Message from our Superintendent

Good afternoon Fort McMurray Catholic Schools family,

As the first day of school approaches we wanted to reach out to our families again. We know these are uneasy times and incredibly difficult decisions to make as parents/guardians. We ask for your grace, patience, and compassion as we prepare for the 2020/21 school year.

Over the summer I have had the opportunity to reflect on all we have been through as a community in the past few months. I’m so thankful to live in this region. I’m immensely proud of our staff who transitioned from a traditional classroom environment to off-site learning back in March due to this global pandemic. I think of our families and staff who faced another life altering situation in April when the floodwaters rose. I think of all of the helpers- those who were able to drop everything and help our families in need.

I reflect often on the Stewardship Prayer when I think of this coming school year. When I think of this vocation and life of service our staff have chosen, I feel the words “Heavenly Father, by your Holy Spirit – Give me knowledge and Understanding, help me to be a gift to others in your name.” We will walk through these times together.

We understand that this can be an overwhelming amount of information to share and take in. Please reach out and contact us when you have questions.

There are a few things you need to be aware of for the first day of school:

• Fort McMurray Catholic Schools will be implementing a staggered entry for all grades in the first week this year. This will allow students to experience the changes in their school with less congestion.
• You must complete the Daily Assessment Screening Questionnaire before sending your child to school each day.
• Masks are required for all staff, visitors, and students in grades 4-12. This includes students while using Transportation. Mask use for EEP to Grade 3 students will continue to be optional. However, we recommend the use of masks for all students in all grades.

We understand our students and families may have questions. We encourage you to refer to official sources:

• Fort McMurray Catholic Schools Back to School video
• Daily Assessment Screening Questionnaire
• Fort McMurray Catholic Schools 2020/21 School Calendar
• Fort McMurray Catholic Schools 2020/21 Relaunch Document
• Fort McMurray Catholic Schools Relaunch 2020/21 FAQs
• Fort McMurray Catholic Schools Virtual Learning Academy
• Alberta Education- K to 12 school re-entry webpage
• Fort McMurray Catholic Schools Mental Health Supports

Please remember that physically distant does not mean socially disconnected. We are here for you.

God Bless,

George McGuigan
Superintendent of Schools