For the first time in three years, students in the Wild Rose School Division (WRSD) will return to class without any COVID-19 restrictions.
Brad Volkman, Superintendent for the Wild Rose School Division says all public restrictions related to COVID-19 have been lifted.
“However, as a school division that is concerned about both students and staff health, we will continue to emphasize hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette and staying home from school when feeling sick,” added Volkman.
He noted, however, that following these practices will help reduce the transmission of illness and the accompanying number of lost days students and staff might otherwise experience due to illness.
Also coming this school year is a new K-6 curriculum, which Volkam says teachers and staff have been working hard to familiarize themselves with.
“The timeline has been short and teachers may not have the full year planned like they might have with previous implementations, but they are working in smaller chunks to plan and resource as we go. It was very nice to just have K-3 in English Language Arts & Literacy and Math and just K-6 in Physical Education and Wellness. This allowed teachers to plan and focus on fewer areas to be ready for students on Thursday,” added Volkman.
Volkman said the original drafts were a concern for teachers and the Wild Rose Board of Trustees. However, they are very glad the fine arts, science and social studies have been slowed down to rethink and revise to better meet the needs of Alberta students.
Volkman believes more time and feedback would have improved the process, but acknowledges the English Language Arts & Literature, Math and Physical Education & Wellness curricula will support the students.
Volkman expressed how both he and his staff are very excited to have students and staff back for another school year.
“As a Division we will continue to work on creating powerful learning environments that focus on student learning and wellbeing,” noted Volkman.
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