Students in Thunder Bay are finally returning to the classroom.
While there are still restrictions and safety measures in place, the experience is looking the closest it has to normal since the start of the pandemic.
Along with this, students and parents more comfortable with an online learning experience also have the option to stay home.
AJ Keene is the Superintendent of Education for Lakehead Public Schools and says everyone involved is excited for the return to the classroom.
“I think that the fact that we have some of the important parts of school that we had to give up last year, things like extra-curriculars and field trips, I think having those back in place is pretty exciting for kids,” explains Keene. “Certainly we’re being cautious with respect to health and safety, we have all of our protocols in place, masking, hand hygiene, and distancing as much as possible. It’s been a long time since we’ve been in school so kids are pretty excited, principals, staff, and support staff are all excited to see those faces again.”
Keene goes on to say it would be unrealistic to say that there won’t be cases in schools in the city, or anywhere in Ontario.
Despite this, the Superintendent is confident the board is ready to handle any outbreaks that occur.
“We know that it’s coming with the Delta variant in play in the north,” says Keene. “We have a very good partnership with the Thunder Bay Health Unit. We experienced many outbreaks last year and our policies and protocols are in place and we’ve reviewed them and we are ensuring our schools respond to them when cases happen.”
Education Minister Stephen Lecce
The return to the classroom comes as the Ministry of Education released a memo regarding vaccinating teachers.
While educators will not be required to get their shots, those teaching in classrooms will be required to provide two negative COVID-19 tests a week if they are not vaccinated.
Rapid antigen tests are currently being sent to school boards across the province, with the government authorizing pharmacies to provide rapid testing for eligible individuals beginning today.
The rapid antigen tests should be received by Sept. 20.
Education Minister Stephen Lecce released the following statement on Tuesday:
“I am proud of all Ontario students heading back to class, be it in-person or online. In keeping with the expert advice of Ontario’s pediatric hospitals and the Chief Medical Officer of Health, we have invested heavily in ventilation improvements to support safer schools. We have deployed standalone HEPA units into every kindergarten class, into every learning space without mechanical ventilation, and some school boards have gone even further by placing HEPA units in every classroom.
Our cautious plan is designed to minimize disruption and maximize safety — with a focus on ventilation improvements — so that your children can continue learning through the year.
While Ontario’s plan is cautious to protect students and staff, it also prioritizes learning recovery in reading and math. New supports for students from our youngest learners to those who will graduate this school year will help unlock their potential and bridge the gaps that arose last year.
To Ontario’s intelligent and kind student community, please continue to remain vigilant as we navigate this pandemic and know that your families, educators and government are proud of you.”
