March 28, 2020
The Alberta government announced "K-12 education funding temporarily adjusted to match cost."
March 24, 2020
School playground equipment has been closed until further notice.
This aligns with measures being taken by our municipalities to limit the spread of COVID-19. Green spaces remain open, but please be mindful of the need to maintain physical distancing.
March 18, 2020
We understand our students, staff, and families have questions about the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). We encourage you to refer to official sources - such as Alberta Health Services (AHS) - for the most accurate information.
As in all health related situations, Holy Spirit works closely with local and provincial health authorities to ensure the health of our students and families. We are in ongoing communication with the Medical Officer of Health to monitor the situation in our area. We continue to take the actions recommended by AHS to prevent and mitigate acquisition and transmission of COVID-19.
March 15, 2020
At this time, all classes in Alberta schools have been cancelled indefinitely:
This means that students will be asked to conduct their studies from home. Teachers and other school staff will either work from home or the school to deliver an educational program that will continue to support students in their learning.
In close consultation with Alberta Education and all provincial school divisions, plans are already underway regarding how education under the current global circumstances can be delivered.
Retrieving your children's belongings
We also know that many parents are wondering how they can retrieve their child’s belongings. Our schools will be contacting families directly to make these arrangements so that pickups can be staggered.
However, before you come to the school, please ensure that you are following the current recommendations by Alberta Health Services to stay at home if you are ill or have recently travelled. See the following assessment guide if you have any questions.
Talking to your children about COVID-19
A new virus such as the COVID-19 can create anxiety and be difficult for children to understand, especially if someone in their school or family is sick, or they see or hear troubling messages on the radio, internet or television. It is normal for students/children to feel worried or nervous and have questions. We can all support our children by reassuring them about their personal safety and health. Let them know that it is okay to be concerned and encourage them to participate in the things they can do to stay healthy:
- Hand washing: Wash hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol based hand sanitizer, especially after coughing or sneezing.
- Cough/sneeze etiquette: Cough and sneeze into arm or tissue.
- Stay home when sick: Students/children should tell parents if not feeling well, and together, make a plan to stay home from school.
- Keep clean: Keep hands away from face and mouth.
- Stay healthy: Eat healthy foods, keep physically active, and get enough sleep.
Alberta Health Services' "
Help in Tough Times" also has some very reliable mental health resources to support you and your children.
Health Information
Please ensure that you are accessing high quality information from reliable medical sources. If you have any questions about your personal health situation, contact 8-1-1 (Health Link) or your health care provider directly.
Additional Resources:
Holy Spirit Catholic School Division:
March 20, 2020 - Letter to parents regarding plans to continue learning during cancellation of classes
March 18, 2020 - Letter to Catholic Central High School
Past messages from the school division
Alberta Government:
Alberta Guidance for Schools and Child Care Programs: 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
AHS Updates on COVID-19
COVID-19 Self Assessment Tool
Self Isolation Information Sheet
Help Prevent the Spread Posters
Alberta Health Services' novel Coronavirus FAQs for Public
Others:
Government of Canada's 2019 New Coronavirus (2019-nCoV): Outbreak Notification - English | Simplified Chinese | French
Government of Canada's Travel Health Notices
World Health Organization’s Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)