To All Families:
Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board is pleased to release updated guidance for a safe return to school in September 2021. We are confident that with the multiple layers of protective factors we have in place, we can enjoy a full year of in person instruction, support and activity for all students.
Link to the Return to Learning Plan for the 2021-2022 School Year
We know that regular school attendance is essential to student well-being and learning. With multiple layers of support, we can attend to student health, safety and well-being so that we can focus closely on student learning.
The HPEDSB protective factors are informed by the Ministry of Education and Hastings Prince Edward Public Health, and include the following:
- voluntary vaccinations for students age 12+;
- masking indoors;
- daily screening;
- cohorting classes;
- outdoor learning, where possible;
- distancing, where possible and necessary;
- rigorous cleaning schedules;
- increased ventilation, including but not limited to, MERV filters, extended air purging, increased air flow and portable units;
- regular hand hygiene;
- sneeze and cough etiquette;
- contact tracing through public health, when necessary; and
- COVID-19 testing.
We are pleased and encouraged that through these multiple layers of protection and local vaccination rates, activities such as clubs, all arts, and sports will be possible in our schools. These activities not only enhance the experience of our students in our schools but are shown to be supportive of student mental health and in-person attendance.
We know that the past 18 months of education have been filled with challenges along the way. I hope you will join me in extending appreciation to the education and support staff in our schools and offices for their dedication and hard work to ensure our students have experienced success. While we know there may be some learning recovery, I am confident that our educators will continue to identify and prioritize key learning for students to prepare them with the knowledge, understanding and skills to be successful.
At this time, a limited opportunity is being offered to families who wish to revise the registration choice they made in the spring. Starting Monday, August 23 to Thursday, August 26, 2021, anyone wishing to be considered for re-registration at the K-10 Virtual School, or return to in-person school, is asked to call 613-966-1170, then press 5, then extension 58402.
I encourage you to fully review the Return to Learning Plan. Please feel free to contact your child's school principal with any questions.
Thank you for your continued support of HPEDSB as we continue learning and growing together.
Sincerely,
Katherine
Katherine MacIver
Director of Education