By Shaun Penner

GPCSD to consider removing Grades 10-12 from St. Mary’s

Mar 12, 2019 | 1:51 PM

The future of the high school at St Mary’s in Sexsmith will be discussed at an open house next week, as enrollment numbers continue to remain relatively low heading into the 2019-2020 school year.

The Grande Prairie and District Catholic Schools Board of Trustees passed a motion at the February 25 board meeting to examine whether or not to close the Grade 10-12 portion of the school. They will do that through a series of engagements throughout the district, so parents can voice their ideas, opinions and concerns on the proposal.

“Our numbers have held stable,” said Superintendent Karl Germann. “But they haven’t been high over time. With the addition of St. John Paul II in the north end of the city, there is an opportunity for kids to be bussed from Sexsmith into Grande Prairie to (attend) a high school that might include more options for kids.”

Germann adds that he is pleased with the quality of education that has been offered at St. Mary’s, but says by bringing students in to larger schools like St. John Paul II and St. Joseph’s, they would have access to courses like welding, enhanced construction and many extra circular opportunities they would otherwise not get in Sexsmith.

It is estimated that about 15 students per grade, per year, would be relocated with the removal of grades 10 – 12. For next year, approximately 14 students in Grade 10, 16 in Grade 11, and only 2 Grade 12 students would have to bus into Grande Prairie.

In terms of bussing, no busses would need to be added as the route to between St. Mary’s, St. John Paul II and St. Joe’s already exists for French immersion students. The ride to St. John Paul II takes about 20 minutes each way.

The County of Grande Prairie will be sending a letter to the Board of Trustees, outlining the impacts removing grades 10 – 12 would have on the County.

“We have concerns about the distance people will have to be bussed,” said County CAO Bill Rogan. “The length of time kids are on the bus, from pick up in the morning and from pickup in the afternoon to get home. So, council will ask the school board for a little more information on ride times for students.”

Germann also points out that some students and parents may not like the idea of moving to a larger school, as a school like St. Mary’s can offer smaller class sizes and more individual attention.

“Sometimes in a larger school it’s just easier to lose a sense of community,” said Germann. “So, we work hard to keep that sense of community.”

For the 2019-2020 school year, St. John Paul II is expected to have 610 students, with a capacity of holding 1000 students. St. Joe’s will have around 800 students, also with a capacity of 1000. Grade 12 students would have to attend St. Joes next year, as St. John Paul II will not offer Grade 12 until 2020-2021.

“It’s going to depend, really, on what families want and what Trustees want to do with the input that they receive,” said Germann.

The board will not make a decision until its meeting on April 29. A community meeting will be held at St. Mary’s on Tuesday, March 19 at 6 p.m. For those interested in taking a look at either St John Paul II or St Joseph’s, they are able to attend an information night being held at both schools on Monday, March 18 at 7 p.m.