Nova Scotia schools won’t reopen this school year
HALIFAX — Nova Scotia schools are closed for the rest of the year as pandemic measures remain in place.
Premier Stephen Mcneil announced the decision on Friday as part of his regular COVID19 update.
“I want to let parents, caregivers and teachers know your children will not be returning to the classroom this school year,” Mcneil said in the online video presentation. “That's everyone from P to 9 and secondary students.”
He said at-home learning will continue until June 5, at which point the school year will end.
Education materials will continue to be delivered to homes, he said.
“So another workbook is on its way and that means your kitchen is a classroom for a little bit longer,” Mcneil said. “And I am hearing amazing reports about how well you are doing, so hang in there, you only have a little bit longer.”
Teachers will continue to work on assessments and report cards until the end of June, he said.
“I want to thank teachers and parents, and the Nova Scotia Teachers Union for their support as we continue to find our way through this unprecedented time of delivering education and as we work together on what the school year will look like next year.”
The premier also acknowledged that it is a difficult decision for students in their senior year of high school.
“To the graduating class of 2020, this is a tough pill to swallow,” Mcneil said. “This is not how you envisioned your Grade 12 year, but there will be a way to celebrate and you will come out of this stronger, smarter and ready to take on any new challenge.”
In the daily pandemic update, officials announced two more people have died of COVID-19 at the Northwood care home. Only one new case was identified in testing on Thursday.
The two deaths bring the total in the province related to COVID-19 to 46.