<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Dear Black Gold families,</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As we conclude our first full week back to school, we want to extend our sincere thanks for your patience, understanding, and support during this time of transition. The recent disruptions were challenging for everyone in our school communities, and we are grateful for your continued partnership in helping our students and staff return to learning with positivity and focus. We would also like to acknowledge the tremendous professionalism, care, and dedication of our teachers and administrators as they returned to work under difficult circumstances.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We are writing today to provide a few important updates following our return to school.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">No Additional Changes to the School Calendar:</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">There are no further changes to the school calendar beyond what has already been communicated.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">High School Exam Week Update (Semestered courses):</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">All Grade 10 and 11 final exams and Diploma exams in Semester 1 have been cancelled. To support instructional recovery, the first semester High School Exam Week will now be used as regular instructional days (January 21 - 27). January 28th and 29th will be designated for students who need additional time to complete their courses. This change will help offset some of the missed classroom time and ensure students are better prepared for the second semester. Each school will communicate their plans for all other school programs.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Grade 9 PATs and Diploma Exams:</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We would like to remind families that the first semester Grade 9 Provincial Achievement Tests (PATs) and Grade 12 Diploma Exams have been cancelled. These decisions were made to support student well-being and academic success, given the shortened instructional time.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Fees and Field Trip Credits:</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We recognize that cancelled events and trips may have resulted in fees paid in advance. Schools are currently reviewing their fees and will communicate with parents by the </span><i><b><strong class="editor-text-bold editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">end of the first week in December</strong></b></i><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> regarding any possible credits. We are asking that parents refrain from contacting schools about credits to allow schools to re-establish learning routines and to accurately calculate any credit amounts. In December, schools will share the rationale for any credits to be reimbursed.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Please note: The Division will adhere to </span><a href="/documents/0d280dfa-7680-548b-aa7a-1db781ec6363/AP%20500%20Business%20Administration-AP-505-Student-Fees.pdf" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">AP 505 - Student Fees</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">. Fees associated with events where costs have already been incurred, or will be used to support similar rescheduled activities later in the semester may not be eligible for reimbursement.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Fee credits calculations may vary by school or by program</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">, based on the planned and actual use before and after the strike.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Transportation credits will be communicated by the end of the first week of December by the Transportation Department. Full-year fees, such as Kindergarten, Pre-Kindergarten, and Technology, will not be prorated as fees collected will be fully utilized for the purpose for which they were collected.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We are incredibly proud of our staff and students for the resilience and teamwork they have shown as they returned to school. Thank you again for your support as we continue to prioritize student learning, wellness, and success.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Sincerely,</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Michael Borgfjord</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Superintendent</span></p>