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Exshaw School shifts to online learning following positive COVID-19 cases

“Because the numbers were growing so quickly over the weekend … We made a decision for everyone to go online for both the safety of the students and staff."
26 Exshaw School Tipi Raising 0007
The Stoney Nakoda community raises a teepee and holds a powwow at Exshaw School on June 18, 2018. RMO FILE PHOTO.

EXSHAW – The Exshaw School was moved to at-home learning after a number of people at the school tested positive for COVID-19.

Chris MacPhee, the superintendent of the Canadian Rockies Public Schools (CRPS), said the decision was made after positive tests were confirmed and the school division had consulted with Alberta Education.

“Because the numbers were growing so quickly over the weekend … We made a decision for everyone to go online for both the safety of the students and staff,” he said.

MacPhee noted at-home learning will continue for the rest of the school year. Alberta Health Services had contacted anyone from the school who was in close contact with the people who tested positive.

A press release from CRPS highlighted the Stoney Education Authority is ceasing bus transit to Exshaw School, but will continue to other CRPS schools where students from the Stoney Nakoda First Nation are attending.

“A deep cleaning and sanitization of the entire school will be occurring by our facilities staff,” the release stated.

The closure marks the first time a CRPS school has been forced to close due to COVID-19. MacPhee said a large number of students were already learning online prior to the announcement.

The Municipal District of Bighorn, which includes the Stoney Nakoda First Nation and Exshaw School, has the highest number of cases per capita in Alberta, according to the statistics from the province.

The per capita case count is 1,649 per 100,000 people and Nakoda Emergency Management shows the transmission risk in Morley as high, with 101 active cases being managed by Stoney Health Services as of Tuesday (June 15).

“If you’re COVID-19 positive, please follow the mandatory 10-day isolation. Stay away from others in your home,” according to  Nakoda Emergency Management.

“It is up to all of us to help stop the spread. Stay home and stay safe.”

Canmore Collegiate High School also moved one class to online learning after a positive case on June 14. MacPhee said the impacted families have been notified with three staff members and all potential contacts from the class and school bus shifted to online learning.

The release stated families of students from Elizabeth Rummel School, Lawrence Grassi Middle School, Exshaw School and Canmore Collegiate High School who were considered close contacts were also notified by school administration.

“We remind parents/guardians of students, as well as any staff/visitors/volunteers, to please remain vigilant and monitor for any signs or symptoms of COVID-19.”

One person tested positive at Exshaw School earlier in the month, leading to one class being shifted to online learning. All affected families were notified by the school’s administration and AHS also contacted any close contacts, according to a June 8 memo from the school.

“Out of respect for the privacy of any families or children involved, we are unable to provide any further information,” Nadine Dack-Doi, the principal of Exshaw School said in a post on the school’s Facebook page.

“If you receive information pertaining to you or a family member regarding exposure or potential exposure to COVID-19, please inform school administration as soon as possible.”

– With files from Cathy Ellis

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