Northland School Division is pleased to announce the appointment of Fred Hines as Director of High School Transitions, Community Engagement and Partnerships, as of September 1, 2020. Fred, who is Métis, brings 30 years of experience in the field of education, primarily focused on supporting diverse learners and developing relationships with various community partners to develop school programs. Before joining the Northland family, Hines served as Principal at amiskwaciy Academy, which is located in Edmonton. The grades 7-12 First Nations, Métis and Inuit school serves an Indigenous student population coming from Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia.
"Our priority was to find an experienced leader who will work with our principals to strengthen relationships with students, parents, guardians, community members and education partners," said Dr. Nancy Spencer-Poitras, Superintendent of Schools, Northland School Division. "Fred's experience as a former principal will assist in supporting division student success and high school completion. He has a proven track record of leadership and working with diverse groups to support the success of all learners. I am excited to have Fred join the Northland team."
Hines has extensive experience building relationships with community partners to develop and implement projects that align with the strategic goals and objectives of amiskwaciy Academy and Alberta Education. He successfully established working relationships with MacEwan University, University of Alberta, Concordia University, Northern Alberta Institute for Technology (NAIT) and NorQuest College which have proved beneficial in supporting amiskwaciy Academy students. In 2015, Fred prepared a proposal for a dual credit program with amiskwaciy Academy and MacEwan University. This resulted in an ongoing dual credit agreement between MacEwan University and Edmonton Public Schools.
Hines has also worked to establish relationships with local Indigenous communities. For example, for the past four years, amiskwaciy has hosted the Oskayak Police Academy during the month of July. Participating students receive high school credits and learn about being a police cadet. At the same time, police officers connected to the program develop a better understanding of Indigenous cultures and youth as they participate in cultural ceremonies and teachings.
Fred's education includes a Master of Education (Gifted and Talented) from the University of New England, Australia along with a Bachelor of Education and a Bachelor of Arts from Saint Francis Xavier University.
