2020-21 school year FAQ

We know that there are ongoing questions around school this year, and the uncertainties associated with COVID-19.  Our framework for this unusual September was guided by local public health practices and protocols. Part of our approach is a willingness to adapt, as the pandemic evolves in Manitoba. Below are some frequently asked questions and answers, we hope our community will find helpful.

Remote learning

Why is remote learning not an option for all students?

• The directive given by Manitoba Education is clear and consistent - all students in K-8 are to attend school, all day, every day.

• If the provincial position changes, Pembina Trails will certainly use our technology and staffing to support a more diverse delivery of education.

 Who currently qualifies for remote learning? 

• Remote learning is available for students with weakened immune systems and also those living with family members who are immunocompromised. To register you will need a medical note and should please connect with your school leader.

What if I decide to keep my kids at home?

• The Public Schools Act provides parents with the right to choose to register with the Manitoba Home School Office. Please visit the government site for more details: https://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/.... 

• Parents who have not yet sent their children to school, and have indicated that they are going to let more time pass before they do so, must know that there is a timeline on holding student registration.  Our schools need clarity around enrollment numbers and our educators are moving ahead with teaching.  Since physical spacing is an important planning consideration, having solid registration numbers is essential this school year.

Busing

Why are you not offering more busing?

• Provincial guidelines are recommending one student per seat, unless they are members of the same household or school cohort. Due to the current spacing requirements and the length of time it would take to get all students to school safely, we have had to drastically reduce ridership.

• We are working towards offering transportation to a larger number of students.

• Pembina Trails is currently hiring more drivers and are waiting on additional buses, ordered in the spring, to add to our fleet. 

I was not contacted before school started, when will I know if my child will qualify for busing on the additional routes added?

• Our team is carefully looking at adding routes, while following public health transportation guidelines.

• At this point, busing priority will be given to K-6 students, youngest to oldest grades, who live the furthest away from school. We will reach out to qualifying families, when our routes expand, as soon as we are
  able to.

Additional approaches considered

Can you move students to another school to help with physical distancing?

• We have considered numerous solutions including moving students out of their current school into other buildings. This is an approach used in at least one other division.   

• Pembina Trails has experienced incredible enrolment growth in the past five years. This has left us with very few empty classrooms and those that are empty are a great distance from where our families live. If we moved students, transportation would also need to be considered.

In K-8 schools, can you shorten the day or have students attend every other day?

• Manitoba Education has given us a directive that all students in K-8 are to attend school, all day, every day.

• We believe having our youngest learners in school every day allows them to receive the best education and ongoing support from our caring staff.

Did you consider allowing grade 9 students, not attending high schools, to follow the hybrid model (in class and remote learning)?

• This approach would still mean the teacher would need the space for one third of the class rotating through. It would not free up classroom space for the other students attending daily. 

• This approach would mean fewer kids in the hallways, but we believe we can achieve spacing through staggered class changes.

Restoring Safe School has also created an FAQ that is a helpful resource for families.

Visit our COVID-19 ressource page.