By Liam Verster

Back to School

Grande Prairie schools ready to reopen Monday for in-class learning

Jan 8, 2021 | 1:25 PM

The Superintendents of two Grande Prairie school divisions say they are ready and excited to reopen schools in a safe way for in-class learning.

Grande Prairie and District Catholic Schools Superintendent, Karl Germann, says he’s spoken with lots of staff who are excited to return to the classroom.

Germann says the remote learning has gone very well so far this year, but there are added benefits to being in the school.

“There’s a lot of work that can be done with the kids in terms of academics preparation as well as socialization and any other services or supports those kids may need,” says Germann. “So we’re just really happy that the kids are coming back, and I have to say our staff are too. They do their best work when they’re in front of kids and working with kids.”

Bob Stewart, the Superintendent for the Peace Wapiti School Division, echoes Germann’s point, adding that there are also extra resources available for students when in the school setting.

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Stewart adds that the COVID-19 pandemic has put a lot of stress and strain on everyone, including students, and that the school division has a wellness team consisting of 17 members spread out through the school district who are available for students in need of mental health supports.

Both Stewart and Germann also say they are creating safe learning environment for the kids who choose to return to school on Monday.

The enhanced cleaning protocols will continue in schools, and students will have to follow the rules set out by the province at the start of the school year.

“All the measures in place prior to Christmas break, such as mandatory masking, physical distancing, regularly washing and sanitizing their hands, all of that’s still in place,” says Stewart. “And it’s really important that parents and guardians continue to monitor their kids for symptoms of COVID using the Alberta Health Daily Checklist for Students, and just a reminder that no person with symptoms is permitted to come to our schools.”

The school divisions will continue to offer remote learning opportunities for those who choose that option, but Stewart and Germann both say a lot of students, especially those in the older grades who haven’t been in a classroom since the end of November, are looking forward to returning to the schools.