March 17 update

March 17, 2020 Dear Parents,

As per Alberta Chief Medical Officer of Health Deena Hinshaw's recommendations, Alberta Education has now suspended classes at all Alberta schools indefinitely.

As you are aware, regular classes in St. Benedict Catholic School are suspended, no buses will be running and all students should stay at home.

Though we do not know how long classes will be suspended, we have started to provide opportunities for students to pick up their personal belongings. We will extend the pick up of student belongings to Thursday between the hours of 8:30 - 4:30.

As a school, we will begin delivering education to our students in a new way and format. We wish to confirm that we will begin this process on Tuesday, March 24, 2020.

On Tuesday, March 24, 2020, students and families can expect to start receiving course materials, content, and instructions. It is important to note that this work is to be completed as if the student were in school and that the work will be evaluated by the teacher.

The Minister of Education has made it clear that this interruption of classes will not impact the progression of students to the next grade or graduation of our Grade 12 students.

During this new reality, we will obviously encounter unforeseen challenges. We will endeavour to work with students and families to solve these challenges, with the goal of student success in every instance.

I have been asked questions regarding a refund of fees that have been paid for services, such as Kindercare, OSC, electives, etc............ At this time, the province has directed that we wait for

their direction regarding this matter. Once I have been provided with the direction on how this matter will be addressed, it will be shared with you.

Thank you for your support and patience during these challenging times.