Update Regarding ATA Labour Action - October 3
Dear families:
As you are aware, the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) announced its members voted against the latest contract offer from the province. ATA members across Alberta, plan to initiate a strike involving a complete withdrawal of services starting on Monday, October 6. We recognize that this will be difficult on students, parents, families and the community. BGSD is committed to providing information as it becomes available.
Learning
As a result, BGSD has no choice but to close schools as of October 6. We understand that any disruption is going to impact learning. BGSD is committed to developing plans to support learning after the strike/job action concludes. We want to emphasize that all student services, BGSD activities, transportation and school extracurricular activities, including field trips, off-campus work-placement programming, clubs, committee meetings, including School Councils, and sports competitions, practices, and games, are also suspended until classes resume.
All BGSD families should make alternate arrangements for their children throughout the strike. Private childcare centres operating in BGSD schools will remain open. Please contact the childcare provider directly for specific details. Existing lease agreements and after-hours community rentals already booked remain in place.
For the duration of the strike, teachers will not be providing work online, nor will they be sending work home. When the strike concludes and teachers return, the high-quality learning environment you are accustomed to will resume. Until then, please note that marks, assignments and any other feedback will be on hold until teachers return. Black Gold understands that this can have a significant impact on students and their families. There are resources available under the New Learn Alberta website to provide some ongoing educational support. Simply providing time at home for reading with a partner or individually is valuable.
Personal belongings and medication
This is a reminder that students are encouraged to take home all personal items that they will need. Any student medications kept at schools will remain in a secure place throughout the labour disruption. If you need those medications for your child’s use at home, if possible, please pick them up before the end of the day. For anyone unable to pick up their children’s belongings, options will be provided next week. During the strike, neither students nor parents will have access to the school.
Communication
The strike impacts over 13,600 students across the Division, all of whom remain BGSD’s primary focus. As such, you will receive ongoing email updates from the Division when new information becomes available about the situation, its potential impact on school operations, and what it means for you and your child. For more information and the latest labour news and updates, including frequently asked questions, visit www.blackgold.ca/Labour-Action-Updates.
BGSD maintains a positive relationship with the parties (ATA and Provincial Government) involved and hopes an agreement is reached quickly to minimize learning disruptions. We value our teachers and the impact they make on student learning and look forward to normal resumption of services.
Thank you for your continued cooperation and understanding.
Sincerely,
Black Gold School Division