Joanne McQuarrie, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter | [email protected]
Jasper schools are getting ready to open their doors in September following the province's announcement on July 21 that schools will open under 'Scenario 1': near-normal daily operations with health measures.
Marie-Claude Faucher, 脡cole Desrochers principal, said the school has been making plans since June for scenarios one, two and three, acknowledging the constantly-changing conditions as a result of the pandemic.
With Scenario 1, she said, "the idea is to have students in cohorts. They don't go to other classrooms, they stay with their cohorts. That way, if one student gets sick, it's easily traceable."
As well, students arrive at school at different times. "We'll have lineups at the entrance," Faucher said.
In the classroom, there will be space for distancing and school materials will not be mixed. If they are mixed, they will be cleaned. Students will stay in the same classroom throughout the day, including at lunchtime.
With these measures in place, it is important to create an atmosphere that is as welcoming as possible, Faucher emphasized.
"We want the feeling that the kids can talk to their friends - from a distance," she said.
Faucher added that it is important parents know that the school is following health guidelines and at the same time providing a friendly atmosphere.
Gregory Lucien Njiale Djomo, communications coordinator for Conseil scolaire Centre-Nord, said in an email that the school division is working on details about staffing and other issues.
As well, he noted, "We have decided to provide reusable and disposable masks to all our students and staff."
Kelly Smith, assistant superintendent for Grande Yellowhead Public School Division (GYPSD), said plans for implementation of scenarios one, two and three have been worked on since the government's announcement, and the division is etching out the details.
The goal, she said, is to create as near-to-normal conditions at school as possible.
"Cohorting is an option. It's a site-based option," Smith said.
She said Jodi Campbell, Jasper Elementary School principal, and Mark Crozier, principal at Jasper Junior Senior High School, "will work in collaboration on [elements such as] staggered entry, cohorting鈥�.
"We are currently working on a plan that will offer flexibility to parents," Smith continued.
"We understand that families have different complexities that [we] must consider and we are working to provide innovative options to them."
Smith said, "We follow Dr. Deena Hinshaw's recommendations very closely."
