This pandemic has brought a lot of stress, chaos and uncertainty to our lives. And as a mother of two, the well-being and health of my children is my number one priority. I would like to shed some light on the concerns that I and many parents have in regards to the return of CBE students for the Fall of 2020.

The Calgary Board of Education and Alberta Health Services advised to parents of a survey, asking parents for their opinion in regards to the process of students returning to school. In the survey, parents were given the opportunity to pick from one of three options. A return to normal operation and routines in schools; Schools are partially re-opened, with some level of restrictions; and Schools remain closed and students continue learning from home. After the survey was complete, the final decision was either allowing children to return to school full-time, or full-time Home Schooling with the exception of students taking up full responsibility of the work load.

Both of these options are very concerning. Our Children are at an age where they may not understand the seriousness of the events that go on around them. At an age where we still have to remind them to put their jackets on when they leave the house, or to wear their shirt right side out. So how can we expect our children to wear a mask for an entire school day. Even with the exception of face masks and physical social distancing, children will be within an isolated room, as well as children will have to remove their masks to eat and drink. Which means that it will only take just one individual to remove their masks to infect the air within a closed room. Not only would exposure be a risk for students, but as well as staff and their families.

The result of the survey indicated that besides returning to school full-time, students also have the option to enroll in online Schooling, with the exception of taking on full responsibility of the work load. My husband and I are full-time employees; we pay our taxes and CBE Fees so our children can be educated by the best educators. It is very unfair that parents have to choose between the health and safety of their kids, and now as well as their education. It is very difficult for many students to learn properly outside of a school environment without supervision. Especially if this is their first experience with home schooling. Not only does this put a lot of pressure on students, but as well as their Full-time working parents. Since the pandemic occurred, students were able to work online from home with guidance from their teachers, which I believe is strongly beneficial for the children. Taking on full responsibility without an educator’s guidance will hold many children back from their potential.

I strong believe that it is in the best interest of both The Calgary Board of Education and Alberta Health Services to reconsider the decision they have made in regards to children returning to school this coming Fall. I think the best options would be to minimize the number of students in the classroom which can be done by having students placed in two different groups and involving them in a rotation schedule. For instance, where ‘Group A’ would attend on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday while ‘Group B’ attends Tuesday and Thursday, and the groups alternate days every week. And Students wanting to home school should have the ease of mind knowing that they are not alone and have support from educator who can help them and guide them when necessary.