SCHOOL OPENINGS, THE BASIC FACTS
On Monday, Quebec Education Minister Jean-françois Roberge unveiled a plan to slowly open daycares and elementary schools. Kathryn Greenaway gives us the basic facts, as supplied by the Quebec government.
Q
When will daycares and elementary schools open?
A
There are two dates to watch for in what is being described as a “gradual” and “prudent” reopening.
On May 11, all schools and daycares will open in what has been flagged a “cold zone,” areas that are not included in the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal (CMM) and have significantly lower numbers of COVID-19 infections. Education Minister François Roberge said “if circumstances permit” elementary schools and daycares in the CMM will open, May 19. Whether or not “circumstances permit” will be determined by the provincial public health authority. There are 82 municipalities in the CMM, including on the island of Montreal, Laval, the South Shore and parts of the North Shore. The area has a combined population of around four million. COVID -19 infection rates and number of deaths have been significantly higher than the provincial average in Montreal and Laval.
Q
Why are elementary schools and daycares opening when COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations and deaths continue to occur?
A
Premier François Legault said the COVID -19 situation outside of the long-term care facilities is stabilizing. Roberge said the gradual opening of the schools was recommended by the Association des pédiatres du Québec because the relaxation of restrictions would help children’s mental health, physical well-being (if the child lives in a situation where domestic turmoil exists) and would allow for better support in a classroom setting for students who struggle academically.
Q
Does my child have to return to school?
A
The return to school is voluntary. Roberge asked parents to let the school know of their decision one week in advance. It is not recommended that children with underlying medical conditions return to the classroom. Teachers over 60 years old will also not return, but will work from home.
Q
What measures will be put in place to help protect students and staff from infection?
A
A Plexiglas panel will separate bus drivers from children. While on the bus, children will sit one to a bench. Class size will be limited to 15 students per class, with distancing measures put in place. If more than 15 show up, they will be divided into two groups, with one group sent to another classroom, possibly at another educational facility. Daycare workers will be supplied with masks because following distancing measures will be difficult for preschoolers. Strict disinfection protocols will be followed at the schools. Quebec is awaiting the arrival of testing kits, which will allow for a significant increase in testing. When supplies are in place, kits will be distributed to schools and daycares.
Q
How will students who remain at home keep up with schoolwork?
A
Students who remain at home will receive online instruction. Teachers are being offered 20 free hours of instruction in online teaching, and 15,000 tablets will be available to students who don’t have the necessary technology in their possession to learn online. Digital connections will also be supplied free of charge.
Q
Why are high schools, CEGEPS and universities only opening in the fall?
A
When the province-wide shutdown occurred six weeks ago, CEGEPS and universities adjusted quickly, setting up successful online instruction. Online instruction will continue for the rest of this session, as well as the summer session. Many students rely on public transportation to get to school. Removing that layer of risk over the next four months is preferable. Legault said it wasn’t advisable to have everybody return to the classroom at the same time and that postponing the opening of high schools, CEGEPS and universities is part of the slow-but-steady reopening process.
Q
What happens if children and staff start getting sick?
A
If a student or teacher exhibits COVID -19 symptoms, they will quarantine for 14 days. The rate of infection will be closely assessed by the public health authority moving forward. Testing is being increased and rapid contact-tracing measures put in place so that any spikes in infection can be isolated and controlled.
Q
Prior to Monday’s announcement, it was left up to the students whether or not they kept up with school work online. Is this still the case?
A
There has been a shift in position on this point. On Monday, Roberge said that schoolchildren are legally required to complete their studies, up to age 16.
Q
What is happening at the adult education centres?
A
Adult education centres remain closed, but online learning continues. Occasional, practical-training sessions occur, in small groups, with distancing measures respected.