Leduc Society for Christian Education

 

1. Are we a private school? charter school? semi-private school?

 

Covenant is neither a private school nor a charter school nor a semi-private school, but an “alternative program” public school.  This means that Covenant is part of a public school division but integrates the Christian faith to provide Christ-centred education and biblical learning.

 

2. Is there tuition? What do fees cover? 

 

Your payments to the LSCE are not tuition, but rather alternative program fees that cover costs that relate to religious instruction, including Bible curriculum and professional development specific to a Christian school.  As the school property is privately owned by the LSCE, fees also contribute towards capital improvements and maintenance.  Further, the LSCE runs its own transportation system used for both regular bus riders and school field trips, so fees contribute towards costs associated with the transportation system.

 

3. Is CCS associated with any particular church denomination?

 

No, CCS is not run by any particular church denomination, although the majority of our students attend local area churches.  Historically, our neighbour, Ebenezer Christian Reformed Church, has been heavily involved in the LSCE and the operations of CCS, and we used to share a building, but CCS has always been a separate entity.

 

4. Do you have uniforms?

 

Covenant does not have uniforms, but we do have a dress code, which is available in the Parent Handbook on the CCS website.

 

5. Are we planning on adding a high school?

 

At this point in time, the LSCE is not in a position to add a high school to CCS.  A large part of this is due to the fact that we do not have ability to add additional structure onto our existing property.

 

6. How can I get involved?

 

The LSCE is run by mostly parent volunteers through a board and a number of committees, including a Finance Committee, Preschool Committee, Public Relations Committee and Transportation Committee.  CCS and the LSCE couldn’t function without the many volunteers who bless us.  

 

We realize that time and energy for volunteering varies from one family to another, so we welcome whatever involvement fits your family at this time.  Here are some other possibilities:

• Pray for our students and staff

• Help out with a once -a-year event, such as the school fundraising auction

• Volunteer at Covenant, either in a school program (such as hot lunch), or in your child’s classroom

 

7. How do I become a member of the LSCE?

 

If you are looking to enrol your child at CCS, at least one parent must become a member of the LSCE.  To become a member, you must complete an application, provide a completed pastor reference form (we can provide you with the form upon request), and pay an application fee.  You will also need to attend a new family meeting at the school and commit to a Partnership Agreement.  The Partnership Agreement incorporates the “CCS Education Vision” (a statement of faith that reflects basic Christian principles) and your commitment to cooperate with staff and students in the implementation of the Education Vision.

 

Those who do not have children at CCS may also become a member of the LSCE if they meet the requirements set out in our Bylaws.  For more information, please contact our Society Administrator, Lisa Gatzke.

 

8. What is the role of the LSCE in the operation of CCS?

 

The LSCE is a charitable organization that owns and manages the school building and property, as well as some other assets such as buses.  It is not generally involved in the day-to-day operations of the school.  The LSCE is tasked with ensuring the ongoing integrity and intent of the alternative program (being the integration of Christian faith into education programming) are maintained.  This includes purchasing Bible curriculum and providing professional development for staff specific to Christian education.  Additionally, the LSCE runs a private preschool program and a small transportation system.

 

9. What is the role of Black Gold School Division in the operation of CCS?

 

The day-to-day operations of CCS are run by Black Gold School Division.  School administration, teachers and EAs are Black Gold employees.  Black Gold School Division also leases the school building from the LSCE.  All Black Gold board policies apply to the CCS alternative program.

 

10. Why does the LSCE run a preschool program?

 

The LSCE runs a preschool program because of its commitment to providing Christian education.  Since the educational journey for many families begins with preschool, that’s where we want our educational program to begin as well.  The preschool program also serves to help welcome families to the Covenant community.

 

11. Why does the LSCE operate its own busses?

 

The LSCE operates its own busses to provide transportation for students who live outside of the City of Leduc catchment area and are unable to access BGSD transportation.   LSCE transportation benefits not only the students that ride the busses to and from school, but also all the students who attend CCS.  The LSCE provides transportation for field trips and other school activities so that it does not need to compete with other schools to book bussing.