After the BC Ministry of Education’s direction to suspend all in-classroom learning, on April 2 we launched remote learning for all 261 students of Fraser Academy’s day-school, and 85+ students at FAx outreach center.

Thanks to the creativity and commitment of our staff, the speed with which we moved to online learning was impressive! Feedback from parents has been positive, and students are demonstrating resilience, patience, and an amazing ability to adapt.

On April 9, with the help of seed gifts from Board & Staff, we launched the 906 Reasons Why (COVID-19 Relief) Fund to offer one-time partial tuition support for current families facing extreme financial hardship.The goal: to ensure no family is left behind for the 2020/21 academic year. We are asking for help from all those who feel able to make a gift, no matter the size.

We have decided to cancel the May 29 Alumni event due to the restraints on social gatherings for the foreseeable future. This also applies to school events this semester; we are exploring other ways to celebrate our Class of 2020 graduates (& incoming alumni!) and Mr. Hemy’s retirement.

A time like this challenges our community to respond, look out for each other, and offer inspiration. Here are a few ideas we have to support:

• FA Alumni Job & Business Directory: We are working on launching an FA resource with the ability to circulate job opportunities to help those who may be looking, as well as promote your or other businesses that may help during these times (e.g. make deliveries, offer advice).
  
  More details will be shared in the coming days! We will be offering this resource until June 30 to help navigate COVID-19.
• Reach out to Each Other: We encourage you to reach out to former classmates, re-ignite friendships, and connect! Connection is vital to our wellbeing while practicing social distancing. Please use our Alumni Facebook page, video chat or call each other. Show support; find enjoyment in small acts of kindness and connection!
• Share Stories to Inspire Our FA Community: Send us details of how you are keeping your spirits up, or helping others, during COVID-19. We would love to hear from you and showcase your stories - send them to communications@fraseracademy.ca.
• Alumni Relations Program: A “Strong & Engaged Community” is one of our organization's priorities (see our recently launched Strategic Plan). The FA Advancement team, along with alumni volunteers, are at the beginning stages of building a robust alumni relations program.
  
  Stay tuned for more information, including how you can give us input. In the meantime, please reconnect with us: share your contact information and accomplishments by clicking here, or calling any of the Advancement team @ 604 736 5575.
• Enjoy singing? Check out the FA Community Virtual Choir Project!