Mask protocols to be in place for Living Sky, Light of Christ school divisions for back to school plans

“After consultation with local health officials, both school divisions will commence the school year requiring students and staff in elementary schools to wear masks while indoors,” the statement read. “In addition, everyone in K-12 schools will be required to wear masks in common areas. Masks are required for everyone riding school buses and for all visitors to schools. Extracurricular clubs, sports, and activities will resume within the parameters of each school division’s Safe Schools Plan. Masks will not be required for outdoor activities.”

The divisions will review the details of their plans on an ongoing basis.

As well, revisions to the plans may be made considering advice from local health officials and data related to transmission risk, COVID-19 case rates, vaccine rates, and local epidemiological evidence.

“Staff is looking forward to welcoming back students, and all schools will resume in-person learning,” the divisions stated. “Schools are prepared for learning contingencies should a hybrid or remote learning approach be required.”

As well, the school divisions said the Saskatchewan Health Authority will continue to conduct COVID-19 case investigations, and keep parents and schools informed.

The school divisions remind students and families to continue to be diligent by performing daily health screenings, stay home if they are ill, call the HealthLine at 811 if they have any COVID-19 symptoms, practise proper hand hygiene, maintain physical distancing from each other as much as possible, wear a mask whenever appropriate, and do “everything we can to keep each other safe.”

Both school divisions say they want to “create a mask-friendly environment” in all their schools and buildings.

Light of Christ’s Safe Schools Plan 2021-2022 available here says the province lifted COVID-19 restrictions July 11, 2021, including the province-wide mandatory masking order. However, since COVID-19 continues to spread and the variants are more transmissible than the original virus, the school division will continue to have guidelines in place to reduce the risk of COVID-19, including provisions for mask wearing.

The division said parents are asked to ensure their child has an adequate supply of reusable or disposable masks. A limited supply of disposable masks will be available at every school and school division facility.

The Living Sky School Division Return to School Safe Schools Plan can be accessed here. Similar to Light of Christ School Division, Living Sky said in the document it continues to have the support and engagement of local Medical Health Officers responding to any public health risks in school settings, including COVID-19.

Living Sky indicates a supply of disposable masks will be available at every school and at its Central Services office.

The division stated in its plan there will be no prescribed school-day structure required for the start of school. Several schools decided to start the year with a staggered start. These schools will be advising families about the start times.

In the event the COVID-19 situation changes and further protocols are advised, both school divisions indicated they would also be able to implement a contingency plan as the need arises.

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Angela.Brown@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow

by battlefordsNOW Staff

Mask protocols to be in place for Living Sky, Light of Christ school divisions for back to school plans

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