Manitoba's winter break extended for school children

Schools across the province will be having a slightly longer break than usual this year as the province takes time assessing the risk of the omicron COVID-19 variant.

Instead of the expected January 6 return to class for most students in Kindergarten to Grade 12, Public Health is asking for schools to resume the next Monday, on January 10. 

"Things are changing rapidly and public health has recommended a slight delay to the return to school. This will give them more time to better assess the risk and look at options for the new year," Education Minister Cliff Cullen says in a statement.

The extra time will give the province the chance to evaluate the omicron variant situation in Manitoba and how classrooms will be affected.

Staff will return to school on January 6 for professional learning.

COVID-19 rapid tests will be given to schools across the province. The delayed start gives the province time to distribute the tests before students are back behind their desks.

"We appreciate your understanding and will share any additional information about the return to school as we learn more about the variant and what this means for schools,”  Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Brent Roussin says in the statement.

In a letter obtained by Golden West, Cullen writes to Manitoba's educators, thanking them for their work throughout the school year.

Cullen will hold a press conference at 2 p.m. Wednesday.

"Your work this fall has been commendable, under often difficult circumstances. Educating our students & ensuring their safety is critical," Manitoba Teachers' Society President James Bedford says in a tweet.

Wishing all @mbteachers members and staff a safe & relaxing holiday break. Your work this fall has been commendable, under often difficult circumstances. Educating our students & ensuring their safety is critical. Please ensure that you take time for yourself and your loved ones.

— James Bedford (@JamesRCBedford) December 22, 2021

Roussin is asking people to keep their holiday gatherings small to allow for a safe return to the classroom this year.

Some child care facilities will be affected by the extended break, but the province says most will remain open.

“As we begin the holiday break across Manitoba schools, the Manitoba government would like to thank students, teachers, school staff, school leaders, school divisions, parents and caregivers for ensuring schools have been safe and open for in-class learning since September,” Cullen says.

They are urging Manitobans to get their booster shot and to stay home when sick.