Teachers and students in Lethbridge and area will be back in class this week.
Early Tuesday morning, the Alberta government passed ‘Bill 2 – The Back to School Act’, effectively ending the teachers’ strike.
Over 50,000 teachers across the province had been off the job since early October.
READ MORE: Bill including notwithstanding clause passed, Alberta teacher strike ending
My Lethbridge Now reached out to area school divisions for a response to the legislation and back to work action.
LETHBRIDGE SCHOOL DIVISION
The Lethbridge School Division has confirmed that its teachers and students will return to class on Wednesday, October 29.
The division issued the following statement to My Lethbridge Now:
“On Monday evening, the Government of Alberta passed first, second and third reading of Bill 2 – The Back to School Act. With royal ascent of the bill expected soon, students and educators will return to the classroom on Wednesday, Oct. 29.
Classes will resume as scheduled, and school timetables and student transportation services will be running again as of Wednesday morning.
We recognize this has been an incredibly challenging time for everyone involved. We ask for your ongoing understanding patience as we transition back into classroom routines and the return to in-person learning.
We are looking forward to welcoming students and staff back. We also understand there are still some questions about the legislation, the response to that legislation and the return to school.”
PALLISER SCHOOL DIVISION
The Palliser School Division, which operates, among other, rural Lethbridge County schools in communities like Coalhurst and Coaldale, says its students and teachers will also return to classrooms on Wednesday.
“While the Act has not yet received Royal Ascent, we anticipate it will pass and become law early Tuesday morning. As a result, teachers and students are expected to return to classes on Wednesday, October 29,” reads a statement from Palliser superintendent Tom Hamer. “We look forward to welcoming students, teachers, and school administrators back into our schools and resuming in-person learning.”
“We are deeply grateful for your continued understanding, flexibility, and partnership as we navigate this situation together. Palliser School Division will continue to share updates directly with families through email and our division website,” Hamer adds.
HOLY SPIRIT CATHOLIC SCHOOL DIVISION
Like the Palliser and Lethbridge divisions, the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division says students will be back in class on Wednesday.
“Holy Spirit Catholic School Division remains focused on supporting students, families, and staff as we work through the transition back to school. Our priority has always been the learning and well-being of our students. We will be working closely with principals to ensure teachers have the guidance and support they need to make the return to learning as smooth as possible,” reads a statement from superintendent of schools Chantel Axani.
“We look forward to welcoming students back to classrooms on October 29, 2025. Families have been receiving regular updates from Holy Spirit Catholic School Division, and more information will follow this week.”
The statement continues, “Our focus remains clear: to help students feel supported and confident as they return to school, and to ensure learning continues in a faith-filled environment where children are cherished and achieve their potential.”
STUDENT TRANSPORTATION
Buses for student transportation are set to operate as normal on Wednesday.
Officials note some routes have changed since the start of the job action.
Families are encouraged to review current routes and pickup times at the Southland Transportation website.
