BACK TOSCHOOLGUIDELINESRevised on October 20, 2020
Hello,
On August 5, 2020, we posted our Return to School plan in order to provide parents, students
and staff with details on how we would all safely go back to our classrooms on September 8,
2020.
In keeping with our commitment to provide as much information as we possibly can in a
timely manner, we are now providing additional Back to School Guidelines which offer more
specific details about a variety of subjects including at-home learning, in-school scheduling,
transportation and health and safety protective measures.
We have asked parents to declare by no later than Friday, August 21, 2020 as to whether they
will be sending their children back to school or if they will be opting for At-Home/Remote
Learning. We understand that many parents require more information before making that
important decision, and we have endeavoured to include as much information as we
currently have available in order to assist them with their choice.
Please keep in mind that the information in this document is subject to change, based on any
new directives that we may receive from the provincial government. Models for learning are
also subject to change based on Ministry of Education directives. We are committed to
informing parents as soon as possible if any significant alterations are made to our plans.
After reading the information below, please proceed here to fill out the parent declaration
form by Friday, August 21, 2020, if you have not already done so.
Terry Lyons
Director of Education
WECDSB BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDELINES
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
2. MODELS FOR LEARNING
In-School Learning
At-Home/Remote Learning
Important Information/Dates
1. PARENT DECLARATION - PRE-REGISTRATION
6. SPORTS ACADEMY PROGRAMS
5. MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
4. SPECIAL EDUCATION
3. TECHNOLOGICAL DEVICES
8. HEALTH AND SAFETY
Screening
Visitors
Cohorting
Physical Distancing
Hand Hygiene and Respiratory Etiquette
Personal Protective Equipment
Masks
Cleaning
9. OUTBREAK PROTOCOLS
10. EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES AND FIELD TRIPS
11. LARGE GATHERINGS
12. TRANSPORTATION
13. JUST FOR ELEMENTARY PARENTS
Scheduling
Notification of Classroom Teacher and
School Arrival and Dismissal Procedures
Classroom Environment
Recess
Lunch
Ontario Student Nutrition Program
Washroom Procedures
Music Programs
Physical Education
Child Care
First-Day Procedures
14. JUST FOR SECONDARY PARENTS
Scheduling
Notice of First Day Procedures
Notice of Schedule
Lunch
Washroom Procedures
School/Classroom Environment
Cafeterias, Auditoriums, Student Centres
Music
Physical Education
15. CONCLUSION
7. ADULT EDUCATION (ST. MICHAEL’S CATHOLICHIGH SCHOOL)
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REVISED
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REVISED
During the weeks of August 10 - 21, 2020 parents are required to declare whether their children
will attend school in person beginning September 8th, or opt for At-Home/Remote Learning.
This pre-registration is a requirement for both elementary and secondary students by Friday,
August 21, 2020.
This information will assist in determining enrolment, class sizes, staffing and other important
factors to help support students in-school and learning remotely.
Students who are not pre-registered by Friday, August 21, 2020 may be placed on a wait-list for
In-School Learning. Families will be offered At-Home/Remote Learning until an appropriate
class placement can be provided.
If after filling out the declaration form parents change their minds about which option they
have chosen before the beginning of school on September 8, they must contact their school
office to inform them of the change. Efforts will be made to accommodate the change;
however, there may be a waiting period before students can be placed into the model of their
choice. Please refer to the At-Home/Remote Learning section for specifics.
1. PARENT DECLARATION - PRE-REGISTRATION
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In-School LearningOn July 30, 2020, the Ministry of Education confirmed the following models for return to school
for September 2020:
Elementary (Kindergarten to Grade 8)
Conventional model: Students will attend school five days per week, with one cohort for the full
day, including recess and lunch. Enhanced health and safety protocols will be in place.
As of August 14, the Ministry of Education has permitted school boards to adopt a staggered
start to the first week of the school year, allowing different grades to begin on different days
to allow for students to learn new routines and for new health and safety practices to be
reinforced.
Elementary students will begin school in a staggered manner as indicated below:
Junior Kindergarten (JK) students will be provided staggered start dates beginning September
14. During the week of September 14, a few JK students from each class will attend each day
along with their SK classmates. Beginning the week of September 21, all JK students will attend
each day along with their SK classmates. Individual schools will schedule staggered start
dates for JK students. These dates will be communicated to parents/guardians by their
respective schools.
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2. MODELS FOR LEARNING
Secondary (Grades 9-12)
The first Quadmester begins on September 10, 2020. Orientation days are scheduled for
Thursday, September 10th and Friday, September 11th. Please see the chart on page 6.
Adaptive Model/Modified Day:
Students will attend school on an alternating schedule, in smaller class sizes of approximately
15 students. Schools will operate on a Quadmester schedule. Enhanced health and safety
protocols will be in place.
The secondary school year will be divided into four Quadmesters (each semester divided into
two blocks). Periods 1 and 2 alternate weeks over a four week cycle. Periods 1 and 2 occur for
44 days.
Semester 1 will be divided into two time blocks of approximately nine weeks each: 44 days.
First block: September 8 - November 13 - including 2 days of exams for periods 1 & 2, and two
days of orientation.
Second block: November 16 - February 1 - including 2 days of exams for periods 3 & 4.
Within the first Quadmester, students will take one period, 225 minutes which includes 5 minute
staggered/scheduled breaks within the period.
Each class will be divided into two cohorts. Cohort A and Cohort B will attend school two days
one week and three days the next week. The cohorts will attend school on alternating
Wednesdays. Therefore, students will be in class for five days in a 10 day period. Every effort
will be made to keep siblings within the same cohort.
On the school days in which students are at home, students will be expected to participate in
their Period 1 and 2 classes virtually.
The use of webcams in secondary classrooms will be used to support curriculum delivery for
Cohorts A and B on the days in which students are not in-class. Each day new lessons will be
presented in a sequential manner. Therefore, students must attend both in-class and
participate in virtual lessons within their assigned cohort each week.
Students in both Cohorts A and B will continue their learning through synchronous and
asynchronous learning opportunities for the afternoon 75 minute block which will support
periods 1 and 2 on alternating weeks. Teachers will be available to assist, clarify and provide
guidance and support for students.
