SSDEC / CSFTNO Update - August 22, 2023

August 22, 2023

Dear SSDEC and CSFTNO families,

To keep you updated on the ongoing situation regarding the Evacuation Order, we want to inform you that the SSDEC and CSFTNO school districts are collaboratively working with the support of Education, Culture, and Employment (ECE) to monitor the situation closely.

As of this writing, we don't have a definite safe date for return, which means we cannot predict a school start date with certainty. We are taking our lead from the NWT Emergency Measures Organization, the town of Hay River, the town of Fort Smith and Fire NWT, who are managing the numerous fires across the Northwest Territories.

While there have been some inquiries about virtual learning, we want to assure you that it is not being considered for SSDEC and CSFTNO schools. Like many of you, our staff left swiftly, taking only necessary items, and now reside in accommodations not conducive to providing instruction. We believe many of you find yourselves in similar circumstances and are not positioned to manage or organize instruction for your child(ren).

Please see the most recent statement from ECE on this matter:

"At this time, it is unclear how long it will be before residents can return to their homes. The staff at the Department of Education, Culture, and Employment (ECE) are meeting regularly with education body superintendents to discuss this ongoing and fluid situation. Minimizing disruptions to students’ learning is a priority, but currently, online learning is not being pursued."

Our school year will commence when every student who has returned to their home community can engage in person with their school, teachers, and other staff. We will continue to aim to provide updated information every few days, even if there isn't much new to report.

Please understand that our foremost concern is for your safety, well-being, and overall physical and mental health. We recognize the challenges of this situation, but trust in the expertise of those managing it. We will overcome this together.

Wishing the best for all of you,

The SSDEC and CSFTNO