School boards in Timmins warn classes could be cancelled due to a shortage of teachers
It's back to school Monday and officials with two school boards in the Timmins area say they're excited to welcome everyone, despite some changes that are store.
"Our schools were built and meant for kids to be in them and we’re so excited to have them back," said Tricia Weltz, director of education for Northeastern Catholic District School Board.
Changes include the fact kindergarten students will have to wear masks; before, that was optional. Proof of screening is also mandatory.
“Every student and staff ... must complete the screening tool and must show documentation, whether it’s a hard copy or an electronic copy of the screening," said Lesleigh Dye, director of education for District School Board Ontario North East.
The other possibility is, just like a snow day, families will have to watch for notice that a classroom is cancelled.
“I do want our families to know we may have to shift to a virtual day of learning if it’s not safe to open our school due to a lack of staff," said Dye.
"Please make sure your school has your updated contact information."
“Like every board in the Province of Ontario, we have a real shortage of replacement staff and so we’re trying to increase the number of staff available on our replacement lists, but so far our success with that has been limited," added Weltz.
One local mother said she is anxious about sending her 12-year-old son back to school.
“The government’s like hey great, let's send them to school, but now we’re just not going to tell you anything, which is my biggest concern," said Amy St. Amour, of Timmins.
"I’m sending him back with too many unknowns in how they’re going to keep us all safe."
Both school boards said they have received their shipments of masks and are ready to bring back students. They're asking for patience from families and they are reassuring them that with everyone working together, they've got this.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
Minister 'outraged' after AFN national chief's headdress taken from Air Canada cabin
The federal minister of Crown-Indigenous relations is calling on Air Canada to 'make things right' with the national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, who said her headdress was removed from an airplane cabin during a flight this week.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Canada recognizes housing as a human right. Few provinces have followed suit
As more Canadians find themselves struggling to afford or find housing, the country's smallest province is the only one that can point to legislation recognizing housing as a human right.
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her
A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.
Pro-plastic lobbyist presence at UN talks is 'troubling,' say advocates
Environmentalist groups are sounding the alarm about a steep increase in the number of pro-plastic lobbyists at the UN pollution talks taking place this week.