Manitoba Suspends Classroom Learning Indefinitely

At the advice of the chief provincial public health officer, Manitoba is suspending classroom learning for kindergarten to Grade 12 students indefinitely for this school year to help ‘flatten the curve’ and reduce the impact of COVID-19 throughout the province, Premier Brian Pallister and Education Minister Kelvin Goertzen announced today.

“We must do everything we can to flatten the COVID curve and protect the health and well-being of all Manitobans,” said Pallister.  “The decision to suspend classroom learning in school indefinitely for this school year is the easiest decision to make because it protects our children and their education – it is the right thing to do.” 

Several other provinces have taken steps to extend their school closure date into May but stopped short of a full out suspension of the school year. The government assured no students will be left behind as long as they continue to remain active with their online learning.

Teachers will teach remotely, assign work, conduct assessments and prepare final report cards.  For students in Grade 12, provincial exams will be cancelled, but teacher assessments will be implemented.  For students in early and middle years, provincial assessments are complete for the current school year, but other assessments will continue.

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