Last Updated: October 29, 2025
Classes Resume Wednesday, October 29
Following the Government of Alberta’s legislation ending the teacher strike/lockout, teachers have returned to work, and classes have resumed across Edmonton Catholic Schools.
We welcome back all staff and students to our classrooms and school communities.
What Families and Staff Need to Know
- Teachers, principals, and assistant principals who are ATA members have returned to work.
- Non-ATA staff continued supporting schools throughout the labour disruption.
- Student transportation services, including yellow bus routes and ETS School Specials, are operating as usual.
- School-based Professional Development days scheduled between October 29 and November 17 are postponed.
- Teachers are focused on teaching and learning in classrooms. Activities such as athletics, performances, field trips, extracurriculars, school council meetings, and other events may be delayed, rescheduled, or cancelled.
- It may take time for schools to return to regular routines. Families will hear directly from their child’s school about any changes.
Edmonton Catholic Schools was not involved in bargaining or government decisions. Negotiations and legislation occurred at the provincial level. We remain committed to supporting students, families, and staff as classes resume.
Fall Break
Edmonton Catholic Schools is proceeding with Fall Break as scheduled, November 10 to 12, 2025. Changing the school calendar at this time would affect staffing, transportation, and family plans already in place. We will continue to explore all options available through Alberta Education to support student learning. If future adjustments to the school schedule are needed, families will be notified as early as possible.
Diploma Exams and Provincial Achievement Tests
Due to instructional disruptions caused by the teacher strike, Alberta Education has made the November 2025 diploma exams optional for all students. Exams will still be held on scheduled dates, but students are automatically exempt and may choose whether to write the exams. Schools must accommodate students who request to write.
Students who do not write will receive a final mark based solely on their teacher-assigned grade. This will not affect graduation or post-secondary applications.
At this time, January and June diploma exams and provincial achievement tests will continue as planned.
Government of Alberta Messages to Families
Premier Danielle Smith has shared a letter with Alberta families about Bill 2: Back to School Act. The letter explains the government’s position and its relevance to current school operations.
Alberta Education and Childcare Minister, Demetrios Nicolaides, is also sharing a letter with families about the return to learning on Wednesday, October 29.
Messages to Families
- Return to Classes on October 29 | October 28, 2025
- Labour Disruption Update & Trustee Election Results | October 24, 2025
- Student Supports Available During Labour Disruption | October 20, 2025
- Parent Payment Program: How to Find Your Alberta Student Number | October 14, 2025
- Update on Labour Disruption: Lockout Notice Given | October 7, 2025
- ATA Teachers Strike: Classes Cancelled | October 5, 2025
- Preparing for a Teacher Strike | October 1, 2025
- ATA Ratification Vote Results Next Steps for ECSD Families | September 29, 2025
- Tentative Agreement Reached: What Are the Next Steps? | September 25, 2025
- ATA Strike Notice for October 6 - Classes Continuing | September 10, 2025
- Welcome from ECSD: A New School Year Begins | August 27, 2025
- Teacher Bargaining and Strike Vote Information | June 10, 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Will busing resume immediately?
Student transportation services, including yellow bus routes and Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) School Specials, have resumed as of Wednesday, October 29. Our transportation team confirmed that all buses are operating as scheduled.
Will I be reimbursed for my October yellow bus fees?
Due to the ATA strike/lockout, more than half of the scheduled yellow bus service days in October were missed. Families have received a credit for October yellow bus fees, which will be applied to November. ETS Arc fees are non-refundable.
What about school breakfast and lunch programs?
If your child’s school usually offers a full breakfast or lunch program, service resumed on Wednesday, October 29. This applies only to schools that regularly receive full meals through external food providers. It does not include school-run snack programs or grab-and-go breakfast options. Please plan to send your child with a snack for the remainder of the week.
Will schools still participate in school events, like Halloween activities?
As classes resume, schools will place a strong emphasis on supporting student learning. Participation in activities such as Halloween celebrations will be a site-based decision, and each school will communicate directly with families about any changes or plans.
Do I get any of my school fees back since we missed 3 weeks?
