A look at some of the masks sent to a local school board by the provincial government.--SUBMITTED PHOTO
mcranker@medicinehatnews.com@mocranker
While supplies didn’t arrive before classes resumed for all local school boards, government-supplied sanitizer and masks have now been handed out to public, Catholic and rural schools.
The Medicine Hat Public School Division was first to receive masks and sanitizer, and was able to disperse supplies to all its schools before the first day.
Superintendent Mark Davidson expressed satisfaction with the quality his division received.
“I wear the masks that the government sent out and they’re fine,” he said. “I don’t know if they’re necessarily what people would choose given the choice, but masks are like any other article of clothing. You have a feel and a fit you like and that’s what you’re going to prefer.
“I haven’t had anyone come to me saying they liked or didn’t like the masks.”
As for the government-supplied sanitizer, Davidson says the school board is not completely comfortable giving young Hat students 80 per cent ethanol product to clean their hands with.
“We’re going to continue using the product that we had purchased this summer for all of our students from early learning through Grade 6, and save the sanitizer the government sent us for occasional use by older students and staff,” he said.
The Catholic Board of Education got supplies sent to them last minute and was able to get masks to schools for the first day. Staggered class starting dates allowed MHCBE to fully stock classrooms.
Superintendent Dwayne Zarichny says the masks feel good.
“I wear the masks on a daily basis. I find them to be very comfortable overall,” he said. “They have a variety of patterns and we haven’t received any feedback so far about with how they look and fit.
“I think a lot of students have opted to buy a custom mask with a design on it; it’s fun to see sports logos and designs.”
Since MHCBE bought a large supply of sanitizer before school started, it is not using what the government provided for much.
“Prior to knowing the government was supplying sanitizer, we purchased sanitizer dispensers,” he said. “They’re mounted outside of each classroom. All of those have been set up at schools and students are using those.
“However, if circumstances come up, we will use the government sanitizer.
For example, when students get on our buses, they are able to use that sanitizer. Having a portable supply is handy.”
The Prairie Rose School Division got its shipment of goods a bit too late to send masks and sanitizer to schools. Thanks to donations from county partners, schools were able to open on time.
Superintendent Roger Clarke says the rural division is thankful for the supplies.
“We got our supplies on Saturday before school started, but we have such a big area to cover geographically,” he said. “Thanks to our partners, we were able to start on Monday and have schools stocked for Tuesday.
“It was a stress point but everything worked out.”
Clarke says the masks and sanitizer get a pass from PRSD.
“The sanitizer is quite strong, it’s 80 per cent ethanol,” he said. “It’s got a strong smell to it but it is usable for sure. We’re going to use the product we purchased, which is a little lighter, but we’re thankful for the supply.
“The masks are really good. We have face shields as well. The masks came in different sizes and designs which was nice.”
