Safety meets style

​Winnipeg School Division students sport their personalized masks outside Faraday School on Sept. 1. The students standing or sitting next to each other are either in the same family or social bubble, so physical distancing wasn't necessary. 

When it comes to masks, Winnipeg School Division students are putting the fun in functional.

Non-medical face masks will be mandatory in Manitoba schools for students in Grades 4 to 12, teachers, school staff and visitors when physical distancing isn't possible. All students are required to wear masks on school buses, as are drivers.

While wearing a face covering for long periods can be a challenge, some WSD students are using the mask mandate as a means to express their individuality and their creativity.

Abigail Neale, who is entering Grade 7 at Isaac Newton School, is helping her mom make face masks with the family's new sewing machine. She currently has five masks made, with five more in progress.

"My mom thinks we should have two for everyday at school," Neale said.

One of Neale masks features a chic bicycle print that evokes feelings of France.

"I picked the bicycle pattern because I like the colours and my mom bought a pack of fabric designs that went with it. This was in the Paris pack, because I like Paris personally," Neale said.

Neale's mask ties at the back of her head because she found the version with ear loops less comfortable. The ties are made from shoelaces, which was her mom's idea.

"It shows off some creativity," Neal said.

Evalyn Ward, a Grade 5 at Faraday School, also wears a homemade mask. Her mask features a floral print that she chose because "it's a nice pattern and it's pretty." In addition to aesthetics, Ward understands the importance of wearing a face mask.

"It's so you don't catch corona and spread it to other people and put other people in danger," Ward said.

Faraday principal Jennifer Cox thinks it's great that students are putting their own spin on safety.

"I think over time it will become a fashion statement," Cox said. "Kids are able to personalize their mask and make it for them. I think that's a huge piece of them becoming comfortable with wearing one and really fully understanding the importance of doing their part."