Calendar Update: No Change to November Statutory Holiday

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October 25, 2023

Calendar Update: No Change to November Statutory Holiday (Friday, November 10)

Dear Caregiver(s) and Staff;

It was brought to our attention in September that SD#27 Calendar was recognizing the stat for Remembrance Day on Friday, November 10th, while much of government is taking Monday the 13th.

Historically, the thinking with regards to statutory holiday placements has been, if the holiday falls on Saturday, the stat is observed on Friday. If the holiday falls on a Sunday, the stat is recognized on Monday. Irrespective, from a learning perspective, our placement was consistent and helps schools engage in learning ahead of the recognized holiday.

Feedback on the potential to move the statutory holiday was limited, with 52 requests to move to the Monday and 17 requests to stay, largely from employees who have made travel plans based on our approved calendar. There is also an impassioned request from the family of a service member speaking to the importance of it being the day before. It should be noted that most of the independent community schools also follow our posted calendar.

Upon consideration of feedback, it is apparent there will be limited/if any benefit to the school district adjusting its calendar. Any move will simply negatively impact those who prepared based on the spring consultation and approved calendar.

At the October 24th, Public Meeting of the Board, the Board of Education passed the following motion:

THAT the Board of Education leave the statutory holiday placement for Remembrance Day on the 2023-24 Calendar as Friday, November 10.

Thank you for your feedback on this topic. The issue of statutory holiday alignment will be more explicitly examined in the calendar consultation process going forward.

Sincerely,

Chris A. van der Mark

Superintendent of Schools