​The Ministry of Education has released its COVID-19: Health, safety and operational guidance for schools for the 2021-2022 year.
The full document can be found, here.
“This document constitutes a return to school direction issued by the Ministry of Education and approved by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health for the purposes of regulations made under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19covid 19) Act, 2020,” Ministry officials say.
“For the 2021-22 school year, the Ministry of Education will continue to focus on supporting the health, safety and well-being of students, families and staff. Based on advice from the Chief Medical Officer of Health, schools are permitted to open for in-person learning with health and safety measures in place for the 2021-22 school year.”
Ministry officials say the government will monitor the COVID-19 situation, including ongoing risks related to variants of concern (VOCs), and alignment with broader provincial guidance and direction.
“The ministry will continue to work with the Chief Medical Officer of Health and local public health units (PHUs) to assess key measures to inform and update provincial guidance and direction, including lifting measures when appropriate,” Ministry officials say.
“Local public health units may require additional or enhanced health and safety measures based on local experience and data. Medical officers of health in local public health units also have statutory powers under the Health Protection and Promotion Act, which they may use to address outbreaks or risks of COVID-19 transmission in schools.”
Ministry officials added: “A measured approach to reopening schools is important to support schools to maximize health and safety as places to work and learn and remain open to in-person learning for the full school year. Students will attend in-person learning daily for the full school day (five instructional hours) in elementary and secondary schools across the province. As noted in Memorandum 2021:B07 Planning for the 2021-22 School Year, remote learning will remain an option.
Some further details related to elementary schools, secondary schools and remote learning can be found, below:
Lambton-Kent District School Board officials say they currently reviewing the information and guidance outlined in the document to finalize plans for a safe reopening of schools in September 2021.
“Planning is already underway for the 2021-2022 school year,” public school board officials say.
“Upon reviewing the Ministry guidance and in consultation with the local Public Health units, the LKDSB will release its plans for the safe operation of schools to students, parents/guardians and staff in the coming weeks prior to the start of the school year.”
Public school board officials added: “As plans are developed, please be assured that the LKDSB remains focused on decision-making that puts students first, while following all public health and Ministry of Education protocols ensuring the safety and well-being of all.
More details are available at www.lkdsb.net.
“Since June, the St. Clair Catholic District School Board’s COVID-19 Team has been planning for the safe return to school in September,” said Deb Crawford, director of education for Catholic school board, in a letter posted online.
“The newly released Ontario government document will help to inform and direct St. Clair Catholic’s plan in consultation with the Medical Officers of Health for Sarnia-Lambton and Chatham-Kent. As always, the health, safety and wellbeing of all students and staff are our first priority.”
Visit newsdesk.st-clair.net for more details.
