All Flin Flon School Division (FFSD) students will be going to remote learning for two weeks, starting May 25.
The division announced May 22 that it had moved to "red" - the "critical" level - under the Manitoba government's pandemic response plan due to a number of recent COVID-19 cases in local schools. The change will go into effect May 25 and will remain in effect until at least June 9.
Under the current FFSD plan, no classes at all will take place for Kindergarten-Grade 8 students from Ecole McIsaac School and Ruth Betts Community School. All those Kindergarten-Grade 8 classes will fully move to remote learning May 26.
"This proactive shift to temporary remote learning can cause additional stress, however, we want to assure you that our staff across the division are here to support you," said FFSD superintendent Tammy Ballantyne in a letter sent to parents and media May 22.
"Working together, we can ensure your children's education continues as smoothly as possible throughout the remote learning period. Your continued support is greatly appreciated as we navigate the changes together through this pandemic."
Schools will stay open, but only for children whose parents are critical service workers and who cannot make alternative arrangements. Groups of children who qualify to come into school include Kindergarten-Grade 6 students whose parents are critical service workers and Kindergarten-Grade 12 students "with exceptional needs who are unable to stay at home."
Bus transport to and from school will not be available for those students during the remote learning period.
"All students, with the exceptions listed above, will be expected to shift to full-time learning at home stating May 25," reads Ballantyne's letter.
"Schools will connect with families early this week with further details specific to your children's learning during this temporary remote period."
COVID-19 cases have been found at three of the FFSD's four schools at different points this month - the only school without a recent case, as of May 22, is Ruth Betts Community School. People who later tested positive for COVID-19 were found this week in the blue, yellow and orange cohorts at McIsaac and in the Grade 12 cohort at Hapnot Collegiate - each may have been infectious while they were at school. At least one case was found earlier in May at Many Faces Education Institute.
At least one COVID-19 case was also found this past week at Creighton Community School, forcing Kindergarten-Grade 6 students back home May 21. Those students will also be remaining at home May 25 while that area of the school is deep cleaned and are currently slated to come to school again May 26.
