Province announces next steps for education 

Today, the Province of Prince Edward Island outlined plans for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. 

While home-based learning will continue to be the main learning model, school-based learning will resume for some individuals, including students who currently receive individualized educational supports.

“Islanders have taken the challenges that this global pandemic has brought to us and found ways to adapt. It hasn’t always been easy and many Islanders are juggling work and other family responsibilities with at-home schooling and child care needs. We must continue to work together to protect the health and safety of our communities and balance the needs of Islanders while finding new ways to live, work, learn and thrive.”

- Premier Dennis King

Teachers will continue to connect with their students and support at-home student learning based on a compacted curriculum. Learning resources will continue to be updated and made available online and in paper form. Chromebooks have been distributed to hundreds of high school students and will continue to be made available to students in need. Student Services Teams also continue to provide supports to students and families. 

Beginning May 11, several designated schools will open to some students who currently receive individualized supports from educational assistants and youth service workers. These students will return to their designated school for part of the day where they will be supported by their Student Services Team.

The designated schools are: Souris Regional, Montague Regional, Morell High, Colonel Gray, Westwood Primary, Athena Consolidated, Queen Elizabeth Elementary and Westisle Composite. Other schools, including those in Commission scolaire de langue française, will be added as required. 

Additionally, extra support will be offered to high school students to ensure they have the required prerequisite courses they need to pursue their post-secondary goals. 

Beginning June 15, K-12 teachers will meet with every student by appointment to review their progress and provide them with feedback for future learning.

During the week of June 22, and working with students, schools will offer innovative year-end and graduation activities that enable students to connect with their teachers and friends and bring closure to the school year. This will include small group tours and activities to support students who will be transitioning to intermediate and high school in the fall. 

All school-based services must follow public health guidelines that allow for physical distancing, hygiene protocols and the proper cleaning of schools. School bus services will not be available; however, alternative transportation arrangements will be made for families who are unable to transport their child to and from school 

“The Province of Prince Edward Island has been working diligently with our educational partners and families to support the best possible learning outcomes for children in this unprecedented time,” said Minister of Education and Lifelong Learning Brad Trivers. “Our top priority remains the health and well-being of children and we will continue to look at ways to support children and families, address gaps and ensure all Islanders have the necessary tools and resources available to succeed now and as we plan for learning in September.”

Minister Trivers also recognized the work of department staff, Public Schools Branch, Commission scolaire de langue française, school administration, teachers and student support teams for their continued partnership to support children and youth. 

The Province of Prince Edward Island is currently working on a plan for early learning and child care that aligns with the recommendations and guidelines of the Chief Public Health Officer to protect the health and safety of children and early childhood educators. Parents will be asked to submit their needs for child care in the coming days. 

Media contact:
Amanda Hamel
Executive Director, Communications and Public Affairs
Office of the Premier
(902) 368-4400
ahamel@gov.pe.ca