The Newfoundland and Labrador English School District says taking a phased-in approach was the best approach to reopening schools in the St. John’s metro area.
Only high schools in the St. John’s metro region are reopening today after missing an entire week due to the State of Emergency.
CEO and Director of Education for NLESD Tony Stack says the District is taking all possible measures to get students back to classes as soon as possible in a safe manner. He says there are still a number of routes that are problematic from a bus-transition point of view.
Stack claims that a phased approach is the most complementary to what the municipalities are dealing with and the alterations to bus routes.
There are some 28,000 students in the region, and by phasing-in and re-introducing just over 7,000 students today, Stack feels it was an important, safe and proper way to go about things.
As for pressure to re-open high schools first due to factors like public exams, Stack says that wasn’t really the consideration. It was more along the lines of doing a phased-approach starting with high schools, and working their way back.
An announcement on the reopening of all other remaining schools in the region is expected later this afternoon.
Education Minister Urges Road Safety for Drivers
Meanwhile, the Minister of Education is urging all drivers to use extreme caution as high school and post-secondary students return to classes this morning.
The NLESD says phasing in the re-opening of schools allows for a more gradual increase to traffic flow, while adding more time for snow clearing before all students return.
Brian Warr says it is critical that drivers use caution, reduce speeds and be extremely alert to students waiting at bus stops or walking to school.
He says we all have a responsibility to ensure the safety of students at all times.
Snow Congestion Leaves Ecole des Grands-Vents Closed
The Francophone School Board will see one of its schools open this morning.
Ecole des Grands-Vents on Ridge Road will remain closed as too many areas through the school transportation system are still congested with snow.
The Board says many of the roads their buses take are still not wide enough to allow to vehicles to pass.
However, Rocher-du-Nord School on Ricketts Road is reopening.
The Board says the four bus routes serving the school are safe. Some minor modifications are required, and families impacted have been contacted. They will assess the state of the roads in the region this afternoon before making a decision for Tuesday.
Earlier Story
All high schools in the St. John’s-metro region will open tomorrow morning, but that’s it.
The Newfoundland and Labrador English School District says they are taking a phased-in approach to the reopening of schools in the region. The District says this is to gradually reintroduce increased traffic to municipal streets.
A further announcement with respect to all other schools in the region will be made Monday afternoon.
#UPDATE: All HIGH SCHOOLS in the St. John’s metro region will be open on Monday (Jan. 27th).
A further announcement will be made on Monday afternoon with respect to all other schools in the region. @VOCMNEWS #Snowmageddon2020
— Ben Murphy (@BenMurphy590) January 26, 2020
St. Bon’s will be closed for the day.
For students who use alternate transportation services, not all service providers may be able to access every student’s home. Therefore, schools and/or contractors are contacting individual families in these circumstances. Services will resume when it is safe to do so.
St. Bon’s will remained closed tomorrow, Monday, January 27th due to the conditions of the roads and sidewalks in the area. More information can be found here: https://t.co/418hvvXrkz #nlschools
— St. Bon’s 🇨🇦 (@StBonaventures) January 26, 2020
Students and staff are reminded of the 24-hour, on-street parking ban and that they are not permitted to park on streets.
Some bus routes in the region have been temporarily adjusted, and students are encouraged to check the NLESD’s website for updates.
The NLESD is asking people to refrain from bringing vehicles to bus stops to avoid unnecessary congestion, and drivers are asked to be extremely vigilant.
The District recognizes it cannot account for every conceivable, personal circumstance and that families are in the best position to judge whether a student can travel safely to and from schools, and/or bus stops.
The Francophone School Board will see one of its schools open Monday morning.
Ecole des Grands-Vents on Ridge Road will remain closed Monday as too many areas through the school transportation system are still congested with snow.
The Board says many of the roads their buses take are still not wide enough to allow to vehicles to pass.
However, Rocher-du-Nord School on Ricketts Road will reopen on Monday.
The Board says the four bus routes serving the school are safe. Some minor modifications are required, and families impacted have been contacted.
The Board will assess the state of the roads in the region on Monday before making a decision on Tuesday.
