Students are getting back in the swing of things, learning the routine and getting back to the books.
Behind the scenes, administration is working hard to make sure students and teachers have the support they need.
In the Palliser School Division concrete class size numbers aren’t in yet, but already they know enrolment is up.
“We had a few towns with a few more students than we expected, but we are managing and planning for that,” says Kevin Getz, Superintendent of Palliser Regional Schools.
Things are looking the same for School District 51. Classes are larger, but growth in the schools is on par with the city.
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“I think we are seeing the same growth as the city, a moderate rate of growth. we are up about 1.5 per cent from last year,” says Cheryl Gilmore, Superintendent of District 51.
The provincial guidelines suggest class sizes should be 17 students in kindergarten to grade 3, 23 students in Grades 4 to 6, 25 students in grades 7 to 9 and for high school 27 students.
In Lethbridge, class sizes are close to those numbers, some schools are over and others are under.
In the Palliser region, the 2013/14 school year looks to be on par.
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“We are at those averages and in the next few weeks we will have an even better idea. We nay have to hire additional teacher in some schools on a part time basis, but we will find out where the need is and make sure it’s addressed,” says Getz.
The Alberta Teachers Association says across the board teachers say class sizes are overwhelmingly high.
“I believe the numbers are directly related to the 11 thousand additional students. We have and teachers say in some high school classes they have over 30 students, even over 40 per classroom,” says Mark Ramsankar, President of the Alberta Teachers Association.
The budget was cut by 14.5 million dollars, and school boards are doing what they can to make sure the students don’t feel the pinch.
“It’s hard to maintain provincial guidelines from almost 10 years ago with eroding budgets, but we are doing what we can to look after students,” says Gilmore.
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