Damascus Crier
School Newsletter: September 8,2026

Principal's Message
Welcome to the 2026-2027 school year at The Centre for Learning@HOME! I hope your family enjoyed the summer break, and that you are ready to resume schooling. For those joining us in kindergarten, this is an exciting time for students and parents, and I extend an extra special welcome to our students first entering their formal schooling. September is also an opportunity to transition back into previous routines, as well as to develop new ones. It is a time to focus on learning as well as the new opportunities a school year brings whether those be academic, co-curricular, or extra-curricular.
Staff at The Centre for Learning are excited about seeing students and parents across the province at our Welcome Back Picnics, and I invite you and your family to join us at one near you. These gatherings are a great way to meet other CFL families, connect with teachers and other CFL staff, and celebrate the beginning of a new school year. Be sure to check out all of the events and activities on our website.
As you read through this newsletter, you’ll find lots of information designed to help families and students settle into the new year, as well as keep informed of events within our school community. I pray for the staff, students, and families of those at the CFL as we begin this new year that we experience all of God’s blessings, and act as instruments of His love toward others this school year.
God Bless,
Mr. Mike Jerrett
FAITH
At our core, each one of us has value and worth that cannot be measured by achievement, success, or circumstance. Every person carries a dignity that is unshakable and deserves to be respected. This truth reminds us to treat one another with compassion, fairness, and solidarity; seeing in each person the same dignity we hope others see in us. At The Centre for Learning@HOME, we strive to uphold this dignity daily, whether it’s by teachers offering patient support to students, or colleagues stepping in to mentor teachers. Our tangible actions create a school community where individuals are treated with the greatest respect. We strive to honour the words in John 15:17; This is my command: Love each other.
Important Dates
Mark your Calendars!
September 8: First day of online classes & Connections
September 9, 16, 23: Parent Directed Home Education Coffee Houses
September 10, 17, 24: Start Right Online Sessions
September 14: Options Classes Begin (Year Long, Semester 1, Quarter 1)
September 16: Central AB Welcome Back Picnic
September 18: Opening School Liturgy 11:45 AM
September 23-25: Camp Kindle
September 30: Truth and Reconciliation Day. NO SCHOOL.
October 1: Edmonton & Medicine Hat Welcome Back Picnics
October 2: Lethbridge & Grand Prairie Welcome Back Picnics
October 8: Calgary & Okotoks Welcome Back Picnic
October 9: Thanksgiving Liturgy 11:45 AM
October 12: Thanksgiving Day. NO SCHOOL
October 13: Teacher PD Day. NO SCHOOL
October 17 – 23: Catholic Education Week
Student Timetable
Grades 1-9 Student Timetable
Grades 10-12 Student Timetable
Phones Away During Class Time
Christ the Redeemer Catholic Schools (CTR) has developed a Personal Mobile Devices and Social Media administrative procedure (AP) shaped by input from students, parents, guardians, administrators, and staff to ensure our schools reflect our Catholic faith's call to foster a welcoming, respectful, and safe learning environment. This procedure emphasizes reducing distractions during teacher instruction (Zoom classes), promoting responsible technology use, and supporting mental health while enhancing teacher-student and student-student interactions during class time.
Attendance Matters in Online Education!
CFL@HOME’s Annual Welcome Back Picnics
Join staff and CFL@HOME families for our annual Welcome Back Picnic in your area.
FSLW Corner
Start the year with confidence! Alison Polson, Family School Liaison Worker (FSLW) is hosting several Start-Right Sessions, a chance for New-to-CFL parents to ask questions and connect in community. Offered during September, these sessions supplement the guidance of our Educational Assistants and Family School Coordinators. Sessions are being held on September 11, 16, and 25th. Come out to a Zoom session and meet Ms. Polson!
Parent Directed Home Education Coffee Houses
Start your homeschooling journey strong! Join our Home Education Coffee Houses for coffee, connection, and conversation with other parents. Our visiting teachers will be on hand to answer questions and share insights for a successful start! Coffee Houses are from 1:00 – 2:30 pm on September 9, 16, 23. All are welcome to attend.
High School Camp Kindle
Grades 9-12 students! Get ready for Camp Kindle! Outdoor games, team-building challenges, and new friendships await. Plus, it’s a great chance to connect with your CFL teachers in an unforgettable setting. Don’t miss this adventure!
*Registration is now open in Clear Event and spaces are limited!
Registrations closes on September 11th @ 9:00am. Register early to avoid disappointment. *
WHERE: Camp Kindle, 29479 Range Road 6.1 A, Water Valley, AB
WHEN: Wednesday, September 23-Friday, September 25
WHO: CFL Students, grades 9-12
Europe Trip 2027 – An Adriatic Odyssey!!
The Centre for Learning@HOME Travel Club will be travelling to Greece and Italy over Easter Break 2027. An international school trip is a great way for students to see the world with their peers under the safety and supervision of the school staff. We welcome Centre for Learning@HOME students in grades 9 - 12 to join us. For more information see our website, spaces are limited and currently the trip is almost full.
Centre for Learning@HOME School Council
The Centre for Learning@HOME School Council is formed by a group of parents, secondary students, principals, teachers, and local trustees who work together to support and enhance student learning. They provide a means for members of the school community to consult with and provide advice to the principal and the school board.
We warmly invite all parents to join the Annual General Meeting, where we will be voting in School Representatives and Council Members (President, Vice President, Secretary).
Representatives for 2026-27:
Northern Alberta Representative
Central Alberta Representative
Southern Alberta Representative
Grade 10-12 Student Representative
School Principal (non-voting member)
School Vice-Principal (non-voting member)
Teacher Representative (non-voting member)
AGM: Monday, September 21, 6:00PM
Program Enhancement: Events and Activities
At The Centre for Learning@HOME we believe in providing opportunities for students and families to make connections and build relationships. Because of this we have a dedicated team who offer hundreds of events and activities to our students across Alberta. For more information and to see what opportunities are coming up in your area please see our school website events page.
CFL@HOME has a Facebook page for parents!
Connect with other CFL@HOME parents on Centre for Learning@HOME Parent Communication Hub. This group is your go-to place to connect with other CFL parents, share experiences, ask questions, and find support on your homeschooling and online education journey. Whether you're looking for advice, resources, or just a friendly chat, you'll find a warm and welcoming community here. Let's work together to create the best learning environment for our children! Join us and be part of a supportive network dedicated to making learning a positive and enriching experience for all.
Joining the Group:
- Search for CFL@HOME Parent Communication Hub on Facebook.
- Click on CFL@HOME Parent Communication Hub in the search results.
- Click "Join Group."
Contact Us:
Email: cflregteam@redeemer.ab.ca
Website: https://centreforlearning.redeemer.ab.ca
Location: 200 - 109 Southbank Blvd, Okotoks, AB T1S 0G1, Canada
Phone: 403-938-4119
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/centreforlearningathome/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/centreforlearningathome/