INNISFAIL - Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools (RDCRS) trustees have approved additional staffing to support the continuation of full-day everyday kindergarten at Innisfail’s St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Catholic School.
The move came by way of motion at the board’s Feb. 25 meeting.
The motion states: “The board of trustees support an additional 0.5 teacher FTE (full time equivalent) to support the continuation of full-day, everyday kindergarten at St. Marguerite Bourgeoys for the 2025-26 school year.”
Full-day, everyday kindergarten has been offered at the school for the past several years, with the division picking up the cost. There are 13 students in the program in 2024-25 school year.
In a January report to trustees, Ryan Sawula, associate superintendent of curriculum and inclusion, outlined potential benefits of continuing with full-day kindergarten at the school that includes:
• potential for improved academic performance;
• potential for enhanced play time and social skills;
• potential for improving preparation for future schooling;
• support for working parents;
• potential for stronger emotional development; and
• more time for enrichment activities.
The Red Deer-headquartered RDCRS division includes schools in Olds and Innisfail.
Sawula is set to become the new superintendent of Chinook’s Edge School Division in June.
