Photo: Shaun Penner

By Shane Clausing

catholic school division back to school plan

GPCSD announces back to school plan

Aug 24, 2021 | 5:12 PM

The GPCSD (Grande Prairie and District Catholic School Division) has announced their back to school plans for the 2021-22 school year. While some things will look similar to last school year because of COVID-19, there are some noticeable differences in this year’s plan.

Masking

In a newsletter sent to staff, parents, and media it states, that students and staff will be recommended to wear a mask or face covering when distancing is difficult, however, it will not be mandatory.

While there will not be a mandatory masking rule in place, the school division says it will continue to provide hand sanitizer stations and actively promote handwashing for all members of the school.

Schools will also be encouraged to keep windows open and provide outside learning activities whenever possible.

Masking will remain mandatory for all students riding on school buses as in accordance with guidelines set out by the Alberta government.

Cohorting and physical distancing

Despite masking not being made mandatory, the GPCSD says it will continue to use the practice of cohorting, just like they did in June. It says the schools will also strive to respect physical distancing in hallways and common areas.

Daily health checks

The GPCSD is asking students and staff to continue to use the Alberta Daily Health Checklist to assess their health status. Schools will also have plans in place if a student or staff member displays symptoms or becomes sick while at school.

This can include an individual being asked to wear a mask or parents being notified to pick up the student immediately.

COVID tracking and notifications

The school division says they will honour the health privacy of individuals and will not be notifying families of confirmed COVID-19 cases at their schools. It says they will follow the direction of the province. If a student or staff member tests positive for COVID-19, they must isolate for a minimum of 10 days.

If a student tests negative for COVID-19, they will be asked to stay home until symptoms have resolved.

If a student or staff member decides not to get tested for COVID-19, they’ll be asked to stay home until all symptoms have resolved.

Food Services

Students must wash their hands before and after eating – individuals should not share food. If a school is using a common lunchroom, all surfaces of the tables and chairs must be cleaned and disinfected.

Vaccines

Alberta Health Services says it is hoping to make vaccines available in schools starting the week of September 7. Only students born in 2009 or earlier will be eligible to receive a shot. Vaccines will be given only with parental consent.