Good afternoon Parents/Guardians,

On June 3, 2021, the federal government announced that Bill C-5, An Act to amend the Bills of Exchange Act, the Interpretation Act and the Canada Labour Code (National Day for Truth and Reconciliation), had received Royal Assent and that the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation would be observed by federal government employees and by federally regulated workplaces every year, starting on September 30, 2021.  All Provinces and Territories would need to enact subsequent legislation if they wished other employees within their province/territory to also observe these days.

We received information yesterday that the BC government has declared September 30, 2021 as a holiday for all provincial public sector employees – this includes public school districts.  This means that on Thursday September 30, 2021 all Greater Victoria School District (GVSD) schools and the School Board Office will be closed.  This is a day for all of us to reflect, learn, and take action on what we can do to honour the Spirit of Truth and Reconciliation. GVSD remains committed to doing this across all areas of our district. We will be working alongside our Indigenous Education Department to ensure our work has a Culturally Responsive lens.

The provincial government will begin engaging with Indigenous partners and the business and labour communities to determine the most appropriate way to commemorate this day going forward.

You can find the provincial announcement here:  https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021FIN0048-001531

Further details will be coming over the next few weeks once we receive more information from the Ministry of Education.  In the meantime, please continue to enjoy a safe and restful summer.

We are looking forward to a great school year,

Sincerely,
Deb

Deb Whitten
Interim Superintendent
Greater Victoria School District No. 61