Looking back on two weeks of school in these times of COVID-19, Saskatchewan Education Minister Gord Wyant is satisfied with the return to the classroom.
On Friday, he praised the various school divisions across the province for smoothly implementing their plans.
“I’m feeling very good. We’ve seen a safe return of our children to our schools. A lot of the credit for that has to go to the school divisions who have put their plans together based on the provincial guidelines,” he said during a media conference in Regina.
In Saskatoon, there have been COVID-19 cases confirmed at five different schools. While Wyant is concerned to see it, he’s confident in the school divisions and health experts.
“We’re going to continue to keep a close eye on that. But so far, those are the only cases that I’m aware of, but the protocols and the processes that the school divisions, local schools and administrators have in place have been very effective in dealing with it,” he said.
“This is all about the safety of our children and our teachers in the classroom. That’s always been our No. 1 priority.”
Others also believe the return to school has been going well.
A Moose Jaw vice-principal has had very positive experiences over the first two weeks. The president of the Saskatchewan School Boards Association feels the same way.
Location for new school unveiled
Wyant and Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Gene Makowsky joined officials from the City of Regina, Regina Public Schools and the Regina Catholic School Division at the future site of the new Argyle Elementary School and École St. Pius X joint-use facility.
The government previously announced it was investing $47 million in the project, which is to be built on the site of the current Argyle Elementary School at 2941 Lakeview Ave.
The new school will be able to accommodate 800 students — 400 on each side. It also will include a child-care centre with space for 51 children.
The final design of the school is expected to be completed by March.