2025 MCS Community Engagement

Dear Millarville Community,

As part of our commitment to open communication and thoughtful decision-making, we are seeking input from our community about the future of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) at Millarville Community School.

Since adopting the PYP, students have benefited from its emphasis on inquiry, reflection, and strong conceptual understanding. The highly recognized programme is used in both private and public schools around the world. It is important to note the IB:PYP at MCS concludes at Grade 5 and does not continue into Grades 6–8.

Also, over the last 3-4 years the cost of the program has increased to $12,000 USD which is drawn from the school's fundraising funds. In the early years, grant and Division funds supplemented both programme fees and teacher training. This is no longer available.

A few years ago, the Foothills School Division introduced a division-wide concept-based learning framework that prioritizes big ideas, essential questions, inquiry, and knowledge that transfers across subjects and real-world contexts. While not an IB program, it shares many of the same strengths—such as focusing on student thinking, encouraging curiosity, and helping learners make connections between concepts—providing a consistent approach to teaching and learning from kindergarten through Grade 12.

Families can be confident that, whatever decisions are made moving forward, inquiry-based and concept-focused approaches to learning will continue to be part of our school experience. These practices are supported throughout Foothills School Division and remain central to our focus on deep understanding and learning for transfer.

The purpose of this survey is to understand the perspectives and priorities of our community as we plan for the future. Your feedback is valuable, and we appreciate the time you take to share your voice.

contact:

Emily Baranyay
Principal
Millarville Community School