Update from Superintendent Borgfjord - Novemeber 4, 2025
Dear Black Gold families,
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.
We are writing today to provide a few important updates following our return to school.
No Additional Changes to the School Calendar:
There are no further changes to the school calendar beyond what has already been communicated.
High School Exam Week Update (Semestered courses):
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.
Grade 9 PATs and Diploma Exams:
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.
Fees and Field Trip Credits:
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 end of the first week in December 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.
Please note: The Division will adhere to AP 505 - Student Fees. 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.
Fee credits calculations may vary by school or by program, based on the planned and actual use before and after the strike.
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.
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.
Sincerely,
Michael Borgfjord
Superintendent