Students return to classrooms today in Saskatoon public schools, with extra safety precautions for the pandemic. Deputy Director Brent Hills says masks will be mandatory for students in grade 4 to 12 when physical distancing is not achievable and recommended for kids in kindergarten to grade 3.

Other measures will include staggered starts for lunch and recess, limiting shared learning materials, strategic classroom setups and regular disinfecting from school caretakers. Hills explains about 12% of the student body has chosen to go online for this year, meaning quite a few teachers will be moved to an online setting.

In the case of a COVID-19 case popping up in a school, Hills says there are procedures ready. If a student or teacher becomes ill during the day, they will be isolated with a mask and shield and parents and care givers are being asked to make a plan to pick-up their child immediately if contacted. Cleaning and disinfecting will also immediately occur.

If a COVID-19 case is then confirmed Hills says they will follow the advice of SHA in what needs to happen and communication will be key, with students, staff and community.

It’s Provincial Students’ Day in Saskatchewan. This, as the kids head back to class for the first time since the pandemic disrupted everything. Dr. Shawn Davidson, President of the Saskatchewan School Boards Association says it’s an important time to remind everyone about school zone safety, especially with school zones looking a little different now, with some communities encouraging parents to transport their children, and the possibility of staggered drop-off times.