Today, the Ontario government announced that in-person learning will resume on Monday, January 17 for students in both elementary and secondary schools.
Below are reminders about daily self-screening and inclement weather protocols, as well as some updates from our local health units. Additional information may be sent later this week.
Screening Reminder
The COVID-19 screening tool has been updated to reflect the most current health and testing guidance and is required for all students and staff. All schools are now required to complete daily on-site confirmation of screening for all students and staff until further notice. Anyone who has symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 or is a confirmed positive case must self-isolate, regardless of vaccination status
Inclement Weather Reminder
Inclement weather (snow, fog, freezing rain) can have an effect on transportation and school operations in the LDCSB:
- Transportation: The decision to delay or cancel school transportation is made as early as possible (usually by 6 am) by Southwestern Ontario Student Transportation Services and is communicated through their website (mybigyellowbus.ca), social media outlets, the Bus Planner app and email.
- School Buildings: All LDCSB schools will normally remain open even if school transportation is delayed or cancelled. It is very rare for schools to close. If schools are to close, the decision will usually be made by 6:30 am and communicated via our website (ldcsb.ca), social media outlets, SchoolMessenger (families), email (staff) and local media.
- Reporting Absences: if school transportation is cancelled and parents decide to keep their child(ren) at home, absences must be created in SchoolMessenger.
- Transportation Cancellation: if transportation is cancelled and schools remain open, learning will continue at the school. Students are encouraged to try to get to school, if it is safe to do so.
- Closed Schools: on the rare occasion school(s) are closed due to inclement weather, students should take this opportunity to complete current work or assignments; or prepare for upcoming assignments, quizzes or tests.
Class and/or School Pivots to Remote Learning Still a Possibility
In the event of high absenteeism, classes and/or schools may need pivot to remote learning to ensure the safety of students and staff.
January 2022 Updates
Our health units have sent us some very useful updates. Please see below for a brief summary and click here to view the latest information, which answers a number of common questions, including those related to masking, isolation requirements, reporting and more. Additional information will be shared as it becomes available.
Masking
Students are still required to wear a well fitted cloth or medical mask. The government will be providing students with expanded access to free high-quality three-ply cloth masks. The use of these specific masks is not being mandated at this time. Education staff will have the option to wear either medical/surgical masks or non-fit-tested N95 masks provided by the government.
Self-Isolation Requirements
Isolation Requirements from our local health units.
If you have symptoms, assume that you are positive for COVID-19. You and your household are required to self-isolate. If you test negative on a Rapid Antigen Test, but have symptoms of COVID-19, you and your household are required to self-isolate.
If you do not have symptoms of COVID-19 but have tested positive for COVID-19 on a PCR or a Rapid Antigen Test, you and your household are required to self-isolate.
Reporting School-Related COVID-19 Cases
The Ministry has suspended reporting of COVID-19 cases in schools. Cohort based dismissals in school will no longer be used.
Any individual who has symptoms/is positive must follow the current COVID-19 Case and Contact Management. Household members must also follow guidance. Isolation Requirements.