January 2026 Important Exam Info (updated November 7, 2025)
Dear AOB Families,
As we move into the final weeks of Semester 1, we would like to share an update about assessments and the January 2026 exam schedule. After consultation with AOB Department Heads, and in light of Alberta Education’s cancellation of January 2026 Diploma Exams and ECSD’s cancellation of Common Summative Assessments (CSAs), we have adjusted our semester-end plans to best support student learning and well-being.
Students will continue to attend their regular classes until January 23, allowing those in Fine Arts and CTS programs to maximize credit opportunities.
Assessment Overview
Teachers will continue to administer unit exams and regular coursework assessments as planned throughout the remainder of the semester. However, there will be no cumulative final exams covering multiple units in any subject area. This approach allows us to maintain meaningful assessment while prioritizing instruction.
Final grades will be based entirely on coursework completed throughout the semester, including unit tests, quizzes, labs, assignments, and projects. For Diploma courses, the school-awarded mark will stand as the final course mark for January 2026.
Extended Writing Tasks – English and Social Studies
- English courses: January 12–14, 2026 – Priority access to Chromebook carts for extended writing assignments.
- Social Studies courses: January 15–16, 2026 – Priority access to Chromebook carts for extended writing assignments.
- Week of January 19–23, 2026: No summative exams or tests will be administered in English or Social Studies courses. Students may, however, complete presentations or shorter assignments during this week.
Final Unit Exams: Math and Science
- Science courses (Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics): Last unit exams will be held January 20–21, 2026.
- Mathematics courses: Last unit exams will take place on Friday, January 23, 2026.
Semester Transition
- January 23, 2026: Last Day of Instruction for Semester 1 (including WIN students)
- January 26, 2026: Conflict Exam and Timetable Resolution Day (No classes for WIN students).
- January 27, 2026: Mark Submission and Timetable Resolution Day (No classes for WIN students).
- January 28, 2026: First Day of Semester 2 for all AOB students.
Looking Ahead
Students who have a school-awarded mark from another semester (for example, Summer School 2025) will still be required to write the Diploma Exam in the next available session. The next sittings for Diploma Exams will take place in April and June 2026.
Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting your child’s learning. We are proud of how our students and staff have demonstrated flexibility and perseverance this year, and we remain committed to ensuring that every student finishes the semester strong.
This information will be posted on our school website under Final Exams as well as in the Google Classrooms for each teacher.
Should our AOB families have any questions about the above information, please reach out to your child’s Grade Coordinator at 780-466-3161.
Kind regards,
Dr. Susan Coates
Principal, Austin O’Brien Catholic High School
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