Home Based School
May 2026
A Message from Principal Holbrow
It was a very weird April. The weather was more hot and cold than the Oilers are.
We know that the warmer days are coming, and we already have the sun to wake us up and plenty of sun late into the evening. I think today is the first day that I did not bother wearing a jacket and it is only going to get better. There will be longer walks with the dog, and more time visiting with friends on the patio. There will be soccer and baseball in our parks.
There is plenty to look forward to at this time of year. Each warm day is a signal to each of us that we are getting closer to the break from school, summer vacation. Maybe that will include a summer job, or going to camp, or family vacations.
However, your success still depends on hard work, regular check-ins with your teacher and finishing your tasks. Don’t let the summer approach too quickly. Too often we watch students panic in June to submit assignments and frantically try to write 4 tests in a day because they were enjoying their summer a little early.
As always, you need to take time for yourself and spend time with your family and friends. Take time to go play on a rugby team or golf. Take time to wander around outside with your friends (I can almost guarantee your parents would prefer that than scrolling endlessly on your phone). A healthy life includes challenging yourself in ways other than school and finding moments of relaxation where your brain is not focused solely on school work.
But keep plugging away at the school work, too. Your sense of accomplishment knowing that you did it right will be much more rewarding and satisfying.
Mr. Holbrow
Principal
Put This On Your Calendar...
2025-2026 School Year
May 5 National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women
May 15 PD Day - No School
May 18 Victoria Day - No School
We are thrilled to reach out with an exciting opportunity for your students entering Grade 2 and 3 in the fall.
We are offering DISCOUNTED Squirt Camp — a great 3-day introduction to camp packed with fun, adventure, and activities designed to create memories that will last a lifetime!
Dates: August 5–7, 2026
Drop-off: 10:00 AM | Pick-up: 2:00 PM
Registration Deadline: June 18, 2026
Discount Code: DISCOUNTED camp (value: $175)
Website: Covenant Bay Squirt Camp
To secure their spot, families simply need to pay a $50 (SAVE $125) non-refundable deposit at the time of registration.
Spots are limited to 30 students, so we encourage families to register early. We would love your help spreading the word by sharing this opportunity with your students and their families.
For more information or to register, please contact us at registration@covenantbay.ca.
Kickstand
Kickstand Connect is a virtual walk-in clinic for Albertans aged 11-25 (but they said their age range is soft; kids will not be denied if they are older or younger than that). Their services are provided by Alberta-certified providers, and there is NO COST associated with them.
There is NO limit to how many times a kid can access the walk-in services; they will be directed to further support if their needs are more intensive. This program has a TON of connections to other mental health support programs in the province.
May Webinars
May 18 | Understanding School Avoidance: Strategies to Support Re-Engagement NEW
Explore the common reasons why children avoid school and how to identify the root causes behind school avoidance. You’ll gain practical strategies for re-engaging children in their education and learn how to collaborate effectively with schools to create supportive plans that foster success. Led by a mental health professional, this course provides compassionate guidance and actionable tools to help you support your child’s journey back to a positive, confident school experience.
Register here https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/9716886587868/WN_X0ArItQvQzabBhGPXpP6dw
Jack.org
Jack.org is a Canadian youth mental health organization dedicated to ensuring young people feel supported throughout their mental health journey. Our work focuses on early intervention, helping prevent crises before they happen by equipping youth and the adults who support them with practical knowledge and skills.
Mission Statement
Black Gold is a leading school division in creating innovative programming to inspire and create success for students. Black Gold Home-Based School is committed to providing flexible learning options so every student can achieve. Home-Based education choices work in cooperation with students, parents and Black Gold Schools to ensure quality program planning and transition. Home-Based School provides opportunities for Parent-Directed or Teacher-Directed programs and is respectful of parent choice and collaboration. We believe to achieve their full potential, children must be the center of all decisions related to learning and provide course work online or in print in a variety of environments. Home-Based education allows for a personalized learning opportunity for students who require flexibility.