Jun. 25, 2021
I have reflected for some time about this extraordinary school year. My head tells me we should celebrate our many accomplishments and achievements, but my heart tells me to consider how this past year made us feel. And the thing I am feeling most is a profound sense of gratitude.
I have been privileged to lead our team through this pandemic, but it is the flexibility, compassion and trust of our incredible staff, students and families that ensured we would be successful. Through isolation, positive cases, at-home and in-class learning and adhering to constantly changing health measures, you just kept on adjusting and finding new ways to make things better.
As I watched this unfold, I began to understand that because of your resilience and determination, we might just be okay after all. These past 16 months have taught us so much about how we come together in challenging times to support each other. Thank you. I am grateful to have taken this journey with you, and to know that the lessons learned will serve us well in future.
For the upcoming school year, it will be important to understand how this pandemic may have impacted each individual as we support our students, and renew the important connections between students, staff and each other.
At this moment, I do not know what health measures may be in place when we come back for the 2021-22 school year. We will communicate those details in advance of the first day of school. I do know that I look forward with hope and optimism to continuing to offer students and families the incredible educational experiences they have come to expect from the CBE.
I wish you a restful, joyful and safe summer.
Sincerely,
Christopher Usih
Chief Superintendent of Schools
P.S. – The Alberta government is inviting people to participate in a survey to better understand pandemic-related impacts on child and youth under the age of 19. Adults may take
the survey until July 31, 2021. Children and youth under 19 can also share their experiences and ideas by completing the
youth survey. The government is also hosting a series of telephone town halls on this subject. Register for upcoming events at
this link.
