Photo courtesy Rainy River District School Board

A return to school and hope for a return to normal as students across the Rainy River District step into new classrooms and for some new schools today.

Most COVID protocols have been lifted.

Rainy River District School Board’s Education Director Heather Campbell is pleased to see students and staff returning.

“Well, it’s great to be returning, I think, under normal school conditions. We are starting the school year off without the required masking and things like that,” says Campbell.

Some practices are continuing. It includes enhancing cleaning.

With recent investments, all students have access to Chromebooks.

Campbell says this allows them to shift to a virtual classroom if necessary.

“So what that means is that not only are we in the physical classroom, but our students also have access to a virtual classroom where the teacher will be posting work, especially for students who do have to stay home because they fail to screen or are ill.”

In Atikokan, a newly renovated school in Atikokan welcomes students upon their return.

Construction is still taking place at the Northern Lakes School, formerly Atikokan High School.

Campbell says grade 7 to 12 students will start their classes today as crews continue to finish up other parts of the school.

“(They) will be working throughout the fall. Likely, we will see some completion in early 2023 and have all students in the school for September 2023.”

Elementary students will continue classes at North Star Community School until then.