The St. Paul Education board of trustees is considering two draft options for the 2025-26 school calendar and is seeking input from school principals and councils before making a final decision.
Both calendar options include 193 operational days but vary in when students start the school year and the length of the fall break. One option features a full fall break from November 10 to 14, with students returning to class on August 28 before the Labour Day weekend. The second option provides a shorter fall break from November 10 to 12, with students starting the school year on September 2, after Labour Day.
Trustee Dwight Wiebe asked for opinions from school representatives in attendance. New Myrnam School Principal Danielle Eriksen said she had no strong preference but would slightly favor the post-Labour Day start. Stephanie Earle, a local Alberta Teachers Association representative and elementary school teacher, noted that when school previously started before Labour Day, many students were absent, making it difficult to establish routines.
Following further discussion, the board decided to share the draft calendars with school principals and councils for additional feedback before finalizing the 2-25-26 school schedule.
The board aims to balance student attendance, teacher preparation, and community preferences when making its final decision.
