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Catholic schools ready for new year ahead of Friday graduation ceremonies

The Fort McMurray Catholic Schools family has announced it is ready for the start of the 2016/17 school year.

“We are on schedule and will be ready to welcome our students for the first day of school on Tuesday September 6th,” the district said in a release.

Restoration work started in early June and is now complete in all elementary schools, with the exception of Father Beauregard and Good Shepherd, and Father Mercredi High School. The schools that will operate for this school year are now open to the public, except Holy Trinity.

That’s because a few areas at Holy Trinity are still under construction but will be completed next week. The district said the administration area at Holy Trinity will open for the public on Monday August 29th with the remaining areas of the school opening on the 31st.

Restoration work will be ongoing during the fall at Good Shepherd and Father Beauregard Schools as they will not open for the 2016/17 school year. As previously announced Father Turcotte will be the designated school for all elementary families residing south of the Athabasca River.

Graduation ceremonies are taking place on Friday August 26th. Holy Trinity Catholic High School will host their 2016 graduation ceremonies at 9am. Father Patrick Mercredi High School will host their 2016 graduation ceremonies at 11am.

“The safety of our students and staff has always been at the forefront of our extensive restoration efforts,” the district said in the release. “The schools were thoroughly cleaned including all surfaces and HVAC systems. Supplies and material that could not be effectively or safely restored were removed and will be replaced.”

Fort McMurray Catholic Schools Superintendent George McGuigan said everyone is excited to see the students.

“It will be a few great weeks ahead for our school families, celebrating our graduates and coming together as a full staff family next week. We are looking forward to our first staff Mass on September 2nd. This will prepare us spiritually for our students to come through our doors on September 6th,” he said.

Fort McMurray Catholic School Board Vice Chair Paula Galenzoski said she is pleased to see the start of the school year right around the corner.

“The beginning of the school year is an important milestone in our community’s recovery from the wildfire. We are so grateful to our employees who have worked unbelievably long hours over the summer to ensure our schools are safe and ready to welcome back our students, families, and school staff,” she said.

For the latest back to school information, school calendar, and school supply list please visit www.fmcsd.ab.ca.