Saskatoon schools to maintain status quo as other divisions switch to remote learning

Saskatoon’s two largest school divisions say they’re planning to keep kids in the classrooms despite a switch to online learning by public and Catholic schools in Regina.

Regina Public Schools announced Monday that all schools division-wide would be moving to remote learning next Monday through to Jan. 11. The Regina Catholic School Division followed suit Tuesday.

The moves were prompted by staffing challenges and growing anxiety among students caused by COVID-19.

Saskatoon schools will not be making a similar move.

“It appears (the Regina divisions) are facing some unique operational challenges. As a school division, we are not experiencing the same degree of challenges,” said Derrick Kunz, communications consultant with the Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools.

“Although positive COVID-19 cases in the community, and therefore our schools, have increased in the past few weeks, we have not experienced scenarios that would necessitate a temporary, division-wide move to Level 4.”

The statement acknowledged case-by-case moves to temporary online learning would continue as needed.

Veronica Baker, a spokesperson for Saskatoon Public Schools, said the division doesn’t have any plans to move all schools to remote learning at this time.

“The safety of students and staff members remains our priority,” she said. “Our pandemic response has evolved during this school year and, in consultation with our local partners at Saskatchewan Health Authority, we will continue to make operational decisions as needed.”