Novel Coronavirus COVID-19
 

Open Letter to Parents and Guardians from Minister of Education Kelvin Goertzen


March 31, 2020

Dear Manitoba Parents and Guardians,


This is a challenging time for all Manitobans. The suspension of classes in all Manitoba schools has meant even more disruption in the lives of families over the last several weeks. Our goal is to protect the health and safety of all Manitobans during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are the four steps Manitoba Education is taking to ensure the health and safety of students, staff, parents, families and the wider community.

K-12 classes are suspended indefinitely for this school year.

  • The Chief Provincial Public Health Officer has advised that all in-classroom learning will be suspended indefinitely for this school year.
  • We take this serious step as a way of helping to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 and stop the spread. Classes will resume as soon as public health officials advise that it is safe to do so.

No student will be held back due to COVID-19.

  • While students will be expected to actively engage in remote learning, we want to make it clear that no student will be held back because of the COVID-19 crisis. As well, students on track to graduate, will graduate.
  • Grade 12 Provincial Assessments will be cancelled, however assessment of learning will continue. All students will still receive a final grade and report card. Teachers will find creative approaches to conduct their final exams and assignments.

Learning will continue in a variety of ways.

  • Manitoba Education is working with our education partners to provide print-based, on-line, and other remote learning options.
  • Teachers and other educational supports will connect with students and families as much as possible via email, telephone, and mail.

We’re in this together.

  • Teachers, schools and school division staff are taking extraordinary efforts so that learning can continue while classes are suspended.
  • Parents and guardians are an important part of at home learning. A parent portal will be launched to provide much needed resources and support.
  • As we move forward, we are committed to ensuring that Manitoba families, students, and teachers have timely information on a regular basis. For continued updates, please visit the Schools section at www.manitoba.ca/covid19/infomanitobans.

Manitobans are resilient, and together we will overcome these challenges. My well wishes and thoughts are with all of you. Please take care of yourself and each other.

Sincerely,
Kelvin Goertzen


Open Letter to Parents and Guardians from Minister of Education Kelvin Goertzen pdf