As required by the Ministry of Education, student daily schedules must include 300 minutes of
learning opportunities. This will be a combination of in-class and virtual learning that includes
synchronous and asynchronous activities.
2. MODELS FOR LEARNING CONTINUED
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2. MODELS FOR LEARNING CONTINUED
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Ministry of Education definitions:
Synchronous learning: Learning that happens in real time. Synchronous learning involves using
text, video, or voice communication in a way that enables educators and other members of
the school- or board-based team to instruct and connect with students in real time.
Synchronous learning supports the well-being and academic achievement of all students,
including those with special education needs, by providing educators and students with an
interactive and engaging way to learn. It helps teachers provide immediate feedback to
students and enables them to interact with one another.
Asynchronous learning: Learning that is not delivered in real time. Asynchronous learning may
involve students watching pre-recorded video lessons, completing assigned tasks, or
contributing to online discussion boards.
2. MODELS FOR LEARNING CONTINUED
At-Home/Remote LearningThe Ministry of Education has indicated that returning to school in-class will be optional for
the 2020-2021 school year. If not attending in person, students are expected to attend school
remotely. At-Home/Remote Learning will be provided to students whose parents choose not to
send them to school.
The Ministry of Education provides the following definition:
Remote Learning: Learning that occurs when classes are taught at a distance and when
students and educators are not in a conventional classroom setting. Remote Learning takes
place in times of extended interruption to in-person learning – for example, as a result of a
pandemic or natural disaster. Classes can be synchronous or asynchronous and can be
taught online through a Learning Management System (LMS) such as Google Classroom or by
using videoconferencing tools. In some cases, they may be delivered through emails, print
materials, broadcast media, or telephone calls.
During Remote Learning, students and parents/guardians will be provided with a daily
schedule or timetable that includes 300 minutes of learning opportunities, with a combination
of synchronous and asynchronous learning activities. Programming must be based on the full
Ontario curriculum and include opportunities for guided instruction, large- and small-group
learning, synchronous check-ins, and asynchronous independent work.
Teachers will be available to students as they would be if they were face-to-face in a
classroom setting.
The table below outlines the minimum amount of time per day that students, depending on
their grade level, must be provided with synchronous learning as part of their scheduled or
timetabled learning.
2. MODELS FOR LEARNING CONTINUED
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2. MODELS FOR LEARNING CONTINUED
The synchronous learning time requirements outlined in the table above may be divided into
shorter periods throughout the school day. For example, a child in Kindergarten may
participate in an opening exercise for 10 minutes with their whole class, as well as a
combination of whole-group and small-group sessions throughout the school day, and a 10-
minute closing exercise with their class at the end of the school day.
It is expected that synchronous learning will be provided for large and small groups of
students each day, in a manner similar to in-person classroom teaching. Synchronous
learning time may include students working independently and in small groups while
engaged in a virtual classroom with the teacher overseeing their learning and available for
questions.
Families of elementary and secondary students in the At-Home/Remote model will be
provided with a schedule of synchronous (real time) and asynchronous (independent)
learning opportunities. This schedule will be provided in advance to support families with
planning.
A process will be developed to allow for student exemption from synchronous learning.
Requests for exemption must be made in writing to the school principal.
Students with Individual Education Plans (IEPs) will be supported through Remote Learning.
Educational assistants, resource teacher support and other special education services that
are available in person will also be available online as needed.
Students engaged in Remote Learning will have access to board mental health services.
Services will be provided via Google Meet and/or phone as appropriate. Parents/guardians or
students should contact the principal if/when mental health concerns arise.
Students will be assessed and evaluated on the achievement of the overall curriculum
expectations. Assessment and evaluation practices will align with Ministry guidelines and
include diagnostic, formative and summative assessments.
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2. MODELS FOR LEARNING CONTINUED
A student remains with their regular classroom teacher and participates virtually during all face to face delivery
sessions with the class. In a 44 day quadmester a student who elects virtual delivery is expected to be online 22 days
for 225 minutes of synchronous instruction and the student must further participate in 22 days of
asynchronous/synchronous instruction during the 75 minute afternoon block. Google Meet and Google Classroom
are the primary modes of course delivery.
A student is enrolled in an E-Learning course that is delivered asynchronously using the Ministry of Education's
Desire2Learn platform. In most instances these classes will not be delivered by the student's home school.
Remote Learning - Elementary:
Students engaged in Remote Learning may be assigned a teacher from their home school or from a school within the
board dependent on enrollment and staff availability.
Depending on student requests for Remote Learning, we may be required to create virtual classrooms. If so, students
across the board in similar grades could form a “class” and be assigned to a teacher who will deliver online instruction.
For elementary students engaged in Remote Learning, attendance will be taken daily. Students will be provided with a
daily schedule of subjects/courses, with opportunities for frequent, live contact with a teacher and expectations for
synchronous learning (see table above). Remote Learning will include access to learning materials posted online to
support both synchronous and asynchronous learning opportunities during the day. Google Classroom will be used for
synchronous and asynchronous learning opportunities for students in Grades 1-8. Kindergarten educators will use Google
Meet in conjunction with Seesaw to provide synchronous and asynchronous learning opportunities.
Secondary At-Home/ Remote Learning involves one of the following two methods of delivery:
1.
2.
Important Information/Dates
The following factors contributed to the determination of re-entry dates and timelines: alignment with assessment and
evaluation periods in both elementary and secondary; semestered timelines; class sizes and cohorting; and available
staff.
Elementary
Parents/guardians of elementary students who initially opted for At-Home/Remote Learning, but then decide they want to
send their children back to school for In-School Learning, may do so by the following designated entry dates.
Parents/guardians must declare their intention in writing to the school principal in order to opt back into In-School
Learning. Notification must be received no later than two weeks prior to the re-entry date as stated below.
Term 1/Report 1: (important dates)
Final Date to Provide Notification for School Re-entry: Monday, October 19, 2020
Date of Elementary School Re-entry: Monday, November 2, 2020
Final Date to Provide Notification for School Re-entry: Monday, January 18, 2021
Date of Elementary School Re-entry: Monday, February 1, 2021
More information regarding Term 2/Report 2 will be made available at a later date.
