Classes in Grades 9-12 at Estevan Comprehensive School will be going remote for the remainder of January, starting Tuesday. An email detailing the transition to online learning was sent to parents from the South East Cornerstone Public School Division Director of Education, Lynn Little, Friday after classes were over. The decision was made due to the numerous cases of COVID-19 being diagnosed at the schools across all grade levels.

In the email, it was detailed that Monday will be in-class learning, with all students at ECS moving to remote learning until at least February 1st. On that date, it is hoped in-person classes will be able to resume.

For Grade 9 students the classes will be remote, while course completion and assessment for Grades 10-12 will be done remotely where possible.

Students who attend a physical school will go to in-person classes Monday. Then, for the remainder of the week, rather than the traditional final written exams, the time will be spent assisting students to complete learning, provide evidence of outcome attainment or to enhance marks they have. Any assignments complete from Tuesday to Friday next week will not negatively impact anyone’s marks; the school division has stated marks can only increase during this time.

With no in-class learning for Grades 10-12 during the week, teachers will work with students individually or in small groups. This may be done online or in-class, as arrangements may be made in some communities, for in-person attendance. Whether it is online or in-person, the division specified in the email to parents that participation is not optional, but a requirement of their schedules.

Students with intensive needs who attend functionally integrated programs will continue to attend classes in person.

The announcement from SECPSD comes as a number of classes throughout the division at all grade levels have moved to remote learning. It was reported by the provincial government Friday afternoon there were 87 new cases of COVID-19 in the southeast region, with a total of 828 active cases, the most in the province outside of Saskatoon and Regina.