Recognizing the Vital Role of School Counselors Across ASD-N

February 2nd to 6th marks National School Counseling Week, a time to recognize and celebrate the essential role school counselors play in supporting students across Anglophone North School District.

This year’s theme, Hope in Every Hallway, reflects the daily presence and impact of school counselors in creating safe, welcoming, and supportive school environments. From academic planning to social emotional support and crisis intervention, school counselors work behind the scenes to ensure students feel supported and able to succeed.

“National School Counseling Week, February 2nd to 6th, is the perfect time to show your appreciation, but a heartfelt thank-you is always in welcome. School counselors are the ‘unrecognized heroes’ of the education system, balancing social-emotional support, academic planning, and crisis intervention. School Counselors play a vital role in supporting our students and ensuring our students feel safe and welcomed in school. Thank you to all of our School Counselors in ASD-N for their hard work and dedication to the profession.”

Shelley Ward, ESS Coordinator, ASD-N

Throughout ASD-N schools, counselors provide critical support to students by fostering a sense of belonging, guiding academic decision making, and responding during times of need. Their work helps ensure that every hallway is a place where students feel cared for and supported.

ASD-N thanks all school counselors for their professionalism, compassion, and commitment to students, families, and school communities.

For more information on the vital role that school counselors play in schools across the district, please visit: School Counsellors Chapter – Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association

Call for Nominations: 2026 Minister’s Excellence in Education Awards

Do you know an educator who is making a meaningful difference for learners?

The Government of New Brunswick is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Minister’s Excellence in Education Awards, which recognize educators who demonstrate exceptional commitment and dedication to student success.

These awards honour educators who show outstanding skills in the following areas:

  • Innovative educational practices and leadership
  • Responding to the diverse needs of all learners
  • Lifelong learning
  • Fostering a positive learning and working environment

This is an opportunity to acknowledge educators whose work has a lasting impact on students, schools, and learning communities across the province.

Individuals or groups, including parents and students, are encouraged to submit nominations. All nominations must be sent to your school district office, to the attention of the District Education Council chair, no later than March 13, 2026.

Nomination forms and additional information, including previous recipients, are available through the NBED portal and on the GNB website at www.gnb.ca/ExcellenceAwards.

Nominations are now open. Consider recognizing an educator who goes above and beyond for learners.


2025 ASD-N Recipients:

Ellen Lee
Janeville Elementary School


Paula Haché
King Street Elementary School

Strong Community Participation in School Naming Campaign

Anglophone North School District thanks students, families, staff, and community members who participated in the campaign to help name the new Campbellton K–8 school.

The campaign received 355 total submissions, reflecting strong engagement across the community. Ideas were shared through online submissions, in-school student participation, and a “design your sign” colouring activity for elementary students. Offering multiple ways to participate ensured that students of all ages had an opportunity to contribute.

The level of participation highlights the community’s interest in and connection to the new school, as well as a shared commitment to shaping a welcoming learning environment.

As outlined during the campaign, all submissions will now move forward through the established naming process. The Naming Committee will narrow submissions to three options and present them to the ASD-N District Education Council. One selected option will then be forwarded to the Minister of the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development for approval.

The successful name submission will be announced by the Minister and the District Education Council in Spring 2026.

Anglophone North School District sincerely thanks everyone who took part and contributed their ideas.

New Financial Literacy Learning Opportunity Introduced for ASD-N Students

Anglophone North School District continues to expand learning opportunities that help prepare students for life beyond the classroom. Beginning in semester 2, students in Personal Wellness 9 and Career Pathway Design will take part in new financial literacy learning focused on practical, real-world skills.

“In 2026, financial literacy is no longer optional—it’s essential. Our students face a world of digital banking, credit decisions, and rapid economic changes. Understanding budgeting, saving, and borrowing empowers them to make informed choices and build a secure future. Enriched Academy gives our students this skillset through engaging, practical exercises.”
— Dean Mutch, ASD-N District Superintendent

The learning supports students in building an understanding of budgeting, saving, borrowing, and making informed financial decisions. Through interactive lessons, videos, and classroom activities aligned with curriculum outcomes, students explore financial concepts in ways that are meaningful and applicable to everyday life.

To support this learning, ASD-N is using classroom-ready financial literacy resources developed by Enriched Academy, a Canadian non-profit organization. These resources are designed for classroom use and aligned with curriculum outcomes.

“Students told us they want more opportunities to learn real-world financial skills, and this initiative is a direct response to that feedback. These resources equip teachers to deliver engaging, relevant learning that prepares students for life beyond high school.”
— Krista Cabel, ASD-N Director of Curriculum & Instruction

Teachers are supported with ready-to-use lessons, pacing guides, and tools that allow them to monitor progress and adapt instruction to meet student needs. Students engage in hands-on activities, real-world scenarios, and webinars that connect learning to future goals and decision-making.

The learning opportunity also extends beyond the classroom, connecting students to enrichment experiences such as webinars, scholarships, and contests that recognize student achievement and encourage continued growth in financial literacy.

By strengthening financial literacy education, ASD-N is helping ensure students are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate future pathways with confidence.

Nelson Rural School Earns National Recognition in CBC Music Class Challenge

Students at Nelson Rural School in Miramichi, N.B., have earned top honors in the fall anniversary edition of the 2025 CBC Music Class Challenge, powered by MusiCounts.

From hundreds of schools across Canada, Nelson Rural’s Grade 1-3 chorus placed third in the Elementary Performance, Vocal or Instrumental category, performing Paper Heart by Jeremy and Jazzy.

Their Grade 4-6 chorus achieved second place in the Junior Vocal category with a performance of I’m Like a Bird by Nelly Furtado.

Reflecting on the results, Mrs. O’Neill Delano said: “We were very fortunate to have our Grade 1-3 chorus place 3rd overall and our Grade 4-6 chorus placed 2nd overall from hundreds of schools across Canada. I am so proud of the effort each of our 3 groups gave in producing quality performances. I hope everyone relaxed and enjoyed a well-deserved break.”

Second- and third-place winners were awarded plaques recognizing their achievements.

These results highlight the dedication of Nelson Rural’s students and staff to music education and the school’s ongoing commitment to fostering creativity and performance skills.

Click here for the full list of winners.