Alberta schools to resume in-person classes as planned
March 16, 2021
Original Article:
Alberta schools will resume in-person learning on Jan. 11, as the government planned before the holiday season, Premier Jason Kenney says.
"The decision to resume in-class learning on Jan. 11 is based on carefully considering the importance of attending school in person," Kenney said Thursday at a news conference, "as well as the latest evidence of cases dropping in all school-related age groups in December."
Kenney said current provincial restrictions intended to slow the spread of the coronavirus will remain in place for at least two more weeks.
"In order to ensure that we take into account the very real possibility of an increase in cases as a result of the holidays, and given the fact that our case numbers, hospitalizations and positivity rate for testing remains high, Alberta's current health measures will remain in effect for at least two more weeks," he said.
Schools play a key role in supporting students with their emotional and mental health, he said.
"At the beginning of the school year, families across Alberta made the choice that was best for their kids and their family situation as to whether or not to have their children attend in-person class this year. While about 20 per cent of families and students chose to learn at home, the majority of parents chose in-school learning.
"For younger children, learning at home can be often challenging, from an academic, social and emotional perspective, especially for parents who didn't make that choice."
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