K-12 students in the RMWB will continue online learning for another week.

Education Minister Adriana LaGrange announced on Wednesday a return to school for students across the province.

Regional schools are set to return on May 31, while every other school across the province will return on May 25.

The RMWB has been at or near the top of the list for spread of the virus in Alberta throughout the third wave.

According to the province, outbreaks have been declared on 19 schools as there are at least five active cases among students, staff, and teachers. Another seven schools are on the watch list.

“I’m confident students will finish this challenging school year learning in their classroom,” said LaGrange.

Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, has stated this decision was made by the Education Ministry, however, adding she believes schools are safe for students, staff, and teachers.

In early May, the case rate for students was around 60 cases per 100,000 individuals. It now sits at approximately 31 cases per 100,000 people.

“I’m confident we can all work together to that we can all work together to keep cases falling in all young Albertans,” added Hinshaw.

She also noted she understands some parents may be nervous to send their children back.

At Tuesday’s COVID-19 press conference, Hinshaw stated she was ‘absolutely’ confident her own children would be safe if they went back to in-class learning.

Extra-curricular sports and activities will remain closed in high transmission areas for several more weeks.

Online Next School Year

The FMCSD is continuing its Virtual Learning Academy for the next school year.

Students in grades 7-12 can choose to continue their education online rather than returning to in-class.

Those who decide to sign up for the academy will still get a complete high school curriculum.

Classes will be held through Google Classroom and other digital platforms, while communication between teachers and students will happen over email, videos, chat, message boards, and the occasional face-to-face session.

“The Virtual Learning Academy has been a great success this year meeting students where they are,” said George McGuigan, FMCSD Superintendent.

“The COVID-19 pandemic may have necessitated the creation of the academy, but the flexibility, leadership, and creativity of our staff have shown the true spirit of the Fort McMurray Catholic Schools family.”

To be eligible, students must be registered full-time with one of the district’s schools.

The deadline to register is August 23, 2021.

More information, including how to register, can be found on the FMCSD’s website.