Welcome to Wandering River School, home of the Panthers. We are a small rural school located in the Hamlet of Wandering River, midway between Edmonton and Fort McMurray.  We would like to welcome you to our Kindergarten to Grade 6 School.

Principal's Message

My name is Lisa Iversen, I have been the K-3 teacher for over 20 years and the principal since the fall of 2020. In my 20+ years of teaching in the same small rural school, my heart and soul are tied to this building and its people.  I know the importance of a safe and loving environment for my students and staff and that a truly kind and caring environment is essential for everyone.  

At Wandering River school we have a low pupil/teacher ratio that creates a “family like” atmosphere.  This also allows us to offer unique learning opportunities and experiences as well as meeting the students at their own level.  Presently at Wandering River School we have two classrooms : a  Kindergarten to grade three class and a grade four to six class. Preschool is offered 2 afternoons a week and will combine with the K-3 class for some of the afternoon. Multi-age classrooms have the advantage of allowing students to progress at their own rate without fear of humiliation. Students working below their grade level are easily modified for and students working above their level have access to more challenging work.

Both classrooms are equipped with a Smart TV and currently we have a 1:1 ratio for Chromebooks to students.   The school houses a well stocked library that provides access to both students and the entire community. We are also fortunate to have a large variety of resources for all subjects.  

At various times of the year we bring in special presentations to the school.  Our small class size easily allows the students of Wandering River School to participate in many learning activities outside of the classroom as well.  We offer our students a variety of field-trips throughout the year to enhance their learning experiences.  

Research states that “small school students benefit from closer ties with teachers.” It’s not that teachers in big schools have less generous souls, they simply cannot get to know a large number of students as well as a teacher in a smaller school. If teachers are to act on their best instincts, they need an environment that fosters closeness.  In Wandering River School we are able to get to know all of the students whether we teach them directly or not. On the playground no child goes without a name, they are not simply a face in the crowd they are individuals. Knowing they are cared for makes teaching and learning much easier.  

I’m sure that everyone has heard the saying, “It takes a village to raise a child!” and this is very true at our school.  We have a very generous community that supports the school in many ways.  Our school has a daily breakfast program with many healthy choices for the students as well as monthly hot lunches that are all provided to the students at no cost, thanks to the generous donations from our community and local businesses.  Christmas concerts and graduations are community events that everyone looks forward to.  

I look forward to continuing to work with the staff, students, parents and the whole community to make this school the best it can be.

Lisa Iversen ☺