Winter Break Extends - December 30, 2021 Letter to Parents and Guardians

December 30, 2021

RE: Winter Break Extends for students

Dear Parents/Guardians of BTPS Students,

Late this afternoon, the Minister of Education announced that the Kindergarten to Grade 12 student winter break has been extended to January 10 provincewide. Minister LaGrange also announced that Diploma Exams for Grade 12 students will be cancelled in January.

In this announcement, Minister LaGrange indicated school authorities will use the extended student break to prepare for potential in-person and at-home learning scenarios in response to the current COVID-19 situation. They are monitoring the provincial situation closely and the government could make a decision next week to move to at-home learning.

When we get back to school in the new year, a few things to keep in mind to ensure the safety of everyone in our schools:

1. All staff and students must complete the Alberta Health Daily Checklist.

Core symptoms

• Here is the Alberta Health Daily Checklist that needs to be completed every day.
• If you have any of these core symptoms, you are legally required to isolate for 10 days from the start of symptoms or until they are gone, whichever is longer. If you test negative, you should still stay home and away from others until symptoms resolve.
• It is extremely important to be diligent and ensure no one is coming to school with these symptoms.

2. The Alberta Education Guidance for Schools and the BTPS Back to School Plan remain in effect. The current Health Orders are here.

We know that the government’s announcement adds additional challenges for parents/guardians and our students. The pandemic has been difficult. We thank you for supporting our students, staff and schools.

Tomorrow, I have additional meetings scheduled with government officials. If there is other information to send out, I will do that tomorrow afternoon.

Take care and I wish you all good health in the new year.

Take care,

Rhae-Ann Holoien

Superintendent