Health & Wellness in School

This webpage contains general information and health measures for the 2021-22 school year. It is subject to change as the COVID-19 situation evolves, and more information becomes available from the province. 

January 2022

While maintaining in-person learning is a priority, schools are planning for potential transitions to at-home learning if required.

The decision to transition individual classes or grades to at-home learning will be based on staff availability and/or student absentee rates. All moves to at-home learning for entire schools or school authorities require approval or direction from the Minister of Education. Decisions to move individual classes or multiple classes within a school will be decided by CBE Administration.

We know the spread of COVID-19 has and will continue to impact staffing levels across the organization. Despite increasing our substitute teacher roster and continuously hiring new substitutes, we anticipate staffing challenges will occur.

If your child's class or school is going to be transitioned to online learning, you will receive information from the school directly. While we will attempt to give as much notice to families as possible, these transitions can happen suddenly and with short notice. Families should frequently check their email and/or their school website for updates.

CBe-learn

​​​With infection rates related to Omicron, we recognize that there may be increased interest in students transferring to learning online through CBe-learn. Due to resource limitations however​, CBe-learn is unable to accept mid-year transfers.

General

The Calgary Board of Education has implemented a number of system-wide health measures for the school year. These include but are not limited to:

• Proper hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette
• Enhanced cleaning and disinfection of high traffic/touch areas
• Enhanced ventilation in schools
• Classroom cohorts in kindergarten to Grade 6

We all play a role in ensuring our schools are as safe as possible and that we minimize the spread of COVID-19. The CBE has and will continue to encourage all eligible employees to get vaccinated.

Masks

Mask are required for all staff and kindergarten to Grade 12 students.

Families are still able to provide their own masks, but in January 2022 the government  updated its guidance. The guidance states: If non-medical masks are worn, they should be constructed of at least three layers: two of breathable, tightly woven fabric such as cotton, and an additional effective middle filter layer, such as non-woven polypropylene​

See:     Masks

Non-medical face mask guidelines

Daily Screening – Stay Home if you are Feeling Unwell

Students and staff are expected to use the daily checklist to identify if they should attend or stay home. Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms must stay at home until symptoms resolve. Families should follow the guidance on the daily checklist.

See:     COVID-19 Alberta Health Daily Checklist

If a Student is Sick or had COVID-19 Symptoms

Chief Medical Officer of Health – What Parents Should do if Positive Cases are Reported in Schools/Classrooms

Student Immunizations

While not required by students to attend school, we continue to strongly encourage vaccination for all eligible students aged five years and up.​

See:

• COVID-19 Immunization Booking
  
• COVID-19 Vaccines and Records
• Government of Alberta – Vaccine myths and facts and information on vaccines for children
• AHS COVID-19 Immunization for Children Under 12
• Health Canada – COVID-19 vaccines for children: What you need to know (also in French)
  
  

Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health says that vaccines are highly effective and proven to protect Albertans and communities from COVID-19. The Canadian Pediatric Society is also recommending that all eligible children get vaccinated against COVID-19. 

Appointments for children aged 5 to 11 can be booked through the Alberta Vaccine Booking system, or by calling Health Link at 811. Appointments are available primarily at AHS clinics around the province. Vaccines will not be available in schools at this time.

Parent or guardian consent is required for children to get their vaccine, and it can be provided either in-person at the vaccine appointment or by a signed consent form. Parents and guardians are encouraged to seek out reliable and factual information to inform their decisions on vaccines for their children.

See: 

• Nov. 24 CMOH Letter to Parents (English)
• Nov. 24 CMOH Letter to Parents (French)

Extra-Curricular Activities

Band and sports activities are able to proceed. Schools can be occupied for evening and weekend school activities.

High school basketball and wrestling activities can commence practicing on Jan. 10. High schools will be allowed to continue with basketball league games and tournaments and wrestling meets from Jan. 11 to 19.

During the month of January only one parent /guardian will be allowed to attend games/competitions. No other spectators will be permitted. This policy will be re-evaluated near the end of the month.

Further adjustments may need to be made in response to further provincial government policy announcements.  ​

Middle and junior high schools are pausing the start of basketball season. The situation in schools will be re-evaluated on or before January 28, 2022.​​ ​At this time a decision will be made to either cancel the remainder of the season or begin the season with a condensed schedule.  ​​

Adult guests attending CBE extra-curricular events — sports, performances and assemblies — must provide proof they are fully immunized against COVID-19. Rapid antigen tests will not be accepted, but the CBE will recognize a valid medical exemption from COVID-19 vaccines, in keeping with the Alberta Human Rights Act.

Attendees must also complete the Alberta Daily Health Checklist, sanitize their hands, be masked and physically distanced at all times and remain seated throughout the game or performance. ​

​See Vaccination Requirement for Employees, Partners, Volunteers for requirements.

Transportation

Masks are required on all yellow school buses and Calgary Transit. Yellow school buses also have seating plans.

Yellow school bus service may also be impacted by last-minute staffing challenges due to illness. Buses may be delayed or unable to run for the day due to driver availability.

Families should also have back-up plans in place if school bus transportation is unavailable.

See:     Busing & Transportation Page

Volunteers & Visitors

​​​Scheduled volunteers and visitors to schools are permitted. However, schools may limit this access to individuals supporting ​student-centred events and have the strongest connection to curriculum.  ​

Prior to scheduled visitors entering the school they must complete the Alberta Health Daily Checklist. If a visitor answers YES to any of the questions, the individual must not be admitted into the school.

Existing partners, including outside agencies, that directly support student learning and well-being will continue to work with our schools. While in a school, partners must follow our re-entry guidelines including completing the Alberta Health Daily Checklist.

With support from the Board of Trustees, the CBE will require that all employees, volunteers and CBE partners be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by Dec. 17, 2021. The CBE’s vaccination requirement applies to all contracted service providers, tenants in CBE buildings and all volunteers.

See Vaccination Requirement for Employees, Partners, Volunteers for requirements as of Dec. 17, 2021.

See:     COVID-19 Alberta Health Daily Checklist

Field Trips & Off-Site Activities

Schools are encouraged to pursue virtual field trips when it is available and appropriate. Some field trips with scheduled volunteers are permitted. Adult volunteers assisting with off-site activities must complete the Alberta Health Daily Checklist before attending.

See:     COVID-19 Alberta Health Daily Checklist

​Travel

Families considering international travel must follow direction from Alberta Health Services and the Government of Canada upon returning. Their guidance is subject to change.

See:     Government of Alberta COVID-19 Travel Requirements

            Government of Canada COVID-19 Travel

​​    Travelling with children or dependents who are not fully vaccinated

Updates for Families

See previous COVID-19 under Health and Wellness News Stories ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​