Students in the Hanover School Division will have to wait for one additional week before returning to their classrooms.

While the province has allowed schools to begin welcoming back students as early as this coming Monday, Superintendent Randy Dueck says his division has delayed that start date by exactly one week. When Hanover schools do eventually open up on June 8, he notes students will be invited in by appointment only.

In a message to parents and guardians in the division, Dueck states: “Although we encourage students to take this opportunity to reconnect in-school, student attendance is optional and at the discretion of parents.”

He adds school busses will not be available to transport students to and from our schools during this time and Personal Protective Equipment will not be provided to staff, students, or visitors entering the building.

Meanwhile, provisions for “Learning At Home” will be reduced by 50% as teachers adapt to this reopening period. Dueck indicates that no new work will be sent home after June 12 and all students will have until June 19 to submit any outlying assignments.

More specific details and instructions regarding the reopening of Hanover schools will be communicated in the coming week.