As we prepare to send out the final newsletter of the 2019-2020 school year, we say once again… “Where has the time gone?” While every year, like the universe, seems to be accelerating at an increasing pace, this was the most unique year in my experience. The COVID-19 pandemic has upset the entire world and our schools were impacted in the most significant way possible; schools with no students! The closure of schools to students caused many of us to re-evaluate just how important schools are to our society.

They may be reluctant to admit it, but students miss their school. They miss their friends. They miss their teachers. They even miss their homework. Well, maybe not so much. I have heard numerous parents say they have a new appreciation for the work of teachers. Home schooling is not for the faint of heart.

Administrators, teachers and support staff certainly miss the students. All schools have a culture and vibrancy to them that comes from the infectious optimism and cheerfulness of young people. With the students not in school, the school is just a building. We miss you all.

I want to say congratulations and goodbye to all our graduates of 2019-2020. I know you must feel a strong sense of unfairness that you couldn’t have a traditional graduation ceremony with your friends. Schools are planning something for the graduates and I hope you all get to celebrate your 13 years of education. Best wishes for whatever you have planned for next year.

We have many teachers and support staff who are leaving this year and I want to wish everyone of them good luck in whatever next year has in store. Two of our principals are also leaving this year. Rick Roberts is retiring from Blessed Sacrament Outreach School and Les Ellchuk is retiring from St. Thomas Aquinas School. Best wishes to both for a long and healthy retirement.

We do not know yet what school will look like in September. That decision will depend on what is happening with COVID-19 and the advice of the Chief Medical Officer. As soon as decisions are made regarding the reopening of schools we will be in touch to communicate that to all families. As I think about the return of students, I am reminded of a quote from Mark Twain… “Describing her first day back in grade school after a long absence, a teacher said, It was like trying to hold 35 corks underwater at the same time.” I can only imagine the excitement when our students do return to school.

On behalf of Debra Klein, Board Chair; Greg Ibach, Vice-Chair; and all the trustees, I wish everyone a safe and sunny summer.

Take care,

Charlie McCormack

Superintendent

“As long as teachers give tests, there will always be prayer in schools.” – Unknown

The school re-entry plan (2020-21 school year) allows schools and parents to prepare for learning while putting student and staff safety first.

The plan offers guidance on a wide range of operational issues including:

• hygiene and health requirements
• student learning
• transportation
• diploma exams
• mental health and psychological supports for students and staff

https://www.alberta.ca/k-to-12-school-re-entry-2020-21-school-year.aspx

The last day of online instruction for SOH is June 8th

The last day of instruction for Blessed Sacrament, Blessed Sacrament Outreach, St. Jerome's, St. Thomas Aquinas, Theresetta, and Christ-King School is June 19th

Students and parents will have the opportunity to complete and submit the final assignments until June 19th

Contact school administration for timelines and procedures for returning school supplies and resources

Final report cards for the 2019-20 school year June 26th

Diploma School Mark due date - 2020/07/03

Non-Diploma School Mark due date - 2020/07/03

June Transcript Release (print) - 2020/07/17

June Credential issue date - 2020/07/20

Online Registration for New Students 2020-2021

We are excited to announce that online registration for the 2020-2021 school year is now open ONLINE for NEW students to East Central Catholic Schools. To Register, please visit the district website or school website.

Please Note: A copy of original birth certificate and any other pertinent legal documentation, such as custody or guardianship orders, MUST accompany registration. This can easily be done by taking a picture of the documentation and uploading it into the program.

Returning Student Registrations 2020-2021

Parents will receive an email when returning student registration is available to be completed.

All parents of returning students will need to create an access account for the PowerSchool Parent Portal. In order to do this you will need to have received a letter from the school that contains your child’s access ID and Password to add the students to your account. Once you have created your account and added your child/ren to your account you will see a tab for Returning Student Registration on the left that you select to register your child for the 2020-2021 school year.

If you have already used online registration in the past you will need to enter your child's birth date to access their registration information. If you have not used online registration in the past you will be required to set up an account and you will need to use the snapcode provided to associate your child/ren with your registration account.

Should you have any issues please contact your school or Central Office for assistance. This process replaces the Student Verification Report sent home at the beginning of each school year.

Registration Form

For those individuals that would prefer to complete and submit a paper registration form to enroll their child at a school within East Central Catholic Schools please visit the district website to download and print off the form. Please visit the school's website to access the registration form for Kindergarten.

At this point in time we do not know what the government's plan/decision for returning to school is but for information purposes we are providing the following information:

First Day of School:

North Schools:

September 1, 2020 for the following schools: School of Hope, Vermilion Home Schooling, St. Jerome's School, Blessed Sacrament School, Blessed Sacrament Outreach and St. Thomas Aquinas.

South Schools:

August 31, 2020 for the following Schools: Christ-King School and Theresetta School.

Supply Lists

Supply lists can be found on the district website as well as the school websites.

These days, good news is something to celebrate. The results from our 2019 Terry Fox School Run are in and we are pleased to announce that 5 schools from East Central Alberta Catholic Separate Schools Regional Division No. 16 raised an incredible $10 318.24 for cancer research. We really can’t thank you enough for your support of The Terry Fox Foundation, helping us make great strides in the fight against cancer.

In 1980, Terry Fox set out on a mission to transform his dream, to find a cure for cancer, into reality. It takes enormous strength to conquer an obstacle as big as cancer. Terry never faltered in his determination and perseverance and we are honoured to see East Central Alberta Catholic Separate Schools Regional Division No. 16 bring the same strength and spirit to this fight. For 40 years, Terry Foxers have amazed us with their passion, raising over 800 million dollars for cancer research. These vital funds are accelerating precision medicine approaches and connecting field researchers in ways never thought possible under the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres network.

As we approach the 40th anniversary of Terry’s Run, in this uncertain time, we hope you will take inspiration from Terry’s attitude during the Marathon of Hope – resilient, determined, hopeful. The road ahead may be unknown and unlike any that we have ever been on, but together, we will take it one step at a time – just as Terry did.

The construction of the new K-12 school in Provost has begun. Special thanks to Les Ellchuk, Chris and Nathan Ritchie who are providing daily photos and aerial footage updates.