Holy Spirit reviews education numbers during pandemic

By Ry Clarke - Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on November 2, 2022.

Herald Photo by Ry Clarke Students from across the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division perform in Arise & Shine last month at Catholic Central High School.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, students were affected in how they learned and attended classes, and now with a return to in-person learning school divisions are reviewing the results of the Spring 2022 Education Assurance Measures to accurately view how to proceed with education.

Holy Spirit Catholic School Division recently took a look at its Assurance Domains comparing the numbers with the rest of the province at the first meeting of the school year.

Across the board the Division is noticing higher results in comparison with the province, attributing those positive inclines to the hard work and dedication its staff and teachers do towards student growth, teaching, learning supports, and governance.

“It speaks volumes about what the individual schools, with their principals and teachers, are doing to stay connected throughout that entire pandemic,” said Carmen Mombourquette, board chair for Holy Spirit. “What the results are indicative of, with results coming from the parents, teachers, and students, is even with the very tumultuous times for students to learn in schools, teachers are still doing what they need to do. That is despite the fact that if we take a look at former literacy, numeracy results, students have struggled during this time without question.”

Looking to curb the loss, Holy Spirit put forth resolutions during its meeting in the spring to close gaps in learning experience.

“Educators have recognized that something needs to be done a little further to help. Taking care of those learning gaps that developed throughout the time children were away from direct access to the teachers,” said Mombourquette.

Holy Spirit administrators are always striving for continued excellence.

“School authorities are continually trying to hone their craft to be able to work in spite of the challenges that the pandemic created,” said Ken Sampson, superintendent for Holy Spirit. “We are still required to deliver curriculum and ensure that the outcomes are identified in the programs and studies.”

With a return to more in-person learning, schools are hopeful of increasing the learning outcomes of their students.

“We are very proud of the product that we provide, and very grateful to the parents who entrust their children to our care, knowing that we will provide a top-quality educational opportunity for our students,” said Sampson.