Back to school is just around the corner.
However, there was hardly time for vacation for the Fort McMurray Public School District (FMPSD).
Doug Nicholls, Superintendent for the FMPSD, said schools in the region were busy with large renovation projects.
“There have been many projects internally be it improvement of flooring, paint, installation of technology. There has been a huge amount of work over these last two months that are all for supporting student learning.”
One such project is the major new expansion of École McTavish School.
“[It’s a] new construction. That school will be opening with a high school wing in September, so that’s very exciting.”
The renovation project also includes workshops, performance and visual art studios, and medical science facilities.
Nicholls said FMPSD schools like École McTavish should house about 6400 students by the end of September.
Alberta’s teachers were also busy this summer.
Their discussions with the provincial government over the curriculum, for example, are still ongoing.
“Alberta Education has come out with a new plan for consultation. We will be providing feedback and input along the way,” Said Doug Nicholls. “We’ll also be working with our local teachers to ensure that a good Fort McMurray perspective is in place.”
FMPSD schools will open with a staggered schedule.
Classes for children enrolled in kindergarten and up start on September 3, 2019.
Early childhood classes will begin the following week on September 9.
