(File photo/meadowlakeNOW Staff)

By Elliott Knopp

NWSD Return

NWSD confident in return-to-school health measures

Jan 6, 2022 | 5:27 PM

As students and staff return to the classroom after the winter break, administration at the Northwest School Division (NWSD) is expressing confidence in a safe return.

On Wednesday, the Government of Saskatchewan announced a new set of guidelines for schools to follow with in-class lessons resuming. In the release, the provincial government explained positive COVID-19 cases will be reported to the school office by parents and students, which will result in the school directly informing anyone deemed to be a close contact.

In an interview with meadowlakeNOW, Director of Education Duane Hauk said he is confident in the new health measures, adding parents and students have been very cooperative with guidelines.

The Government of Saskatchewan laid out new protocols for a return to school. (Government of Saskatchewan)

“Part of the messaging that we’ve been doing for quite some time is if you’re not feeling well, stay at home, and people have been following that,” he said.

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“We’re continuing to try to do our best and really depend on that cooperation with our families. If there are positive cases with antigen tests, if parents can let us know quickly, then we can make sure that we’re communicating to everyone involved.”

Students who are symptomatic and deemed a close contact in a non-household setting will be required to isolate and learn from home until they test negative and symptoms have subsided.

Rules for asymptomatic students vary for in-class learning and extra curricular activities depending on their vaccination status, but both will be required to self-monitor and report any developments in their condition.

Hauk stated the new measures allow for students to continue receiving a proper school experience while being accountable for their safety and the people around them.

“I think the measures that we have in place are trying to keep everybody as safe as possible and knowing full well that in-person learning is really good for students,” he said.

“Having the activities that are available for students is always an excellent opportunity for them, for their mental health and for the social relations that they have as well. I believe that we’re in a good spot.”

Hauk added there will be no additional measures implemented at this time as the board will continue its premise of following public health orders.

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elliott.knopp@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @ElliottKnopp