By Zahraa Al-khalidi
The Ontario government announced on Thursday that it will be delaying March break for elementary and secondary schools and moving it to the week of April 12, which falls one week after Easter.
“In support of our collective efforts to keep schools safe, we are postponing March break until April 12-16. This decision was made with the best advice of Ontario’s chief medical officer of health and public health officials, including consultations with many local medical officers of health,” Education Minister Stephen Lecce said in a news release.
“Many students have been learning remotely since the start of 2021. It is critical we follow public health advice to protect schools and avoid a repeat of the concerning spike in youth-related cases over the winter break, when students and staff were out of schools for a prolonged period of time. We are taking this precaution based on advice from health experts, including the province’s science table and the chief medical officer of health, to help protect against the emerging COVID-19 variants of concern.”
Some teachers and education unions are criticizing the Ford government’s decision to delay March break this year as part of its effort to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus while others find the news very helpful.
“I like it because the kids keep coming back and forth to class so we’re hoping that this will mean they are back for good.” Said Megan Van Huyse, a RECE of the TDSB “And when we go on March Break we’re all actually coming back than rather being in the unknown constantly.”
As one parent found the announcement of the delay came as good news for her family.
“I think it’s a great idea because its finally getting our kids back in school.” Said Sharon Kane mother for three elementary schools’ kids. “Despite my fear of the virus, it will help kids get back into a normal routine.”
But some college/university students like Sabrina Fardella may disagree with the decision. “Ummm no, Universities ends in April so it makes sense for it to be in March.”
While others such as Brandon Throne, has a very optimistic outlook on it.
“At least they didn’t get rid of it like the colleges got rid of our reading week last fall.”
The provincial education ministry is expected to see the schools in the Greater Toronto Area, Peel Region and York Region return to in-person learning next week.
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