The school year of 2021-2022 had many ups and downs.

Graduation ceremonies are set for this week at many schools across Southwestern Manitoba.

The Superintendent of the Turtle Mountain School Division Grant Weisner said the past school year offered up numerous challenges. He called it an interesting year. “From how things started in the fall to how they ended. We’ve had mask mandates and the removal of mandates. We’ve had a year with winter weather like no other year.”

Weisner was also happy to see a full return to sports with spectators allowed back in the gyms.

“Our school have had numerous staff changes and we have new administrators starting at three of our buildings. We’ve had to deal with Bill 64 at the start of the year and thankfully we aren’t dealing with that anymore.”

“Hats off to students and staff for having to respond and teach and learn in so many ways. Hats off for staying resilient and staying engaged. I also want to thank the parents and families for their support and navigating through the same challenges” said Weisner.

Looking ahead educators look forward to a more normal year for the 2022-2023 school year.

“We look forward to September with a lot of excitement. Focusing more on education and academics and less on public health orders.”