<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Dear Families,</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Today marked an important step forward as students and staff returned to school and reconnected with one another. It was truly uplifting to see classrooms once again filled with energy and learning. Our students and staff are the heartbeat of Black Gold School Division.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">With our first day back to regular instruction, we are extremely grateful to the professionalism, care, and dedication of our teachers. We are delighted to have them back in classrooms doing what they do best—supporting and inspiring students each day. We ask for your patience and understanding as routines are re-established and everyone adjusts back to normal operations.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Today, the </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Board of Trustees</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> reviewed the </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">2025–2026 School Calendar</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> to address the instructional time lost during the recent ATA strike. We recognize the challenges that students, families, and staff have faced with the disruption to learning over the past several weeks. Our focus remains on supporting students and ensuring they receive the instructional time needed to meet course outcomes.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Following careful consideration, the Board has approved changing the two upcoming </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Professional Learning Days</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> into </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Instructional Days</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> to help recover lost learning time.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The following dates are now instructional days:</strong></b></p><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Monday, November 3</strong></b></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Monday, December 1</strong></b></li></ul><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This adjustment allows students to regain classroom time without extending the school year. We understand that calendar changes can be challenging for families, and we appreciate your flexibility as we make every effort to support students’ learning continuity.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Board also explored the possibility of adjusting </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Fall Break</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">; however, significant operational challenges—including limited availability of support staff, transportation, and previously approved leaves—make this option unworkable at this time.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We are awaiting further direction from </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Alberta Education</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> regarding </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Diploma Exams</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> and </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">instructional time requirements</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">. Once we receive additional information, we will review whether any further changes are required and share updates promptly with families.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Most school bus routes will operate as usual on these newly added instructional days. A small number of routes may be affected, and families will be contacted directly if their child’s route is impacted. We ask for your patience and understanding as we finalize transportation details.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">On </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Monday, November 3</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">, classes will operate as a regular school day. Please watch for communication from your child’s school regarding any adjustments to rotation days (e.g., Day 1 or Day 2).</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Our primary goal continues to be supporting students in meeting curricular outcomes. We are grateful for the flexibility and understanding shown by our teachers, support staff, custodians, and families as we make these necessary adjustments to support student success.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We will continue to communicate with families as new information becomes available.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you again for your ongoing support and partnership.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Sincerely,</span><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Michael Borgfjord</span><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Superintendent</span><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Black Gold School Division</span></p>