The Rocky View Schools (RVS) Board of Trustees approved the 2021-22 Return to School Operational Plan on Aug. 26.
“Last year was a difficult year for many and through this plan, we look forward to a school year where students can learn, belong and succeed in many of the ways they previously enjoyed while minimizing the risk of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses,” said Fiona Gilbert, Board Chair.
“RVS’ expertise is in educating students and creating an environment that encourages them to achieve their absolute best. We rely on the direction and guidance of provincial medical leaders to make decisions on health matters in schools,” she said.
The plan aligns with the Government of Alberta’s 2021-22 School Year Plan released Aug. 13, which provides provincial guidance to school authorities on a return to in-person learning under normal conditions.
“Administration is pleased the board supported our plans today and that we can provide some clarity to families, students, and staff as we welcome them back to school in September,” said Greg Luterbach, Superintendent of Schools.
Under the 2021-22 Return to School Operational Plan, students, staff, and visitors must use the daily health checklist before coming to school, stay home when sick, promote and facilitate hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette, while enhanced ventilation measures, and enhanced cleaning and disinfecting of high touch surfaces will continue.
Masks are no longer required in schools. However, RVS will support students and staff in their decision to wear, or not wear a mask in schools and offices. Masks are still required on school buses.
Cohorting and physical distancing is no longer required in schools, and events such as assemblies, graduations, and team sports may resume, student use of lockers is permitted, and close contacts of positive COVID-19 cases are no longer required to isolate and can attend school unless they are symptomatic or told by Alberta Health Services (AHS) that they must quarantine.
“It’s important to where all possible, give parents choice. I believe this plan gives us the best of both worlds. Given I don’t have the right answer, I believe the best decision I can make is to not force a decision on people and allow people to make their own decision. Our goal is to make sure schools are a safe and welcoming place for all students,” said Ward 1 Trustee, Shali Baziuk.
Ward 2 Trustee Patty Sproule was cautiously supportive of the motion to carry the 2021-22 Return to School Operational Plan.
“I respect the Chief Medical Officer of Health role and acknowledge her expertise, but I must admit to my own feelings of concern regarding her most recent recommendation to relax restrictions given rising numbers of positive COVID-19 cases,” Sproule said.
Sproule has heard from more parents over the past week regarding the 2021-22 Return to School Operational Plan than she has heard about anything else in the past four years.
“While I am personally uncomfortable with the current reduction in restrictions, this is not about me, and while many parents have the same misgivings as I do, an equal number feel very strongly this direction is what their children desperately need. I am cautiously prepared to support this motion,” she said.
RVS has also developed two contingency plans to be followed if required by the government.
Contingency 1 includes in-school learning with enhanced health measures and Contingency 2 includes at-home learning.
“RVS will continue to monitor the situation in each of our schools closely and be flexible in our plans as changes are needed,” said Luterbach.
Adding, “Thanks to the dedication and resiliency of our staff, we are able to respond quickly and minimize disruptions to students’ learning as much as possible.”
Further details are available on the RVS website: 2021/22 Return to School Information.
