Montreal students head back to school – without COVID restrictions

Montreal students were back at school Tuesday, the first start of classes without COVID-19 restrictions since the pandemic began.

Parents and kids were up bright and early as summer vacation came to an end.

CityNews visited students and teachers at Honoré Mercier Elementary School in St-Leonard.

Even if the mask is not mandated in Quebec schools this fall, some students preferred to remain cautious and wore one.

“We only wear it because like the first day, there’s a lot of people and it’s like we want to stay still protected in case,” said Grade 6 student Ariana Murgante.

“I think we all have the same goals,” added parent Daniela Marsillo. “Just start off the school year safe, get them through the year and hope that everything goes well.

Honoré Mercier elementary school Aug. 30, 2022. (CREDIT: Alyssia Rubertucci/CITYNEWS)

The English Montreal School Board (EMSB) told CityNews it would keep monitoring the city’s epidemiological situation as the school year progressed.

But taking action has its limitations, the school board says.

“Of course, we have to follow the health protocols that are put in place by the by Santé Publique,” said EMSB Chair Joe Ortona. “And, you know, if they’re not going to provide any measures or any funding, we’re somewhat limited in what we can do.”

An epidemiologist says it’s challenging to measure how “safe” this back-to-school period really is.

“I’m not even sure how you would assess that type of thing,” said Dr. Christopher Labos. “Clearly, the widespread use of vaccinations is obviously going to make it a lower risk event. But there’s a lot that we can do to make it lower still. And if we take basic precautions, the risk will be lower for kids.”

Honoré Mercier elementary school Aug. 30, 2022. (CREDIT: Alyssia Rubertucci/CITYNEWS)

Quebec public health said cases are expected to go up and parents must keep their children home if they’re positive, isolate for five days and wear a mask for the five days after that.

For some parents, the situation is stressful. Others say it’s time to get back to normal.

“It’s nerve wracking,” said Antonella Scalia. “Why? Because you don’t know what’s going to happen, if COVID’s going to go higher, how things are going to work out…”

“We’re going to have cases here and there,” added Veronica Graniero, the music teacher at Honoré Mercier Elementary School. “I think all schools will because that’s what’s happening in the community. Right. But I think it’s going to be a successful school year. No need to panic.”

Honoré Mercier elementary school Aug. 30, 2022. (CREDIT: Alyssia Rubertucci/CITYNEWS)

Some students on Tuesday were looking forward to getting back to normal and ditching their masks.

“Because I get to see my friends’ faces more. And I just like that,” said Grade 3 student Livia Masi.

“It’s two years now, so we know all the risks and it’s time for them to start living their lives like usual,” said parent Elena Di Giacomo.

“We did the best we could the last few years with our students,” added Graniero. “We still had fun. We still taught them, they still were engaged. But it’s nice to be able to see their smiling faces once again.”