It appears that schools in Saskatchewan will be back to normal this year, with no COVID restrictions in sight. 

The Government of Saskatchewan released its Sask Schools Plan for 2021-2022 that shows no COVID restrictions, non-mandatory masking, and a full return to pre-pandemic sport, fitness, and extracurricular activities.  

Those who are comfortable wearing masks are encouraged too, and according to Ryan Boughen, Director of Education with Prairie South, they will continue offering online classes throughout the year for those who are unsure about returning to in-person classes 

Director of Education for Prairie South, Ryan Boughen

"Our students have missed out on a lot. I very much want our students to have a real quality education that has all parts intact and have them connected to our teachers. If that doesn’t work for families, then the virtual school is an option for families that are not quite comfortable with the return.” 

Extra cleaning and sanitary measures will remain in place, and schools will continue to work with the Saskatchewan Health Authority – knowing that the situation can change at any time. 

“We want to do the very best that we can for our students and our staff. We have to take direction from Public Health, but I realize that their direction is not everyone's preferred direction. We will work with all families to ensure that we can provide families with the best service for them given their situation.” 

Ward Strueby, Director of Education for the Holy Trinity Catholic School Division, says they will be sending families a Return to School Plan this month letting them know how the upcoming year will look. 

Director of Education with Holy Trinity, Ward Strueby

“The plan will indicate that we’re continuing with enhanced cleaning protocols, making sure that good health hygiene is taking place, our buses are being cleaned, and just making sure that we take the good practices we learned last school year and continuing them on to ensure that our students are staying safe.” 

“At this point in time,” continues Strueby, “This normal return applies to all students, including students 12 years of age and younger. Although, students and staff will not be required to mask, cohort, or maintain social distance, if students or staff choose to wear a mask, we will certainly support that decision. As has been the case throughout the entire pandemic, Holy Trinity will follow the direction of the Saskatchewan Health Authority and our local public health agencies.” 

You can read the Holy Trinity Catholic School Division’s statement to parents by clicking here. 

And you can read the Prairie South School Division’s statement to parents by clicking here.