Question: Why are students transitioning to temporary online learning?
Answer: On Nov. 24, 2020, the province declared a public-health emergency, which included several mandatory restrictions to help slow the spread of COVID-19. For school divisions, it means transitioning in-school learners to a temporary online learning model—grades 7-12 from November 30 to January 8; kindergarten to Grade 6 from January 6-8.

Q: How will in-school learning change while the restrictions are in effect?
A: The restrictions impact junior high and senior high students differently than elementary students. Below is a brief overview:

Junior high and senior high schools:

• In-school learners move to a temporary online learning model from November 30 to January 8.
• The Christmas break takes place December 23 to January 5. During this time there is no school for students.
• Students resume temporary online learning on January 6 through to January 8.
• In-school learning resumes on January 11.

Elementary schools:

• In-school learners continue learning at school until the Christmas break.
• The Christmas break takes place December 23 to January 5. During this time there is no school for students.
• Students move to the temporary online learning model from January 6 to January 8.
• In-school learning resumes on January 11.

Q: Why is the EIPS Christmas break different from what the province announced on Nov. 24, 2020?
A: Since announcing the new restrictions, Alberta Education further clarified winter break schedules for school divisions. Alberta Education expects all school divisions to follow their already established calendars, regardless of if the dates differ from what was announced during the COVID-19 update on Nov. 24, 2020. As such, EIPS’ Christmas break remains unchanged.

Q: My child requires childcare during the day and can’t participate in the virtual online learning instruction. What do I do?
A: Contact your child’s school directly. Staff will provide an alternative solution that meets the needs of your child.

Q: How do I switch my child to out-of-school learning from in-school learning or from in-school learning to out-of-school learning?
A: EIPS recognizes families, and students may want to switch between in-school and out-of school. For health-and-safety reasons, and while the province’s mandatory restrictions are in place, it’s not possible to transition between the two learning models.

Once restrictions lift, students in the out-of-school learning option can switch to in-school learning on the set school entry dates. Meanwhile, those who choose the in-school option can decide to switch at any time throughout the year. Contact your child’s school directly for more information.

Q: How are schools providing learning to students in special supports and system programs?
A: Students enrolled in the following system special education or full-time outreach programs will not transition to online learning and instead continue with in-school learning: GOALS, FOCUS, PLACE, STEPS, LINKS, SEAS, Clover Bar Junior High Bridging Program, Next Step Outreach and Ranch Learning Centre. Additionally, school teams will continue working with students with significant learning needs to support their programming.

Q: Can I get a refund for my child’s school fees or student transportation fees?
A: EIPS will review fees charged to families, and any possible refund or credit, at the end of the school year.

Question: My child doesn’t have access to a computer, Chromebook or iPad. How can they access Brightspace and the instructional lessons?
Answer: Contact your child’s school directly. Staff will provide an alternative that meets your child’s needs.

Q: My child can’t access the internet. How do we access Brightspace and the instructional lessons?
A: Contact your child’s school directly. Staff will provide an alternative that meets your child’s needs.

Q: Are the Provincial Achievement Tests cancelled?
A: No. Schools throughout EIPS continue to administer the Provincial Achievement Test to students in grades 6 and 9. However, Provincial Achievement Tests are only available in three subject areas: language arts, mathematics and French language arts. For the 2020-21 school year, Provincial Achievement Tests aren’t available to students who choose the out-of-school learning option.

Q: Are Grade 12 diploma examinations cancelled?
A: No. All Grade 12 diploma examinations are optional for the 2020-21 school year. Students who choose not to write a diploma examination will receive an exemption. Instead of a combined school-awarded mark and diploma examination mark, exempt students will only receive a school-awarded mark.

Q: Will students continue to participate in RAP, Work Experience, Green Certificate and career internship programs?
A: Yes, for the most part. As long as the business is operational, all Registered Apprenticeship Program and work-experience programs are also operational—with public-health measures in place. Students must follow health and safety protocols set out by the employer, in compliance with the provincial guidelines. All worksites are also inspected by EIPS to ensure they meet the appropriate public-health measures.

Q: How is the day structured for junior high and senior high schools?
A: Below is a brief outline of how instruction is structured for students in junior high and senior high:

• Students follow their regular bell schedule and course timetable.
• Each class period starts with attendance, followed by a virtual instruction lesson led by the student’s in-school class teacher.
• Students must join the virtual instruction meetings five minutes before it begins.
• Student cameras must be turned on during all virtual instruction to ensure student
• Once finished, students can turn their camera off to work on the related assignment.
• The teacher is present the entire class period to answer questions and offer further instruction.
• Students participate in all registered courses, not just core courses—these include physical education, foods, drama, construction, mechanics and more.
• Teachers work in their regular classrooms to ensure all classes continue and the appropriate demonstration of course material occurs.

