Hello Parents/Guardians,

I hope this message finds you well. I want to begin this week’s update with a heartfelt thank you to our learning community for the support shown to teachers upon their return to work this week. Regardless of where each of us may stand on the events of the past month, the messages, treats, calls, and emails expressing appreciation for the work happening in schools have been deeply valued. Regardless of what’s transpired, it is always easy to come to work knowing our students will be here.

Personally, being back in routine, seeing our students each day, and reconnecting with colleagues continues to remind me of the importance of community, something for which I am always very grateful. In my last message to families, I shared how honoured and privileged I feel to work within such an incredible learning community. That feeling remains steadfast and strong.

As we re-establish routines, I want to highlight the message shared earlier this week by the CBE. Schools have been asked to prioritize connection with students and ensure a smooth transition back to learning. Teachers are focusing on designing learning experiences that meet students where they are, creating tasks that are responsive, meaningful, and aligned with broad concepts and outcomes.

If your child has an IPP and you have not yet signed the initialized fall plan, these will be provided to families by November 28th .

At this time, all field trips and extracurricular activities are paused. All trips canceled due to labour action will not be rescheduled. Any off-site activities occurring November 17th and beyond will proceed as planned. All clubs and extra-curricular activities are also currently paused; however, these will also resume on November 17th .

We have also been asked to ensure a safe and well-prepared return to athletics through a paced re-entry plan for middle school sports. Next week will be dedicated exclusively to practices, allowing coaches, athletes, and teams the opportunity to re-establish conditioning, skills, and overall game readiness. Following this period, we await direction as to what the remainder of the basketball season will look like.

Finally, we are reviewing our school-based fees and will be pro-rating fees based on actual expenses and costs. Any fees paid for cancelled trips or activities will be refunded. Course fees will be reduced by 20% to reflect a loss of time in October. Other school-based fees will be pro-rated based on costs/expenses incurred.

Thank you again for your on-going and continue support of the work we do with your children. Wishing you all a Happy Halloween and a wonderful weekend. If you’re into ball, Go Blue Jays! Please do not hesitate to email me at nmlisi@cbe.ab.ca if you have any questions.

Warm regards,

Dr. Nancy Lisi
Principal