WINNIPEG The Winnipeg School Division (WSD) is closing its school playgrounds until at least the end of May in an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19 in the city. The division announced the decision in a news release on Friday, saying the playgrounds will be closed except for school daytime use until the remote learning period for Winnipeg is over. It is currently set to end on May 30. “WSD recognizes that outdoor play is one of the few pleasures families have at this time; however, WSD schools have unfortunately been experiencing people congregating at the school playgrounds both during and after school hours,” the division wrote in a statement. “The purpose of moving to Critical Red Level and remote learning is to disrupt the opportunity for the COVID virus and variants from transmitting among students and staff in any school setting, including school playgrounds.”
WINNIPEG With most students in Winnipeg and Brandon now in remote learning, a group of mystery students from Chief Peguis Middle School left a surprise message of support for the staff at their school. The staff at the middle school were met Wednesday morning by some encouraging messages left for them on the school s steps. A group of unknown students had created a chalk message for their teachers and school staff. Dear principals & teachers, you are amazing! COVID can t stop us!! the message reads. You re simply the best! You got this! Staff from the school said while they don t know who left the message, it was a nice celebration as staff prepare for the shift to remote learning.
Busy Spring Session in the Manitoba Legislature
Bob Lagassé, Author
Member of the Legislative Assembly, Dawson Trail
It’s certainly been a busy spring session in the Manitoba Legislature. The NDP recently decided to delay the passage of Bill 71, The Education Property Tax Reduction Act, which would allow Manitobans to receive their education property tax rebate cheques and provide tax relief. The NDP have been using procedural delays in the Legislature to stall this bill, but have yet to tell Manitobans if they will support it or deny this tax relief measure. Manitobans deserve to know where the NDP stands on this issue.