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By Shaun Penner

Delayed Start Date

Peace River-area school divisions push class start date to September 8

Aug 25, 2020 | 10:22 AM

School divisions in the Peace River area are pushing back their start dates until after Labour Day, citing a desire to give staff more time to prepare for the safe return of classes this school year.

The Peace River School Division (PRSD), following consultation between the superintendent, trustees, senior administration and school administrators, have decided to push back the first the first day of school to September 8.

“Delaying the re-entry to school will ensure that staff are provided the time to become familiar with new safety protocols, provide the division more time to plan for at-home learning, ensure the appropriate level of caretaking staff is in place and ensure the necessary cleaning and safety supplies are received and distributed in PRSD schools,” reads a statement from PRSD

“PRSD also currently awaits the delivery of hand sanitizer and personal protective equipment (masks, face shields and thermometers) from the Alberta government.”

That same decision was made by the Holy Family Catholic Regional Division (HFCRD), who will also move the first day of classes from September 1 to September 8.

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HFCRD says in a release that prior to that start date, where possible, they will be offering a staggered entry to school to give students and staff a chance to practice new protocols before everyone returns.

“Schools will communicate further details in their school relaunch plans to parents and guardians,” reads the release from HFCRD. “More information will be released as soon as possible about the at-home learning program, masks, and the inter-school busing service (for Good Shepherd School students).”

The decisions come after Adriana LaGrange, the Education Minister in Alberta, announced that school boards would have the option to delay the start of classes, should they choose. That came after a meeting with Alberta Teachers’ Association President Jason Schilling, who cited a number of concerns teachers had before returning to the classroom.

READ MORE: Education Minister: School boards can individually delay start of classes

All Grande Prairie School Divisions still plan on opening as scheduled.