Parents/guardians of elementary students who initially opted for In-School Learning, but then decide they want to opt into
At-Home/Remote Learning, must declare their intention in writing to the school principal. The date available for entry into
a remote learning class is Monday, November 2, 2020. Notification must be received no later than two weeks prior to the
entry date (Monday, October 19, 2020). When and where possible, entry into At-Home/Remote Learning may occur prior to
this date.
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Secondary
Parents/guardians of secondary students who initially opted for At-Home/Remote Learning,
but then decide they want to send their children back to school for In-School Learning, may
do so by the following designated entry dates. Parents/guardians must declare their intention
in writing to the school principal in order to opt back into In-School Learning. Notification
must be received no later than two weeks prior to the re-entry date as stated below.
Quadmester 1 & 2: (important dates)
Final Date to Provide Notification for School Re-entry: Monday, November 2, 2020
Date of Secondary School Re-entry: Monday, November 16, 2020
Final Date to Provide Notification for School Re-entry: Wednesday, January 20, 2021
Date of Secondary School Re-entry: Wednesday, February 3, 2021
More information regarding Semester 2 (or Quadmester 3 and 4) will be made available at a
later date.
Parents/guardians of secondary students who initially opted for In-School Learning, but then
decide they want to opt into At-Home/Remote Learning, must declare their intention in writing
to the school principal. The date available for entry into an At-Home/Remote Learning class
is Monday, November 16, 2020. Notification must be received no later than two weeks prior to
the entry date (Monday, November 2, 2020).
The Ministry of Education, based on recommendation from public health, may require that we
switch from the Secondary Adaptive Model/Modified Day model to the At-Home/Remote
Learning model at any time during the school year.
The Ministry may also direct that we move from the Adaptive Model/Modified Day model to the
Conventional model (every student attends school every day) at any time during the school
year. Please note that our Conventional model in Secondary would remain with two courses
until February 1, 2021.
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2. MODELS FOR LEARNING CONTINUED
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY
Students who choose to move between models of learning (At-Home/Remote Learning to In-
School Learning or In-School Learning to At-Home/Remote Learning) may experience a
change of teachers. In order to support student learning, educators will communicate with
one another to share information regarding student progress.
Spray the disinfectant solution on a soft, non-abrasive, lint free cloth. Avoid abrasive
cloths, towels, paper towels and similar items that may cause damage.
Do not use cloths that are saturated with liquid.
Never spray or pour disinfectant directly onto IT device/equipment.
Begin by wiping the screen/monitor, followed by the keyboard and mouse if applicable.
Close units and wipe the exterior (top and bottom) and respective cords.
Return devices to appropriate areas as outlined by the classroom teacher.
Students are encouraged to bring their own personal technological device to school for
classroom use as directed by the teacher. Personal devices should not be shared and should
be cleaned and disinfected routinely, minimally twice per day and when visibly dirty.
All students using a WECDSB technological device should sanitize their hands prior to
obtaining the device. At the conclusion of the session, the device must be properly cleaned,
disinfected and returned to the proper storage area as identified by the classroom teacher.
Upon return of the device, students should sanitize their hands.
Computer Labs:
Computers in labs may be utilized with appropriate physical distancing between students. All
computers must be appropriately cleaned and disinfected after individual student use.
General Recommendations for Cleaning and Disinfection of IT Devices:
Elementary Students who Received WECDSB Technological Devices During the School Closure
Period:
All elementary students who were loaned technological devices are to return them to their
respective school principal by Friday, September 18, 2020. This will allow for the proper
reconciliation of records, cleaning and disinfection in order for the equipment to be
reintegrated into appropriate classroom settings.
Students engaged in At-Home/Remote Learning
Any student who requires a technological device for At-Home/Remote Learning must notify
their school principal by email or phone by Wednesday, August 26, 2020. Every effort will be
made to meet requests at individual schools in a timely manner.
3. TECHNOLOGICAL DEVICES
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Educators will focus on the support of students with special education needs as schools
reopen. Transition plans, with parent consultation, will be established to facilitate a smooth
transition back to school for students with complex needs.
Student Individual Education Plans (IEPs) will be developed, updated and implemented as per
usual protocol. All students with special education needs will continue to be supported by the
classroom teacher and other special education staff as per their IEPs. Changes in the school
environments and/or remote learning needs will be considered when creating and updating
the IEPs.
Teachers, educational assistants and other special education staff essential for daily
academic programming in the classroom will use personal protective equipment when
physical distancing is not possible. Other special education services, via board or community
provider, such as Speech Language, Psychology, etc., will be scheduled and provided outside
of the regular classroom area respecting all necessary safety requirements.
We are recommending that if your child is medically fragile, immune-compromised or has
chronic or persistent health conditions that you speak with your healthcare provider(s) to
determine what mode of school delivery is most appropriate for your child and what, if any,
accommodations for your child’s health needs might be required. School teams will consult
with the Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) and parents to create and implement plans
to support the health and safety needs of the student and the staff who work with them.
Elementary:
At the elementary level, we will follow a conventional school day with enhanced safety
measures. All students with special needs will attend a full day of school, five days a week.
Secondary:
At the secondary level, students with special education needs who are participating in regular
credit courses and/or working toward fulfilling Ministry curriculum expectations will be
assigned to Cohort A or B and attend as per the adaptive mode described on page 6.
Also, students with a high level of special education needs, participating in alternative non-
credit courses and/or who have a developmental diagnosis requiring intensive intervention
and teaching support, will have the additional option to be assigned to Cohort C (Lifeskills
Programs) and attend every day, all day, when secondary schools are open. With
parent/guardian consultation, students who select Cohort C will attend a full-time Lifeskills
program.
4. SPECIAL EDUCATION
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SAMPLE Secondary Schedule for Cohort C (Lifeskills Programs):
Start and end times will vary depending on each Secondary School’s schedule.
Please consult the “IMPORTANT DATES” Section above for opting into other modes of learning.
4. SPECIAL EDUCATION CONTINUED
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All school staff have a role to play in supporting student mental health and well-being.
Creating welcoming environments, easing anxiety and establishing routines are important for
a successful and ongoing return to school.
