The Peace River School Division (PRSD) received information from the Minister of Education this afternoon which stated:

“In solemn recognition of Her late Majesty, the Government of Alberta has announced that September 19, 2022 will be a provincial day of mourning. Schools are encouraged to offer opportunities for students to take part in the day of mourning. School authorities may also consider allowing students to participate in an outdoor ceremony at the Alberta legislature at 10:00 a.m. on September 19, the day of her funeral in London. The ceremony will be live-streamed for students who are not able to attend in-person. 

Other ways for schools to commemorate the passing of Her late Majesty could include observing a moment of silence or discussing Her late Majesty in the classroom, her life and public service, and what students will remember about her. 

If school authorities choose to close schools in alignment with the Government of Canada’s decision to allow federal government employees the day off, there are a number of options available including: 

•  Changing a school authority-declared holiday (non-operational day) planned for later in the year to an instructional day and making September 19 a non-operational day instead;  

• Changing a school authority-declared holiday (non-instructional day) planned for later in the year to an instructional day and making September 19 a non-instructional day for teachers and a non-operational day for support staff instead;  

• Extending the school year by one day if they do not have sufficient hours built into their existing calendar to meet required hours of instruction.”

Upon receiving this information, the PRSD Board of Trustees have decided to discuss the options available for the provincial day of mourning at their regular Board Meeting tomorrow, September 15, 2022. During that time they will decide whether or not PRSD schools will be open on September 19, 2022. As soon as a decision is made, all PRSD families, students and staff members will be notified.

All updates regarding the provincial day of mourning will be posted to the PRSD website, as well as to all school websites. Please check back for further details.