Alberta Teachers Strike: A Real Talk From Our Family to Yours (With Local Resources & Supports)

Hey friends 💛

We’re sharing this as your friendly neighborhood boutique — but more than that, as two moms who’ve been deep in group texts and camp searches all week. When the Alberta Teachers’ Association voted down the latest contract offer, the reality of school closures hit fast. As of Oct. 6, schools across the province are paused — and families (ours included!) are scrambling to adjust.

Let’s just say: this week took a turn. 😅

❤️ To Our Teachers — We See You

We want to start with something important: we love and support our teachers.

Some of you are not just part of our community — you’re our customers, our kids’ teachers, and our friends. We know you’re showing up every day with heart, hustle, and so much patience — often with too little support.

This strike is about standing up for safer classrooms, manageable workloads, and the respect educators so deeply deserve. We’re navigating the impacts at home, yes — but we’re also holding space for why this is happening. We believe we can support our families and stand with the incredible people who help shape our children every day.

To our teacher-families: you’ve got a fan club here 💛

💸 What the Province Is Offering

To help families during the strike, the Alberta government has launched a Parent Payment Program. Here’s the quick lowdown:

$30/day per child (ages 12 and under)

Applies to public, separate, and francophone schools

Retroactive to Oct. 6

E-transfers start October 31

One parent/guardian per child can apply

👉 Apply and learn more here:
alberta.ca/parent-supports-during-school-closure

📚 Also available: a Free Parent Toolkit with at-home learning materials from K–12 in English, French, and French Immersion
Access it here: curriculum.learnalberta.ca

🏕️ Camps & Childcare Options (That We’re Using Too)

Here are some places offering full-day camps or flexible childcare:

University of Alberta Camps – Daisy’s pick this week!

TELUS World of Science – Day camps for curious kids

City of Edmonton Pop Up Camp 

Edmonton Humane Society – Animal education + fun

Laser City – Action-packed day camp fun 

YMCA & Kepler Academy – OSC with expanded hours

Mad Science Northern Alberta – STEM camps!

Windermere Music Academy - Music camps

Need help finding care?
🔍 Use the Child Care Lookup Tool
📞 Or call Child Care Connect: 1‑844‑644‑5165

🛍️ How We’re Rolling With It (Pink Aprons Included)

Just like you, we’re figuring it out day-by-day. Between pickup shifts, lunch packing, and emails at midnight, we’re doing our best to keep things calm(ish) and kind.

You might even see our kiddos in the shop with us some days — we’re calling it their “Retail 101” class, complete with matching pink aprons 💗. It’s chaotic and sweet and very us.

We’ve also stocked up the shop with:

• ✨ Quiet-play kits, puzzles, sticker books

• 🖍️ Free coloring pages you can grab in-store

• 🎁 Easy gift ideas for surprise sanity-savers

Need a breather, a giggle, or just to hear “same here”? We’ve got you.

This isn’t an easy moment for anyone — not parents, not teachers, not our kids. But what we can do is show up for each other with a little more grace, a little more patience, and a lot more community spirit.

Princess & The Pea isn’t just a store — we’re a family-run space rooted in love, whimsy, and supporting real-life families (yours and ours).

With love, gratitude, and a few extra snacks in our bags,
Vicki & Daisy