Parents divided on Jan. 10 return to class plan amid Omicron wave
With the COVID-19 Omicron variant continuing its spread, many Montreal-area parents are left wondering whether their children should be returning to classrooms in person when the holidays end.
Willy Versteeg is waiting for news on whether his elementary school-aged children will be back in class in the New Year.
"I feel like Omicron is going so fast — we’ll have this one week and then we’ll see," he said. "It’ll either blow over or it’ll get worse. Our school at least has one more week then we’ll see."
While some parents do not want their kids staying home again, others are worried that those children who are not fully vaccinated may be at greater risk of getting infected.
"It’s too risky and they only have one shot. No. I don’t think it’s time," one parent said.
Most English schools are slated to reopen classrooms Jan. 10, but some like the English Parents Committee Association (EPCA) want a plan in place if that doesn't happen.
"(We're) going to follow what public health says, but our position has always been — if the kids are home, then online learning has to be ready," said EPCA president Kathy Korakakis.
The English Montreal School Board (EMSB) said it has no plans to alter the Jan. 10 return to class date.
Quebec Provincial Association of Teachers president Heidi Yetman said its members are ready to go back to online learning.
"Because we’ve been in this for 22 months, most schools are prepared," she said.
Korakakis admits that the decision on whether to head back to class or not is a polarizing one for parents.
"For some kids, they really need to be in class to learn. It’s not an easy thing," she said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires air defence batteries in provinces as explosions heard near Isfahan
Iran fired air defence batteries early Friday morning as explosions could be heard near a major air base near Isfahan, raising fears of a possible Israeli strike following Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.