Christ the Redeemer Catholic Schools administrators are hoping for the best when school starts in the fall, but they are planning for whatever comes their way as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We have been asked to plan for all three scenarios that Alberta Education has laid out for us and that is what we are done,” said Mariette Moss, CTR Catholic associate superintendent. “We are hopeful that our kids will be back in the classroom in the fall. “
Alberta Education Minister Adriana LaGrange and Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Alberta chief medical officer of health, have said a decision will be made by Aug. 1.
LaGrange has stated Scenario 1, which has students returning to the classroom, is the goal for when schools open in the fall.
Students across the province were taught at home since March 16 when schools closed to them due to the COVID-19.
“We are most hopeful that we will have the kids back in September,” Moss said. “We are pretty much ready with whatever is presented in the fall.”
The other two scenarios are 2) schools are open for classes with some health restrictions that affect operations; 3) schools remain closed for classes – at-home learning continues.
Regardless of the scenario, the safety of staff and teachers are the top priority, Moss said.
“We have talked with close to 80 teachers, principals, we included our facilities department, our occupational health and safety officer, transportation, technology… we have a big team that has worked together to prepare our students,” Moss said. “The big ones are physical distancing as much as possible. If it is Scenario 1 we have enhanced hygiene and education our students as to what it means to be in this (COVID-19) environment.
"Then we want to focus on learning and get back to the task on that.”
Teachers have already been asked to make plans to arrange classroom furniture to have students spaced apart as much as possible. Traffic flow in the hallways has also been worked on.
There is also the possibility for staggered entry times and dismissal for students, staggered recesses, lunchtimes, and other possibilities.
“We have left that autonomy with the schools to plan for that,” Moss said. “We have given them the guidelines and suggestions and they have had time to work on that.”
At present masks are not mandatory for students for the fall, but Moss said it is being suggested to parents that they send a mask with the child, in the event one is needed for a certain activity.
Face-shields will be provided for teachers if they desire one.
In terms of extra-curricular sports — such as the Holy Trinity Academy Knights’ attempt to defend their provincial high school title — that will be at the discretion of the Alberta Schools’ Athletics Association.
CTR Catholic sent out a release in late June to parents. The division has stated principal will keep parents informed throughout the summer in regards to COVID-19 protocol in the fall. As well regular updates will be on the CTR Catholic website.
For more information go to www.redeemer.ab.ca
