Students head back to school after summer break

The rise in case numbers is what led the public school division to put specific protocols in place.

Superintendant Mark Davidson says this includes masking in all common and shared spaced like hallways.

” Given that the minister provided permission for school divisions to put in place more stringent measures. They felt it was wise to put in masking and other protocols in place.” Davidson said.

The decision has been met with mixed feelings from both students and parents.

“I thought I had to wear the masks in class and when I found out we don’t have to I’m happy about that,” one student said.

“I don’t know we just have to do what we have to do to have a normal school year,” said one parent.

“I’m glad we aren’t homeschooling. But I’m not glad we have to wear masks,” said one student.

Both Prairie Rose and Catholic school divisions decided masks would only be required on school buses.

St Mary’s principal Nick Gale said the school board is committed to keeping students safe.

” Right now we are following, all of the recommendations from Alberta Health Services and following those directions,” Gale said.

Many parents with young children were pleased additional restrictions like masks were not brought in.

” They are constantly putting them on and off anyways. So they really defeat the purpose, one mom said.

But with the city’s high case numbers, some older kids had concerns about disruptions to the school year.

” We might be going back online and keep switching,” said one student

” It wasn’t fun last year,” said another.

For now, all these students are focused on is getting used to a new grade, and hoping this school year is as close to normal as possible.

“It’s cool going into different grades. It is fun,” one student said.

by Tiffany Goodwein

Students head back to school after summer break

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