The Briercrest College in Caronport went through an entire eight-month school year of in-person classes with no COVID-19 transmissions or outbreaks.

Just one case in September and January were reported as students returned from summer and winter breaks.

College Dean Dr. Don Taylor says almost 500 students between the college and high school were able to take part in the classes.

“We were following all of our protocols and the guidelines from the province, and of course as they shifted,” Dr. Taylor said. “We had a very cooperative student body that really helped out in following guidelines, and we also our staff and faculty very much personally sacrifice to make sure they were following the guidelines extra close and even beyond them.”

Dr. Taylor says they’re already looking forward to next year already, but know there could still be restrictions in place.

“We’re encouraging vaccines of course with our student body, and we’re hoping to go back a little bit closer to normal,” Dr. Taylor said. “We know there’s probably still going to be some guidelines to follow come September, but we’ve done this for a whole year, we’ve learned how to use technology to its best advantage.”

About 90 percent of classes were done face-to-face according to Dr. Taylor.

Some international students were also able to come to Briercrest this year despite travel restrictions.