The Safe Schools Plan was updated on Wednesday by the Holy Family Roman Catholic Separate School Division for the school year, and was updated again on Thursday once the provincial government reinstated the rules regarding mask-wearing in all indoor spaces.
“Lots and lots of work has gone into this plan,” said education director Gwen Keith, adding, “COVID cases are escalating.”
According to Holy Family’s plan, mandatory masking applies to all staff, students and visitors. Staff and students can remove masks while outside, or while seated to eat or drink.
During sports, masks may be removed while on the playing field, but must be worn while on the sidelines or in the stands.
Keith noted they are working closely with the local medical health officer, “and they are strongly supporting us” as they put the plan together.
Those who attend school who are identified as a close contact must wear a mask at all times indoors and outdoors, except when seated to eat or drink.
Self-screening is in place for staff and all students, staff and families who are ill are advised to stay at home. Site safe school signage is in place at all schools, and PPE is available at all sites.
On school buses, masks must be worn at all times, with assigned seating and attendance procedures in place.
All staff must comply with the Occupational Health and Safety rules, and are to refresh hand-washing practices with students, and hand sanitization stations are in place.
All regular activities for sports, fitness, dance, drama, band, choral, field trips and extra-curricular remain available, all following the mask guidelines.
Holy Family is asking that all staff and students who are eligible to be vaccinated, and to access COVID testing when needed.
“Holy Family has had the experience of pivoting to other levels of instruction if necessary, and it is hoped that we can remain with ‘in-school’ instruction,” said Keith.
Mental health and well-being is also a big part of Holy Family’s plan for the year, and Keith noted she is on the provincial committee on well-being for schools in Saskatchewan. Each school has developed a plan to address this need with the support of the division office.
The plan will continue to be adjusted as needed, depending on how COVID continues to unfold, or any change in rules from provincial public health officials.
