With things changing rapidly over the last week due to Covid-19, staff and administration of the Garden Valley School Division (GVSD) have spent the last number of days trying to figure out a plan for the next few weeks.

During the period of March 23rd to April 10th, with the exception of spring break week, GVSD Superintendent Todd Monster says all basic operations of the school and the division will be maintained. "So as such, all staff will continue with their duties, but they are afforded the opportunity to work from home where practical and in consultation with their supervisor to ensure the continuity of operation."

Monster notes the schools and division offices will be closed to the public, however, office staff will still be available to provide assistance as needed through phone or email.

With the mandated closure of schools by the provincial government from March 23th to April 10th, Monster says teachers have prepared learning packages to assist their students to continue learning for the two weeks that in-class learning has been suspended.

"We realize that whatever we do won't be perfect, so we're trying our best," said Monster. "We know that the optimum learning environment is in the classroom where teaching and learning can occur in the moment where teachers respond to student learning needs and make adjustments based on those needs. So at this point, we're trying to plan for distance learning and of course, that's quite a challenge."

Monster notes that if students or parents have questions for their teacher, they can still reach out and get help during this time through email. He says most students should have received email contact information for their teacher. If they do not, he encourages parents to contact the school by phone or by email and someone will assist them in making those connections during this time.

Looking ahead to Monday, April 13th when classes are anticipated to resume, the Garden Valley School Division has put a plan in place with a number of options.

"At this point and time what we've done is encourage our teachers to consider two options and begin planning for that," Said Monster. One is that classes will resume on April the 13th. For that, teachers are reviewing their curriculum documents and lesson plans.

"The other thing we've asked them to do is to begin thinking about and begin preparing and planning for the idea that if this were to get extended. So if the province were to extend the suspension of classes, what is it that we can do to provide continuity of learning to our students."

Whether or not the missed opportunity of in-class learning will have a negative impact on students, Monster feels it will have a huge impact. He says how big of an impact will be determined by how long this situation continues.

"The best advice that we can offer to parents is to continue to work with your children at home, provide opportunities for them to read, follow the advice that teachers can give with regards to not only the learning packages but things that you can do at home that can reinforce learning, like games."