairie & District Catholic Schools.
KMSC Law LLP Charity Event
The Education Foundation of GPCSD is grateful to be part of the KMSC Law LLP Charity Event!! This is an amazing event that helps 18 charities that support our community. Each year the Foundation auctions a “ Feed a School Breakfast for a Day”. This year, 5 companies will be hosting a breakfast in 5 of our Grande Prairie & District Catholic Schools. Thank you to KMSC LAW LLP, Neil & Associates, MNP, Fletcher Mudryk LLP, and Overhead Door for sponsoring our breakfasts.
Next year's event will be held June 19 2025, register your team with KMCS LLP.
Fletcher Mudryk LLP
18 Community Groups!
Overhead Door Co. of Grande Prairie.
Education Foundation of GPCSD
Email: kariprichard@gpcsd.ca
Website: GPCSD Education Foundation
Location: 9902 101 Street, Grande Prairie, AB, Canada
Phone: 780-532-3013
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GPCSDEducationFoundation