Walker Development Centre celebrated the graduation of eight students on June 21.
An alternative learning education centre, Walker Development Centre offers an environment for students to return to school to graduate with their high school diplomas.
“We take a look at junior students, so Grades 7 to 12 and adult students who have not graduated due to work or life demands,” explained Principal Jennifer Turner. “The students aren’t able to pursue their education through the adult program offered by Selkirk College, so we provide graduation courses for students.”
Turner noted that Walker Development offers more flexibility for its students than the traditional learning environment.
“We don’t fall on a typical semester system where it’s September to January, and then January to June,” she said. “Some of our students are able to go through our courses much more quickly, so they could be finished in a couple of months, where as some students may need a full year. Because of the traditional timetable at a regular school, that kind of flexibility isn’t available.”
She pointed out the students are able to take classes during the morning, afternoon or after school around 5:30 p.m.
The flexible system allows opportunities for the students for more options to study and continue with their education.
“We have a lot of different reasons why students come to us,” Turner added. “Some students come to us who want to re-engage with school, while some are looking for alternate kinds of format for delivery. Some come to us for a short time because we transition them back to Grand Forks Secondary or another school.”
This year’s eight students are the largest graduating class for the centre.
“We are extremely proud of our kids. Some of them work tirelessly to get their graduation despite whatever life challenges or demands, in terms of having a family or employment,” said Turner. “To think that they did all of those things and manage to continue on with their studies. I know for all of them this isn’t the end and they’re moving on to bigger and better goals and wish them the best.”
Walker Development Centre has been in its current location for four years but it’s been around for more than three decades in Grand Forks in various forms.
Walker Development Centre’s roots go back to the teacher Fred Walker, who was the original alternative teacher in School District 51.