ST. PAUL - As teachers and students continue to adjust to at-home learning amid a global pandemic, St. Paul Education Regional Division as a whole continues to make changes as required.
As of April 6, the school division will allow teachers to work from home three days per week, confirmed superintendent Glen Brodziak.
"The decision to allow three days was based on the fact teachers can still accomplish a significant amount of their work from home and having fewer people in our buildings helps with physical distancing. On a case by case basis, teachers may also be allowed to work their two days in the school on weekends or in evenings," said Brodziak.
"Because of the commitment and dedication of our teachers, most will still be at the school daily," he added. "Direction from Alberta Education is that schools remain open," which means many of the division staff members must report to work.
Teachers and school staff are using a variety of methods to reach out to students and stay connected as learning continues to occur. "After discussions with parents and guardians, teachers have contacted their students using the family’s preferred communication method, whether a phone call, text, email or some other means," said Brodziak. "Contact will be made on a regular basis as the school year continues so that students remain connected to the staff at schools and get any help they may need."
He encouraged parents and guardians to contact teachers through email or call the school during regular hours when needed.
"Learning will continue through a variety of online learning platforms, telephone calls, emails and learning packages," said Brodziak, adding, "We acknowledge that using and understanding new technology can be uncomfortable and overwhelming to students and the adults in their lives."
SPERD is working to develop a process to provide technology support for families and staff working from home and Brodziak acknowledged that many people may be unfamiliar with educational platforms being used by students, and they may require extra guidance.
According to an update sent out by the school division last week, a decision had not been made on school fees.
"We are aware parents have paid fees to schools for various activities or program delivery, such as CTS, field trips, busing or sports activities. We are in the process of reviewing all fees collected to determine what portion should be refunded. Please be patient and we shall contact you once the process and refund amounts are determined," reads the update.
Grade 2020
Decisions regarding upcoming graduation ceremonies have not been made.
"Many parents and students have questions about graduation ceremonies and whether they will go ahead this year," said Brodziak. "We fully understand the significance of these ceremonies and we are committed to providing our graduating students with the best experience possible under these unprecedented circumstances. With respect to when graduation ceremonies might occur or what they might look like, we simply don't have these answers at this time."
Mental Health
The division is concerned about the mental health of its students and their families.
"We are concerned for our families overall wellness during this difficult time. Mental Health supports . . . will continue to contact students (and) families to provide support," said Brodziak. He encouraged families to call schools as needed.
"Overall, I want to thank our parents for being so patient as we navigate through these uncertain times," said Brodziak.
