COVID-19 UPDATE for Parents and Families - March 16, 2020 7:00 PM
March 16, 2020 - 7:00 PM
As you may be aware, the Province of Alberta has closed all K-12 schools as part of aggressive measures to ensure public safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, all St. Paul Education schools are closed to students and buses are not operating.
This is a rapidly evolving situation and we know school families have many questions. St. Paul Education is working diligently with Alberta Education, Alberta Health Services and other agencies, and we are committed to maintaining communication with school families as issues are addressed.
Personal Items/Textbooks:
Please contact the school prior to coming to collect any items. As per Alberta Health Services recommendations to limit the transmission of the Coronavirus, our schools now have a zero-tolerance for any illness. If students or parents are exhibiting any symptoms, they will NOT be allowed in school to pick up items. We ask that all visitors please check in at the main office.
Standardized Testing:
Grade 6 & 9 Provincial Achievement Tests are cancelled. Diploma exams are going ahead as scheduled at this time, however, they are under review. The Government of Alberta has expressed confidence that every student who is eligible to graduate from Grade 12 this year will do so. Additionally, we were informed students will progress to their next grade level next school year.
Educational Program Delivery:
Programming and support for students will be determined in the very near future. St. Paul Education is committed to working with families through these unprecedented times. Teachers are right now developing lessons to support your child’s learning. Lesson delivery options will be provided that allow all students to continue with their courses, regardless of their access to technology. These delivery methods may include posting lessons online or lessons on paper that may be picked up from the school.
Our first priority will be lesson delivery to students enrolled in grade 12 courses with diploma exams. Shortly thereafter, our focus will turn to all high school core courses to be followed by grade K - 9 support. As far as timelines when lessons will be posted, school divisions across the province are working together to ensure all students have equitable access. Rest assured, our teachers are ready to provide instruction and we are awaiting final direction. When finalized, we will immediately be providing students and parents with instructions as to how their children can access the lessons.
Off-Campus Education:
Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAP) and Work Experience placements are currently on hold. Schools are in the process of contacting student employers to discuss a plan during the coming weeks. Dual Credit courses will continue according to the decisions of the post-secondary institution with which the student is registered.
We will be sharing more information as it becomes available and we encourage you to check back to stpauleducation.ab.ca for the latest updates.