Steinbach school moves to remote learning for a day after restriction protest outside its doors
CBC
A school in the southern Manitoba school division is moving to remote learning on Friday after a protest against pandemic restrictions in front of the building resulted in a hold-and-secure situation on Thursday.
Steinbach Regional Secondary School posted on its website at 11:30 a.m. that because of a protest outside the building, the school was under a hold and secure, which means exterior doors are locked and students stay in their classes with their teachers.
Exterior doors were being monitored by staff and RCMP are at the school, the post said.
The school said the hold-and-secure measure would remain in place until the end of the day to ensure student safety.
Parents who wanted to get their children from the school were asked to park in the bus loop at the back of the school "as the front of the school is congested."
The protest began when some students walked out of class Thursday morning and were joined by adults showing their support.
Some protesters were on school property and tried to enter the building, which created an unsafe environment for students and staff and disrupted in-class learning, said an email from Shelley Amos, the interim superintendent and CEO of Hanover School Division.
The one-day remote learning will "provide an opportunity for our staff to assess the impact of today's event, connect virtually with our students, and plan to ensure everyone is prepared for a safe return." she said.
Students with special needs are welcome to attend school Friday for in-person learning, and buses will pick up these students as usual.
"We respect the right to protest but urge all protesters to be respectful, peaceful, and remain off school property during demonstrations," she said.
The Garden Valley School Division issued a statement of its own Thursday after reports that there were protesters at the division office earlier this week.
Interim Superintendent Janice Krahn reiterated that restrictions, including mandatory mask use, are put in place by the province.
"Contrary to social media reports, we do not have the authority to change the mandates," she said. "Public health orders and direction from Manitoba Education is binding on school boards, school divisions and schools."
"Locally, school staff are working hard with students and families to support children with the parameters provided."
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