May. 13, 2022
The Calgary Board of Education is committed to providing programming tailored to the needs of all students facing a variety of life situations, including pregnant and parenting teens. At the heart of student programming is the ability to allow students to successfully complete high school through a flexible approach that honours individual strengths and removes barriers to learning. As a demonstration of that commitment, we have been exploring ways to continue offering Louise Dean Centre programming, in collaboration with our partners (Kindred/Catholic Family Service and Alberta Health Services), at another facility.
The Louise Dean Centre at Kensington School provides a specialized Grade 9-12 program for pregnant and parenting teens. It operates in partnership with Kindred/Catholic Family Service (CFS) and Alberta Health Services (AHS) to provide comprehensive wrap-around supports to help students complete high school.
CBE Administration will be submitting a report to the Board of Trustees in September 2022 that recommends moving the Louise Dean Centre to Jack James High School with a proposed start date of September 2023.
There are multiple reasons for this recommendation, including the following:
- Louise Dean students would have access to enhanced learning opportunities (i.e. Career and Technology Studies and a wider offering of courses to successfully transition to the world of work or post-secondary education).
- Increased opportunities for students to access and complete their required courses for their high school diploma or certificate.
- Increased access to Indigenous and English Language Learning supports.
- Parenting partners and fathers would have more access to co-parenting opportunities as well as flexible academic programming.
- Opportunities such as extended semesters, credit recovery, retro-credits and flexible programming will continue to promote successful high school completion for both Jack James High School and Louise Dean Centre students.
- Increased access to community supports (Alberta Health Services) and partnerships (Kindred/Catholic Family Service) for Jack James High School students and ongoing access for Louise Dean students.
- Kensington School is a site that requires significant repair, far beyond the cost of upgrades to other CBE sites.
- Jack James High School is easily accessible by transportation
The decision to move the program location will be made by the Board of Trustees through the consideration of closure for the purpose of relocation process. If the Board approves considering the move in September, they will provide an opportunity for public input in October and make a final decision by November 2022.
The CBE will also be hosting a May 25 virtual information session for students, families and community members. If you are interested in learning more about this proposed move, please join us as follows:
May 25, 2022
6 – 7 p.m.
Microsoft Teams virtual session
join at this link
The session will start with a presentation and be followed by time to respond to your questions. A recording of the session will be posted on our website for anyone who is unable to attend.
In addition to the public information session, the CBE is connecting with affected staff, students and families to understand their thoughts and perspectives on this proposed move. All of the input gathered will help us in developing an implementation plan that will be communicated publicly by November 2022, should the Board of Trustees approve moving the LDC location.
If you have any questions following the May 25 information session, please contact the Area 4 Office at 403-777-6233 or Area4@cbe.ab.ca.
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