Dear Parents/Guardians:
It has been a while since we provided an update to families about COVID-19. With vaccinations now available to children aged five to 11 and reports of the new Omicron variant of concern, we wanted to update families with current information.
COVID-19 Immunizations Families, Volunteers and Spectators
Last month, the CBE implemented its policy to mandate vaccination for all CBE staff, volunteers, contractors, guests, spectators and onsite partners. Learn more in Administrative Regulation 1016 – COVID-19 Vaccinations.
CBE’s decision to extend its immunization policy to all volunteers balances our commitment to student, staff, and community safety with the value of parent involvement in their child's education and in their school communities.
This means effective Dec. 17, 2021, all volunteers must be fully immunized to volunteer in a CBE building or to participate in field trips. Medical exemptions or rapid antigen tests will not be accepted in place of proof of full immunization.
Adult guests attending CBE extra-curricular events, such as sports, performances and assemblies, are also required provide proof they are fully immunized. 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.
More information about how to provide proof of vaccination to your school will be provided in the coming weeks.
Parents and guardians are not required to be fully immunized when picking up or dropping off their children or attending in-person meetings such as parent-teacher conferences. However, teachers and other CBE employees may choose to schedule virtual or telephone meetings as an alternative to in-person meetings.
Student Vaccinations
We all play a role in ensuring our schools are as safe as possible and that we minimize the spread of COVID-19. While vaccines are not required for students to attend school, we continue to strongly encourage vaccination for all eligible students. With vaccinations recently approved for children aged 5 to 11, Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health has provided more information to families in a letter in English and French. If you have a child in this age group, you are encouraged to seek out reliable and factual information to inform your decisions on vaccines for your family. Appointments for anyone over the age of five can be booked through the Alberta Vaccine Booking system, or by calling Health Link at 811. Vaccine clinics will not be available through schools at this time.
Health Measure Reminders
With only a few weeks left before winter break, and the arrival of the COVID Omicron variant of concern, I encourage all students and staff to remain vigilant and continue to follow all health measures in place in schools and communities.
Families should continue to complete the Daily Health Questionnaire every day before sending your child to school and keep them home from school if they are sick.
Masking continues to be required by all students, staff and visitors in our schools and workplaces. More information can be found on in our masking guidelines.
If you are planning an international trip over the holidays, please ensure you have reviewed provincial and federal requirements for your return and your child’s return to school in January. This guidance is subject to change at any time.
For more information see:
Thank you for your ongoing cooperation and support.
Christopher Usih
Chief Superintendent of Schools
