Important information for parents and school board staff about the 2009-2010 school year calendar

February, 2009

We are receiving many inquiries about when the upcoming school year will start. While school traditionally begins the Tuesday after Labour Day, this year Labour Day is very late (Monday September 7) and this poses significant challenges in determining the school year calendar.

Under the Education Act we must submit to the Ministry a school year calendar that includes 194 days. However, there are only 192 days between Labour Day and the end of June 2010. Any calendar that begins on the Tuesday after Labour Day will not meet the mandated requirements.

As a result, the 2009-2010 school year will commence during
the week PRIOR to Labour Day this year.

While we have not yet set the date for the start of school, it will be during the first week of September. The School Year Calendar Committee will bring the recommended school year calendar forward to the Board for approval on March 31. The final 2009-2010 school year calendar will be communicated to you immediately after its approval.

Please consider adjusting your vacation and child care plans accordingly.

For background information about why the School Year Calendar Committee is recommending an early start to the school year, visit Questions and Answers About the 2009-2010 School Year Calendar.

Martha Rogers
Director of Education

Bob Borden
Chair of the Board