"It has sure been a whirlwind of changes every day," according to Krista Curry, superintendent for the Border Land School Division (BLSD). She says staff has been trying to keep up with all of the COVID-19 information that has been filtering down from health officials, and then trying to share that information with their public.

As well, staff was busy preparing for an unexpected three-week break in classes.

"Our teachers worked extremely hard last week in teaching kids while they were in class as well as starting to prepare," explained Curry. Some teachers prepared for online learning to continue during the hiatus, while others put together learning packages that students took home with them. However, she says all teachers tried to be cognizant of what supports families and children have at home. "Some have access to technology and to the Internet, some don't. So trying to be responsive to the needs of the children."

Meantime, effective immediately all BLSD owned play-structures have been closed for the time being.

A memo posted to the Division's web site noted these high-touch areas make it difficult to enforce public health's social distancing requirement.

"We have our custodial staff engaged in deep-cleaning our schools, so the manpower to be out there and clean play-structures just isn't something that's feasible right now," said Curry.

Unfortunately, schoolyards can't be closed off with gates. Therefore the Division is asking for everyone's cooperation, and to direct people who are accessing play-structures to the signage posted at each location. Rather, the public is encouraged to use the various large green spaces and parks found in their community.

Additionally, Curry encourages the school community and families to reach out if they are in need of some guidance, whether it be academic-related or mental well-being. "Please reach out. We want to see everybody come through this the best they can," she said.