The NL Federation of School Councils (NLFSC) commends Premier Ball and Brian Warr, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development, for closing schools to prevent the spreading of the Covid-19 Virus.

“Any decision made with the best interests of students at heart is always a wise one,” says Don Coombs, President of NLFSC. “We realize we are in uncharted waters and unprecedented times and decisions of this nature are not made lightly.”

Tuesday will be a planning day for teachers and school staff. Schools will open on Wednesday and Thursday to allow students to collect their belongings and school materials – however the return times will be staggered so all students are not in the building at the same time.

“There are many details to be worked out and we ask parents and councils to be patient while the Minister and School Districts make plans and put necessary measures in place, “says Coombs. “Parents will be contacted as soon as possible with details.”

NLFSC encourages parents and councils not to overwhelm teachers and Administrators by calling or going to schools. Information is evolving very quickly and more information, from the school districts, will be available tomorrow.

“Now is the time for all of us to support the leaders of this province in their efforts to keep Covid-19 from spreading. Strong leadership has never been more important than it is now.”