Mar. 20, 2020
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Dear Parents/Guardians,
This past week has been very challenging for everyone. We greatly appreciate your patience, support and understanding as we work with principals and teachers on how we deliver and support learning at home for our 124,000 students. In the past four days we have made remarkable progress in what online delivery will look like and how we can also support students who do not have access to technology. Next week is the start of spring break. This year's spring will be very different that what any of us had planned. We hope you and your family stay safe and healthy.
We are providing some important updates below, as well as a brief video message from me.
Alberta Education Guidelines for Continued Student Learning
Today, Alberta Education issued some guidelines around K-12 learning. The CBE has significant work to do over the next few days to determine what this will look like for all of our students. You can expect to receive more information and guidance after spring break.
For additional information, please read the following:
Provincial Achievement Tests and Diploma Exams
As announced by the government, all Grade 6 and 9 provincial achievement tests and Grade 12 diploma exams are cancelled. Under special circumstances, students can request to write a diploma exam. We are looking for clarity from the province regarding these special circumstances and will provide more information in the coming weeks.
Learning Resources
After spring break, additional learning resources and activities will be shared to support students in learning. We have created a Learning at Home webpage that offers a variety of educational ideas to support literacy, numeracy and wellness for kindergarten to Gr. 9 students. Also following spring break, we will be making available core classes through Brightspace by D2L for Gr. 10-12.
From March 23-27 our traditional calendar schools will be closed and principals and teachers are not expected to be working, as per our usual practice. Modified calendar schools will be on break until April 6.
Wellness and Mental Health Resources
The CBE has posted a number of resources for parents on our website, including some guidance around talking to children about COVID-19.
Beware of Phone and/or Internet Scams
We have been made aware that some people claiming to be from the CBE have contacted parents and asked personal questions such as “how many people live in your home" and “please tell us your household income." CBE personnel would never contact any families asking for this information. During this time where many websites and applications are promoting their online solutions, parents are reminded to be thoughtful about safe downloading of resources.
We will continue to share information as it becomes available.
Take care,
Christopher Usih
Chief Superintendent of Schools
