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The following are some typical questions asked by candidates and staff new to the Division.
Is Northland School Division a Public or Catholic School Division?
Public. Some schools do offer religious education with prior approval from the Local School Board Committee.
When is pay day for teachers?
Teachers receive cheques, in accordance with the Collective Agreement, on the last (teaching) Friday of every month, or on the 25th of the month (which ever is earlier).
When is pay day for non-teachers?
Non-teaching staff receive a mid month advance issued on the last working day before the 15th of each month. Month end cheques (or direct deposit) are issued on the second last working day of the month.
When is pay day for casuals?
Casual employees are paid on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month.
Generally, how long do teachers stay with the Division?
Because of lack of city amenities, many young teachers stay in our system 3-5 years before moving on to continue their careers. 20% turnover can result in approximately 45-50 positions.
Are there any out-of-school activities? What recreational activities are available?
Like most small communities, we have hockey games, tobogganing, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, baseball, hiking, arts and crafts, fishing, hunting, enjoyment of nature, etc.
Are most schools elementary?
All except one of our schools have elementary programs. Some also offer junior high. In addition, the following offer high school programs: Fort Chipewyan (Athabasca Delta Community School), Atikameg, Calling Lake, Keg River (Dr. Mary Jackson School), Kateri, Little Buffalo, Peerless Lake and Paddle Prairie. Mistassiniy has Middle and High School Programs (Grades 6-12).
What is the chance of being assigned a combined classroom?
Combined grades are common in many of our schools, particularly at the Junior/Senior High level.
Which schools are fly-in?
The fly-in community is: Fort Chipewyan (daily Air Mikisew service to Edmonton). Chipewyan Lake can be accessed by air or road.
Is the cost of living high?
The cost is slightly higher than Edmonton. Due to freight charges, costs are higher in Fort Chipewyan and Chipewyan Lake. We pay a location allowance to employees in these two schools, as well as to those teachers at Fort McKay School (see brochure) who reside in Fort McMurray.
Are stores available in the communities?
Most of our communities have a small store or road access to one. Chipewyan Lake does not have a store.
Do the children speak English?
Most of the children speak English with varying levels of competence. The major native languages spoken are Cree and Dene.
Are there opportunities for my spouse to be employed?
That would depend on the area of expertise of the individual and the available industries within driving distance of the community.
Is there support for the schools by the communities?
Our Local School Board Committees are involved with the education of children and concerned about the type of education they are receiving. Some of the people in the communities are involved in the schools with cultural activities, extracurricular activities, field trips, etc. Parental involvement varies.
Are child care services available?
Usually someone in the community can be found to baby-sit. Some communities have daycare facilities.
To what extent should one “move in”?
Teachers in all communities except Fort Chipewyan and Chipewyan Lake require all “regular” large items furniture except fridge, stove, washer and dryer. In addition, you may wish to bring a television, toaster, antenna for T.V., a satellite dish, radio, towels, dishes/cutlery, pots/pans, shower curtain, vacuum, sheets, personal items, etc. For Fort Chipewyan and Chipewyan Lake, all basic furniture items are provided. Bring whatever you need to make you comfortable in your home.
How secure is the position once obtained?
The requirements for a continuing contract are the same as in other school divisions.
What type of accommodation is available?
Northland School Division has houses, mobile homes or apartments available for rent in most communities. In the few that have no housing on-site, you will have to find your own accommodation.
Are there doctors and nurses in the community?
In the larger communities, there would be a doctor; usually a nurse or a doctor visit the community 2-3 times a month. In an emergency, there is an air-medivac service.
What are some of the secondary level complementary courses?
Career and Technology Studies, Fine Arts and Registered Apprentice Programs.
Are there gymnasiums in the schools?
Yes. The smaller ones have activity rooms that may not be regulation size.
Is there adult education in the communities?
In most, yes.
What is the rental cost of teacherages?
The division leases teacherages on the basis of the type of residence and square footage from approximately $350.00 to $550.00 per month. In addition to rent, there is a fixed utility charge.
Is accommodation shared?
Sometimes. Staff members are consulted and sharing is voluntary.
Are there any schools located on reserves?
No.
How frequent is mail delivery?
Mail service varies from community to community, but 2-3 times per week is normal. All schools have fax machines.
How often are first year teachers evaluated?
Formal evaluation visits will take place 2-3 times per year. Supervisory visits are on-going.
How do teachers do their banking?
Ensure that you have a bank account with one of the following: Treasury Branch, Bank of Commerce, Bank of Nova Scotia, Toronto-Dominion Bank, Royal Bank, as these are bank branches located in the Town of Peace River. We will automatically deposit pay cheques into your bank account and mail the cheque stubs directly to you at the school.
What is the attendance of students in school?
Our average attendance rate varies between 75-95%.
Are pets allowed in teacherages?
Presently, pets are allowed.
What are the school facilities like?
Almost all of our schools have been built or renovated since 1982. The facilities are well equipped.
What level of computer technology is available in the schools?
All schools are equipped with computers with high speed access to the Internet and a full complement of application software.
Are classrooms equipped with adequate resources?
Classrooms are well equipped with resources that support the Alberta curriculum. Video conferencing was recently added to our 7 high schools and is planned for all remaining schools.
What are the roads like?
Most communities are located on secondary highways that are either paved or have high grade gravel. | 