Students will have access to Board mental health services beginning August 24th in
preparation for the return to school in the fall. Our mental health professionals and school
administrators have been provided with additional training, specifically for supporting
students who are dealing with mental health issues related to COVID-19 and will provide
ongoing support throughout the school year. School staff will be provided with additional
training and resources to build their capacity to ease the transition back to school and better
identify students who are struggling in order to refer them to the appropriate services.
Parents/guardians who feel that their children require mental health support or who are
having difficulties with coping due to anxiety or stress, should call their school office
beginning August 24th or call one of the services available at:
https://www.wecdsb.on.ca/students/student_well_being/mental_health
5. MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
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Guidelines describing how these programs will be safely administered for students and staff
will be communicated directly to those families whose children are currently enrolled in the
academies. These guidelines will include a Student Safe Return Checklist, a sample schedule,
as well as details on dropping off and picking up students, physical distancing, equipment,
dressing rooms, fitness rooms, sport specific safety guidelines from governing sports
associations and expectations from our community/facility partners.
6. SPORTS ACADEMY PROGRAMS
8. HEALTH AND SAFETY
Protecting the health and safety of our students and staff is of the utmost importance. Our
risk reduction strategy incorporates a multitude of protective measures intended to
decrease the number of interactions with others and reduce the risk of COVID-19
transmission.
Screening
Each day before school, parents/guardians are required to assess their children for signs of
illness, using the daily screening questionnaire which will be provided to them in a separate
communication. The Daily Screening Questionnaire will be posted to the Board’s website and
social media platforms. Instructions on how to access it will be sent home via voice message.
You can find the daily Ontario COVID-19 School Screening Tool here.
If a student is experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, they must stay home from school and
should seek appropriate medical attention.
Similar screening measures are in effect for staff members as well as essential visitors to the
school.
Signs will be posted on entrances to schools reminding students, staff, parents/guardians,
and essential visitors of screening requirements.
Guidelines describing how these programs will be safely administered for students and staff,
including student expectations and schedules, will be communicated directly to those
students via the school principal. The only significant change for these students will be their
schedule. All other guidelines contained in this document will be generally followed.
7. ADULT EDUCATION (ST. MICHAEL’S CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL)
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8. HEALTH AND SAFETY CONTINUED
Visitors
Only essential visitors will be allowed to enter the school or any of our community facilities
(eg. Sports Academies of WECDSB) and must do so by making pre-arranged appointments.
Visits to ensure school safety, such as inspections by fire prevention or public health, will
continue to take place. Essential visitors to the school will be required to self-screen, perform
hand hygiene upon entering the building and wear a medical mask while on school premises.
Schools will keep records of any approved visitors to the school, including occasional
teachers or custodians, to be provided if/when required by public health for contact tracing
purposes.
Parents/guardians will not be allowed to enter schools at this time, except in case of an
emergency. Communication between parents/guardians and teaching staff and/or
administration will be through phone calls, email or video conferencing.
Cohorting
Cohorting refers to the practice of keeping students together in small groups throughout their
school day, with limited exposure to multiple teachers or a wide variety of classmates. This
practice limits the number of other students that a single student is in contact with throughout
the day and will also assist with contact tracing should that be necessary.
Cohorting in elementary schools is accomplished through single class assignments. For
example, a single class in Grade 1 would represent a cohort and they will avoid close mixing
with individuals from other classes/grades. Cohorting is beneficial in elementary school
children where physical distancing is less practical.
Students may belong to more than one cohort. These cohorts include class cohort, bus
cohort and child care cohort.
Secondary school class sizes will have approximately 15 students. There will be two cohorts: A
and B. Rationale for cohorting is to facilitate contact tracing amongst the students in only two
periods. In a two period daily schedule, there are less transitions and less direct and indirect
contacts for both staff and students.
Cohort C identifies secondary students with special education learning needs.
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8. HEALTH AND SAFETY CONTINUED
Physical Distancing
As much distancing as possible between students, between students and staff and between
staff members will be promoted.
In elementary schools, the Ministry of Education has determined that all students can return
to school with enhanced safety protocols in place.
In elementary schools, students will be with their class cohort in one classroom all day. We
are currently assessing class sizes in order to support physical distancing within classrooms.
Classrooms may be established in gymnasiums and learning common spaces to allow for
increased spacing and/or smaller cohorts.
School staff will remove any unnecessary furniture from classrooms and arrange desks in
such a way to encourage as much distance between students as possible.
Principals will review the specific design of their buildings and ensure that controls are in
place to maintain distancing in hallways, washrooms and any common areas. This will
include: scheduling of staggered recesses and transitions; posting signs and indicating traffic
flow directions on walls; scheduling washroom breaks; and/or reducing the number of
washrooms that will remain open.
Physical distancing measures will be supplemented with other public health measures
supported by health and safety strategies, such as screening, adapted school environment,
cohorting, hand hygiene, enhanced cleaning and masking.
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Hand Hygiene and Respiratory Etiquette
Students will be taught how to clean their hands properly, through developmentally and age-
appropriate material; however, families are encouraged to review these practices prior to the
start of school.
Educational material can be found on the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit’s website: Hand
Hygiene Information
Students and staff will be encouraged to practice hand hygiene regularly, practice proper
respiratory etiquette and to avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth.
Regularly scheduled hand hygiene breaks will be incorporated into the school’s routine.
Where sinks are readily available in classrooms, they will be utilized as hand washing stations.
There will also be age-appropriate signage placed throughout the school to remind students
to perform proper hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette.
Wall mounted and/or freestanding hand sanitizer dispensers will be placed at entrances, exits
and hallways. Parents/guardians are encouraged to send their children to school with
personal hand sanitizer if possible.
8. HEALTH AND SAFETY CONTINUED
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8. HEALTH AND SAFETY CONTINUED
Cloth masks and medical masks are both acceptable.
Parents/guardians should ensure that their child’s mask fits properly and is comfortable and remind
them that they are required to wear their masks properly throughout the day, unless otherwise
instructed.
Parents/guardians are encouraged to label their child’s mask and consider sending an extra one to
have on hand at school. It is suggested that students bring a small bag or pouch to put the mask in
when not being worn.
