CANMORE – Local school boards in the Bow Valley are making plans for student education after a spike in COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Alberta prompted the provincial government to cancel classes.
Both Canadian Rockies Public School (CRPS) division and Christ the Redeemer Catholic Schools (CTRCS) division sent letters to parents Monday (March 16) indicating students will not have learning materials provided this week while each division works with the provincial government to make plans for continuing education.
“Provincial work has begun to develop a consistent plan for continuing learning for students," said CRPS superintendent Chris MacPhee in a letter addressed to parents. "Some of the partners involved in this work include Alberta Education, the College of Alberta Superintendents, and the Alberta Teachers Association.
“For this week, and possibly into next week, students will not be receiving learning materials from their teachers while this important provincial work is initiated and developed. CRPS will follow timelines that are dictated by this collaborative, provincial work.”
The letter from CRPS stated board members spent the morning in a teleconference with school district leaders across the province and Alberta Education.
“You will see the term 'continuity of education' being used a great deal in future communications from CRPS and the province," stated the letter. "This term refers to the plans for teaching and learning that will be developed to ensure that students continue to receive an education.
“Please keep in mind that this situation is fluid, that new information continues to come in and that we will let you know as soon as we receive information that families need to be made aware of.”
CTRCS superintendent Scott Morrison said in a letter posted to the division's website it already had tentative plans in place, however superintendents across the province agreed to delay plans while the province decided next steps.
"CTR Catholic school administrators and teachers will spend the next few days discussing how to continue some form of education," stated the letter. "CTR already has tentative plans, and we are very confident in our ability to serve our students, but superintendents across the province have agreed to delay sharing any plans until next week.
"The reason for doing this is so that there can be provincial coordination and equity, and so that all divisions are aligned around best practices that put students first. We also want to ensure we are aware of any modifications Alberta Education may make to the standards in education this year that might have an impact on what we deliver. This is the reason we are asking teachers to not provide specific information to our families at this time."
Both MacPhee and Morrison said at this time, parent teacher conferences will not take place this week as planned, and an update will be provided following spring break.
Both letters said school divisions are working on a format for students to pick up personal belongings that ensures the safety of both staff and students.
At this time, CRPS has indicated its teachers won’t be available for questions from parents or students. Those who have questions should direct them towards the specific school administrator.
“Teachers will not be available for questions from students or parents at this time, however, they are working hard to prepare for this new reality of teaching and learning. If you have an urgent question, please contact your school administrator,” stated the letter to parents.
“Once continuity of learning plans have been developed for students, staff will be available during regular work hours should you wish to contact them via phone or via technology. We will notify you as soon as these plans have been developed and teachers are available for questions.
“CRPS will send another update to parents regarding 'continuity of learning' for students sometime next week. We appreciate that this situation, with so much uncertainty, is difficult for our families. We will continue to provide information on a regular basis. We want to assure you that we are working diligently both within our district, and with district leaders across the province, to ensure that students continue to receive a high quality Alberta education.”
In addition, CTRCS said it would keep parents and students updated as more information becomes available.
"We recognize the significant impact this will have on students, families, and staff. During these class cancellations, CTR Catholic schools is committed to keeping you updated using direct email and repeating all emailed messages on our website and social media," stated the letter.
The Alberta government announced Sunday (March 15) that student attendance at schools “is prohibited” after 17 new cases were identified in the province, bringing the total cases at the time up to 56. As of Monday evening (March 16), there were a total of 74 cases in Alberta.
The provincial government also said licensed child-care facilities, out-of-school care programs and preschool programs are closed indefinitely, while post-secondary classes are also cancelled, though campuses will remain open.
