Nunavut government calls teachers back from the South

In the wake of school closures due toCOVID-19 and recent spring breaks, right now,around 85 of Nunavut's teachers are in the South and the territorial government wants them to come back.

This week, the Nunavutgovernment saidit wants allteachers to be ready toworkshouldclasses resume on April 21.

Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Michael Patterson couldstill recommend schools stay closed. But either way, the Education department wants to see staff create lessonplans, or do grade assessments for their students, so that learning can still happen.

Schools in Nunavut closed on March 17 for three weeks. That closure was later extended for two more weeks.

At a daily news conference Tuesday, Education Minister David Joanasie told reporters his department, the Nunavut Teachers' Association and the chief public health officer had advised against unnecessary travel.

"There's advice that was presented and of course teachers went with their own decision," he said. "Given the situation, we are working on the current process of bringing back those teachers that are outside of the territory, taking into account the 14-day isolation period, and with the intent that they report to work in the next few weeks."

Most of Nunavut's teachers are still in the territory. Of the 85 that aren't, Joanasiesaid the largest numberwork in the Kivalliqregion, followed by teachers in the Qikiqtaalukregion and a few from the Kitikmeotregion.

Those teachers, who remain on the payroll as public servants,will have to isolate for two weeks in designated hotels in the South before going back to the communities where they work.

There are 724staff, including principals, teachers and student support assistants, being called back to work.

"This is with the intent that if and when schools reopen that we [will]be in a position to support our students' learning," Joanasie said.

If health officials recommend school doesn't open as planned, Joanasie says teachers can still work. This could mean they are making take-home learning packs or planning for report card season, he said.

Starting Monday, school staff were allowed to use the schools to work on a voluntary basis, as well asfor the internet and printing. They are still required to practise physical distancing.