In-person learning to resume at Armstrong Elementary on Monday

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Class is back in session at Armstrong Elementary School – almost.

The school was under a functional closure last week due to staffing issues, but a letter on the school's website says in-person classes will resume Monday.

School District 83 Supt. Donna Kriger expressed gratitude to parents and staff for enduring "challenging times."

Students are to wear masks while at school unless they have an exemption.

On Jan. 13, Kriger posted a letter announcing the school would be "functionally closed due to the shortage of staff and the district's inability to cover staff shortages to provide the required level of instruction, safety and supervision of our students."

On the same day, the BC Teachers Federation confirmed four teachers had refused to work, filing an unsafe work claim through WorkSafe BC due to low compliance with mask-wearing despite public health orders.

Three teachers were also reported to have tested positive for COVID.

Initially, the closure was supposed to be from Jan. 13-17, but was extended to Jan. 21.

A functional closure of a school is a temporary closure determined by the district due to a lack of staff to provide the required level of teaching, supervision, support and/or custodial to ensure the health and safety of students.