Parents/guardians are responsible for ensuring that masks are appropriately cleaned.
Masks will not be required during outdoor learning time or during recess.
Personal Protective Equipment
All staff members will be provided with the appropriate personal protective equipment to safely interact
with each other and students.
Teachers and classroom support staff will be provided with medical masks, face shields and a standard
operating practice document prescribing their proper use.
The Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board recommends that all students in Kindergarten-Grade 3
wear non-medical or cloth masks in indoor spaces. Students in Grade 4-12 are required to wear non-
medical or cloth masks indoors on school property.
Masks are mandatory for Grade 3 students in combined 3/4 classes.
Mask requirements will be included in the schools Code of Conduct.
Parents/guardians are responsible for providing a non medical or cloth mask for their child. A supply of
non-medical masks will be available at schools for those students who may require one.
Students who are medically fragile or have pre-existing medical conditions that prevent them from
wearing a mask will need to provide a doctor’s note in order to be exempt. That note must be provided
to the school by September 1, 2020. Individuals who may require an accommodation in accordance
with the Ontario Human Rights Code should discuss that with their school principal. Schools will share
information about those students who are exempt from having to wear a mask with Windsor-Essex
Student Transportation Services so that bus operators will know which students are exempt.
Education will be provided for staff and students regarding the proper handling and use of masks.
A few guidelines regarding masks:
More educational material can be found on the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit’s website.
How to Safely Wear a Mask
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Cleaning
Additional temporary cleaning staff will be hired for the duration of the pandemic and will be
responsible solely for enhanced cleaning protocols which follow the guidelines of the
Windsor-Essex County Health Unit. They will focus primarily on cleaning and disinfecting touch
points throughout the day, with special emphasis on most often and commonly touched
surfaces including fountains, door knobs, sinks and other horizontal surfaces.
Items that cannot be easily cleaned and disinfected, such as area rugs and soft furnishings,
will be removed from all areas of the school. The use of shared materials will be limited and
cleaned and disinfected between each use.
Students and staff will also be encouraged to promote consistent and good cleaning
practices.
8. HEALTH AND SAFETY CONTINUED
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DEFINITION:
Outbreak:
An outbreak in a school is defined as two or more lab-confirmed COVID-19 cases in students
and/or staff in a school with an epidemiological link, within a 14-day period, where at least
one case could have reasonably acquired their infection in the school (including
transportation and before or after school care).
MANAGEMENT OF COVID-19 IN SCHOOLS:
The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) is responsible for determining if an outbreak
exists, declaring an outbreak, and providing direction on outbreak control measures to be
implemented. However, even though an outbreak may be declared in the school, the WECHU
will assist in determining which cohort(s) may be sent home or if a partial or full school
closure is required based on the scope of the outbreak.
The WECHU will work with the school to determine epidemiological links (e.g., cases in the
same class, cases that are part of the same before/after school care cohort, cases that have
assigned bus seats in close proximity to each other). The WECHU will determine which cohorts
are high risk contacts requiring isolation.
An outbreak will be declared over by the WECHU. This may be based on at least 14 days from
the last outbreak associated case (including in a student, staff, essential visitor, or anyone
else in the school during the outbreak) and no further symptomatic individuals with tests
pending.
The outbreak does not necessarily need to be over to re-open the school. Cohorts without
evidence of transmission can be gradually brought back to school as additional information
and test results become available.
The Ministry of Education has developed a document entitled Operational Guidance: COVID-
19 Management in Schools. which supports school boards and school authorities in
preparation for the safe reopening of schools for the 2020-2021 school year.
The Ministry of Health has developed a document entitled COVID-19 Guidance: School
Outbreak Management which provides guidance to local public health units (PHU) on how to
investigate cases, outbreaks and suspected outbreaks in elementary or secondary school
settings.
9. OUTBREAK PROTOCOLS
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9. OUTBREAK PROTOCOLS CONTINUED
23
MANAGEMENT OF ILL INDIVIDUALS DURING SCHOOL HOURS:
Any individual, including students, staff, contractors, visitors, parents, guardians, who
becomes ill while at school, including before and after school care affiliated with the school
will be immediately separated from others, in a designated room where possible.
Ill staff or adults will be directed to return home and seek medical advice, including the
recommendation of testing for COVID-19 as appropriate or as advised by their medical
provider. If they cannot leave immediately, the staff member or adult will be isolated in a
specific area until they are able to leave. They should not take public transportation.
Isolated ill students will be supervised per school policy with physical distancing maintained,
and personal protective equipment provided consistent with health guidance. Schools will
notify parents/guardians immediately and they will be advised to pick up their child from
school as soon as possible. The ill student should not take student or public transportation.
Parents/guardians will be directed to seek medical advice, including the recommendation of
testing for COVID-19 as appropriate or as advised by their medical provider.
Schools will report any probable or confirmed cases of COVID-19 within the school to the
WECHU as well as the Ministry of Education. To support successful case and contact
management, schools will ensure records of classes, transported students, and visitors to the
school are maintained and readily available to be provided to public health for contact
tracing purposes. Information will be shared in accordance with all applicable legislations,
including the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
MANAGEMENT OF A SINGLE ILL INDIVIDUAL KNOWN TO THE PUBLIC
HEALTH UNIT, WHEN TEST RESULTS ARE PENDING:
If the WECHU is aware of an ill individual (e.g. student/staff at a school) with test results
pending, the ill individual will be directed to self-isolate while testing is pending and will be
advised to seek further assessment or medical care as needed.
9. OUTBREAK PROTOCOLS CONTINUED
24
When the risk (as determined by the WECHU) of the person being a positive COVID-19 case is
not low (such as an individual who has a known exposure with a case during their infectious
period), the WECHU will ensure the school in the collecting/preparing information on the
cohorts and contacts of the ill individual, for sharing with the WECHU, if required, to facilitate
timely follow up.
Self-isolation and testing of asymptomatic contacts in the school of an ill individual pending
test results is not generally recommended. For household contacts (roommates and family
that live with the ill individual) the WECHU should determine the need for self isolation based on
a risk assessment.
