Sun West School division was likely one of the most well positioned school boards in the province when classes were suspended in March. Thanks to the board's investment into Sun West DLC the division already had a large banks of resources to help students learn from home. The smaller rural schools, and their staff, also proved to be incredibly nimble and adaptive to the changes.

Despite the divisions success during the pandemic, when news was announced that classes would resume, Sun West Chair Katherine Itterman welcomed a return to the classroom.

“We think the government’s announcement was timely and gives school divisions the necessary time to prepare for the fall. We look forward to seeing the health and safety guidelines the government is preparing, so we can make all necessary arrangements to protect our students and staff as well as the wider community.”

Ms. Itterman found comfort in the announcement made by Minister Wyant about what the return could entail. She is appreciative that the Ministry of Education will consider parents that may feel uncomfortable with sending their children back to the classroom. A move that could see Sun West DLC enrollment grow.

“I was glad to hear that Minister Wyant addressed the fact that some parents and students may not be comfortable returning to schools immediately, particularly those with compromised immune systems or other health concerns. Sun West is in a very strong position to help these students and parents both locally and through resources at our Distance Learning Centre and online Resource Bank,” said Itterman.

According to a release provided by Sun West school division, work had already begun to prepare for a return.. Preliminary steps had been taken through the 'Teacher Professional Learning Communities.' The group is examining how best to aid students who may have gaps in learning as they move into new grades in the fall. A task Itterman knows the division is more than capable of handling.

“Our teachers really rose to the occasion in the last several months,” stated Itterman, “they found ways to help students continue learning after the schools closed while also preparing ways to transition students back to school when they re-open this fall.”

Details on what a return to the classroom will actually look like are expected next week. Guidelines could be as sweeping as staggered class start times, and cohorting school entrances.