Remote Learning Extended

APRIL 1, 2021 -- Regina Public Schools is extending temporary remote learning (Level 4) by two weeks. This decision follows recommendations from Regina Medical Health Officers as a result of continued cases of COVID-19 and the spread of Variants of Concern.

Temporary remote learning at all Regina Public schools and for all Pre-K to Grade 12 students will continue until April 23rd. In-class learning will resume on Monday, April 26, 2021.

This is not a decision we make lightly. We have sought out the advice of local and provincial health authorities; we have listened to our school families, our employees and our Board. We have also consulted with our partners in other Regina-area school divisions. This continuation of temporary remote learning is the most prudent and proactive step we can make to minimize the very real COVID-19 health risk to our students, staff, their families and to our Regina communities.

Both the Regina Board of Education and the administration of the school division understand the challenges this two-week extension may present to school families. The school division is acting on the encouragement of the Regina Medical Health Officers and for the safety of students and staff.

It is hoped that this early notice of the extension of temporary remote learning will minimize further disruption to families by allowing them to plan for the next few weeks. Additionally, teachers and school-based staff will have the opportunity to better plan for continuing remote student learning. Regina Public Schools staff will work during this period and, as previously announced, the majority of them will continue to have the option to work from home. Schools will remain open for staff during this period. Note that all schools will be closed during the Spring Break from April 2 to 9, 2021. School families will receive more details and learning resources from teachers and their schools following the Spring Break.

During this extended period, some school-based staff who are not directly involved in teaching students will be tasked with identifying, reaching out and engaging with students who have been challenged by remote learning.

While the plan is now to return to in-class learning on April 26, 2021, consultation with local and provincial health authorities, as well as with the Ministry of Education, continues and the school division may return to in-class learning earlier if the Regina-and-area health restriction conditions merit.

For more COVID-19-related information and resources, please visit the COVID-19 link at www.saskatchewan.ca.

Greg Enion

Director of Education