MANAGEMENT OF ILL INDIVIDUALS WITH A NEGATIVE TEST:
If the ill individual was instructed by the WECHU to self-isolate after a high risk exposure (e.g.,
close contact of a known COVID-19 case or travel out of country), the individual may return to
school only at the end of their 14-day isolation period, as they may be incubating up until then.
A negative test result does not reduce or change the requirement for the 14-day self-isolation
period for those self-isolating based on a high risk exposure.
If the individual has had no known high-risk exposure and was not advised by the WECHU or
health care provider to self-isolate, the individual may return to school when symptoms are
improving for at least 24 hours.
Medical notes or proof of negative tests will not be required for staff or students to return to
school.
MANAGEMENT OF ILL INDIVIDUAL WITH NO LABORATORY TEST RESULT:
If the ill individual was instructed by the WECHU to self-isolate after a high risk exposure (e.g.,
close contact of a known COVID-19 case or travel out of country), the individual meets the
case definition for a Probable Case. The individual will be managed as per public health case
and management guidance. The individual may return to school based on clearance from
isolation, as determined by the WECHU.
If the ill individual does not meet the Probable case definition, and there is a known
alternative diagnosis provided by a health care provider, the individual may return to school
when symptoms are improving for at least 24 hours.
9. OUTBREAK PROTOCOLS CONTINUED
25
If the ill individual has no known alternative diagnosis, and the individual has symptoms
compatible with being recommended for testing for COVID-19 the individual should self-
isolate from symptom onset based on guidance on clearance from isolation, as determined
by the WECHU.
If the ill individual has no known alternative diagnosis, and the ill individual was NOT
recommended for testing for COVID-19 by a health care provider, the individual may return to
school when symptoms are improving for at least 24 hours.
Self-isolation and testing of asymptomatic contacts in schools of an ill individual without a
confirmed positive COVID-19 result is not generally recommended. For household contacts
(roommates and family that live with the ill individual) the WECHU should determine the need
for self isolation based on a risk assessment.
MANAGEMENT OF ILL INDIVIDUALS WITH A CONFIRMED DIAGNOSIS OF
COVID-19:
An ill individual who has tested positive for COVID-19 will be contacted by the WECHU and
provided further direction. An individual who tests positive will be directed to self-isolate for 14
days from the date of symptom onset (date may change based on presence of symptoms).
Retesting is not recommended and a negative test result will not alter this 14 day isolation
requirement. The individual may return to school when they are cleared by the WECHU or
health care provider.
The WECHU will notify the school of a positive COVID-19 diagnosis. Where the local health unit
determines there was a transmission risk to others in the school, students and staff will be
assessed to determine if they were at high risk of exposure (requiring isolation) or if they were
at low risk of exposure (can self-monitor for symptoms and return to school).
The positive case’s cohort(s) (both students and staff affiliated with the cohorts - classroom,
bus, extracurricular activities, before and after school programs) will generally be considered
as high risk of exposures and will be dismissed for required self-isolation. All students and
staff determined by the WECHU to be at high risk of exposure will be directed to self-isolate
and recommended to be tested within their isolation period.
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COMMUNICATING WITH THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY:
Schools are responsible for reporting a probable or confirmed COVID-19 case associated
with the school to the WECHU and to the Ministry of Education through the daily reporting tool
where they have become aware of such a case.
Non-personal health information regarding a confirmed case of COVID-19 involving a student
or staff member in a school setting will be posted on COVID-19 advisory section of the school
and school board’s websites.
In the interests of privacy, information provided to school communities will not identify the
student or staff member that has received a positive COVID-19 test.
If the WECHU advises that a class, cohort or a school should be closed for a period of time,
parents, students and staff will be notified immediately.
Notices of any closures of classes, cohorts or schools will be posted on the school and school
board websites in the COVID-19 advisory sections.
9. OUTBREAK PROTOCOLS CONTINUED
9. OUTBREAK PROTOCOLS CONTINUED
27
Outbreak signage at entrances and affected areas.
Informing outside agencies that use the school/daycare of the outbreak.
Only allowing essential visitors into the school.
Further minimizing the movement of staff between cohorts.
Limiting student activities to their required cohorts and discontinuing extra-curricular
activities, as much as possible.
Restricting all staff (including school, transportation, staff from home care agencies or
others that provide medical services to those in school) form working in other schools.
For social setting outside of the school recommend to staff, students and their families
adherence to the social bubble (size based on current provincial recommendations).
Reinforce masking of students for source control based on requirements for their age,
mask and eye protection for staff members, hand hygiene for all, and maintaining
physical distancing.
Review the daily symptom screening process for all staff/essential visitors and students
and enhance if needed.
Review of environmental cleaning and disinfection, and enhanced cleaning and
disinfection for the outbreak area(s).
Ensure families, including any new child enrolments are aware of the outbreak.
Enforce any orders issued by the local Medical Officer of Health or their designate under
the Health Protection and Promotion Act, if necessary.
Return to school of cohorts deemed by the WECHU to not be affected or not at high risk of
exposure, and who do not need to self-isolate may occur prior to the end of the outbreak
if supported by the epidemiological investigation of the outbreak and implementation of
follow up measures in the school as recommended by the WECHU.
APPLICATION OF OUTBREAK MEASURES:Outbreak measures may be scaled up/down based on the transmission risk and outbreak
epidemiology in the school and the assessment of outbreak control measures.
Outbreak measures when schools remain open may include:
Initially there will be no extracurricular activities or field trips. We will monitor the situation
and make decisions about these activities on a case-by-case basis.
At this time, all Windsor and Essex County Secondary Schools Athletic Association(W.E.C.S.S.A.A.)
activities for the fall season are postponed until further notice. The situation will be monitored
on a regular basis and decisions about resuming activities will be made on a case-by-case
basis.
The Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations(OFSAA) has also announced that all
championships and festivals for the fall season have been cancelled. The status of 2021 winter
and spring championships will be determined at a later date.
10. EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES AND FIELD TRIPS
Any large gatherings such as assemblies will be cancelled for the foreseeable future.
