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Back to school . . . to pick up belongings

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Students in Norfolk County are heading back to school, even if it’s just for a few minutes to collect their belongings.

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When students left for March break this year, they were unaware that they would not be returning to the classroom for the remainder of the school year. This meant personal belongings were left behind in lockers and desks throughout schools.

Grand Erie District School Board schools began pick-ups of personal belongings this week.

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Elizabeth Clark was cleaning out her locker at Delhi District Secondary School on Tuesday as she marks the end of her victory lap at the school.

“It’s weird, it’s really, really weird,” said Clark. “I’ve stayed behind in summer before, like on the last day, and it’s been quiet, but it’s never been dead.”

Only 20 students were allowed in the school at a time to ensure physical distancing while picking up items, making the halls seem extra quiet in a school with a population of around 520 students.

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The big item Clark had left in her locker was her winter gloves, which she missed throughout the cold spring.

Other students had items they were looking forward to picking up as well.

Grade 9 DDSS student Cody Crandall said he definitely missed his running shoes that have been sitting in his locker since mid-March.

“It’s weird,” Crandall said as he was cleaning out his locker in the empty hallway.

Kimberly Newhouse, manager of communications for GEDSB, said each school will be planning their own item removal timeline. She added families have been or will be contacted with the details of the process.

“We are following a process approved by both local medical officers of health, and with permission from the Ministry of Education of course,” Newhouse said in an email to the Reformer.

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DDSS principal Stephen Wills posted to the school’s Facebook page that students are able to access the school based on a prepared schedule.

Students with last names beginning with A to L had access to the school on Tuesday, the rest of the students will be allowed in on June 4.

“It’s kind of sad that this a recognition that this is the last time we’ll see them in this capacity for a while,” Wills said at the school on Tuesday. “For the most part, everyone is doing their best to stay positive. We’re optimistic that we’ll be back in September.”

Before entering the school the students are asked to take the Ontario COVID-19 self-assessment test and are told not to enter if they have any of the symptoms.

“This is an opportunity to quickly and efficiently pick up personal items. 10 minutes have been allocated for students to come in the building and retrieve their items. Please adhere to these time limits so that we can ensure the necessary physical distancing and move the process along efficiently,” said the post from Wills.

The Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board is in the process of rolling out a plan for students and staff to access their belongings inside of the schools.

“Principals will be connecting with their communities over the next week to share the information and begin arranging access,” Tracey Austin, manager of communications at BHNCDSB, said in an email.

Cody Crandall, Grade 9, cleaned out his locker at Delhi District Secondary School on Tuesday. Students have been unable to access the items left in their lockers before March Break until this week. (ASHLEY TAYLOR)
Cody Crandall, Grade 9, cleaned out his locker at Delhi District Secondary School on Tuesday. Students have been unable to access the items left in their lockers before March Break until this week. (ASHLEY TAYLOR)
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