The Government of Alberta has declared a public-health emergency and announced several new measures to slow the spread of COVID-19—some of which impact Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) and in-school learners. The following is a list of related Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) received from families to date. EIPS will continue to update the document as more information become available.
General
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.