There are approximately 280 teachers and 4,150 students in the school division. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

COVID-19

Mandatory masks for NLSD students returning to class

Aug 26, 2021 | 2:20 PM

The use of masks will be mandatory for all Northern Lights School Division (NLSD) students.

That’s according to NLSD’s Return to School Plan released Thursday, which states all students and staff will continue to mask until such time vaccination rates reach 70 per cent. Once vaccines are approved and widely available to children under the age of 12, recommendations regarding masking and other measures will be revisited.

Large events such as assemblies, guest events, and other similar events are not permitted, but smaller event sizes may be permitted.

“With the removal of public health measures and restrictions, parents/caregivers can be allowed on school property when dropping off students, provided they are wearing a mask,” the release notes. “Non-essential visitation is discouraged at the time, however, when these visits are needed, visitors are required to wear a mask and schools will maintain a log of all visitors to the school.”

Limiting class sizes is not recommended by the division at this time, but classroom cohorts will remain for students in pre-Kindergarten to Grade 6. The higher grades can continue to operate without cohorting and it’s preferred that students don’t face each other unless fully masked and there is sufficient ventilation in the room.

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As for extra-curricular activities, NLSD will require all student participants to be fully vaccinated, along with staff and volunteers. Students not fully vaccinated can participate in school-based activities in limited capacity with individualized skills training only.

“Sport competitions are not permitted at this time,” the plan states. “Community school recreation activities will continue with curbside/virtual and outdoor activities. Indoor activities are permitted in small groups when utilizing appropriate safety measures. Community requests for indoor facility usage is not permitted at this time.”

The NLSD strongly recommends all students and staff be vaccinated, adding staff assumes the shared responsibility of assisting one another in maintaining healthy and safe workplaces.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno