COVID Update For Families - March 11

COVID Update For Families - March 11
Posted on 03/11/2022

March 11, 2022


Dear Families:

The Ministry of Education and the Chief Medical Officer of Health recently announced that many of the existing COVID-19 restrictions in schools will be lifted beginning on March 21st. This will be a welcome return to many of the pre-pandemic practices and activities that we all enjoyed. It is important to recognize that we are still in a period of transition. While we are optimistic and excited about returning to a more typical school experience, we must all still do our part and follow the guidelines that remain in place.  

I would like to take this opportunity to provide you with an overview of how we are moving forward after the March break.

Masking

In most cases, mask wearing will be voluntary for students and staff in school and buses. Please note: mask requirements are still in place for specific circumstances, which are outlined in the daily COVID-19 self-screening. Our schools are “mask friendly” places and masks will be provided to students who wish to wear them. 

Social Distancing and Gatherings

Cohorting and distancing will no longer be required in schools. This means:
  • No assigned seats on buses

  • Students can play and learn together across grades and classes, both indoors and outdoors and during lunch and recess 

  • Shared spaces, such as cafeterias, libraries, tech labs, theatres and music rooms can be fully used 

  • Assemblies and Masses can resume

  • Concerts and plays can resume and families will be permitted into the school to watch

  • Schools can plan and host in-person events such as proms and graduation ceremonies 

Extracurricular Activities and Field Trips

  • Athletic activities will continue at the secondary level and ramp up at the elementary level. 

  • Other extracurricular activities such as drama and musical presentations will proceed

  • Spectators will be permitted into schools to watch games, concerts or plays that occur after the normal school day.

  • Field trips and other offsite activities and excursions can resume. We will not be permitting overnight trips this school year. 

Daily Screening Tool

We will no longer send a daily request to confirm completion of the daily COVID-19 self-screening. However, families should know that the isolation and self-monitoring criteria have changed in the provincial screening tool and are applicable in certain situations. The province is still asking families to self-screen their children on a daily basis and follow the guidelines provided. Please bookmark the provincial school self-screening tool for easy access, or you can find it on the home page of our board website at smcdsb.on.ca.  

The screening tool linked above will be key in helping families determine when their child would be required to self-isolate or self-monitor (wear a mask at school). Please complete the screening tool daily and carefully follow the instructions if your child has symptoms; is in contact with a symptomatic person; or has been in contact with someone who has COVID-19.

International Travel

According to the daily screening tool, students who travel internationally must wear a mask at school for 14 days upon their return. This means that any student travelling outside of Canada for the March break will be required to wear a mask at school for two weeks after their return. 

Measures that will Remain in Place

  • No visitors permitted in the school during the school day 

  • Enhanced cleaning and disinfecting of high touch surfaces

  • Hand hygiene and the provision of hand sanitizer 

  • Masks supplied for students who require them

  • Rapid Antigen Tests provided for students who are symptomatic at school

  • Completing the daily self-screening, and staying home from school when you are sick

Returning to a more typical school year is something we have been praying for. Now that we are moving more firmly in that direction, we must show more compassion and care than ever. Some students and staff will proceed cautiously, choosing to continue with measures such as mask wearing and social distancing. Others will feel much more comfortable with these guidelines being lifted. As a Catholic community, I know we will continue to be empathetic and respectful as we move into this latest and hopefully final chapter of this pandemic journey. 

Yours in Faith,

Frances Bagley

Director of Education