Dear Parents/Guardians
On June 3, 2021, the federal government announced that Bill C-5, An Act to amend the Bills of Exchange Act, the Interpretation Act and the Canada Labour Code (National Day for Truth and Reconciliation), had received Royal Assent and that the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation will be observed by federal government employees and by federally regulated workplaces every year, starting on September 30, 2021. All Provinces and Territories would need to enact subsequent legislation if they wished other employees within their province/territory to also observe these days.
We have now received information that the BC government has declared September 30, 2021 as a holiday for all provincial public sector employees – this includes public school districts. Therefore on Thursday September 30, 2021 all School District 10 (Arrow Lakes) schools and the School Board Office will be closed. This is a day for all of us to reflect, learn, and honour the Spirit of Truth and Reconciliation.
The provincial government will begin engaging with Indigenous partners and the business and labour communities to determine the most appropriate way to commemorate this day going forward. You can find the provincial announcement here: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021FIN0048-001531
Updated information will be made available as it is received from the Ministry of Education. Updated school calendars will be posted shortly and can be downloaded from the following webpage: School Calendars (sd10.bc.ca). In the meantime, please continue to enjoy a safe and restful summer.
We are looking forward to a great 2021-2022 school year.
Yours truly,
Peter Dubinsky
Superintendent/Secretary – Treasurer