Public Health has classified Arborgate School in La Broquerie as an outbreak and has heightened their response level to "orange".

Superintendent for Seine River School Division Mike Borgfjord says the decision was made after three individuals tested positive.

According to the superintendent, orange status requires students to remain two metres apart, a metre more than what was required in yellow.

Seine River School Division Superintendent Mike Borgfjord“Classrooms are being reconfigured just to maintain that distancing,” says Borgfjord, “so that’s been the process in school and there are other temporary measures.”

Those measures include having four out of the almost 20 classes studying remotely until Public Health says they may return, which Borgfjord says could be as early as October 30th.

“We are sending out information to parents regarding temporary remote learning for those who need,” Borgfjord informs.

Additionally, students are now being relegated to a single seat when on buses, unless they live in the same household.

“There were some adjustments in times and pick-ups because obviously, the routes change a little bit,” Borgfjord shares, “so we have to be ready to pivot on short notice and I think our staff, both school, and the transportation department pivoted very well.”

Borgfjord also says that should the positive tests continue and the school is declared red status, all students of the school will be required to study remotely.

“The school has had a lot of conversations with different parents and they sent out a survey today about remote learning, so we can make plans for those who need virtual learning,” says Borgfjord, “and that information gathered will be used to look at other pieces where we might need to provide additional supports.”

Borgfjord admits it has been a stressful time for staff and families alike but says they continue to be supportive of each other.

“The parents have been pretty understanding and I know that even though there’s a lot of anxiety, there are a lot of positives coming out of this through community building. But, it is challenging for everyone.”