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Province announces changes to in-person learning

Wed, 25 Nov, 2020

On November 24, the provincial government declared a state of public health emergency and announced public health measures to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in Alberta.  

Some of the new measures will affect in-person learning starting on November 30. For most Division schools, there are no classes that day, so the changes will take place on December 1.

CHANGES TO IN-PERSON LEARNING

Students who are learning in person will move to learn at home temporarily. They will continue to be supported by their classroom teacher. 

Students in Grades 7 to 12 who are learning in person will: 

• move to online learning from Dec. 1–Jan. 8, 2021
• resume in-person learning on Jan. 11, 2021

Students in Kindergarten to Grade 6 who are learning in person will:

• continue with in-person learning from Dec. 1–18
• learn at home from Jan. 4–8, 2021
• resume in-person learning on Jan. 11, 2021 

Some students in need of specialized supports will continue with in-person learning from Dec. 1-18 and Jan. 4-8, 2021. These students are enrolled in specialized programming such as Pre-Kindergarten, Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Community Learning Skills, Community Learning Skills/Behaviour and Learning Assistance, Interactions and Individual Support Program.

Other students in need of specialized supports: 

• will temporarily shift to learn at home from Dec. 1-18 and Jan. 4-8, 2021
• can still book appointments for assessments, specialized interventions or supports with their school (visitors must follow all safety protocols in our Division Re-entry Strategy and the Alberta government’s mandatory public health measures) 

These changes will not affect families who selected online learning for Quarter 2. 

DIPLOMA EXAMS

For the rest of the 2020-21 school year, high school students can choose to write a diploma exam or receive an exemption for the April, June and August 2021 exams. Students are encouraged to talk to their family and teachers, and review more information from Alberta Education.

WINTER BREAK 

There are no changes to the winter break dates. Learning begins on Jan. 4 with all students learning from home. 

SUPPORTING FAMILIES 

We know this decision may pose a challenge for families. As always, the safety and wellness of our students and their families remain our top priority, and we are working hard to make this transition as easy as possible.

MORE INFORMATION 

You can read Superintendent Darrel Robertson’s letter to families. More information and next steps will be shared through: 

• SchoolZone
• the Division’s website, epsb.ca 
• the Division's Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts
• your child’s school