Dear Parents/Guardians
In a few short days we will close our schools for the winter break, and I wanted to provide some important system updates and reminders to you.
Winter Break Reminder
The CBE’s winter break will begin at the end of the day on Friday, Dec. 17. Traditional calendar schools will return on Tuesday, Jan. 4 and modified calendar schools will return on Thursday, Jan. 6. Please check your school calendar to confirm as some dates for individual schools may be different.
Health Measures – COVID-19 Rapid Tests
The government of Alberta has announced the availability of COVID-19 rapid tests for the community. Rapid tests can detect pre-symptomatic and asymptomatic cases – people who don’t know they’re infected. Increasing at-home rapid testing will help identify infections early to stop the spread. Learn more on the Alberta Government website to determine if this might be an option for your family.
Starting in January, all K-6 schools on alert status (two or more cases in the last 14 days who were present at school while infectious) can request rapid test kits. Tests are also available for school declared in an outbreak (10 or more cases were present while infectious in the school setting within a 14-day period). Participation in the program is optional for schools, parents and staff. If your school is eligible for this program, more information will be sent directly from your school.
Travel Reminders
Once again, we remind families planning to travel outside of Canada over the winter break to keep informed about changing travel regulations and restrictions. This could impact your child’s return to classes in January.
Government regulations currently state that unvaccinated or partially vaccinated students cannot attend school for 14 days after their date of return. Please do not send your child to school or you will be will be asked to pick them up and keep them at home until the 14 days have elapsed.
COVID-19 Notifications
CBE will continue sending COVID-19 notifications over the winter break until Thursday, Dec. 23.
Student Vaccinations
AHS is encouraging students to get immunized against COVID-19 to limit the spread in the community. COVID-19 immunization is our first and best line of defense against COVID-19 and is an important part of protecting the health of students in all schools.
Appointments for first doses for children 5 to 11 years of age continue to be available through the Alberta Vaccine Booking System or by calling 811. AHS vaccine clinic sites are open 7 days a week, 12 hours a day through the holidays except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. For more information about the COVID-19 vaccine for children, see this letter from Dr. Deena Hinshaw to parents and guardians. People aged 12 and over can also receive immunization at participating pharmacies and physician offices, in addition to booking online or by calling 811.
MyCBE/PowerSchool Account Unavailable
MyCBE/PowerSchool will undergo routine annual maintenance from Dec. 20 at 8 a.m. to Dec. 26 at 8 p.m. The sign-in page and CBE system status will be updated when this work is complete. Read more on link on the CBE website.
Virtual K-6 Draft Curriculum Session and Online Survey
In addition to the online survey (open until Feb. 2022) parents and the public are invited to attend a virtual information session hosted by Alberta Education staff on Thursday, Dec. 16 at 7 p.m. We urge you to provide Alberta Education with feedback on the draft curriculum.
Kindergarten Registration Begins Jan. 17, 2022
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, and when your child can begin kindergarten. More information about the registration process is available on our registration page.
Thank you
It has been a tremendously busy fall in CBE schools as we continue to navigate this global pandemic. Despite these challenges, I am excited by all of the excellent learning I have been observing in schools across the city. I thank you for your ongoing support and patience, and hope your family is able to take some time in the coming weeks to enjoy the break together.
Sincerely,
Christopher Usih
Chief Superintendent of Schools
