Jasper’s classrooms were full on opening day as the school year officially started for the wildfire-devastated town on Tuesday (Sept. 17).
Supt. Carolyn Lewis with the Grande Yellowhead Public School Division reported that 430 students returned to classes in Jasper – 210 for the elementary school and 220 for the junior/senior high school – which is close to the usual number of 475 students.
“Considering the crisis and the level of it, I'm figuring that pretty good,” Lewis said. “The community is very tight knit. Everyone is very close with one another, very supportive with one another. And I think, too, the schools are the hub of normality and a place of safety, a safe haven.”
In addition, Jasper Transit resumed service on the first day of school. This includes busing for service.
Jasper’s schools had a late start this year because the two buildings required a deep clean following the wildfire.
Lewis had a chance to walk through the buildings and thought the classrooms and hallways looked great on opening day.
“I think some people were a little anxious,” she said. “So, when they came in, the crews were still there, and I think for some of our staff, that was a little discombobulating, which I can totally understand because there’s a lot of people in the building.”
Despite that, Lewis said opening day went well. She had the chance to see the teachers and students arriving.
“It was so lovely to see the little ones, because, of course, they’re so excited, and they’re running up to each other and hugging,” she said. “It’s really nice to see the parents connecting, and after the kids went into school, [they were] talking with one another, and it was just lovely.”
Lewis noted that principals have been available to answer questions from parents, and there was a parent night on Monday (Sept. 16).
She added how reopening schools would allow parents to focus on getting their business up and running, organizing their homes and facilitating Jasper’s recovery.
While most Jasper students are attending their local schools, any family who has relocated outside the community is advised to enroll their child in a school where they are located.
