The elimination of recess in Regina community schools was in the news recently, following a complaint from a parent. Catholic and public board spokespeople defended the change, pointed to a vote by the school community. Not mentioned was the result of the vote; according to another parent who has raised concerns, neither teachers nor parents supported the change in the majority, with 35.6 per cent of teachers and just 13.2 per cent of parents voting in favour.

One of the major issues being raised is whether or not students in community schools have the same right to free play during the day as other students in the system. Board representatives say the change will reduce unnecessary disruptions to learning and gives teachers greater autonomy over their schedules. They also argue that recess has not technically been eliminated, but ‘moved’ to the beginning and end of the school day.

Leader-Post article 

Related story and research links: What’s happening to recess?