Department of Education and School Districts Provide Update on Return to K-12 School Plans for September 2021

  • Education

August 12, 2021

Today the Department of Education, the Newfoundland and Labrador English School District and the Conseil scolaire francophone provincial de Terre-Neuve et Labrador are announcing plans for K-12 school operations starting in September 2021.

In light of the current status of COVID-19 in Newfoundland and Labrador, and in line with the province’s “Together. Again,” reopening plan, Public Health have provided recommendations for the upcoming school year based on community transmission risk.

The new approach will feature different measures for communities with low-risk of COVID-19 transmission and those with high-risk of transmission, as determined by Public Health.

If current epidemiology is still in place on September 8, all K-12 schools will start the school year in the low-risk designation. If this is the case, parents of Kindergarten students will be able to attend the first day of school with their children.

Vaccination remains the most effective way to reduce the risks of COVID-19, and is highly recommended for all eligible staff, students and visitors to schools.

In the 2021-22 school year, the following public health measures will be in effect. Unless otherwise stated, measures apply to all grades:

In-person education (cohorts and distancing)

  • Low-Risk: Cohorts and physical distancing of two metres are not required, but schools will continue to take measures to prevent crowding in indoor common spaces like hallways.
  • High-Risk: Cohort and physical distancing measures will likely be implemented. Depending on physical space and school population size, this could require a temporary shift to blended or online learning.

Mask use

  • Low-Risk: Masking is still acceptable and encouraged for those who wish to continue, but is not required.
  • High-Risk: Use of non-medical masks may resume, and will align with public health recommendations.

Busing

  • Low-Risk: Return to normal capacity for all students. Masking not required.
  • High-Risk: Reduced occupancy where possible and masking may resume.

Extracurricular activities

  • Low-Risk: Field trips, inter-school sports events, arts events and other special interest activities can resume.
  • High-Risk: Extracurricular activities and field trips are unlikely to occur, and will align with public health recommendations.

Gatherings and Events

  • Low-Risk: Gatherings and events, such as assemblies, can resume for students in grades 7 to 12, however virtual options should still be considered for K-6 students.
  • High-Risk: Virtual gatherings should be prioritized.

Community Use of Schools

  • Low-Risk: Use of schools by community groups will be permitted. All visitors must complete a health check and not enter if they are sick. Food services can return to regular operational and food safety practices.
  • High-Risk: Community use of schools unlikely to occur, will align with public health recommendations.

Cleaning and disinfection

  • Low-Risk: Routine cleaning practices will be recommended, with continued access to hand sanitizer dispensers.
  • High-Risk: Enhanced cleaning measures will be implemented, in line with 2020-21 measures.

Ventilation and Air Exchange

  • Low-Risk: Continued review and maintenance of HVAC systems to ensure they are in proper working order. Continued adherence to the Provincial Government’s Natural Ventilation Protocols.
  • High-Risk: Same measures as low risk. The Department of Education, Newfoundland and Labrador English School District and the Conseil scolaire francophone provincial de Terre-Neuve et Labrador are working on a plan to improve air quality in schools throughout the province. Further details will be announced in the near future.

Quotes
“The safe return of students, teachers and the wider school community is of tremendous importance. The collective efforts of Minister Osborne, officials in the Department of Education, Public Health, the school districts, and our partners in education, have informed this plan with the singular objective of creating a safe learning environment.  I thank them for their hard work and commitment to safely and effectively navigating the pandemic.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“As we look forward to a school year that is closer to normal, we must not take this opportunity for granted. The value of in-person education is clearer than ever, and we must all take the necessary steps to reduce risk of COVID-19 in our communities. Vaccines remain the most effective measure to reduce the risk of the virus, and I encourage everyone who is able to get vaccinated to do so.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Education, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador

“So many of our educators and support staff are excited to welcome students back into our buildings with near- normal conditions. There have been many challenges since 2020, but school staff have risen to each one of them, helping our province keep the prevalence of this virus low. District staff will continue to follow the sage advice of the Public Health team and work collaboratively with our province’s public education system partners in our student’s best interests.”
Tony Stack
CEO/Director of Education
Newfoundland and Labrador English School District

“The 2020-21 school year has been an extraordinary year, but together we were able to overcome obstacles in order to convey through and continue with learning for Francophone students in the province. Students, staff, parents / guardians and partners worked together to reduce the risk of the virus spreading and we were successful. Well done to all and I encourage you to continue to respect public health guidelines to ensure everyone’s safety. To all students and staff, I wish you a great start to a new school year! ”
Kim Christianson
CEO / Director of Education, Conseil scolaire francophone provincial

– 30 –

Le ministère de l’Éducation et les districts scolaires font le point sur les plans de retour à l’école pour septembre 2021

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Media contacts
Tina Coffey
Education
709-729-1906, 687-9903
tcoffey@gov.nl.ca

Cheryl Gullage
Newfoundland and Labrador English School District
709-758-0032
cherylgullage@nlesd.ca

Daniel Taïeb
Conseil scolaire francophone provincial de Terre Neuve et Labrador
1-888-794-6324 ou 1-709-722-6324

Backgrounder

Roles in the Safe Operations of Schools

Throughout the school year, Public Health, school administration and parents and students will all play a role in the safe operations of schools. Those roles include:

Group Role

 

Public Health ·         Will continue to monitor cases of COVID-19 and determine the risk status of schools, along with what actions (if any) are required to prevent or control the spread of the virus among school populations.

·         Will also provide guidance to school districts in the implementation of any required additional protocols at a regional or localized level.

School Districts/Administration ·         Will oversee the implementation of the measures listed above in consultation with public health.

·         Will continue to maintain accurate attendance records and class and bus lists to assist with contact tracing if required.

 

Parents and students ·         Vaccination remains the most effective way to reduce the risk of COVID-19 in schools and communities. Everyone who is eligible and able is encouraged to get two doses of COVID-19 vaccine.

·         Families should continue to complete a daily health check using the screening questionnaire for schools and to stay home when sick. In instances where students stay home, the online COVID-19 Assessment Tool should be used to determine if testing is required.

·         Hand hygiene should continue to be practiced in accordance with Public Health Guidance.

 

 

2021 08 12 9:19 am