I do not live in Morinville but I have been following the saga.
A few years ago a number of people in Morinville wished to have a Public School. The town did have schools already. The town had only “Separate” Schools which were already called Public.
Anyway, the population of this town has enlarged to 9500 and the percentage of this population is now around 30% Catholic. In the past, this [percentage] was the majority.
To help, a school from the original system was turned over for up to
Grade 6. It was anticipated this would move up to Grade 12, one year at a time.
The population of Morinville increased. By this fall the new elementary school was more than capacity. Art, music, physical education and computer instruction space suffered.
The Premier announced a 55 ” new” school program for Alberta. I think this was a repeat announcement from a previous Premier?
Morinville Public did not make the list.
When the elementary school was turned over to become a “public school” many probably thought a Jr. Senior component would be the logical direction? It was not to be!
It is possible that a “slight of mouth” occurrence happened or the expected “coupon” for a new school expired?
It does seem the ball has been dropped.
The MLA, the Education Minister and others seem to forget the possibility of a promise being made when the up-to-6 school for an Upper Grade School to follow? Did they not realize students are expected to move to a higher level each year?
Back to the ‘Promises.’
1922- ‘Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening’ by Robert Frost
(Last Verse)
These woods are lonely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.
Where will this saga end? Will the Premier’s Announcement number reach 56 [schools]?
Thank you,
Gary Zeman
Edmonton
