Lakeland Catholic releases Back to School Plan

Lakeland Catholic has released their Back to School Plan, outlining the health guidelines for staff, students, and visitors for the 2021/22 school year.

The Lakeland Catholic School Division (LCSD) will be following the direction of Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health in relation to masks in schools.

“Although wearing a mask won’t be mandatory in schools, unless riding the school bus or division provided transportation, as per directed by the province, we encourage parents, staff, and students to wear a maskwhen in our schools,” said Superintendent Pamela Guibault.

“Everyone should take their own individual circumstances and health risks into consideration when deciding whether or not to wear a mask,  and we support individual choice. Our staff will address any bullying that may occur as a result of someone choosing to, or not to, wear a mask,” she continued.

Parents are also asked to screen their child before they leave for the school day using the Alberta Health Services’ checklist for those under the age of 18. Staff are also instructed to do the same using the adult checklist provided by AHS.

Sanitation, hand washing, and enhanced cleaning will continue to be a priority this year, with a focus on high traffic and touch surfaces.

“We will continually be monitoring and reassessing our plan as necessary,” Pamela said, adding the division will be working collaboratively with Alberta Health, and additional health measures may be considered in response to any respiratory illness outbreaks.

Diane Bauer, Chairperson for the LCSD Board of Trustees, said the health and safety of staff, students, and families is a priority for the school division.

“We strive to keep your loved ones safe as we kick-start another school year,” she added. “And for those who wish to keep their child home, we are continuing to offer our Lakeland Catholic Online Learning program.”

Celebrations, school events, graduations, local and provincial field trips, extra curricular activities, school council meetings, sports teams, and provincial exams will resume this year.

“We are thrilled to be able to welcome students back to school. After a year filled with uncertainty, we are ready to be able to allow our students the chance to take part in some of the recreational activities they enjoy,” expressed Pamela.

LCSD will support AHS as it runs temporary COVID-19 vaccination clinics in our schools.

“Immunizations are voluntary and will be available in September and October for students Grades 7-12 and staff who wish to get vaccinated against COVID-19,” Pamela explained, adding more information will be provided to parents and guardians, and parental consent will be required for students wishing to be immunized at an in-school clinic.

For more information, or to view our Back to School Plan in its entirety, visit lcsd150.ab.ca.