Q: How is the day structured for elementary schools?
A: Below is a brief outline of how instruction is structured for students in junior high and senior high:

• Students follow the kindergarten to Grade 6 schedule—focused on literacy and numeracy
• Each morning starts with attendance, followed by a virtual whole-class literacy instruction lesson—approximately 30 minutes
• Each afternoon starts with attendance, followed by a virtual whole-class numeracy instruction lesson—approximately 30 minutes
• The student’s in-school teacher leads each virtual lesson—who also takes attendance.
• Students must join the virtual instruction meetings five minutes before it’s scheduled to begin.
• Student cameras must be turned on during all virtual instruction to ensure learner engagement.
• Once the lesson is finished, students log out of the virtual meeting to work on their required assignments.
• Each student is assigned to a small-group, which has a set time to meet with the teacher to ask questions.

Q: Why does my child need to have the camera turned on during the virtual instructional lesson?
A: Last year, during the suspension of in-school learning, students had the choice either to use or not use their camera during instruction lessons. Through the in-school cancellation, teachers discovered that students were less engaged when their cameras were off than when students had their cameras on—leading to gaps in learning. Engagement in learning is critical to student achievement, and an ability to connect with students is essential to maintaining relationships. As such, to ensure the continuity of learning during all instruction lessons and small-group meetings, student cameras must remain on.

Question: How are students temporarily learning online?
Answer: All in-school students moving to the temporary online-learning model do so using the Brightspace platform. Every day, students log on to Brightspace. Junior high and senior high students follow their regular bell schedule and course timetable. Elementary students follow the kindergarten to Grade 6 schedule—focused on literacy and numeracy

Once logged on to Brightspace, students simply need to select their scheduled subject. Immediately, they’ll see teacher updates, learning information, required assignments, quizzes and links for virtual instruction. All EIPS schools and students have practiced using Brightspace. As such, the transition should be relatively seamless for learners.

Q: What is Brightspace?
A: All students, kindergarten to Grade 12, enrolled in out-of-school learning and temporary online learning use Brightspace, a learning-management system. The platform is compatible with Google and includes teacher updates, calendar information and various learning materials. It also allows students to submit assignments, conduct quizzes, and see grades and teacher feedback. To log in to Brightspace:

Web address: https://eips.brightspace.com
Username: EIPS student email address
Password: EIPS student password
NOTE: Contact the school for assistance with resetting passwords.

For more information about Brightspace visit the following web pages:

Getting Started with Online Learning
Online Learning Using a Mobile Device
Brightspace Information for Parents: Including family log in details

Q: What do I do if I’m having trouble signing in to Brightspace?
A: Contact your child’s school directly. Staff will troubleshoot and provide you with more information.

Question: Is it possible to go into my child’s school to drop-off or pickup items throughout the temporary online learning?
Answer: No, not at this time. Students, families and members of the public can’t access any EIPS school without permission. For those people who need to pick up or drop-off items related to the temporary online learning—library books, assignments, technology equipment—contact your child’s school directly to make arrangements.

Q: Is the EIPS Central Services office open?
A: Yes. EIPS employees—trustees, administration and staff—continue to work to ensure all students in kindergarten to Grade 12 progress to their next grade.

Q: Will Board meetings continue as scheduled?
A: Yes. Board meetings continue as scheduled. However, these meetings are taking place virtually, using the Zoom platform. Because of provincial public-health restrictions, Board meetings are closed to the public until further notice. Interested members can watch the Board meetings live on the Division’s YouTube Channel.

Q: Will COSC meetings and school council meetings continue as scheduled?
A: Yes. Both COSC meetings and school council meetings continue as scheduled, albeit virtually. Contact the Division or each school for specific times and details.

Question: How should I talk to my child about COVID-19?
Answer: A virus such as COVID-19 can create anxiety and is difficult for students and children to understand. It’s especially difficult if someone they know is sick or they hear troubling messages on the radio, internet or television. So, it’s important to talk to them in a calm and reassuring manner to reduce any anxiety they may have. It’s a good idea to first ask your child about what they have heard so far about COVID-19, how they feel and what questions they have. If they have questions, answer them as honestly as possible. It’s also helpful to discuss easy preventive steps such as proper handwashing, social distancing and staying away from people who are sick. Staying rooted in routines and predictability is also sensible. Even though classes are cancelled, structured days with regular mealtimes and bedtimes help to keeps children healthy and happy.

Q: What resources are available through EIPS for people struggling?
A: It’s important all of us try to reduce anxiety around COVID-19. Steps such as provincial restrictions, mask use when in indoor public spaces, proper handwashing, physical distancing and staying away from people who are sick will help contain the spread of COVID-19.

The Division’s No. 1 priority is the safety and wellness of students and their families. As such, all EIPS employees are working diligently to ensure the transition is as smooth as possible. Additionally, all school counsellors and support teams continue to work with students and families, sharing mental health resources and information. For a list of resources and supports, visit EIPS Mental Health Resources for Families. Similarly, EIPS employees can access a variety of supports, including access to information, resources and professional services. For more information visit Homewood Health, or contact Central Services at 780-464-3477.