School divisions allowing practices, SPERD allowing league games

Many Lakeland area schools have the pause on athletic competitions with the current COVID situation in the province. 

Northern Lights Public Schools and Lakeland Catholic School District are allowing their schools to continue practices, but have shut down games and competitions.

However this is not the case for all schools in the Lakeland. St. Paul Education has allowed practices to continue, as well as league games for sports like basketball, but no tournaments will take place. 

“Following consultations with other local school jurisdictions and as per the recommendations made in the most recent document provided by Alberta Education, Lakeland Catholic has paused inter-school sports at this time,” an update posted to the Lakeland Catholic website said on Jan. 19. “This means no competitions or games between schools are taking place.”

Glen Brodziak, superintendent of St. Paul Education, said they feel it’s important to keep athletics going for both student’s physical and mental health.

“Student health and safety has been our priority throughout the pandemic. As the mental health of our students contributes to their overall well-being, we are allowing opportunities for our students to remain active,” said Brodziak in an email, adding that no spectators are allowed in their schools for those contests. 

“AHS and Government currently allow activities like minor hockey to continue so we are aligning with their decisions at this point. We are monitoring both student and staff absences and we will evaluate again before the end of January.”