Regina school divisions extend remote learning until at least May 3

Regina’s two largest school boards have extended temporary remote learning until at least May 3.

Pre-K to Grade 12 students from Regina Catholic School Division and Regina Public Schools were scheduled to return to in-class learning on April 26.

Both divisions announced the news Tuesday, following consultations and recommendations from Regina medical health officers.

“We would have preferred to have students return to their school desks to resume in-class learning,” says Greg Enion, RPS director of education.

“We have been informed that returning to schools now would not be the safest course and that it would not benefit our city’s effort to reduce our COVID-19 caseloads.

“Remote learning is not ideal, we are confident that many of our students are continuing their learning. We are also working to keep parents informed with enough notice so they can make plans for their families.”

Both divisions said parents will continue to be provided with learning resources to ensure students are getting what they need during these difficult times.

“We remain committed to providing the best education during this pandemic. We are committed to working with all our stakeholders to address any challenges resulting from this extension,” RCSD said in an emailed statement Tuesday.

RCSD and RPS said they will update the return-to-school date if anything changes, saying it depends on the COVID-19 and variant risk in Regina.

Hours later, Prairie Valley School Division announced it would be returning to in-class learning on April 26.

“After much consideration and deliberation, Prairie Valley School Division’s administration and board of education have determined it is time for our students to return to the classroom,” PVSD said in a press release Tuesday.

“The health and safety of our students and staff will always be our primary concern. However, this concern must always be balanced with the need to provide our students with the best possible learning opportunity. We have no doubt that is in the classroom.”

PVSD had originally planned to have students return to class on April 23.

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