We hope you had a restful March break and had an opportunity to spend some time with family and friends. As a follow-up to the email sent last week from YRDSB Communications, we wanted to highlight some important reminders:  

As noted in the letter “York Region Public Health is strongly encouraging students/attendees, staff and visitors to continue wearing a mask for at least two weeks after March Break in areas with the 3 Cs: crowded settings, places where there is close contact or when spaces may be confined.”

Masks: Students, staff members and school visitors will no longer be required to wear masks in school. Individuals who feel more comfortable, are advised or required to wear a mask can continue to wear a mask and will be supported in doing so. Although masks are not mandatory, we are encouraging students to continue to wear a mask. 

Screening: Staff and students will not be required to complete the screening confirmation form each day. Students, staff members and visitors are to continue to review and adhere to the COVID-19 School and Child-Care Screening Tool (please click on Check for Symptoms Daily), prior to entering the school daily.  The screening tool has been updated to reflect new masking and isolation requirements. 

Additional information about what to do if you have tested positive or been exposed to a positive case can also be found at www.york.ca/safeatschool. Please note that close contacts of a COVID-19 case who are not required to isolate must self-monitor for 10 days (from last exposure) and wear a well-fitted mask in school and child care settings. This includes avoiding activities such as high-contact sports and where masking and/or physical distancing cannot be maintained.  

Travel:  The Government of Canada has announced new health and safety measures for those returning from international travel. Under the current federal travel requirements, staff, students and visitors returning from international travel (even if exempt from quarantine) must wear a well-fitted mask at all times when in public spaces (including schools) for a period of 14 days.

We look forward to welcoming students back to school tomorrow!