March 11, 2022
Dear SD46 Learning Community,
The Provincial COVID-19 Communicable Disease Guidelines for K-12 Settings have been updated to reflect changes to Provincial Health Officer orders announced Thursday, March 10, 2022, and updated public health guidance from BCCDC.
Updated information is also available on the COVID-19 safe schools web page.
These changes come into effect the first day of SD46’s Spring Break: Saturday, March 12th, 2022. The following outlines the key changes:
Personal Protective Equipment
The decision to wear a mask or face covering is a personal choice. A person’s choice is to be supported and respected.
Visitor Access/ Community Use
Schools can return to routine sign-in/sign-out practices. Schools do not need to keep a list of the date, names and contact information of visitors for communicable disease prevention purposes.
School Gatherings and Events
For events with visitors (e.g., parent/caregiver spectators):
• Should not exceed 50% capacity and proof of vaccination should not be implemented while the PHO Gatherings and Events Order is in place.
• Can return to 100% capacity when the PHO Gatherings and Events Order is lifted (expected end of day April 7, 2022).
Schools should make every effort to avoid venue/locations that place additional requirements that could prevent a person from being able to participate.
Space Arrangement
Schools can return to classroom and learning environment configurations and activities that best meet learner needs and preferred educational approaches, though should still consider strategies to create space between people.
Field Trips
Schools should make every effort to avoid venue/locations that place additional requirements that could prevent a person from being able to participate. If the trip cannot occur otherwise, schools can require participants to confirm they are able to meet additional requirements (e.g., are able to provide proof of vaccination).
Everyone in schools continues to be encouraged to do a daily health check, stay home when sick, and practice hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette.
This update marks a step forward in the transition towards sustainable communicable disease management, with another update to the guidelines expected mid-April to more fully align with the updated public health guidance. This two-step transition allows schools, staff, students and families time to prepare for the planned easing of measures.
We know that people will have mixed feelings about the new guidelines and we will continue to walk with care and compassion towards these new sustainable practices so that all of our community feel supported as we move through this transition.
Please connect with your school principal if you have further questions. Thank you once again for your collective efforts as we continue to journey together.
Have a wonderful spring break.
Warmly,
Kate Kerr
Superintendent of Schools
School District 46 – Sunshine Coast