Despite COVID-19 restrictions such as mask wearing and social distancing disrupting lives everywhere, Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board (H-SCDSB) administration is happily welcoming news that Sault Ste. Marie high school students will be allowed to return to the classrooms Monday, Jan. 25.
"The Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board is both pleased and relieved to hear that the health situation in the Algoma region has improved to the extent that all elementary and secondary students can resume in-person learning,” wrote Rose Burton Spohn, H-SCDSB director of education in an email to SooToday Friday.
“Everyone's efforts to follow public health advice have allowed our students to return to safe learning environments, where they can interact with their peers and be supported by our staff members. We thank everyone for doing their part in keeping our students, employees, schools, and communities as safe as they can be."
Dr. Jennifer Loo, Algoma Public Health (APH) medical officer of health and CEO, told the board Thursday “the number of COVID-19 cases in school-aged children and youth across the Algoma region is very low. This is also true for the communities our board serves within other public health units,” Burton Spohn wrote.
As a result, it’s back to school for Huron-Superior high school students, as well as Algoma District School Board (ADSB) secondary school students, good for their academic progress and mental health as they study and socialize with friends.
“Instructions and recommendations issued to Algoma school boards Jan. 8 are no longer in effect,” APH stated.
“We view this news as a true sign of hope, since students will be able to return to interacting and learning safely with their peers and H-SCDSB staff,” Burton Spohn wrote.
In a letter sent to H-SCDSB parents Friday, the board states:
- In-Person Learning – All physical elementary and secondary schools will resume regular classes for in-person learning. As a result of various concerns about instruction occurring in two modalities simultaneously, synchronous virtual instruction will not be available to students who remain at home.
- Extenuating Circumstances – Although the data APH shared with us is very reassuring, should there be extenuating circumstances that inhibit your child from returning to in-person learning, please contact your school principal to discuss your situation and make alternative arrangements for your child for the next two weeks.
- Virtual Learning – Our virtual elementary and secondary schools will continue to offer synchronous and asynchronous online programming for students enrolled in this form of learning.
“I recognize that the many announcements about COVID-19 and shifts in instruction have been stressful for everyone, including students, families, and employees,” Burton Spohn wrote.
“I thank you for your many efforts to ensure everyone remains as healthy and engaged in learning as possible. Please join me in continuing to pray for everyone’s continued safety and a swift end to this pandemic."
