COVID-19: Update on Measures
September 7, 2021
Dear Parents/ Guardians:
On August 16, 2021 Wolf Creek Public Schools communicated to you its 2021/22 School Year: Guide for Parents that outlined health measures in schools, based on the guidance from the Alberta Government and Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health. We assured you we would continue to update you on any changes to those health measures, directed by the Alberta Government or enacted on a local level.
On September 3, 2021, CMOH Dr. Hinshaw and the Alberta Government announced further temporary measures aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19. Based on that announcement, on September 7, 2021, Wolf Creek Public Schools’ Board of Trustees moved that masking is not mandated for students and staff in classrooms, and that masking is not mandated for students and staff, but strongly encouraged for all students and staff in school common areas, or where social distancing is not possible.
The following provincial health measures took effect across Alberta on September 4, 2021 at 8 a.m. Also indicated below is what the provincial requirements mean for Wolf Creek Public Schools.
Provincial Masking Requirements
- Masks are mandatory in all indoor public spaces and workplaces.
- Employees must mask in all indoor work settings, except in workstations.
- Schools are not required to implement masking, but school boards will continue to set COVID-19 management policies as they deem appropriate.
- Medical mask exceptions letter, from an authorized health professional will be required for those seeking a medical exemption as per Government of Alberta guidelines.
- Masks are mandated on all school buses for all students and staff.
What this means for Wolf Creek Public Schools
- Masking is not mandated for students and staff in classrooms.
- Masking is not mandated for students and staff, but strongly encouraged for all students and staff in school common areas, or where social distancing is not possible.
- Masks continue to be mandatory for all K-12 bus students and staff.
- As this is a health order from the Alberta Government, in the specific settings where a mask is required, anyone unable to wear a mask due to an approved medical condition will require a medical exception letter from an authorized health professional. See the Alberta Government's requirements around mask exemptions at: https://www.alberta.ca/masks.aspx
- Masks will be mandatory at Division Office and Maintenance Office, except when staff are in workstations, as they are not included within the “school” exemption.
- Masks will be mandatory for visitors, including parents, who enter Wolf Creek schools, division office and the maintenance office, as they are entering an indoor public space and are not included within the provincial “school” exemption.
- Community use of schools continues to be determined and administered by the Principal of our schools, with mask use required (as outlined by provincial requirements for masking in public spaces).
- Online learning is available for immunocompromised or medically compromised students or families.
- Increased measures, including mandatory masking are subject to change.
Provincial Social Gatherings Restrictions
- Albertans are encouraged to limit in-person contacts.
- Unvaccinated Albertans are strongly recommended to limit indoor social gatherings to close contacts of only two cohort families up to a maximum of 10 people.
What this means for Wolf Creek Public Schools
- All indoor gatherings (assemblies, graduations, etc) will be paused until further notice.
- Extra curricular and sports activities can continue, taking precautions as much as possible. No spectators will be permitted at indoor sports events and practices.
- Meetings should occur virtually where possible.
Provincial Isolation and Quarantine Requirements
Alberta Government isolation and quarantine requirements state that:
- Isolation is still legally required for people who have COVID-19 symptoms or have tested positive.
- Quarantine is no longer legally required for close contacts of positive COVID-19 cases, unless directed to do so by local public health officials.
What this means for Wolf Creek Public Schools
Individuals (parents, students, and staff) shall continue with daily self screening, and remain home when sick (when they have COVID-19 symptoms) or test positive for COVID-19.
Students and staff MUST STAY HOME when sick or have COVID-19 symptoms or other symptoms of respiratory illness based on Government of Alberta isolation and quarantine requirements.
Students and staff who develop symptoms at school will be isolated. Parents will be contacted and the symptomatic student will be sent home. Symptomatic staff will be directed to head home.
Additional measures
Schools will continue to encourage good hand hygiene (e.g. washing hands and sanitizing) and good respiratory etiquette (e.g. covering coughs and sneezes).
Should schools see an increase in absence due to illness, Wolf Creek will work with local public health officials and implement additional measures such as mandatory masking and other health requirements as determined by public health.
We understand that this is a sensitive issue and time for all our communities, as we work together to make it a safe and successful school year. We truly appreciate all the feedback that the Board received from families and school communities, and thank you for your continued support for our schools, students, teachers and school staff.
Sincerely,
Tim De Ruyck
Superintendent