11. LARGE GATHERINGS
12. TRANSPORTATION
Windsor-Essex Student Transportation Services, which provides busing to all four local school
boards, has finalized its protocols for returning to school. You can read them here:
http://buskids.ca/RTSProtocols.pdf
It is recommended that all students and parents maintain appropriate physical distance
while waiting at the bus stop. Parents and students from Grade 4-12 are required to wear a
non-medical or cloth mask when waiting in line at the bus stop and at all times while riding the
bus. It is strongly encouraged that students in Junior Kindergarten to Grade 3 wear masks
given the potential for close contact on the bus.
At this point we are waiting for more information from Transit Windsor regarding special bus
runs for secondary students. Updates will be provided as they become available.
Students are encouraged to use active and safe routes to schools (e.g. walking, cycling)
where possible or private transportation if available, to ease pressure on transportation
demand.
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Scheduling
Elementary school students in Kindergarten through Grade 8 will attend school five days per
week, with 300 minutes of instruction per day, remaining in their class cohort for the full day,
including recess and lunch. Specialized teachers, like PALS and French teachers, will go into
the classroom to provide the full breadth of programming for students. Students will be able
to leave their classroom to receive additional support (e.g. ESL or Special Education).
Elementary students will begin school incrementally beginning on Tuesday, September 8,
2020. Please refer to the schedule located in ‘Models for Learning' on page 4.
Notification of Classroom Teacher and First Day Procedures
Beginning the week of September 1st, all families will be notified of their child’s teacher as well
as information regarding first day procedures. This information will include the designated
entrance door in which to use in the morning. Families will receive this information through
the student’s mytools2go email account.
For Junior Kindergarten (JK) and all new students to the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School
Board, school staff will contact each family to convey this information. Information will also
be posted on each school’s website.
Each day before the start of school, parents/guardians are required to assess their children
for signs of illness, using the daily screening questionnaire which will be provided to them in a
separate communication. The Daily Screening Questionnaire will be posted to the Board’s
website and social media platforms. Instructions on how to access it will be sent home via
voice message.
You can find the daily Ontario COVID-19 School Screening Tool here.
In an effort to reduce congestion and maintain physical distance, we ask that
parents/guardians wishing to escort their children to school do so without stopping to talk
with others and to leave once their children have entered the school. Parents/guardians are
not allowed to enter schools at this time, except in case of emergency.
13. JUST FOR ELEMENTARY PARENTS
29
School Arrival and Dismissal Procedures
Students will be arriving either by bus, drop off by parents/guardians, bicycle or walking. Students will be
assigned designated entrances/exits. As soon as students arrive at school in the morning, they will
proceed directly into the school through their designated entrance door and enter their classroom.
Students will perform hand hygiene upon entering the building. The use of multiple entrance and exit
doors will assist with physical distancing. Lockers in hallways will not be accessible to students. Belongings
will be stored in classrooms.
Individual schools will develop procedures for Kiss and Ride, drop off and pick up of students. Please
follow the procedures set out by your child’s school.
Parents should be mindful of the role they play in mitigating the spread of COVID-19 through physical
distancing at school. Guidance will be provided on drop-off and pick-up procedures to discourage
congregating at school entrances.
Classroom Environment
Classroom settings will be adapted to support physical distancing and to allow for as much space as
possible between students and staff. Desks will face forward when possible.
Classroom routines will be established to support physical distancing.
School administrators and staff will encourage physical distancing to the greatest extent possible;
however, we acknowledge that younger students will naturally gravitate towards one another. Interaction,
such as playing and socializing, is central to child development and will not be discouraged. Cohorting
limits the mixing of students and allows for social interaction to occur more safely. Students will remain
with their class cohort at all times.
Classroom materials will be limited to those that can be easily cleaned and disinfected. As a result, items
such as area rugs, soft furnishings, plush toys and natural materials will be removed and stored.
The use of shared materials will be limited and they will be cleaned and disinfected between each use.
Students will be encouraged to use personal school supplies whenever possible. Suggested school supply
lists will be provided by individual schools.
Outdoor learning and play will be strongly encouraged. Students can expect to spend time outdoors
learning as a class, weather permitting. Masks are not required to be worn during outdoor learning times.
Gymnasiums may be used for additional classroom space if necessary, as determined by school
administration.
We do not intend to use other community spaces as temporary classrooms due to the safety and
logistical concerns that this creates.
13. JUST FOR ELEMENTARY PARENTS CONTINUED
30
Recess
Students will have opportunities to enjoy recess. Students will be required to remain with their
class cohort at recess and will not be allowed to mix with students of other cohorts. While
playing outdoors at recess with classmates in their own cohort, physical distancing will be
encouraged.
Recess times may be staggered and procedures will be adjusted to support cohorting and to
meet the unique circumstances of individual schools.
Playground structures will be closed to students until further notice.
Recess equipment shared within a class cohort, such as a class ball or tricycles, will be
cleaned and disinfected after use.
All students will perform hand hygiene before and after outdoor recess time.
Masks are not required to be worn during outdoor recess time.
Lunch
Lunch time schedules and procedures will be adjusted to support cohorting, to minimize
congestion during hand hygiene times and to meet the unique circumstances of individual
schools.
It is important that students come to school with lunch each day. The practice of dropping off
lunches at the office will not be allowed at this time.
Elementary students will eat lunch in their classrooms. Sharing of food is strictly prohibited.
Students will not be allowed to drink from water fountains. Students should bring a reusable,
refillable water bottle to school for personal use. Water bottles should be labeled with the
child's name.
Students may go home for lunch. Please follow the procedures established by your child’s
school.
All students will perform hand hygiene before and after eating lunch.
Special lunch days, provided by third party vendors, will not take place at the onset of school
reopenings. We will revisit the opportunity for special lunch days in the near future.
13. JUST FOR ELEMENTARY PARENTS CONTINUED
31
Ontario Student Nutrition Programs
Established snack or breakfast programs will be modified to offer students pre-packaged
snacks. A ‘Grab and Go’ format will be established for ease of delivery and access.
Programs will be maintained by school staff for the foreseeable future. Parent volunteers will
be invited to resume their role at a later time.
Washroom Procedures
Scheduled washroom breaks will be implemented to support cohorting. Signage will be
posted to indicate the maximum number of students permitted to simultaneously use the
washroom.
