Saskatoon parents hoping for the best as they send kids back to school

Just like last year, the speed limit signs were out in the middle of the street in front of Hugh Cairns Elementary School in Saskatoon this morning.

Just like last year, the cones cordoning off areas for the buses were out, and parents lined up to drop off their children.

But unlike last September, this year, the children were wearing masks as they entered school. There were no squeals of laughter on the lawn, excited talk about summer adventures or comparing new outfits. There appeared to be a sombre quality to the first day back to school.

The last time children were in classes was in mid-March.

(Lara Fominoff/650 CKOM)

Warning signs on doors sternly directed visitors not to enter until they were registered at the school’s main office, teachers wore masks as they greeted their students- as did bus drivers, who dropped off children at the sidewalk so they could physically distance as they exited the vehicle.

Students themselves were directed not to enter the school right away, but to go directly to their muster points outside, before being led in.

Some parents said they were happy to get their kids back in the classroom – and that teachers, administrators and custodians had done a great job with the tools they had. Peeking into the school through doors, one could see tables at entrances filled with cleaning products and directions for everyone to wear masks.

Other parents like Nicole Stephenson said they were worried.

As she spoke to her sons and adjusted the mask on her youngest near her vehicle, she told both her boys she loved them.

She also had tears in her eyes and said: “the mom guilt was strong.”

“I’m a little worried,” she said.”It’s just hard to make the choice on their safety and whether or not we can pay bills, you know?”

Her sons she said, weren’t concerned.

“They’re eager to get back and see their friends and you know, we did a little bit of summer camp throughout the year, so it’s not- definitely not the first time they’ve been out and about, but lots of changes.”

Stephenson described how last March one of her sons struggled at home.

“My oldest really struggled with being at home and trying to do the school work and stuff like that. He’s also in Grade 8 so it’s really important that he gets that final year before he steps into high school.”

Above all this school year, she hoped for the best.

“Lots of changes…but I just know that this is the best decision for my family.”