Open schools… and unhappy people

There have been mixed reactions on social media. The release of the Chemin-du-Roy school service center prompted more than 400 comments, prompting the organization to call for respect.

“We remember that this is a place of exchange that needs to be respectful. We are respectful when we interact with people, so we want the same respect. And we know that there are always opinions when it comes to the decision to open or close. It is never unanimous,” said CSS du Chemin-du. – Roy spokeswoman Anne-Marie Bellerose says.

The latter is a reminder that at all times, the safety of students and staff was at the heart of the decision. This decision is considered and analyzed according to several criteria; Amount and type of precipitation, wind, road conditions, temperature, power outages…

“This is far from a decision taken lightly. We are very concerned about everyone's safety,” he insists.

Contrary to some assumptions made on social networks, strike days are not a criterion, Ms. Bellerose notes.

“The safety of our students weighs in the balance, not on strike days,” he assured.

According to a CSSS spokesperson, the decision was taken early in the morning. The system consults detailed weather reports, the carrier, other service centers, the Ministry of Transport and dispatches teams to the field.

“Yes, we think about buses, but we also think about walkers. We analyze the whole area. We know that there are more environments in rural areas. All these are taken into account. It's a carefully considered decision, but it's never an easy one,” notes the spokesperson.

As for the rain of comments, positive or negative, we said that we were surprised by their number, although we know that the result always provokes reactions.

“We understand the parents. We have responsibility for their children, but as we told them on our page. Ultimately, the responsibility lies with the parents. If they know that our decision is not acceptable, they are responsible for sending their child or not. We respect that and ask them to call to explain their child's absence. ,” notes Ms. Bellarose.

Apart from a few delays, no incidents were reported by CSS Chemin-du-Roy. The absentee rate was less than 20% in all schools.

“Most of our students are in class today,” he confirmed.

On the Énergie School Service Center side, schools, daycare services, adult education centers and vocational training centers are closed due to the weather. Sainte-Marie Seminary in Shawinigan is also closed for the day.

UQTR is back to grief

The University of Quebec in Trois-Rivières announced Tuesday evening that the winter commencement scheduled for Wednesday will be canceled at all of its campuses and university centers. Apart from the training which cannot be delivered remotely, the scheduled courses are delivered in virtual mode.

Some services will still be maintained at the Trois-Rivières campus, such as the Registrar, Student Services (SAE), University Clinics, the Roy-Dénom Library and the Center for Physical and Sports Activities (CAPS). It is possible to consult that Company website For more details.

For college students, the storm won't affect classes because the winter session doesn't begin until January.

More details to come.