By Chris Brown

January Diploma exams cancelled

Alberta extends winter break for K-12 students to Jan. 10

Dec 30, 2021 | 5:58 PM

The provincial government is delaying students’ return to school as the Omicron variant spreads across Alberta.

Education Minister Adriana LaGrange announced late Thursday afternoon that students will return to class on Jan. 10 and January diploma exams will be cancelled.

“School are expecting a high number of student absences, making it harder to manage in-person and at-home learning at the same time,” said LaGrange.

She said many are concerned about potential staffing shortages among not only teachers but also other staff such as educational assistants, bus drivers and maintenance workers.

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Mustard Seed adding new shelter spaces at Alberta government's request

6h ago

HOLIDAYS

Medicine Hat Kiwanis hosting Christmas dinner, applications due Friday

12h ago

IN THE COMMUNITY

'Compassionate Friends' offer peer support for bereaved in Medicine Hat

Dec 11, 2024

Earlier today, the province’s preliminary estimate showed 4,000 new cases of COVID-19.

LaGrange said that with schools on holidays it is hard to fully assess the situation now and this will give school authorities more time to prepare.

The education minister said she will provide an update late next week on the next steps.

“I do want to emphasize that parents can be confident that when students return to the classroom significant public health measures will continue to keep both students and staff safe,” she said.

LaGrange added 8.6 million at-home rapid tests will be distributed to schools across the province and 16.5 million medical-grade masks for staff and students.