Students and teachers will get to enjoy an extended holiday break this year with the province adding an extra week as a COVID-19 precaution.
Students will now be off from December 19, until classes resume on January 11, students were previously scheduled to return on January 4.
School-based staff will be returning to schools on January 4 for five days of professional learning.
“This year has created unprecedented challenges for our school system. I want to thank teachers, administrators, parents, and students who are all working hard to follow the protocols. As well, thank you to the cleaning staff who work tirelessly to sanitize our schools,” said Premier Stephen McNeil.
“Out of an abundance of caution, we are extending the holiday break. We have seen COVID-19 cases rise in other provinces after holidays, and there is the potential for the virus to join even small gatherings of family and friends. This precautionary measure will allow us to identify cases before students return to class.”
Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Zach Churchill says that so far schools have been running relatively smoothly amidst the pandemic and the break will also allow teachers to learn new skills.
“By setting aside five days of professional development for staff, we are giving them an opportunity to prepare for the rest of the school year, and to think about how they can support student learning and well-being until the end of June,” Churchill said.
