Alberta parents, teachers uncertain about back to school plan

With the holidays now over, the uncertainty of what Omicron will bring for the remainder of the school year has parents, teachers and students on edge.

“I have, over the last year, had to take all three of my kids in for mental health appointments at different times. Absolutely COVID related,” said Tamara Anderson.

Anderson is a mother of three, she says the pandemic has taken a toll on the mental health of her kids and her youngest daughter has developed anxiety around the thought of going back to school.

But having her kids stay home poses its own set of challenges.

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“I have a lot of time that I’m spending at work and I have no one else at home. So, they don’t do what they’re supposed to be, they just don’t. I can call them and try to get them to focus, but it’s really hard to be totally honest,” she explained.

Teachers have also been left with many questions while they attempt to prepare for the new semester.

The Alberta Teachers’ Association says the last-minute move to online will negatively impact students, teachers, and parents and cause more anxiety than necessary.

“For instance, last week we got the announcement on a Thursday at 5:30 before the New Year’s holiday that schools would be extending the winter break. We would need more time,” said Jason Schilling, the association’s president.

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He says other issues come with a sudden switch to online learning.

“Not every student has access to technology, not every student has a stable wi-fi at home.”

The Opposition NDP are calling for quick answers to these concerns and wants the premier to release a plan that keeps everyone safe.

“We must make sure that our kids are going back to schools that are safe and will remain open,” said Alberta NDP Leader Rachel Notley.

Notley is urging the government to adopt a plan that would include providing better masks and air filtration in schools, as well as addressing staffing issues so schools can stay open long term.

We need to get schools reopened.

We need to make them safe so they STAY OPEN.

No more UCP incompetence leading to closure after closure. Students are suffering. #ableg #abed #abhealth

— Rachel Notley (@RachelNotley) January 5, 2022

“Some of these things can be done more quickly than others, some of that is going to be up to the government in terms of the overall timing but they must begin by rolling out the plan and committing to it.”