Dear MCS Parents & Guardians
Brett Whittington — Chair, MCS Foundation
The last year marks one of the most unusual years that any of us have ever experienced, due to COVID-19.
As students register and then return to school for the 2021/2022 school year, MCS Foundation will be praying for the entire MCS community – students, families, staff, administration – everyone who makes our school as special as it is. We want to encourage you to practise grace and courage as we move forward and continue to learn.
We acknowledge that you may have concerns or questions about how we continue to provide a student-centric learning environment as it relates to COVID-19, or about the delivery of the Community Christian Education Program (CCEP).
As partners with Edmonton Public School Division, we are supporting all of EPSB’s health and safety initiatives that cover such things as the risk reduction through safety strategies and family choice of either in-school or online learning.
The Principal, Mr. Markine, and staff will continue to provide you with updated information about such things as the School Entry and Dismissal protocols, and all the rules we must follow to mitigate risk and keep everyone safe.
We also want to share the answers to some questions parents are asking that relate directly to the Christian program at MCS.
Q. Our family has chosen online learning. What can we expect for Christian content?
A. MCS Foundation and Edmonton Public are partners in delivering the Community Christian Education Program at MCS. The logistics have been very challenging, but online students will be organized by Edmonton Public for main subjects. Christian programming can also be accessed online from MCS through Bible class, daily devotions and the Scripture memory program.
Q. If we remain registered at MCS, but choose online learning, do we still need to pay the Christian Program Fees?
A. Yes. If a student is registered at MCS, Christian Program Fees are required regardless if a family is choosing in-school or online learning. The challenge for the Foundation is that the costs of keeping the program running are the same, or even increased, during the time of COVID-19. Teaching and learning materials, the costs of running the building and the long-term investment in maintaining the alternative program through professional development and ensuring a positive working relationship with EPSB, are all still required.
Q. Our family does not have the same income as we did prior to COVID-19 and the program fees are no longer affordable for our family.
A. Families who are experiencing financial challenges but want to remain enrolled at MCS are all welcome to apply for Fee Assistance. This program has always been in place for families who cannot afford the program fees. Please contact the executive director for information.
Q. If we withdraw our child(ren) from MCS, will we be guaranteed a spot when we choose to return?
A. No. If parents choose to not remain registered at Meadowlark Christian School, we cannot guarantee that space will be available should they choose to re-register in the future.
Students would be subject to the standard enrolment procedures for “new” families. For clarification, “withdrawing” refers to choosing a different program or school – not simply choosing online learning through MCS.
The Foundation is committed to upholding the values of the Community Christian Education Program that are characterized by acceptance, appreciation, respect and dependence upon each other.
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”Joshua 1:9
Team sports and athletic endeavours are part of healthy living and skill development. At MCS, the athletic mascot is a wolf – chosen for its characteristics of ambition, playfulness, intelligence and athleticism.
Learn a sport, join a team, compete – and grow as an individual at MCS.