Report cards in Calgary’s Catholic schools will soon have a new look as officials revamp the old document to make them easier to understand.

Parents had complained for years, saying they’re difficult to comprehend and laced with “teacher jargon” and mechanic phrases.

Letter grades will now become a thing of the past in grade schools within the Calgary Catholic School District.

They’ll be replaced with a new system of comments: EX (Excellence), AB (Above Acceptable), AC (Acceptable), NY (Not Yet Meeting Acceptable) and NA (Not Assessed).

Junior High students will still receive percentages.

The goal is to tell parents how their child is doing, how they’re succeeding and what is they have to do next.

It comes from an 18-month project where officials spoke with teachers, students, parents and principals.

Superintendent of Instructional Services, Dr. Andra McGinn, tells 660News the report card will emphasize the positive for each particular student and then detail his or her next step.

“We’re looking at a success base and looking from a strength base because that is how students are most successful,” she says. “So really the language that’s used it’s clear and it can give the parents a better understanding.”

There will also be a comment section for “work habits” to give parents a better picture of what happens inside the classroom.

McGinn says the biggest shift appears to be in both detail and language.

She adds parents had asked for “strength-based” report cards and the more positive approach.

The new report cards will be handed out to students in October.