MALLAIG - A number of positive COVID-19 cases linked to Mallaig School, located within the St. Paul Education school division region, has resulted in the decision to move all Kindergarten to Grade 12 students to at-home learning.
A letter was sent out on Saturday, stating that the decision to close in-person learning for all of next week was made "due to the number of positive COVID-19 cases among students and staff, and also the number of staff who are legally required to self-isolate as close contacts." The letter was signed by Superintendent Glen Brodziak.
Brodziak confirmed with Lakeland Today on Saturday that the school had six active cases.
"Student and staff safety has to remain at the forefront of all decisions," said the superintendent.
The decision to temporarily shift Mallaig students to at-home learning was not made lightly, says Brodziak in the letter.
"Please know that the decision was made after careful consideration and in consultation with Alberta Education."
On Monday, teachers will be reaching out to students in order to continue with learning.
"We are carefully monitoring the situation and will update you next week regarding when we can return to in-person learning," said Brodziak.
The letter also mentions a shortage of substitute teachers and support staff being experienced - a topic that also came up briefly during the March 10 St. Paul Education board meeting. At the meeting, Brodziak acknowledged the importance of substitute teachers within the school system since Substitute Teacher Appreciation week ran from March 8 to 12.
Typically, once a school has more than five active cases, the province moves the school into 'outbreak' status. The provincial status map was not showing Mallaig School as being on 'alert' or 'outbreak', as of Saturday afternoon.
