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ATA Request

ATA calling for the school year to begin after Labour Day

Aug 20, 2020 | 9:24 AM

EDMONTON – The Alberta Teachers’ Association is calling on the Kenney government to delay the start of the school year until after Sept. 7, Labour Day.

Association president Jason Schilling made the announcement Wednesday after meeting with Education Minister Adriana LaGrange to discuss concerns about the province’s back-to-school plan.

The government has said students are to return to class as early as Sept. 1.

Schilling says teachers, principals and other staff need more time to prepare for students.

“The ATA’s priority continues to be ensuring school reopening is done as safely as possible. Teachers want schools to open, they just want it to be safe.”

He says there needs to be increased physical distancing through reduced class sizes, funding for better protective equipment and better plans for screening and testing students and staff for COVID-19.

In a statement, LaGrange said the province’s plan has been approved by Alberta health officials including Dr. Deena Hinshaw, chief medical officer of health.

(The Canadian Press)