Back to 'pure learning', as high school students return to class

Students returned to class at English Catholic high schools across Ottawa on Tuesday with the quadmester system, mandatory masks, and a ban on large assemblies and field trips.

Some of the students who gathered outside St. Patrick's High School before classes began Tuesday said they were happy to be learning in person after 18 monthsof pandemicdisruptions.

"I don't want any breaks this year. Ijust want pure learning in school," said Grade 9student Joseph Kealey.

"The last two years for me,they've been difficult. So I'm really hoping this year will be a new experience and I'll be able to enjoy it."

Jonathan Math, who also startsGrade 9 this year, said it was exciting to see new people and old friends.

WATCH | Students return to class in Ottawa's English Catholic board:

Students in Ottawa Catholic board return to school

3 years ago

Duration 1:16

Students and parents say theyre relieved about the return to in-person learning and are hoping for a more consistent school year without coronavirus-related interruptions.

Parents switched to in-person class

St. Pat's principal Marline Al Kourasaid many parents who had previouslyregistered their children inonline learning reversed that decision in the final days of August.

"I think a lot of them are reassured about the measures we have in place," said Al Koura.

Rita Saliba said she felt safer her family is now fully vaccinated as her son starts at St. Pat's in Grade 7.

"That's why we're not as worried as before," she said.

Catholic board staff not yet mandated to get vaccine

Trustees for the Ottawa Catholic School Board passed a motion on Aug. 31 to direct senior administration to develop a mandatory vaccination policy for all staff, but that still needs to be finalized.

The policy will be presented to trustees next Tuesday.

The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board has alreadymade vaccination mandatory for all staff.

The English Catholic boardhas followedothers in sending a letter to Education Minister StephenLecceto request province-wide mandatory vaccination for education workers.