Dear Staff and Families,
For many, the loosening of restrictions in Ontario was a welcome step forward. Unfortunately, it has also presented us with new challenges to overcome. As the virus continues to spread, private businesses and public organizations are feeling the effects of staffing shortages.
In our board, increasing numbers of students and staff are away from school due to illness, and we are expecting the situation to get worse before it gets better. If we cannot adequately and safely provide supervision for students due to staffing shortages, we will have to close schools. We are also looking at alternate strategies to carry us through the rest of the year.
We are continuing to ask families to make alternate childcare arrangements in the event that a closure is necessary. We will communicate with families as soon as possible after confirming a closure is necessary. Families should expect closures to be brief and for learning activities to be available in the virtual learning environment.
We know that the current situation in our schools is difficult for everyone. This is especially true considering how much we have all gone through in the past two years. We are longing for stability and predictability, and no one wants to see school closures. To help prevent school closures, there are a number of preventative measures that we can use to reduce the spread of illness. Two of the most important measures are:
Choosing to wear masks – we are strongly encouraging students and staff to wear masks, especially indoors. Masks are highly effective in reducing the transmission of illness. Schools and board office locations have masks available for students and staff.
Staying home if you are sick – Complete the provincial COVID-19 School Screening every day and follow the guidance provided. If you have symptoms, take a rapid antigen test. Schools and Board office locations have rapid antigen tests available for students and staff upon request as per this Updated Guidance Memo (PDF link). If you test positive, carefully follow the provincial isolation directives.
Thank you for your continued patience as we navigate these issues and for continuing to do your part to help reduce the spread of Covid-19.
Sincerely,
Frances BagleyDirector of Education
Meanwhile the Simcoe County District School Board is currently seeking candidates for uncertified emergency positions.
They include teachers, educational assistants, and early childhood educators, who provide support to schools when daily vacancies have not been filled by the certified supply lists