Parents frustrated, teachers' union calls for better safety as N.L. kids move to online learning

Some parents are left feeling frustrated after Wednesday's announcement that schools in Newfoundland and Labrador are moving to online learning after the holiday break.

The provincial government made the announcement during an unscheduled COVID-19 briefing, saying schools will begin online instruction starting Jan. 4, with an update every Thursday regarding how the following week will look.

"There are a lot of parents like myself who are not in a position to home-school, to keep their kids home, and care for kids and work at the same time," Gillian Pearson, a parent of two, told CBC News. 

The move comes as COVID-19 case numbers continue to skyrocket in most areas of the province and as the Omicron variant quickly takes hold, causing record-setting daily increases in new cases.

Pearson works from home, but said it's difficult to balance work and parenting while her son, who's in Grade 1, is attending classes online. She said she has no choice but to let her son use a tablet or watch YouTube videos all day when classes are over in order to keep him engaged and entertained while she works.

She said she has no more personal, vacation or family leave days left to take in order to take care of her children in the event they have to remain home full-time. She said a saving factor is that her youngest child can still attend daycare if he's not sick. 

"My family has only kept five to 10 contacts, we mask, we've been vaccinated, we did everything. And I thought all of these restrictions and mandates were so things like school could stay open," Pearson said. 

"I know it's only temporary, but that could feel like a really long time.... A lot of parents feel like they're drowning. I know I do."

Pearson said she also has concerns for the children who may not have the same benefits as hers — such as unstable care-givers, food security or proper access to technology — adding some kids are falling through the cracks. 

"For kids who are forced to stay home for a couple of weeks or a couple of months, and they don't have the same access to developmentally appropriate care and support, we really don't know the lasting impact that that's going to make," she said. 

"That really scares me. We're two years into this right now and we still haven't figured out a way to keep kids in school."

Pearson acknowledged the fact that not all parents are facing the same challenges, and some may be glad to have their kids safe at home. She said some do feel guilty for having to send their kids to school where possible exposure to COVID-19 is a reality. 

Provincial NDP leader and education critic Jim Dinn gave his stamp of approval on government's decision to move schools online for the safety of students. 

However, Dinn said, resources need to be addressed.