April 26, 2021 -- Following consultations and recommendations from Regina Medical Health Officers (RMHO), Regina Public Schools will be returning to in-class learning on Monday, May 3, 2021.
The decision to return to in-class learning follows information from RMHO showing a “distinct reduction” in new infection in both elementary and high school-aged students. RMHO supports the return to in-class learning and continues to monitor case trends.
Beginning on May 3, 2021, all Pre-K to Grade 8 students will be returning to class. Grade 9 to 12 students will also be returning and continuing their schedule of alternate day attendance. More information will be shared directly by schools and teachers. High school students have been away from class and remote learning since March 24, 2021; elementary students have been remote learning since March 29th. The Spring break was from April 2 to 9, 2021.
“Working with other Regina and area school divisions, we took the steps that we believed were necessary to minimize the risk to students, staff and school families,” says Greg Enion, Director of Education. “The recommendations of local and provincial medical experts guided our decisions and the number of cases of COVID-19 related to schools was significantly reduced. Regina Medical Health Officers now support a return to in-class learning. We will continue to follow their guidance. But we will stay vigilant, when it comes to in-school safety protocols, including mask use, physical distancing, and ongoing sanitization. Additionally, with the warmer weather, school staff and students will take the opportunity to spend more time outdoors in the sun and fresh air. These outdoor learning and recreation activities will complement the enhanced ventilation we installed at all of our schools and buildings.”
Regina Public Schools will also be taking advantage of Rapid Testing Kits that have been made available by the Government of Saskatchewan to add an extra layer of precaution and protection to in-class learning. Details will be forthcoming soon.
“We are also pleased that the Government of Saskatchewan prioritized vaccination for a number of groups including in-school employees, continues Enion. “Teamed with more employees and school families having already received their first vaccination, based on age-based distribution, our hope is that this prioritization will result in fewer adults at risk for severe COVID-19 symptoms and hospitalization.”
Regina Public Schools families can expect to hear more information and regular updates directly from their schools and teachers.
For more COVID-19-related information and resources, please visit the COVID-19 link at www.saskatchewan.ca.
