The Holy Family Roman Catholic Separate School Division has had a good start to the 2020-21 school year, according to Director of Education, Gwen Keith, even if there has been a bit of a learning curve to ensure the regulations put in place by the provincial Ministry of Education and public health officials are followed.  

Keith said while classes have resumed, they are following the procedures set in place for what is known as Level 2 of the Return to School plan outlined by the provincial government. They are also ensuring they can adapt if needed if the situation around COVID-19 changes. 

“We’re looking at what those scenarios look like in each case, but also really pausing and celebrating where we are, but with an awareness of a pathway if we have to go to another level,” Keith explained.  

While the classes just resumed three weeks ago, the work to get where the school division is now started at the onset of the pandemic when it was originally announced classes across the province would be suspended.  

“We really focussed on, first of all, the physical safety of our people,” Keith said. “I think that helped deal with the emotional safety and one’s feeling of you know what, we can do this.” 

Classes are underway at all the schools under the umbrella of the school division. 

While classes are underway, one school will also be receiving some energy efficiency upgrades, thanks to funding from the federal government. Keith explained the division received roughly $178,000 through the Climate Action Incentive fund. 

“Our project is at St. Mary school, to replace rooftop heating and cooling units with energy-efficient units,” Keith said.  

The work on the school, which is in Estevan, is expected to be wrapped up by November.