Dear Parents/Guardians
The CBE has been reviewing its health measures following the provincial announcement that it has moved to Step 2 of its three-step approach to lifting additional health measures. A number of changes have been made to align to provincial decisions. Please carefully review the information below and follow up with your school if you have any questions.
School Activities
Schools are able resume in-person activities, meetings and events with their school communities. This includes allowing indoor spectators at K-9 schools for sports and performances. Schools may choose to continue with some virtual events such as school council meetings and parent-teacher conferences.
However, schools will consider strategies to reduce crowding and improve/increase ventilation to reduce potential transmission of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses. Principals have an obligation under the Education Act (Section 33) to ensure a safe environment in their schools and continue to have the authority to set attendance limits for events to ensure the safety of students and staff.
Masking
Masks are no longer required for students, staff or visitors in CBE schools and workplaces. The exception is if they are required in accordance with individual isolation requirements, in some unique settings, or to align with Occupational Health & Safety guidance. As well, students 13 years old and older are still required to wear masks while riding Calgary Transit. We will continue to support students and staff who choose to wear masks and individual choices will be respected. Staff will monitor for and address any discrimination or bullying related to choices for mask use.
Cohorting
As part of Step 2, schools are no longer required to cohort students. This shift does not mean schools need to re-design current timetabling or classroom structures. Schools may choose to retain these schedules and set-ups for the remainder of the school year to avoid learning disruption.
Staying Home When Sick and Mandatory Isolation
The Daily Health Checklist remains in place and the mandatory requirements to isolate if someone has tested positive for COVID-19 have not changed.
Updated guidance documents
The province has updated its guidance for schools. You can find more information on the Alberta Education website. The 2021-22 Parent Guide has also been updated.
While a number of health measures have been lifted, we will continue to take a measured approach while assessing the evolving public health direction, as well as any changes to government guidelines. Most immediately, we ask for your patience as we make adjustments to operations in our schools and workplaces. While not required by students and staff to attend school or CBE work sites, we continue to strongly encourage vaccination for everyone eligible aged five years and up.
Thank you in advance for your commitment to student learning and the well-being of students and staff.
Sincerely,
Christopher Usih
Chief Superintendent of Schools
