4 schools move to online learning while school sports, extra-curriculars suspended

All P.E.I. school sports and extra-curricular activities have been suspended as seven new cases of COVID-19 were announced this weekend.

During a live briefing Sunday,Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Heather Morrison, Public Schools Branch acting director Norbert Carpenter and the Department of Education'sTamara Hubley-Little announced those changes along with otherrestrictions at Island high schools.

Four high schools inP.E.I.'s capital region will move to remote learning as early as Tuesday. They are:

• Charlottetown Rural.
• Colonel Gray.
• Bluefield.
• cole Franois-Buote.

There are no classes on Monday for those schools, but primary to Grade 9 will be open atFranois-Buote, Carpenter said.

"Teachers and staff will need some time to get prepared [for remote learning]," said Carpenter. "Parents and students should expect contact from teachers on Tuesday about the plans going forward."

Further details on learning for students with special education needs will also be announced Tuesday, Carpenter added.

How all schools are affected

Busing will change at all Island schools Monday and pickups may happen earlier than expected, Carpenter said.

Students across the province are asked to stay on school grounds during lunch hour and Carpenter suggested parents pack a lunch for their kids.

"We are encouraging students to stay on-site for lunch," he said.

He also encouraged students and parents to pay close attention to their school's website, social media accounts and other channels to monitor possible changes.

Field trips are also up for discussion by the Public Schools Branch administration, Carpenter said. A nature walk close to school property, for example, "could probably continue" but students going to places that are under public health restrictions would likely not be permitted.

Hubley-Little said the province had been preparing for this situation for months, and teachers will be finalizing remote learning plans and getting ready for Tuesday.

Watch the full briefing here

More from CBC P.E.I.