Music Programs
Music programming will be provided to students. At this time, students will receive lessons on
theory and music appreciation. There will be no singing or performances. As the year
progresses, elements of music instruction (singing, wind instruments) may be permitted, and
will require special considerations for spacing, physical distancing as well as other safety
guidelines as outlined by Public Health and the Ministry of Education. When permitted and
where possible, teachers are encouraged to instruct students outside.
All safety protocols, including spacing and physical distancing, as outlined by Public Health
and the Ministry of Education, will continue to be adhered to in classes.
Physical Education
Physical education classes will consist of activities that support physical distancing while also
limiting the use of shared equipment. When shared equipment is used, it must be cleaned and
disinfected after use.
Physical education classes will take place outdoors, whenever possible. Masks are not
required to be worn during outdoor physical education classes.
Students will practice hand hygiene before and after physical education class.
13. JUST FOR ELEMENTARY PARENTS CONTINUED
32
Child Care
Many of our schools offer third party child care services to families. Families seeking child
care services are encouraged to contact the child care providers directly to discuss
availability of programming. The decision to operate and determine operating capacities for
licensed Before and After school programs and authorized recreation programs will be made
by organizations and individual child care program operators.
Many of our Before and After School Programs take place in licensed shared spaces, such as
classrooms. Procedures will be established to allow for transitioning between child
care/school and school/child care. Shared spaces will be sanitized in between cohort use,
before and after school. Materials will not be shared amongst cohorts.
Students in Before and After School programs and authorized recreation programs will be
part of two cohorts (class cohort and child care cohort). Schools and child care operators in
schools will collaborate to ensure that student lists and information are maintained and
readily available to be provided if/when required by public health for contact tracing
purposes.
13. JUST FOR ELEMENTARY PARENTS CONTINUED
33
Scheduling
See Sample Secondary Schedule in section entitled, 'Models for Learning' on page 6.
Notice of First Day Procedures
First day procedures will be communicated to students and parents/guardians by school
administration through email and/or school messenger during the week of September 1, 2020.
At that time, information will also be provided on each school’s website.
Notice of Schedule
Students will receive schedules through their mytools2go email account during the week of
September 1, 2020.
Lunch
Secondary students will be dismissed to go home for lunch.
Washroom Procedures
Signage will be posted to indicate the maximum number of students permitted to
simultaneously use the washroom.
School/Classroom Environment
Students will be provided with information regarding designated entrances. Enhanced safety
protocols which include signage regarding hand hygiene, physical distancing and
directional hallways will be visible as students enter the building. Enhanced cleaning
procedures will be practiced throughout the school day.
Upon entering school, secondary students through grades 9 - 12 will be required to wear a
mask at all times.
Each day before the start of school, parents/guardians are required to assess their children
for signs of illness, using the daily screening questionnaire which will be provided to them in a
separate communication. The Daily Screening Questionnaire will be posted to the Board’s
website and social media platforms. Instructions on how to access it will be sent home via
voice message.
14. JUST FOR SECONDARY PARENTS
34
Masks
Hand sanitizer
Refillable water bottle
Small backpack
Chromebook/personal device
Pencils, pens, personal sharpener, paper, binders
Personal supplies for specialty areas (i.e. art supplies)
You can find the daily Ontario COVID-19 School Screening Tool here.
Students will be expected to report directly to their Period 1 class. Lockers will NOT be
accessible to students. Students should bring only the materials required for their assigned
period in the morning. Backpacks will be permitted in the classroom. A list of suggested
materials includes:
Sharing of personal materials will not be permitted.
The classroom environment will look different. Students will be assigned seating that
encourages physical distancing.
Hallways and stairwells will be two directional with arrows indicating the flow of traffic.
Students are required to wear masks during transitions as well as in classrooms.
Students are expected to remain in their respective classrooms for the assigned periods.
Washroom access will be on an individual basis and monitored by each individual teacher.
Cafeterias, Auditoriums, Student Centres
Administration will schedule students in these areas as appropriate. For example, these areas
may be used for students who have a Study Period/Block. Students will not have access to
these areas unless assigned by administration.
14. JUST FOR SECONDARY PARENTS CONTUNUED
35
Music
At this time, the focus will be on theory. There will be no singing or performances. As the year
progresses, elements of music instruction (singing, wind instruments) may be permitted and
will require special considerations for spacing, physical distancing as well as other safety
guidelines as outlined by Public Health and the Ministry of Education. When permitted and
where possible, teachers are encouraged to instruct students outside.
Secondary students will not share musical instruments and wind (brass and woodwind)
instruments will not be used at the present time. Low risk musical instruments may be used
instead. There will be no secondary vocal classes to begin the school year. Further details are
being formulated at this time.
All safety protocols, including spacing and physical distancing, as outlined by Public Health
and the Ministry of Education, will continue to be adhered to in classes.
Physical Education
Physical education and dance classes will consist of activities that support physical
distancing while also limiting the use of shared equipment. When shared equipment is used, it
must be cleaned and disinfected after use.
Physical education and dance classes will take place outdoors, whenever possible. Masks
are not required to be worn during outdoor physical education and dance classes.
While in gymnasiums or dance studios masks must be worn. Activities should not involve
rigorous physical exertion that elevates breathing. Acceptable activities include stretching
to warm up and cool down as well as skill demonstration while maintaining physical
distancing. High exertion activities which require students to breathe heavier or more rapidly
should not take place while in the gymnasium or dance studio. Rigorous or strenuous
activities may only take place while outdoors.
Weight/Fitness rooms will not be used at this time.
Students will practice hand hygiene before and after physical education class.
14. JUST FOR SECONDARY PARENTS CONTUNUED
36
In conclusion, the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board developed this document to
provide parents with the details they need in order to make an informed decision about which
model of learning they would prefer for their children when school resumes on September 8.
We appreciate that some parents may still have more questions. We will continue to
communicate more details as they become available.
This document includes guidelines and precautions that the Board is taking to prevent the
further spread of COVID-19 while students and staff are in our schools. We would strongly
encourage students, parents/guardians to follow the same precautions while at home and in
the community.
After having considered all of the information above, please proceed here to fill out the
parent declaration form if you have not already done so. This declaration is a requirement for
both elementary and secondary students by Friday, August 21, 2020.
15. CONCLUSION
37