FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools and Tree House Playschool Announce Strategic Partnership
[St. Albert], [January 22, 2024] – Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools (GSACRD) is excited to announce a strategic partnership with Tree House Playschool, a leading provider of early childhood education currently embedded in Neil M. Ross Catholic School and École Sacré Coeur. This continued collaboration marks a significant step towards enhancing the preschool experience for young learners within the Greater St. Albert community.
Starting in September, Tree House Playschool will open additional preschool program sites in Albert Lacombe Catholic School, J.J. Nearing Catholic School and École Notre Dame School in Morinville, contingent on meeting registration requirements. Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools will continue offering program unit funding (PUF) for preschool students at Bertha Kennedy Catholic School, Holy Family Catholic School and St. Kateri Tekakwitha Academy in Morinville, with several spots also available for independent students.
Jenny Drake, Program Director at Tree House Playschool, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, saying, "We are so pleased to continue our collaboration with Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools by adding three new preschool sites in the fall. Tree House Playschool aims to provide excellence in early learning - a quality, caring preschool experience that keeps students and families connected to their classrooms and communities for years to come. We will continue to learn and grow through this extended partnership."
Tree House Playschool has successfully operated preschool programs within the school communities of École Father Jan, École Saint Marguerite d'Youville and Holy Family in years past. Currently offering preschool classes within the premises of Neil M. Ross Catholic School and École Sacré Coeur, Tree House has earned a reputation for its nurturing, child and family-centric approach to preschool education. In the upcoming academic year, Tree House Playschool is set to expand its presence by opening sites in additional schools within the GSACRD network.
Catherine Giesbrect, Assistant Superintendent of Learning Services with Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools, expresses her excitement about the collaboration, stating, "At GSACRD, we are committed to providing a holistic and enriching educational experience for our students. The partnership with Tree House Playschool aligns seamlessly with our vision, bringing additional resources and expertise to our preschool programs."
This collaboration will enable parents and caregivers in the Greater St. Albert community to access high-quality preschool education within the familiar and trusted environment of GSACRD schools. The partnership aims to create a seamless transition for young learners as they progress through their early education journey.
About Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools:
Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools is a dynamic and innovative school division committed to providing a Christ-centered education that fosters students' spiritual, intellectual, social, and physical development. With a focus on excellence and inclusivity, GSACRD strives to empower students to reach their full potential.
About Tree House Playschool:
Tree House Playschool is a leading provider of early childhood education dedicated to creating a nurturing and stimulating environment for young learners. With a play-based approach to learning, Tree House Playschool focuses on fostering creativity, curiosity, and a love for lifelong learning.
For further information, please contact:
Media Contact:
Shanlyn Cunningham
Manager of Communications, Marketing, and Community Engagement
780.459.7711 I scunningham@gsacrd.ab.ca
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Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools serves 6,000 students in the communities of Legal, Morinville, St. Albert and Sturgeon County. A range of programming is available, including Full and half-day kindergarten, French Immersion (K-12), International Baccalaureate, Advanced Placement, Sports Academy, and integrated learning for students with diverse needs.