School District No. 57 (SD57) is reminding parents that students in grade four to 12 must wear masks on their return to school from spring break.
On March 29, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced new restrictions, what she called a 'circuit breaker' now in effect until April 19, as caseloads continue to climb and records being shattered.
Included in the new orders and restrictions is public health guidance for schools to support and encourage students down to grade four to wear masks.
As students in SD57 return to classrooms from spring break tomorrow (April 6) for the first time since the requirement has been issued, the district is reminding students and parents that masks must be worn inside of schools and buildings by all students in grades four to 12.
Masks can be removed inside only when a student is eating or drinking and must also be worn on school buses by all students in grades four to 12.
Looking forward to seeing everyone back at school tomorrow. Info sent to parents last week. Stay safe! pic.twitter.com/VTPTJ00vH5
— School District No. 57 (Prince George) (@SD57PG) April 5, 2021
In a letter sent to parents on March 31, Acting Superintendent Cindy Heitman explained that for elementary schools where students are not used to wearing masks in doors, staff will spend the first few days helping students to adjust to the change.
“We suggest you send your child to school in a clean mask and with a spare mask, that they are used to wearing. Schools will have disposable masks available if students forget their mask.”
Students will also be able to remove their masks while outside during breaks, when eating lunch and while learning outside. As the weather improves, the district says teachers will continue to look for opportunities to move their classes outside.
“We would like to emphasize that our schools remain safe spaces for our students and staff,” says Heitman in the letter.
“These revisions to the protocols are based on the latest evidence and a review of school exposures to date in B.C. We acknowledge the efforts of our school communities in following our safety protocols and helping us keep our learning communities safe for all.”
The province has said that expectations to the mask requirement include:
- A person who is unable to wear a mask because they do not tolerate it (for health or behavioural reasons);
- A person unable to put on or remove a mask without the assistance of another person;
- If the mask is removed temporarily for the purposes of identifying the person wearing it;
- If the mask is removed temporarily to engage in an educational activity that cannot be performed while wearing a mask (e.g. actively playing a wind instrument, high-intensity physical activity, etc.);
- If a person is eating or drinking;
- If a person is behind a barrier;
- While providing a service to a person with a disability or diverse ability (including but not limited to a hearing impairment), where visual cues, facial expressions and/or lip reading/movements are important.
- with files from Jess Fedigan, PrinceGeorgeMatters
