Protocol changes and post-Spring Break measures

Before we left for Spring Break, the Provincial Health Officer (PHO) announced changes to the health orders and recommendations we continue to follow in our schools and community. As we prepare for the return next week, this is the perfect opportunity to highlight the immediate and upcoming changes, and provide some reminders about what measures will stay in place.

Here are the key changes that are now in effect:

• Mask and PPE use is now a personal choice for all staff, students and visitors. We respect each person or family’s individual choice to determine what’s right for their needs. We will also continue to supply disposable masks at each school for those who would like to continue to be provided that option, should they forget or need one.
• Some teachers may start to shift learning configurations around a bit more freely, to support different teaching options and lessons – while still being asked to consider strategies that support keeping some space between people, where appropriate.
• Visitor sign-in and sign-out practices will return to more simplified forms and processes.

As we look to upcoming changes: when the PHO lifts the orders on gatherings and events (expected to happen at the end of day, April 7th), we will be able to return to 100% capacity options for school events or activities that include parents or spectators. That means, after two years of heavily modified alternatives, we’re in the exciting position to start to plan for more typical graduation celebrations, as we look to honour and celebrate our hard-working students.

In terms of what protocols, practices and measures will continue:

• It is the parent or caregiver’s responsibility to ensure that a Daily Health Check is completed for each student before they attend school that day.
• If a student is experiencing new or worsening possible symptoms of COVID-19, follow the BC CDC guidance on when to test, or on how to use one of the free Rapid Antigen Tests that were provided by the Provincial government.
• Respect personal space and consider where maintaining physical distance may still be appropriate.
• Continue to follow the standing guidance on respiratory and hand hygiene – as that pertains to not sharing food or drink, continued hand washing, sanitizing items like mouth pieces on musical instruments, etc.
• Stay home when sick.

The return to school on Monday will be the start of another adjustment period for all of us. It’s important to be mindful that everyone will have a different level of comfort with these changes, as we work to support the transition back to more typical learning environments.

Thank you for all you have done and all you continue to do to keep our schools as safe as possible.

Sincerely,
Karim Hachlaf
Superintendent of Schools / CEO

 

PDF: Superintendent letter outlining recent changes to COVID related protocols