School divisions release calendar
While questions abound about the likelihood of the current school year finishing in the classroom or with students at home, the Saskatoon public and Catholic divisions are looking ahead to 2020-21.
Both divisions have recently released their calendar for the upcoming school year. Here are a few take-aways:
KEY DATES
Aug. 24-Aug. 31: Teachers back at work, no students
Sept. 1: First day of classes
Dec. 18: Last day before Christmas break
Jan. 4: Return to classes
Feb. 12: Last day before February break
Feb. 22: Return to classes
April 1: Last day before Easter break
April 12: Return to classes
June 23: Last day for students
Stat holidays: Sept. 7, Oct. 12, Nov. 11, Feb. 15, April 2, May 24
KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION
Children who will be five years old by Jan. 31, 2021, are able to start kindergarten in 2020-21. Depending on the school, kindergarten students are offered the option of either a half-day for five days each week or a full day on alternating days.
French immersion is offered in kindergarten at Alvin Buckwold, Dundonald, College Park, Forest Grove, Henry Kelsey, Lakeview, River Heights, Silverspring and Victoria schools.
The Nehiyawiwin Cree Language and Culture Program is offered at Confederation Park. The Metis Cultural Program is offered at Westmount.
FATE OF CURRENT, FUTURE SCHOOL YEAR UNKNOWN
Saskatchewan is to begin slowly resuming normal operations on Monday, the first day under the provincial government’s Re-open Saskatchewan plan for salvaging the economy without stoking a surge of COVID -19 infections.
While dentists and orthodontists, golf courses and book stores, clothing outlets and hairstylists can all reopen by May 19, other businesses, such as bars, restaurants, gyms, theatres, casinos, bingo halls and swimming pools, will remain categorized as “to be determined.”
Schools could be among the last to reopen, Premier Scott Moe said last week.
He said classes won’t be back in session in the coming weeks, and even the fate of the 2020-21 school year remains up in the air.
“That will yet be a decision to be made,” Moe said.