Hello Louis Families,
Sadly, this Bison bulletin will not contain information that you may have come to expect from our newsletter. It will not highlight the teaching, learning, growth, excitement and celebrations of student success that we enjoy sharing with our families. Unfortunately, all those highlights have been overshadowed by the overwhelming disappointment of preparing for an Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) strike beginning on Monday, Oct. 6. For many staff this will be the first time they’ve had to tell Louis students and their families that classes are cancelled so don’t come to school. The last time this type of message was shared was during a global pandemic. Although the message may be the same, the cause is different this time.
Staff have been doing their best to field questions from concerned students and families all week. Staff have also received countless messages of support and solidarity from our families and community members. As of Monday, October 6th, teachers will not be able to access their CBE email or any CBE apps for the duration of this labour action. If you send any email communication during this time teachers will not be able to see it until we are back in school.
Although Alberta Teacher’s Association members are taking labour action to resolve a breakdown in contract negotiations with the Province of Alberta, we have little choice but to resort to such drastic measures because of how deeply we value the education of all children in our public education system. Our school, our teachers, and all the staff at Louis Riel School continue to uphold the values of the CBE. Students come first; learning is our central purpose; and public education serves the common good.
We are deeply disappointed to not be able to welcome our Bisons back into Louis Riel school on Monday. Please tell your student(s) that we miss them already...
If you would like to join teachers and community members from across the city at a rally to support public education there is an opportunity to do so on Sunday afternoon:
Labour Action Updates
We encourage you to visit the labour action page on the CBE website for ongoing updates and information. The CBE is committed to keeping you informed as the situation evolves. Should anything change before Oct. 6, you will receive an update by email.
Transportation
CBE transportation will be cancelled. Do not leave your child at the bus stop. If your child takes another form of transportation, such as a bus through your childcare provider, please ensure this is cancelled.
Online CBE Applications
A decision was made Oct. 3 that students will have access to D2L and Google classroom throughout labour action. Teachers will not be monitoring, responding to or assessing student work during the strike.
Athletics Updates
Cancelled for the duration of Labour Action and the month of October. If schools reopen there will be communication about the possibility of resuming what remains of the season.
LRPAC
The LRPAC is not on strike.
Our council provides a means for parents and community members to work together with administration, staff and students to promote well-being and overall effectiveness of the school community. The main role is advisory and information exchange. The Parent society is a means for parents and community members to provide additional financial resources and support the school through fundraising.
GATE Council
The GATE Council is not on strike.
The GATE Parent Association is a volunteer group committed to supporting the GATE Program within the Calgary Board of Education. The GATE Parent Association would like to announce their new Executive, who were voted in at our AGM on September 23rd for the next 2-year term ending in September 2027.
- President – Zahra Ansarizadeh
- Vice President – Faezeh Eshragh
- Treasurer – Darrin Gallant (2nd term - Louis Riel parent)
- Secretary – Gangani Perera
- Director-at-Large – Chris Peng
Upcoming Dates to Know
Oct 6 – 31: All Onsite and Offsite Activities Cancelled
- This includes field experiences, field trips, expert guests, and all athletics.