Good afternoon Fort McMurray Catholic Schools families,

We know these are tough times in Alberta, and we reach out today to share our support for all of our families and friends throughout the Province. Our prayers and thoughts are with all Albertans evacuated, evacuating, preparing to evacuate, the firefighters, the leaders making very difficult decisions, and those all supporting those in need. 

Fort McMurray Catholic Schools believes in making data based decisions. We rely on information from several sources and agencies during wildfire season. 

As the Premier of Alberta yesterday announced the province is now in a State of Emergency due to the wildfire situation- we felt this would be a good time to share several trusted sources of information with our families. 

Wildfire- Trusted Sources of Information

One link we would like to highlight in this document is the Wildfire Smoke Forecast website. This site shows where wildfire smoke is coming from and we have found it an excellent source of information and forecasting when it comes to air quality. For example from this resource we can see the smoke in our region the past few days was from Northern Saskatchewan. 

Merciful Father,

Our province is experiencing devastating fires,

And we turn to You, because we know You are our Saviour.

We ask you to bring rain down upon all our province,

Allowing these waters to renew the Earth

And extinguish the fires.

We ask You to protect the families who have evacuated their homes,

Guide them to safety, and grant them strength in the days to come. 

We in Fort McMurray, know the trials they are facing

And pray that they will feel the love and support of others,

That we once experienced. 

We know that these events,

Bring so many memories to our Fort McMurray Catholic families,

We ask you Lord to

Steady the hearts and minds of all in our community,

Please be with the first responders, 

As they work tirelessly to fight these fires.

Keep them safe and bolster their efforts,

So that they, and all those they fight for,

May return safely to their homes and families. 

We ask this in the name of Jesus, Your Son.

Amen

Thank you,

Natasha MacArthur-Poole

Fort McMurray Catholic Schools Superintendent