BONNYVILLE – Lakeland Catholic School Division (LCSD) was “pleased” to hear the provincial government’s plans for schools.
The 2020/21 school year has three possible realities according to the province's announcement last week. The ideal situation would see in-person classes resume on an almost normal basis, with health measures in place. The second option would see partial in-school classes in the fall with additional health measures, while the final outcome would be continuing with online learning.
“We’re hopeful with the easing of restrictions we will be able to return to school in the fall with the goal of scenario one as indicated by Alberta’s Minister of Education (Adriana) LeGrange from Alberta’s relaunch plan,” LCSD deputy superintendent Pamela Guilbault told the Nouvelle.
Over the coming months, Guilbault said the division will be working hard to ensure they’re ready for whichever option is chosen and announced on Aug. 1.
“Throughout the next two months, we will be reviewing our plans to ensure that they’re aligned with the most current guidelines, as well as engaging in ongoing dialogue with both the ministries of health and education to ensure LCSD students, staff, and families resume the September 2020/21 school year with confidence and enthusiasm.”
As part of their planning for the fall, LCSD released a survey late last week to give parents an opportunity add their input about options to be considered.
“Our commitment to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all students and staff remains our highest priority,” Guilbault stressed, adding gathering feedback is crucial.
“We’re currently engaging with our parents, administrators, teachers, and community members using an online survey to gather feedback about the March to June 2020 online learning delivery and September 2020 school re-entry plans.”
The provincial government announced in March that in-class learning would be cancelled and switched to online courses in response to the coronavirus. With over three months of distance learning already in the books, Guilbault said LCSD teachers have shown that they can continue to support students "academically, spiritually, and emotionally."
“We’re confident this demonstration of flexibility showed that whichever scenario of Alberta’s provincial relaunch strategy we begin this year with, and should it be necessary to move between the scenarios, LCSD will be nimble and continue to support students with an excellent education in a safe environment.”
