The St James-Assiniboia School Division Board of Trustees is pleased to announce that we passed a motion at the October 13, 2026, Public Board Meeting to eliminate course fees for Art and Dance programs at our Senior Years schools.
For families, this means that students can participate in these programs without the barrier of that additional cost.
For students, it means greater access to opportunities to discover new interests, develop skills, build confidence, and find a place where they feel they belong.
Programs like Art and Dance offer so much more than simply learning to paint or studying choreography. Students also learn to work together, listen to one another, practice and persevere, perform in front of others or showcase their work, and take pride in what they accomplish.
Students make lifelong friendships, create memories, and develop a stronger connection to their school community.
For many students, these programs can be where they find something they are passionate about—a talent, an interest, or a love of performing that they can carry with them long after they leave school.
Making these opportunities available without a participation fee also recognizes that families have different financial circumstances. A family's ability to pay shouldn't determine whether their child can experience the joy of making art, performing, or dancing.
As a Board and as a community, we want to create opportunities where every student has the chance to participate, belong, discover their strengths, and thrive.
We are proud to support this important step towards making Art and Dance more accessible to all our students.*
-Fiona Shiells, Sandy Lethbridge, and Cheryl Smukowich are SJASD Board Trustees. All are elected West Ward representatives.
*The
elimination of Art and Dance course fees is effective for the 2026–27 school year
and aligns with a 2026–27
budget investment to reduce supply fees for students in Middle Years and
reduce course fees in Senior Years. In May, School Administrators were also
directed to eliminate SY course fees associated with worktexts and
supplementary consumable materials, revenue-generating calculator rentals, and
fees charged for the technical administration of or basic supplies required to
deliver a course effective 2026–27. Please note that course fees don’t cover
costs associated with class field trips, special course-related events, or fees
or rentals for personal equipment.
