Students back at school at Medicine Hat High School on January 10, 2022 (Photo Courtesy Ross Lavigne)

By Teagan Rasche

Back to school but with a few more restrictions

Jan 10, 2022 | 4:55 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Students and teachers returned to school in Medicine Hat today after an extended Christmas break.

Despite concerns about rising cases and the highly contagious Omicron variant, superintendents agree in-person learning is best for most students. However, there may soon be difficulties in having enough teachers and substitutes.

Prairie Rose has no immediate concerns regarding substitutes but they have released a new guidance document and illness-isolation guide.

The Medicine Hat Public School Division had about eight per cent of their staff who were unable to report to work today. Supt. Mark Davidson is concerned finding substitutes could become a challenge, but for now, it’s manageable.

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Davidson said there are some changes to the school year plan, based on recommendations received late Friday from the minister of education.

“Masking throughout the day except when eating or participating in physical education or outside on recess, fans and audience members aren’t able to come to games but we have decided to let seasons of play continue and rehearsals and performances in schools,” Davidson said.

Prairie Rose Public Schools and the public school division are expecting their shipments of rapid tests and masks sometime this week. Some schools in the Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education received theirs today.

by Teagan Rasche

Back to school but with a few more restrictions

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