Students returning to mix of similar COVID protocols and normalcy

This school year will look different than last year as students are set to return to classrooms across SD58 today.

Upon their arrival, students will face many of the same COVID-19 protocols that were put into place in last year but also a return to some normalcy.

“You are going to see a lot of thing we ended the year with. Our students will come back doing health checks, hand sanitizing, our students from grade 4-12 will be masked,” said SD58 Superintendent Steve McNiven.

In terms of a return to normalcy, students will no longer be in learning groups or cohorts, and highschoolers will see a return to a usual semester timetable.

“Kids will have more freedom to enjoy some socializing. Also the opportunity for extra-curriculars this year. In behind those items, our staff will be doing cleaning that is needed on a regular basis,” said McNiven.

“I think it will very much mirror what we’re seeing out in the community and society, where mask wearing is probably a larger expectation but the ability of children to connect and make those really positive friendships,” added Assistant Superintendent Jameel Aziz.

McNiven also confirmed that organized school sports will be returning this year, along with competition against other schools in the region, something that has been missing during the pandemic.

The new school year will also see a boost in enrollment in SD58.

“Reports I’m getting is that enrollment seems to up in the Merritt side of the district. We’re seeing increased numbers at the kindergarten level. We need to take a look at what the will look like later next week, but we’re seeing more kids in our district,” said McNiven.