ST. PAUL - Simply put, "2020 has been a challenging year for all of us," according St. Paul Education board chair Heather Starosielski.
Las week, students from Grades 7 to 12 had their last day of in-class learning until January, with the province directing schools to shift to online classes for junior high and high school students as one measure to slow the spread of COVID-19.
"Students and staff have been patient with adjusting to new ways of learning and working that respect public health and safety guidelines, and they are prepared to pivot as necessary," said Starosielski, when asked about the shift to online learning. "With the recent announcement of the temporary measures to remote learning, we will adapt to offer the most comprehensive education possible, while being aware of unique learning needs for all of our students."
A variety of information has been posted to the division's website and emailed directly to parents to help with the transition.
"If any parent is concerned over the delivery of education over the next few weeks please contact your school principal, and we will strive to ensure your child's needs are being met," affirms Starosielski. "This isn't an easy time for anyone, and we know there will be challenges."
The Nov. 25 update sent out by St. Paul Education states that all students from Grades 7 to 12 will shift to scenario three. The goal will be to offer a full range of both live and recorded lessons for every subject, to ensure students have access to everything they would have learned in a normal school day. St. Paul Education is aiming to exceed the minimum standards in order to maintain a "commitment to offering the most comprehensive education possible."
The regular student timetable will be followed exactly, even while students learn from home. Regardless of the subject, every teacher lesson will be synchronous and delivered live to students. Every subject that a student was taking will continue to be delivered.
"All staff will continue to report to school every day," according to information from St. Paul Education. Attendance will also be taken daily while online learning occurs.
Last week, teachers were busy going over Google classroom instructions with students, as a way to prepare for the transition. Schools were also working to ensure students had the needed technology to succeed at home.
Diploma exams are now optional for the remainder of the 2020-21 school year.
All regular school supports, such as success coaches, School Linked Teams, Family School Liaison Workers, First Nation Community Advocates, and career counselling services will continue to be available virtually.
At-home learning will take place from Nov. 30 through to Dec. 18, then Christmas break will occur. A week of online learning will take place for all students from kindergarten to Grade 12 from Jan. 4 to Jan. 8, and in-person learning is set to resume for all students on Jan. 11.
"Over the past few months, our staff has been preparing for the possibility of this scenario," says Starosielski. "Everything from professional development to technology has been reviewed and we will continue to update as needed."
She says the board is happy to hear many stories of students, teachers, and support staff rising to and overcoming the challenges this pandemic has created.
"Staff will miss their students over this brief time, but the move to remote learning is a necessary step to ensure a safe community for all. We will continue to work together to find new paths forward as needed and we look forward to seeing our students in-person in January," says Starosielski.
