Edmonton parents react about the online class rotation

At Michael Stembitsky school in south Edmonton, parents were learning their children may return to online learning. CityNews spoke to parents on Friday after it announcement was made.

“Everybody is very disappointed,” said Samar Al-Hajjaj, the president of the Michael Strembitsky School Parent Foundation.

Al-Hajjaj is a mother of a Grade 9 student and she firmly believes in-person learning is needed.

“We learned nothing from what happened in COVID and kids being at home, these are the same kids that their first years were spent doing distance learning, and a lot of them when they came back to school, they were set back and so now you’re creating another setback for them. It’s not a solution, it’s just a band-aid,” she explained.

For some parents, online learning at home is manageable, but not ideal.

“In-person, they are able to discuss their problems quite perfectly, I think they can communicate well so I think it’s a good idea,” said Anisha Sharma, a parent of a Grade 8 student.

Working parents may not be able to take time off to supervise their children, and that’s a problem.

“And we know the kids aren’t going to study in their home. There are too many distractions and if no supervision, things are going to fall between the cracks,” said Al-Hajjaj.

One thing parents that CityNews talked to do agree on is education support staff need a raise.

“Those who are underpaid should carry on the strike as well,” said Sharma.