June 22, 2020

Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s),

On Thursday, June 18th, 2020, under the direction of Saskatchewan’s Chief Medical Health Officer, and with the help of the Education Response Planning Team (RPT), the Ministry of Education released the Primary and Secondary Educational Institution Guidelines for the return to classroom learning this fall.

It will be important for all students, staff and families to align with the Primary and Secondary Educational Institutional Guidelines as well as the Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan guidelines as provided by the Government of Saskatchewan (found on Saskatchewan.ca/COVID-19 website).  Please be assured that the Chief Medical Health Officer, the Ministry of Education, the Response Planning Team, and school division staff are working diligently to return to school this fall in a safe yet comfortable environment for both students and school staff.

Safety and well-being are paramount as we continue to navigate the evolving and changing impacts on education due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The three elements for consideration as we plan for the return to school this fall include supporting learning strategies, promoting health and wellness, and ensuring engagement with students, parents and staff.

The health and safety of our students, staff and families, while providing quality Catholic education, is our top priority. While a return to in-class learning is the goal for this upcoming fall, our school division will be working, under the support of the RPT and Chief Medical Officer, to ensure contingency plans are in place in the event of elevated risk.

We invite you to be informed of the developments by familiarizing yourself with the guidelines noted above and by reading the attached information. An online survey on our PACSD.CA website or at this link:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3LM68WN) has been developed for all parents and students to share your questions or concerns. Your input is valued and will be used to develop a more comprehensive plan. We are working on the planning process now. Stay safe and God bless.

L. Trumier
Director of Education

HIGHLIGHTS FOR RETURNING TO SCHOOL FALL 2020

Learning Strategy Highlights

  • Education process for fall will not be optional Supplemental Learning Program.
  • Teachers will teach the Saskatchewan curriculum.
  • Textbooks and other learning materials will be provided to students as per each year.
  • The EDSBY portal will be launched. The mobile friendly free app will be our primary communication tool to students and families for important information.
  • EDSBY will also be the learning management portal/platform in our school division for all teachers to use to communicate lessons, goals and assignments along with associated class information on a daily basis.
  • A school supply list and calendars will be mailed out end of June.
  • First day for students is September 1, 2020.

Health and Wellness Highlights

  • Physical distancing and other health precautions will be followed at the direction of the Chief Medical Health Officer.
  • The current precautions are outlined in the Primary and Secondary Educational Institutional Guidelines and Re-Open Saskatchewan. The guidelines are subject to change.
  • Students should have their own sanitizer. Sanitizer will be provided in general use areas.
  • Parents and caregivers are to monitor their children for any signs or symptoms of illness. If any symptoms are apparent, we ask that both students and school staff remain home.
  • Parents/Guardians will be required to plan to pick up their children if any of the above symptoms present themselves while at school.
  • Additional handwashing and other routines will be provided to students (doors to enter, hallway procedures, recess procedures, etc.)
  • Masks and eyewear are not required for students but will be permitted. Staff will be provided optional non-medical shields/masks. Protocols will be provided to staff if and when necessary to wear.
  • Children and staff will not be permitted to share food.
  • Fountains will not be used. Water bottles are required for all staff and students.
  • Schools will increase sanitation measures and continue to promote proper hygiene practices.
  • All staff (teachers, secretaries, caretakers, educational assistants, etc.) will be provided training on associated COVID-19 protocols as it pertains to employee roles.

Engagement of Students, Parents and Staff Highlights

  • All parents, guardians, students and staff who are confirmed to be COVID-19 positive and/or are under mandatory self-isolation must not enter the school. Students and staff can return when cleared by public health.
  • Parents will need to provide an email to access EDSBY portal. EDSBY will be used as a platform to communicate programming should a student be absent from school.
  • Hugs, handshakes, and other close greetings should be avoided.
  • Where possible, school division staff will use telephone or video conferencing to meet with parents. Calls to school office or email will be required to set up conference or to have staff return calls.
  • Plans for extra-curricular activities and other gatherings will be developed in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer once capacity limits for fall are known.
  • Precautionary measures to reduce the risk and spread of COVID-19 will include training and standards for cleaning, sanitation, along with other measures for general operations, and facilities.
  • For younger children, maintaining physical distancing is less practical and a focus on hygiene practices and minimizing physical contact will be required.
  • Student and staff health and well-being continue to be paramount. Consideration will be made for staff and students who have compromised immune systems, or other medical accommodations.
  • School bus transportation is optional as it is at the request of parents/guardians to have their children use school bus transportation within the school attendance area. Please note -First Student is committed to daily sanitization of busses and is providing training to their drivers on operational protocols. Students will be assigned seating with their siblings/or same household family members as much as possible.
  • Families are not responsible for providing curriculum learning opportunities, but are invited to support the learning opportunities provided by teachers. Partnership between the school and home will be important for student success.