Schools Return to In-Person Classes

Staff in public and Catholic high schools in Windsor-Essex County say they are ensuring a safe return for their students next week. 

Both boards are expecting their students to return to in-person classes Feb. 8, 2021. Many students and teachers said they find it both exciting and nerve-wracking to return. 

Lisa Velinovski,  a “R.I.S.E” teacher at F.W. Begley School, said it has been challenging for everyone. 

“It’s been hard because we were the first school to receive a Covid-19 outbreak. Since being at home it’s difficult because some students don’t have the technology and it’s also hard because they need to be taught how to use it at home with little teacher interaction. Plus, they have distractions at home so I would say it’s much better for in–person learning and teaching,” said Velinovski. 

Sash Querbach, principal of Essex District High School said although it has been hard for students to perform online since the holiday break, it should be an easy switch back to in-person learning. 

“Many of the safety procedures have been established before the break. Both students and the staff are comfortable with them, so I feel in terms of a transition in learning when it happens, we’re in a good position,” said Querbach. 

Scott Scantlebury, a public relations officer for the Greater Essex County District School Board has said that although there may be mental health concerns for some students, the school board provides mental health services. 

“We, as well as the local health care professionals, have been very cognizant of the well-being of students and their families. We are providing resources to support them, both from within the board as well as from community mental health agencies,” said Scantlebury.

Ever since the pandemic, both school boards have had to readjust graduation requirements. The normal 40 hours of community service was adjusted to only 20 hours to graduate. Another adjustment involved the “Specialist High Skills Major” Program, where students are doing their co-operative education online. 

With some students and parents still concerned about the virus, students will still have the option to continue their education online through the safety of their home.