Parent Letter: Operational Shift to Online Learning

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Given the significant impacts of COVID-19 in communities around the province, the Alberta Government announced on May 5, that all Kindergarten to Grade 12 students will temporarily shift to online learning beginning Friday, May 7 with a return to in-person learning on Tuesday, May 25 after the Victoria Day long weekend.

This decision is part of a province-wide approach to limit the spread of COVID-19, as well as to relieve some operational strains. Schools in Alberta have been experiencing a shortage of substitute teachers, rising numbers of students and staff in quarantine or isolation, and increased community spread. This operational shift will allow for a two-week circuit breaker. 

Please note that the following programs will remain for in-person learning:

• Pre-Kindergarten in all schools, with the exception of Maryview School and St. Patrick’s Community School. The Pre-Kindergarten program at Maryview School and St. Patrick’s Community School will return on Monday, May 17. The Learning Streams program at Maryview School will also return on Monday, May 17.
• The Foundations (congregated) programs in St. Teresa of Avila School, St. Francis of Assisi Middle School, École Secondaire Notre Dame High School, and the Collaborative Classroom at St. Gregory the Great Catholic School. 
• The Blended (congregated) programs in St. Francis of Assisi Middle School and École Secondaire Notre Dame High School.
• St. John Paul II Outreach School
• **If the above students do not require school bus service during this time period, please contact Transportation at 403-309-8801.

Your school will be in contact with you in the coming days regarding your child’s learning, how to keep moving forward with the curriculum and technology pick-up. Please continue to text or call our Division hotline at 403-588-8155 if your child receives a positive COVID-19 result from Alberta Health Services. 

As always, do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher, school counsellors, and school administrators for additional support or clarification. Schools will remain open during this time, to answer any questions or concerns.