Within the past 48 hours, we have seen both the government plan and now the Chinook School Board has released their re-open plan for children returning to school in the Fall.
Kyle McIntyre is the Director of Education for Chinook.
"Even though people would prefer to learn in school from teachers and be with friends and colleagues and peers, I think people are still anxious about the virus. There is a lot of stuff not known about the virus, so I think if people reviewed our re-open chinook plan they would see were trying to take as many steps as possible. Were trying to use the information and resources available to make the return as safe as can be."
McIntyre adds that the government provided a high-level overview of items that are a part of every school division in the province return to school plan. The Chinook specific plan was created with input from parents and staff as well as an employee based focus group that reviewed a number of research articles and practices throughout the world and North America. Included in their research was a Chinook COVID-19 Survey which was administered to parents and staff in late May when according to McIntyre people were anxious to return to as normal a school routine as possible.
Social distancing is also a concern for parents when children return to school. In terms of how they plan to enforce it, McIntyre says multiple measures will be taken.
"What people will notice when children return to school is were trying to stagger our recess times. We are trying to encourage classroom groups of students to stay in the same cohort or bubble with their teacher. So we are going to try to not have mass gatherings. We are going to try to not have children intermingle as much. We are going to try to keep the bubble or our cohorts together."
In addition, McIntyre is aware that some mixing will likely occur as it is difficult to stop all that from occurring. Other safety measures likely to be seen include separate entrances based on grade level, based on school population/configuration staggered recess and exit times. In the short term no large gatherings such as assemblies or group speakers.
It is however a group effort and McIntyre stresses that they are asking for everyone's cooperation that if any staff or students are sick or showing signs of illness, they do not come to school. The health and safety of students and staff are paramount.
After school, extracurricular activities will also be looking different upon return. Along with following Re-Open Saskatchewan guidelines, McIntyre says they will have to limit the gathering numbers, ensure proper hand hygiene is carried out and no physical contact between students. Chinook is trying to be overly cautious and will continue to take their lead from the Chief Medical Health Officer and Dr. David Torr the local contact.
Some parents may of course choose not to return their children to school in the fall. McIntyre says he respects any decision a parent makes but he would encourage everyone to thoroughly read the back to school plan in order to see the many protocols and practices in place. If a parent has apprehension about having their child return to school, they are encouraged to speak with their particular school principal and staff.
McIntyre also mentioned that they would be willing to work with families who had children with compromised immune systems or who require accommodation. They want children learning but more importantly they want everyone to feel safe and confident with what they are doing.
Parents with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact anyone in the division office or schools.
McIntyre stated that it is their responsibility to do the best they can with the information and resources they have. The minute they think they are putting a student's or staff's health at risk they will be moving to at-home learning
To view, the Reopen Chinook Plan click on the link below.
.
Thu, Apr 25, 6:00 AM
Agriculture, Transport
Featured
