Dear Parents/Guardians
We are only a few days away from a well-earned winter break. It has been exciting to see how schools have managed to continue with charitable acts and seasonal celebrations in fun and unique ways this month. I am proud of all the hard work our teachers and staff have done to support online transitions in the past couple of weeks and throughout the fall. I am also impressed with how students have adapted to changes in routines and health protocols in schools. It has most definitely been a year like no other. I want to thank all of our families for traveling on this journey with us, and for their assistance and support.
Please note these important system updates and information for the upcoming weeks.
Reminder Winter Break – Dec 19. to Jan. 3
The CBE’s winter break will begin at the end of the day on Friday, Dec. 18 until Monday, Jan. 4. Please check your school calendar to confirm as some dates for individual schools may be different.
At-Home Learning Jan. 4 to 8, 2021
The majority of students will participate in at-home learning when classes resume after the break. It is important to remember that at-home learning will look different from what your child may have experienced last spring.
- Students in Grades 7-12 already participating in at-home learning will continue with their existing schedules.
- Students in kindergarten to Grade 6 will also move to at-home learning. Your school will provide specific information about learning expectations for your child during this time.
- Students in specialized classes or unique settings will continue to attend in person. More information will be provided from your school.
Most of our staff will be working from home during this week.
Schools are scheduled to return to in-person classes on Monday, Jan. 11, 2021.
Noon Supervision and Yellow School Bus Transportation Fees
As the province has directed schools to move to at-home learning during the times noted above, families will not be charged noon supervision or yellow school bus transportation fees when these services are not offered.
- Grade 7-9 students will not be charged yellow school bus transportation fees from Nov. 30, 2020 until Jan. 8, 2021.
- Kindergarten to Grade 6 students will not be charged noon supervision or transportation fees for the week of Jan. 4-8, 2021.
Families will receive credits to their MyCBE/PowerSchool accounts. If, at any point in the remainder of the school year there is movement to at-home learning that impacts the entire system or specific grades, additional credits will be provided. At the end of the school year, Student Fees will reconcile the accounts and offer refunds to families for any amounts above $10.
Families are reminded to pay all outstanding fees.
For more information visit: cbe.ab.ca/fees.
MyCBE/PowerSchool Account Unavailable
MyCBE/PowerSchool will undergo routine maintenance from Dec. 18 at 5 p.m. to Dec. 27 at 11:59 p.m. and will be unavailable during this time. The sign-in page and CBE system status will be updated when this work is complete. Read more on link on the CBE website.
Kindergarten Registration Begins January 11, 2021
With more kindergarten programs than anyone else in Calgary, we have a program that is right for you. You can choose from a community school, language programs and a variety of alternative programs including science, Montessori, Traditional Learning Centres and more.
Visit www.cbe.ab.ca/kindergarten to learn more about the programs we offer, when your child can begin kindergarten, and how to register for the 2021-2022 school year, or read about steps for registering your child for school.
Nutrition Programs for Jan. 4-8
Since our schools will be participating in at-home learning for the first week after winter break, breakfast and lunch supports will not be offered. If you require support for your child during the week of Jan 4-8, you can access various community supports.
I wish you all a restful and safe winter break.
Sincerely,
Christopher Usih
Chief Superintendent of Schools
