FMCSD and FMPSD Move All Grades to Online Learning Due to COVID-19
(Fort McMurray, AB, April 25, 2021) In a joint application made to the Ministry of Education, Fort McMurray Public School Division (FMPSD) and Fort McMurray Catholic Schools (FMCSD) requested to move all grades online from April 26-May 7, 2021 due to the continuing increase in COVID-19 numbers as well as staff and students in isolation. The request was approved today. Students return to school on Monday, May 10, 2021.
Fort McMurray Catholic Schools and Fort McMurray Public School Division thank the Ministry for their support, noting it will help alleviate challenges for both divisions.
“We want all students to be in school, but with this recent surge in COVID-19 cases in Fort McMurray we know this is a difficult, yet correct decision. We need to once again come together as a community and work together to stay safe. The numbers in Fort McMurray are currently staggering and schools are simply a reflection of our community. There are two months left in our school year and we need the whole region to work together to help our students finish our school year safely.” says Fort McMurray Catholic Schools Superintendent George McGuigan.
“Thank you once again to the Ministry for understanding our situation. A huge thanks to Premier Kenney and Minister LaGrange and her staff for their support. We appreciate this immensely. We know this is the best decision for our students, staff, and community as the numbers, and rate of COVID spread continues to climb,” notes Jennifer Turner, Superintendent, FMPSD.
There have already been over 1000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Fort McMurray this April. Almost one-third of all cases in Fort McMurray since the COVID-19 pandemic began have been confirmed in the past month. As of today, the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo had the highest number of cases per 100,000 people in Alberta at 1361.1.
Approximately 18% of the population of our entire region has deep ties to Fort McMurray Catholic and Public Schools (students and staff). This does not include parents of students and non-school age siblings.