Each school budgets its activities differently. Some teams or clubs may have already used a portion of their fees, while others may continue activities after the labour disruption ends. Individual schools will review activities and related fees to determine if adjustments are appropriate.
Will my career and skilled trades programming resume immediately?
Yes. All Alternative Education learning experiences resumed on Wednesday, October 29, including:
- Work Experience / RAP
- Trades Careers
- PASS
- Dual Credit Programs
For more information, please call 780-441-6080 or visit our website, Alternative Education - Edmonton Catholic Schools.
Will there be a plan to make up missed instructional days?
At this time, there have been no changes to the school schedule. Edmonton Catholic Schools will consider all options that Alberta Education makes available to ensure students have the opportunity to meet their learning outcomes. Any decisions or adjustments will be communicated directly to families as soon as information is received.
Will there be Fall Break?
Edmonton Catholic Schools is proceeding with Fall Break as scheduled, November 10 to 12, 2025. We understand the recent labour disruption has created challenges for families. Changing the school calendar at this time would affect staffing, transportation, and family plans already in place. We will continue to explore all options available through Alberta Education to support student learning. If future adjustments to the school schedule are needed, families will be notified as early as possible.
Will there be winter and spring diploma exams?
Winter and spring diploma exams are currently scheduled to proceed as planned. If Alberta Education makes any changes to exam dates or formats, Edmonton Catholic Schools will communicate with families as soon as possible.
Will there be Provincial Achievement Tests (PATs)?
At this time, Provincial Achievement Tests are proceeding. Alberta Education has not yet shared specific dates. Edmonton Catholic Schools will communicate with families as soon as more information becomes available.
Extracurricular Activities & Athletics
What happens to athletics when classes resume on October 29?
We know how important athletics are to our students, families, and staff. For sports seasons interrupted by the lockout, we will share more information during the week of November 3. For upcoming athletics, Edmonton Catholic Schools is working with school Principals and Athletic Directors to determine next steps and plan for the remainder of the school year.
What about other after-school clubs and activities?
Decisions about after-school clubs and activities are made by individual schools based on staffing and operational needs. Families will hear directly from their child’s school about specific clubs or activities as information becomes available.
What about school events like Christmas concerts?
At this time, it is too early to make a decision about Christmas concerts. Our main focus is to welcome students back to the classroom and support their learning. Decisions about Christmas concerts and other school events will be made by each school, taking into account their unique circumstances, ability to prepare students for these events, and community needs.
Student Supports and Wellbeing
Will there be any mental health supports available for students after they return?
Yes, mental health supports will be available for students as classes resume. Our mental health therapists have continued to support students throughout the labour disruption and will remain available. We understand how difficult this time has been and recognize the importance of supporting student well-being as everyone transitions back to school.
How will schools help students and staff readjust after labour disruption?
Teachers may begin with community-building activities to help students reconnect with their teachers and their peers. Routines such as morning check-ins and prayer will help build normalcy back into the culture of the school. Teachers will take time to reconnect with their students and set a positive tone. Counselling support and FSLW staff will be visible and accessible for students who are experiencing high anxiety and stress.
How will you make up three weeks of missed learning?
When students return to class, the focus will be on teaching and learning. We are planning for a collaborative approach between teachers, principals, and consultants. The focus will not be on cramming in everything that was missed, but rather on prioritizing essential outcomes. Teachers are very capable of adapting plans, planning cross-curricular lessons and identifying what students need to know to move forward and finish the school year well-prepared.
Will there be additional support for students who are struggling academically?
Some students may require emotional, social, or academic support upon return after the strike. As always, teachers and support staff will identify students who require more timely, targeted support. As a Division, we will continue to provide resources and guidance as needed.
What should I do if I notice my child is struggling?
Contact your child’s teacher right away. They will be able to suggest supports to help them.
Parent Payment Program
The Government of Alberta has introduced supports for families during the labour disruption. The Parent Payment Program is open for applications until November 14, with the first payments scheduled for October 31. Apply online at parentpayment.alberta.ca.
To register for the Parent Payment Program, you will need your child's Alberta Student Number (ASN). Click here for information on how to find it in PowerSchool.