Dear Parents/Guardians,

As you may have heard, the Provincial Health Officer (Dr. Bonnie Henry) provided an update today to the Provincial COVID-19 Communicable Disease Guidelines for K-12 Settings.  You can find the announcement HERE. 

Beginning on Mon Oct 4th, all students in B.C. schools will be required to wear a mask.  This measure builds on the existing guidelines that currently apply to students in Gr 4-12.  So, beginning on Monday students in K-Gr 3, like their peers in Gr 4-12, will now be required to wear a mask in classrooms, common areas and on the school bus.  If you have a child in K-Gr 3, we would ask that you provide them with a mask beginning on Monday.  However, we have been able to secure some disposable masks for young children and plan to have these available in our schools on Monday as well. 

Dr. Henry has emphasized that schools continue to be very safe places for children.  Transmission of the COVID-19 virus continues to primarily occur in the home or in social settings, not in schools.  This enhanced mask mandate is part of the continuing evolution of health measures designed to help reduce the potential for transmission.  The government has also indicated that beginning in October, the Provincial Health Office will be releasing a new monthly report that will provide British Columbians with current information about the virus and how it affects school-aged children.  You can expect the October report around the middle of the month.

Thank you for your ongoing support during this time of increased precautions in our schools.  We know that school is critical for children’s social-emotional health, and as such, we continue to place a high priority on both their safety and learning environment to ensure that we are providing an engaging and welcoming space.

Respectfully,

Dave Eberwein
Superintendent & CEO, Saanich Schools