Education Minister Dustin Duncan

As families across Saskatchewan prepare for the upcoming school year, the Government of Saskatchewan and school divisions across the province are enthusiastically saying “Welcome Back!”

“We are excited to Welcome Back students to a more regular school year for 2021-22,” Education Minister Dustin Duncan said. “Schools are safe places and an important part of the mental health and development of our kids. We are looking forward to seeing students and staff get back to the joy and fun of learning after the summer break.”

Students, teachers, school staff, parents and caregivers are encouraged to join in on the excitement by sharing their back-to-school photos on social media, using the hashtag #WelcomeBackSASK.

Schools and school divisions are ready to support students and staff as they all return to in-person learning this fall. The province’s interim plan is in place to support students’ learning and mental health so all learners can feel comfortable, safe and supported this school year.

“The beginning of any school year is exciting, this year included.  We all learned a lot last year, possibly more than we expected,” Regina Catholic School Division Board of Trustees Chair Vicky Bonnell said. “Our students and staff became far more accustomed to being flexible, having adapted very quickly to many different situations last year. Our division leaders are now infinitely more experienced at dealing with challenges. We pray this year brings more quality learning, and a chance to reconnect within our school communities.”

Safety continues to be top of mind as students and staff are heading back to school. The ministries of Health and Education continue to have regular communication with all provincial school divisions to support appropriate local decisions to enable education to continue as safely as possible. High community vaccine uptake continues to be key to protecting children under 12 who are not yet eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine.

School begins for most students on September 1, and most teachers and staff are already hard at work planning for the new school year. We appreciate their invaluable work in educating, supporting and welcoming back students across the province.