I am writing in regards to the back to school plan for the students in our province.
As a parent, I’m so frustrated that our government and school board, didn’t utilize the last six months to come up with any kind of a plan.
I was really expecting an online option, which I certainly would have taken advantage of, and which would have reduced the number of children in the buildings, leaving space for families that don't have an at-home option.
The only options you have given me are to send my child to school or to homeschool without any support from the government and school system.
I honestly expected better.
The smartest thing we did during this pandemic was the immediate response to shut the schools down. It’s not over yet and I see the decision to open them back up like business as usual as completely irresponsible.
You have made an exception to almost every public health measure that’s been put in place for the return to school.
I recognize that we have had no community transmission over the last few months but I see that as owing to the fact that we have had no community interaction.
Businesses and indoor public spaces have put exceptional measures in place with regard to cleaning, sanitizing, barricading, spacing, distancing, etc., to prevent us from coming into contact with each other.
Our government did an excellent job implementing measures promptly to keep us safe.
And our children have been safe at home.
The smartest thing we did during this pandemic was the immediate response to shut the schools down.
It’s not over yet and I see the decision to open them back up like business as usual as completely irresponsible.
I feel like we are all just expected to play Russian roulette with our children.
I'm asking for you to please all come back to the table and come up with a better, safer plan for our children.
Cheri Holloway,
Clarenville
