Dear Chris Akkerman Families

Oki • Hello • Bonjour 

Labour Update for Families

As you may have seen in provincial news this week, teachers have voted to reject the memorandum of agreement at 89.5%, and strike action is slated to begin on October 6. The Calgary Board of Education has already sent information to all families to ensure you receive clear, system-level updates. Please continue to watch for those messages.

Speaking as a school principal, a teacher, and a mom with over 29 years in public education, I know this is our collective focus as educators: the safety, success, and well-being of our students, families, and staff. We care deeply about each of you and the learning community we share. Sunday, October 5 is World Teachers’ Day, celebrated in more than 170 countries to recognize the dedication and impact of educators. With no school on Monday, October 6 due to job action, I invite families to take a moment this weekend to acknowledge a teacher’s work. We will celebrate our teachers together once school resumes.

During the Strike (starting Monday, October 6)

All ATA members (teachers, assistant principals, and the principal) will not have access to professional email, D2L, or Google Classroom. Students will have access to D2L and Google classroom throughout labour action.

Teachers will not be sending home resources or homework during the strike.

For at-home learning, the Government of Alberta provides “a toolkit” for parents and students.

All classes will be cancelled. Do not send your child to school.  

Transportation will be cancelled. Do not leave your child at a bus stop.    

Please go to the CBE Labour Action page for the most current information. 

Thank you to all parents and guardians who have taken the time to write, meet, or speak with us. Your encouragement and partnership in supporting strong public education means a great deal to our team and to me personally. We hope to see everyone back very soon to continue the important work we began on September 2, 2025.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Take care!

Proud Principal of Chris Akkerman School

Leanne Bettesworth

Important Dates

All extra activities, beyond the classroom, (Fun Lunch, Dance Residency, Psychologist Visit, School Council Oct Meeting, etc) have been cancelled or postponed for the month of October. When teachers return, we will revisit our schedule of events and activitites.

A Message from School Council

Last week, our School Council meeting took place online, and we were happy to see the biggest turnout of participants that we have ever seen, with close to 50 families attending. We also were able to fill some important volunteer roles, although we could still use some help with one key position that still needs to be filled:  School Council is seeking a: Fundraising Coordinator. We hope to have the next School Council meeting in person at school.   More details will follow when we return to the classroom.