Peter Shokeir | [email protected]
While other mandatory health measures will remain in effect until at least Jan. 21, Alberta allowed all K-12 students to return for in-person learning this week as planned.
Kelly Harding, assistant superintendent for Grande Yellowhead Public School Division (GYPSD), said the district was pleased to have students return to Jasper Elementary School and Jasper Junior/Senior High School.
鈥淭he research is all there to say kids learn best when they鈥檙e engaged and the school provides such wonderful opportunities not just academically,鈥� Harding said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 the social-emotional benefits from going into a building everyday where they have their peers and they have lots of adults who care about them and are there to support them in their interest and goals.鈥�
In a Jan. 8 email, 脡cole Desrochers Principal Marie-Claude Faucher stated they were excited to return to in-person classes, as they were better for the mental health of students.
鈥淲e definitely prefer to have our students with us than to teach online,鈥� Faucher said. 鈥淓fforts and strategies make (online learning a) success, but (it鈥檚) more difficult to achieve without the direct human relationship with our students.鈥�
According to the government, the latest evidence shows new cases in schools had plateaued and then dropped in December prior to the winter break once restrictions on social gatherings and group activities were in place.
鈥淪chools play a critical role in supporting student learning as well as their emotional health and overall well-being,鈥� said Education Minister Adriana LaGrange in a news release.
鈥淚n September, the vast majority of parents chose in-person learning for their children during the pandemic and schools have been diligently following the extensive health measures in place. A return to school will provide our students with the familiar daily routine of learning in class and will restore some sense of normalcy for both students and families amidst these unusual times.鈥�
Because of new COVID-19 measures, all students in grades 7-12 moved to at-home learning on Nov. 30, while all grades stuck to online only for the first week of January.
Harding said GPYSD鈥檚 previous experience with online learning back in March helped make this transition easier, with school teams ensuring students had devices and access to the Internet.
鈥淭here was already a confidence in what worked, what would be effective and so it was very much less stressful,鈥� she said. 鈥�(I) just really can鈥檛 praise enough the work of our schools for their ability, their professionalism and their care for kids to make sure every kid is connected.鈥�
Regarding the return to classes, Harding noted most feedback from parents has been positive so far and at-home learning remained an option for families. She encouraged hesitant parents to reach out to their principal should they have concerns about this return.
As with the previous fall, all students must complete the Alberta Health Daily Checklist for Children under 18 before going to school. If a student shows symptoms or tests positive for COVID, they must isolate for a minimum of 10 days and until their symptoms are gone.
Masks are also required for Grade 4 to 12 students and all staff must where physical distancing cannot be maintained, including school buses and shared areas such as hallways. Mask use for kindergarten to Grade 3 students remains optional, and exemptions will be made for those unable to wear a mask due to medical or other needs.
Diploma exams remain optional for the rest of the school year, while provincial achievement tests (PAT) have been postponed.
Harding said the district would encourage Grade 12 students who will soon face end-of-term expectations and evaluations. She also expressed relief regarding the COVID vaccines.
鈥淲e鈥檙e ready for COVID to go away and for things to get back to normal,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he more we can do to adhere and comply (to restrictions), the sooner that this will be in our rearview mirror.鈥�
