(September 28, 2021) – Barry Petten, PC Opposition Shadow Minister for Education and MHA for Conception Bay South, is questioning whether provisions have been made for online education given the surge in COVID-19 cases and absenteeism in schools due to colds and screening protocols.

“I have heard from constituents who have been told to keep their child home even if they have one symptom. These parents are now waiting on a callback and appointment time to get their child tested. Then they must wait on results. Children could easily loose a week of school with no instruction,” said Petten.

“Some schools are seeing a total shift to online learning in the wake of outbreaks, but individual students are missing class due to isolation requirements elsewhere. We need to ensure these students are not slipping through the cracks as the surge in COVID-19 across the province continues.”

While supporting the public health decision to keep schools open, Petten noted some classrooms in his district are half empty with normal colds and parents are concerned about the lack of instruction.

“We have always been told the English School District could pivot to online learning. Clearly, as cases increase, selected schools closed, and overall absenteeism increase, we need to see action,” said Petten.

“Once again, I call on the Minister and Mr. Stack for transparency: what is the plan? The students of our province cannot afford another year of stops and starts interfering with their education.”
 

Contacts:

David Maher

Director of Strategic Communications

(cell) 709-725-0984

DavidMaher@gov.nl.ca

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