Guidance for Family Conversations

Key Talking Points for All Staff

  • Stay consistent: Prior to disruption, school staff would continue to be the primary contact for families. If labour disruption occurs, families can be directed to CTR’s website for the latest information. Specific questions can be referred to the Director of Communications at communications@redeemer.ab.ca
  • Keep it simple: Families need clear, concise, and practical information more than detail. Share that CTR will provide timely updates as soon as information becomes available.
  • Faith and reassurance: Remind families that CTR’s priority remains the well-being of students and staff, and that our faith-filled community is committed to supporting one another through uncertainty. You can also share that collectively, we trust in God’s guidance and remain committed to serving your children with care and hope.

Key Messages to Share With Students Regarding the Teachers’ Strike

K–3 Students

  • Starting Monday, October 6, teachers across Alberta will not be at school because of a strike.
  • This means school will pause for a little while.
  • Your family will tell you what this means each day.
  • You are safe and cared for, and your school will welcome you back when classes begin again.
  • Remember, God loves you, and our school family will keep caring for one another until we are all back together.

Grades 4–6 Students

  • On Monday, October 6, teachers across Alberta will begin a strike.
  • During a strike, teachers do not come to school and classes will not be held.
  • This means school will pause until the strike is finished.
  • Your parents will get updates, and you will always be told what to expect.
  • In Christ the Redeemer Schools, we care deeply about you. Even during times of change, we trust in God’s guidance and remain committed to supporting you with hope and care.

Grades 7–12 Students

  • Teachers across Alberta will begin a strike on Monday, October 6.
  • During the strike, teachers will not be at school, and classes will pause until the strike ends.
  • You and your families will receive updates as things change, so you know what to expect.
  • At Christ the Redeemer, our first priority is always the well-being of students and staff. As a faith-filled community, we remain united, trusting in God’s guidance, and committed to caring for you and your learning when school resumes.

Common Family Questions & Suggested Responses

Will schools stay open if teachers strike or a lockout occurs?

No, schools will not be open for students during a teachers' strike. CTR will continue to communicate directly with families, utilizing the CTR website for regular updates.

What if my child accidentally shows up at school on a strike day?

Front office staff will be present in the school building during labour action. If children arrive in error, staff will contact parents to pick up their children, and supervise students while parents are on route to the school. 

What happens to before and after school care?

Third-party childcare operators at CTR schools may continue running their programs and could choose to expand hours or enrolment. This decision is up to the operator, not CTR. All communication to parents will come directly from the provider.

Will therapy or extra supports for my child continue?

CTR-provided student services, including therapies, Family School Liaison Worker supports, psychoeducational assessments, and Connection Worker programs, will pause during job action. These require principal supervision and cannot continue until instruction resumes.

Will my child lose instructional time?

The province requires school divisions to ensure all schools meet the minimal instructional time outlined within the Guide to Education. This will require all school divisions to calculate lost instructional minutes once labour action concludes. Schools below their minimal instructional time may need to revisit their instructional schedule. Adjustments may include adding minutes to the day or reducing lunch breaks, with a focus on minimizing disruption to families and transportation arrangements. This process will be supported by Senior Administration.

What about extra-curricular activities, RAP, or Work Experience programs?

All CTR-organized extracurricular activities and programs will pause during job action. Employers may choose to continue student work placements independently, but they will not be CTR-directed.

Will we still pay for full-day Kindergarten during job action?

Families with pre-authorized debit (PAD) agreements will be reimbursed for days lost to labour disruption.

What supports are available to me and my children during the strike?

In response to the impending October 6, 2025 labour action by the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA), the Alberta government announced two new initiatives to support students and parents.  

Parent Payment 

To help ease the extra costs families may face while children are home during labour action, the Alberta government is introducing a parent payment program. This support will be available to parents and guardians of students aged 12 and under who attend a public, separate or francophone school affected by the disruption. Eligible parents and guardians would receive approximately $150 per child for each week of labour action. The payments will be made monthly, commencing October 31 and will be retroactive to October 6. Applications will be available through the Alberta.ca platform. Further details, including an instructional video on the parent support payment, will be coming soon.  

Parent Toolkit 

To give families flexibility during the labour disruption, Alberta Education and Childcare has created a free toolkit that parents can use to help support their child’s independent learning when schools close. The toolkit provides weekly resources that follow the K to 12 curriculum. Resources are available in English, French and French Immersion. The toolkit includes materials for two weeks of learning. Additional weeks of learning materials will be added as needed. Download the toolkits at new.learnalberta.ca.