A massive surge in Covid cases over the past few weeks means changes for students headed back to class.
Schools will open on January 3rd and 4th, but only staff and teachers will be returning at that time.
Students from kindergarten to Grade 12 will not return to in-person classes until January 10th.
The delay is intended to allow time to assess the impact of the Omicron variant on the education system.
Education Minister Jennifer Whiteside says the staggered start will allow teachers to prepare and implement enhanced safety plans and continuity of learning plans, as well as determine workforce needs.
Schools will remain open to children of health care workers, or those with support needs.
These new measures are in addition to all existing measures, including: maximizing space, wearing masks, and doing daily health checks.
Minister Whiteside is also calling for schools to implement strategies to prevent crowding, such as staggering classes, limit visitors to essential support only, pausing extra curricular sports, and holding meetings virtually when possible.
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