Roughly 85 per cent of students at Warman High School (WHS) are actively engaged in online learning activities, according to WHS Vice-Principal Gary Philipchuk.
“A lot of the students are taking math and science classes,” said Philipchuk in a recent interview. “Math and science are harder to step away from, because you need to have the fundamentals before you can progress to the next level.
“Also, for post-secondary education, you really need those math and science classes, so any student that wants to go on to university or technical college needs to keep up their studies.”
Philipchuk said 85 per cent of the students at WHS have chosen to continue with at least one class as they pursue supplemental learning.
He noted that while students in high school are eligible for credit for all classes that they were registered in as of March 13, they also had the opportunity to pursue additional learning opportunities.
“In mid-March, after it became clear that classes were being suspended, our teachers reached out to all their students to find out if there was interest in online learning,” said Philipchuk. “There were only about 20 kids, out of a total of 700, that chose not to keep going.”
Philipchuk said while the teachers are guiding the students, a lot of the online learning is done independently by the students themselves.
Philipchuk said the interruption of this academic year shouldn’t have a long-term impact on students.
“This is really a blip in the road,” he said. “It’s being done for health reasons, but it doesn’t mean that their education is being put on pause. The Prairie Spirit School Division (PSSD) believes learning happens everywhere, and not just in a traditional classroom.
“I’d be more worried if it was a year-long interruption and for some reason school didn’t start up again in September.”
Last week, the provincial Ministry of Education announced that many of the province’s 180,000 students are continuing to take part in learning activities offered by their teachers who are using creative ways to deliver education into students’ homes during the current COVID-19 restrictions.
Deputy Premier and Provincial Education Minister Gordon Wyant said the province had to move quickly when the pandemic hit in order to protect students, staff and families. A framework for continuing learning opportunities was implemented quickly, and Wyant said he’s pleased with the results.
The Ministry’s Response Planning Team is currently working with education sector partners to begin work on what in-class learning may look like this fall, although the time lines will depend on the safety of everyone in Saskatchewan schools including students, teachers and school staff.
For those students graduating this year, school divisions are working with graduates and staff to consider virtual graduation ceremonies and possible postponements as well, as public health orders remain which prevent more than 10 people from gathering together.
“We know that graduation ceremonies and celebrations are important to so many families, and we extend a warm congratulations to all of Saskatchewan’s Grade 12 students and we wish them the very best in their futures,” Wyant said.