In Conversation: Barrie Teachers Head Back into the Classroom

Katie Sweet didn't know she'd be back in her classroom until Stephen Lecce announced the easing of restrictions on February 3rd.

She's feeling mixed emotions.

"In some ways relieved," said Sweet, "because it's way easier to teach in person. In some ways a bit tentative becuase there are three cases at my school." 

At Bear Creek Secondary School, Sweet says teachers weren't given advanced notice of the switch back into classrooms -- or, at the time of our interview -- any additional safety equipment. 

She says it's been hard to engage students online, and that marking, keeping track of their assignments and keeping them engaged is a full-time job on top of the actual teaching itself. 

As Ontario's cases of COVID-19 continue to fall, the Simcoe Muskoka regiona has seen an outbreak of a more contagious variant of COVID-19 at Roberta Place LTC home. Despite the worry of more infections, Stephen Lecce announced the reopening along with some enhanced safety measures. 

"Following the best medical advice, with the clear support of both Ontario's and the local Medical Officers of Health, we are reopening schools across the province knowing that we have taken additional steps and made additional investments to better protect our students and staff," said Minister Lecce. "Nothing is more important than returning kids to school safely because it is crucial for their development, mental health, and future success."

Along with enforced mask-wearing and better access to rapid testing, Lecce announced teachers set to graduate in 2021 will be fast-tracked in order to fill staff shortages across the province. 

As kids head back to school, Ontario's rolling average of daily COVID cases sits at just over 1,400.