Portage Collegiate Institute is welcoming back students this week in Portage la Prairie. This year, there isn't much of a change for students except classes will all be in-person at the school.

Dennis Giesbrecht teaches the carpentry program and has some issues about restrictions for teachers.

"I think there are too many rules in my carpentry shop to wear a mask -- medical mask -- full-time in the dust, and everything else, is very detrimental to your health," says Giesbrecht. "That's the way it has to be, and it's not the division. I'm not blaming division -- that's strictly provincial government -- which is mandating these things."

He notes the students don't have to wear medical masks, and he feels they'll comply with their restrictions well enough.

"They can wear whatever they want," adds Giesbrecht. "As long teachers have to wear the medical masks, which are twice as thick as the one that you're wearing, and even the one I'm wearing right now, it's just way harder to breathe, and it's very restrictive of your oxygen level in your body, right?"

Giesbrecht notes there's no appealing to the government about that point.

"I personally think it's a workplace safety thing, and I do know that that was raised in our staff meeting yesterday (Tuesday) and that they're checking with that, but until they get back to you, there's nothing you can do, right?" continues Giesbrecht. "The government will work slowly sometimes. I'm okay with the students coming back. I think the students need to be in school. Online learning isn't very good."

Shaye Roulette is in grade 12 and says students have been dealing with this for almost two years, noting it's not a new thing to face the year with restrictions.

"It's definitely weird seeing all these new kids," says Roulette. "With the new vaccine, I think, we'll be okay this year. Obviously, still wearing masks bugs me because it's a mask. I don't like not being able to breathe correctly, but I think we'll be okay."

She notes last year started with some out of class learning.

"Especially at Christmas break, we had online learning which was really weird. It was complicated. I hope this doesn't happen this year. In-class learning is easier just because there's teachers there to help you when online classes, they have to focus on every student. And you can't really get that individual help. So, in-school is really good."

Kenna Parker is also a grade 9 student and feels it's all quite similar to last year, and she says she doesn't have any real health concerns.

"I'm kind of excited for this new year," says Parker. "Hope it will be a good one. Not too many COVID changes, but yeah."

Deacon O'Ray is in grade 9 and notes he's not really concerned about personal restrictions with COVID-19.

"I'm more easygoing than a lot of other kids, I think," says O-Ray. "I'm pretty sure we wear masks all the time until who knows when. I don't mind it at all. I'm excited for the sports. And I'm excited to be back."