Sep. 16, 2021
Dear families,
On Sept. 15, 2021, the Government of Alberta declared a state of public health emergency and announced new measures intended to protect the health care system, limit the spread of COVID-19 and increase vaccination rates in Alberta.
The Calgary Board of Education has reviewed these new health measures. Our plan for the 2021-22 school year, shared with you on Aug. 18, 2021, already exceeds all the new government health measures, including:
- mandatory masking for all students K-12 and all staff
- co-horting for elementary students K-6
- work from home direction for non-school based staff
- spectators attending extracurricular sports and activities at outdoor events only
Earlier in September, we confirmed with schools offering extra-curricular sports and activities that indoor spectators will not be permitted. This direction also exceeds the new provincial guidance. Our priority is ensuring that students have the opportunity to participate in extra-curricular sports. We recognize the value families place on watching their child play, but at this time we are not allowing spectators indoors and other group gatherings. We will revisit and confirm this decision in early October.
As part of the government direction, school boards continue to have the ability to implement measures that exceed provincial guidance. We will review our health measures plan to determine if any measures need to be strengthened to further protect students and staff. Key areas to be reviewed include, but is not limited to, the presence of scheduled volunteers, guests and partners in schools and off-site activities/field trips.
We will continue to notify families of self-reported cases within schools and support AHS with outbreak notifications and investigations.
This situation is evolving. We will continue to review and adjust our practices based on new information. Any adjustments will consider further direction from the Chief Medical Officer of Health, Alberta Education, attendance rates at schools and existing active case counts in the Calgary Zone.
We all play a role to ensure our schools are as safe as possible and that we minimize the spread of COVID-19. The CBE has and will continue to encourage everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated.
Christopher Usih
Chief Superintendent of Schools
