As we approach the September 8th return to classrooms, Manitoba school divisions are working to ensure safe and fulfilling learning experiences, and releasing their detailed plans, Education Minister Kelvin Goertzen announced today.

“Following the government’s release of the Restoring Safe Schools K-12 Guidelines for September 2020 on July 30, divisions across the province are taking effective measures to maximize learning for students while keeping them, their families and school staff protected during the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Goertzen. “Administrators and staff are showing leadership and sound planning in adjusting school operations and routines for this unprecedented public health situation.”

The divisions’ individual plans are posted online and available for parents and caregivers to review in order to prepare students for their modified learning experiences. The Portage la Prairie School Division’s report can be viewed at http://www.plpsd.mb.ca/parents-and-students/covid19 while reports for divisions across the province can be viewed at www.manitoba.ca/covid19/restoring/school-divisions.html. Teachers will play an increasingly important role in the return to full-time classroom education while working with new public health protocols.

In addition to the abundance of public information available, a telephone town hall with the minister and Dr. Brent Roussin, chief provincial public health officer, will be held this evening at 6:45. Over 2,400 participants have pre-registered and additional Manitobans will receive a call to join. A recording of the town hall will also be available for those who are unable to join.

“We firmly believe, and have said before, the best place for students is in class, and the provincial guidelines will help ensure they receive the best education possible while the pandemic continues,” says Goertzen. “Our guidelines are based on Manitoba Public Health and Health Canada directions and students, staff and families can be confident the return to in-class learning is the right course of action.”

The EngageMB website will remain the best forum for parents, caregivers and students to post questions for response throughout the return to classroom learning.

For more information on COVID-19, visit www.manitoba.ca/covid19/ or Manitoba Education’s latest COVID-19 Education News website at www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/covid/index.html.