Quebec students head back to class Thursday in new normal

MONTREAL (CityNews) – Thousands of Quebec children are heading back to class today, putting the provincial government’s controversial back-to-school plan to the test.

As Montreal’s French-language schools open their doors, kids can expect fewer hugs but lots of hand-washing, some mask-wearing and schoolyards sectioned off with tape to prevent extra mingling.

“I see a lot of my friends. I’m happy to go to school again,” said Eva Gomez Bridgeo, a third grade student.

Each roomful of kids will be kept in a separate bubble and masks will be required in hallways and in common areas for children in Grade 5 and up.

Some of the planned safety measures have come under fire since they were announced. There will be no mandatory masks for children under Grade 5 and classrooms will operate at normal capacity. But how do parents feel about it?

“I’m very happy they’re back in school. It’s been six months at home and I feel very comfortable,” said Karena Gendron.

“They have a whole team working on their safety so I feel confident,” said Isabel Espinosa.

“Absolutely I’m worried a little bit for my daughter, for her safety,” said Phuong Nam Doan.

Four cases of COVID-19 were already confirmed for teachers and staff in the greater Montreal area. The Centre de Services Scolaire de la Pointe-de-l’île confirmed it has three of the cases. They say those involved have not been in contact with any students and are in quarantine.

Education Minister Jean Francois Roberge reiterated the importance of following the rules in a press conference Thursday, even amid criticism that it doesn’t go far enough.

“We repeat it a lot but it is crucial to respect all these measures that come from the public health. Because even if the school system is ready for any issues, it’s because of these measures that we will avoid class and school closures.”

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“The fact that we do have a plan, of course it is criticized. I think that’s it’s pretty normal to be criticized but for us it’s important to have a plan that we need to follow–and we do follow it,” said Robert Gendron, Director at Commission Scolaire de Montréal (CSDM).

The fall 2020 semester will put those safety measures to the test and only time will tell.

“We will have to wait and see how it’s gonna be, how it will unfold. But for the most part I hope that the school government reacts accordingly,” said Hendell Blaise.

“Just need to wear the masks and keep two meters.”

More than 150 doctors and scientists also published an open letter this week urging Francois Legault’s government to require social distancing within classrooms, mask-wearing for all students, and to oblige schools to screen children for symptoms of COVID-19.

Legault’s government has said the plan was developed with health and education experts, who agree that attending school is the best thing for children’s well-being.

-with files from the Canadian Press