WEYBURN -- Safe School Plans were recently released by both the Southeast Cornerstone Public School Division and the Holy Family Roman Catholic Separate School Division. Holy Family says the key objective of its safe school plan is to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission in the school division with attention to the Ministry Safe School Plan, Saskatchewan Health Authority-MHO best practice and board direction.
Students, staff and families who are ill should stay home – self screening is in place for staff, safe school signage exists at all locations, and personal protective equipment is available at all sites.
Beginning Aug. 24 and until further notice, school visitors to southeast schools must wear masks and report to the school office.
All staff and students Grade 7 and over, vaccinated or not, are required to wear masks indoors when in common areas and in any mixed groups. Masks may be removed once inside their classrooms if safety protocols can be maintained.
All staff and students in Grade 6 and under will be required to wear masks indoors at all times in common areas and when their group is mixing with others. Masks may be removed once inside their classrooms if safety protocols can be maintained.
All staff and students in Grades 7 and up who are not fully vaccinated are strongly encouraged to wear masks while at school. This is critical when associating with vulnerable staff and students below the age of 12. Masking expectations may change in the future depending on several variables.
“We have the support of our local medical heath officers on this matter and status will be monitored. Our key priority remains putting into practice conditions that help reduce the spread of this pandemic,” Holy Family stated in a news release.
Student transportation safety precautions will align with local medical officer, assigned seating and attendance procedures. Cleaning and disinfecting protocols are in place.
Masking is required for all staff and all students on buses.
All staff will demonstrate Occupational Health and Safety compliance and refresh hand washing practices with students. Proper wash and drinking facilities are operational, hand sanitization stations remain.
School staff will create a plan to address school safety that will include safe student and staff movement, grade groupings, seating plans, recess procedures and safe meal groupings.
Student isolation rooms remain available on all school sites and staff have been trained to address the needs in this area.
At this time, regular activities are resumed for sports, fitness, dance, drama, band, choral, field trips and extracurricular activities, all following safety protocols. “Mental health and well being of students and staff is of high importance and each school will have a plan to address this area with the support of division office.”
Vulnerable staff and students relative to COVID will be cared for on an individual basis.
Holy Family says it will work closely with local medical officers to address emerging needs.
“It is strongly recommended that all parties become vaccinated when they are able. Students, staff and families are encouraged to access testing when needed.”
