Ali Howat, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter | [email protected]
With the summer weeks dwindling and September right around the corner, parents are beginning to get an idea of what school will look like this year.
Last year, students and teachers went through an abnormal school year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
This included having to close schools, transfer to online learning and go back to in-person repeatedly.
The province of Alberta provided an update on Aug. 13 on the new school measures for the upcoming 2021-2022 school year.
The Government of Alberta has implemented a new health guide, a tool kit and on-site vaccinations to ensure everyone can stay during the school year.
Everyone eligible for their vaccinations, including students, teachers and parents/guardians are encouraged to try and get both doses before the school year is set to begin.
As well, all staff and students should still be screened daily for symptoms and proceed appropriately if a positive case of COVID does come up.
The new health guide, titled “The Guidance for Respiratory Illness Prevention and Management in Schools,” is being brought into schools in the hopes that it will help reduce respiratory illness and infections.
There is also a tool kit for parents and teachers that provide all the necessary information they will both need to know for when the classroom doors open back up.
To help students in junior high and high school receive their vaccinations, the Government of Alberta is implementing temporary clinics.
All students must have parent or guardian consent through a required consent form.
All staff and students are still encouraged to stay home if they are not feeling well or have possible symptoms of COVID.
Masks are no longer required, except for on school busses.
For the Grande Yellowhead Public School Division, registration opens on Aug. 23.
GYPSD is offering learn at home distance education, parent-led home education, or hybrid learning through the GYPSD campus.
The first day back to classes is scheduled for Sept. 7.
