Education

Graduates of Banff Community High School took a stroll downtown on Tuesday (June 29) for photos and celebrating the end of one chapter and beginning of another.

Last year everyone said we were the lucky ones because we would have a full, COVID-19 free senior year. Think sports tournaments, dances, and yes, even diploma exams. They said we “dodged the bullet,” because while the grads of 2020 would miss out on

"It’s more important now than ever before, to ensure our kids have access to stay engaged with learning and the various activities that schools provide. But these do come with a cost. We’re happy to provide a touch of relief to families by offsetting the expense of these school activity fees." 

In addition to isolating students from classrooms that had a COVID-19 positive case, Canadian Rockies Public Schools are isolating classrooms with students that have been potentially exposed to the virus

"Based on this snapshot in time right now, this is looking at essentially wiping out our reserves by the end of the year," said Canadian Rockies Public School trustee Luke Sunderland

This new education model combines teacher-directed online instruction in the core subjects of math and English, combined with outdoor experiential learning in all other subjects led by a teacher in the Bow Valley

"We want our students in-school and learning and that's what we're all here for and that's what we're working so hard to make sure can happen and keep our schools open our students can learn."

An outdoor learning space for elementary students will be ready in time for the new school year

The Christ the Redeemer overall district plan is now publicly available, while plans for Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Academy are expected to be provided to parents this week

"Schools are unique settings where special measures are needed to mitigate the risk of exposure," said Alberta Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw. "But there is still no risk-free approach to living with COVID-19 – we have no choice but to live with it.