Princess Elizabeth Public School closing to in-person learning, again

As of Tuesday, Princess Elizabeth Public School in London, Ont. was closed to in-person learning.

According to a release from the board, students are transitioning from in-person to remote learning until Jan. 31.

“Administration has determined that operational concerns related to staffing issues are requiring this shift to remote learning,” reads the release.

Princess Elizabeth Principal Colin Milligan says it was tough to break the news to parents.

“I had a chance to talk to parents last night and again this morning here at the school, and there's no doubt it's a challenge for them. And, you know, we feel terrible that we're kind of in this situation.”

Donata Ashton is a parent of a student at Princess Elizabeth

“Frustrating all around, and it's the children's mental health as well. Unfortunately, you know, my son wanted to go back to school for once because he misses his friends.”

The board says classroom teachers will contact families to coordinate synchronous and asynchronous learning opportunities.

Princess Elizabeth Public School also closed to in-person learning in December citing "an increased number of COVID-19 cases being reported."

President of the Thames Valley Local - Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario, Craig Smith, says these staff shortages are happening at several other schools

“We would suspect there is at least three or four schools that are in a similar situation to where Princess Elizabeth is at this point. We'll see what happens in the next day or so if it leads to a similar kind of situation.”

Milligan hopes school resumes on Monday and stays open the remainder of the year.

“Well, I hope it's the last time. I think for the sake of our students, we'd really like to have them here in school. I think many of our parents and our staff want to have the students here.“

— With files from CTV News London's Kristylee Varley