Principal Rhonda Simon, with students Francis Blanchard, left, and Summer Thunder, right, at Bready School Thursday. (Angela Brown/battlefordsNOW staff)

By Angela Brown

First Day Back for New School Year

It’s back to school for kids in the Battlefords

Sep 1, 2022 | 1:29 PM

Youth in the Battlefords marked Sept. 1 as the day they’re heading back to class for a new school year.

Bready School Principal Rhonda Simon said it’s a busy time in the year at the Kindergarten to Grade 6 school

“There’s lots of excitement; kids are ready to be back and happy to see their old friends and meet new ones. It’s a great day,” she told battlefordsNOW.

There are no COVID restrictions in place right now to start the school year.

“Students are welcome to wear masks if they like when they come in the door,” Simon said. “That’s up to them. We will still keep up with strong cleaning habits and good hand-washing practices. But as far as Public Health Measures go, there are none.”

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The school is seeing increased enrolment this year, with about 50 new students, for a total enrolment of about 240 students to start the school year.

Living Sky School Division said in terms of COVID protocols, there are no specific restrictions in place at this time for the division.

“All of our facilities are still mask-friendly and we encourage students to wear them, especially when social distancing is not possible. We still have test kits available should our schools get requests for them (for staff and students), and we still have our caretakers following enhanced cleaning protocols within the schools,” the division said in an email. “We will continue to monitor the situation closely and continue to take recommendations from our public health advisors should anything change.”

At North Battleford Comprehensive High School (NBCHS), Principal Jay Nichol said it’s great to have everyone back for a new school year. Kids were all being registered and are now back in class.

“Things are looking good,” he told battlefordsNOW. “There are lots of smiling faces and there’s lots of energy coming through the doors. It’s great to see. We’re figuring out schedules and getting students to the classes. It’s a normal day for everybody, so they are all heading to classes and starting their learning for the year.”

Nichol said while there are no COVID requirements to start the new school year, if there are any occurrences in the future they will be handled appropriately as needed.

Masks are still available at the school for any students who might wish to wear one, but they are not required.

“We still have hand sanitizers at the school too that they are free to use,” Nichol said.

The Grade 7 to 12 school has about 1,160 students enrolled this year, about 50 more than projected, which is a good sign.

“Things are going well, and looking good,” Nichol said. “We look forward to working with everyone this year and having a great year.”

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angela.brown@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW