November 5, 2025
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Thank you for your continued patience and understanding as we transition back to class following the labour dispute between the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) and Teachers’ Employer Bargaining Association (TEBA). Last week, the Government passed legislation, introducing Bill 2, to end the dispute. Additional information on Bill 2, the Back to School Act, is available on our website.
The Government of Alberta’s Parent Payment Program will remain open for applications until November 14, 2025. Applications can be submitted at parentpayment.alberta.ca. Other programs launched during the labour disruption will wind down now that students have returned to school.
In addition to making the November diploma exams optional, the Government has cancelled the January diploma exams for all students. Students will receive a notation on their transcript to ensure there is no impact on graduation or post-secondary transitions. Additional information about the diploma cancellations can be found on the Peace Wapiti Public School Division’s (PWPSD) Alberta Teachers’ Association Labour Action webpage.
With the cancellation of January diploma exams, we are adjusting high school schedules to maximize learning time. What was typically reserved for exam week will now be reduced, and students will continue to have regular classes with school-based final exams. Your child’s school will provide specific exam schedule information in the coming weeks.
At this time, except for high school exam schedules, there are no changes to school calendars, bell times, or holidays.
Over the coming weeks, our schools’ first priority will be instructional activities and learner outcomes. While extra-curricular activities, including Christmas concerts, remain important, these events may look different in the weeks and months ahead. PWPSD is fortunate to have many talented and dedicated teacher and community volunteers, and I encourage everyone to support and treat them with kindness.
The labour disruption has been challenging for everyone, and we recognize the emotional and practical toll it may have taken. As a parent myself, I understand the concerns many families are experiencing due to disrupted routines and missed classroom time. I’d like to thank you all for your support with a smooth return to school. PWPSD schools have experienced a largely successful and seamless reopening thanks to our amazing students, staff and families.
Please continue to monitor our website for updates. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at [email protected].
Thank you again for your patience, understanding, and support.
Shawn O’Shea
Superintendent of Schools
Peace Wapiti Public School Division