Dear parents/guardians and caregivers,

We are happy to welcome students back from their extended winter break. The BGSD 2021-2022 Pandemic Response Plan (updated January 10, 2022) outlines the health and safety measures that are in place in our schools effective today.

Included in the plan is a link to the COVID-19 Alberta Health Daily Checklists (updated January 7, 2022). All students, staff and visitors are expected to self-screen for symptoms using the applicable checklist for their age group before they leave their home each day, and to stay home when sick.

During January, teachers will be working with students to complete assignments and assessments, and preparing report cards for the end of the month. Semester 2 begins February 1, 2022, and we are confirming that students will be attending in-school classes.

As you know, the deadline to change the Choice of Learning was January 5, 2022. Based upon parent choices, teachers were assigned to the Distance Learning Program and classes are now full. We are no longer able to make any changes to the choice of learning.

We are conscious of and concerned about the increased transmissibility of the COVID-19 Omicron variant, and its impacts on our staff and students. All students, staff, teachers, and visitors are required to follow health measures mandated by the CMOH and measures implemented by AHS to reduce opportunities for transmission of COVID-19, including the more transmissible Omicron variant, in schools under the 2021-22 School Year Plan.

Black Gold School Division’s goal is to prioritize in-person learning; however, we anticipate that there may be staffing shortages at times that may require some classes, grades, or schools to transition online for a period of time depending on the availability of substitute staff. We thank you in advance for your patience and understanding.

If you have any questions, please contact your child’s school.