Welcome back everyone,

I hope that your Spring Break was wonderful and rejuvenating.  

When we return to classes next week we will be looking at some different COVID-19 protocols in our schools and I thought it might be helpful to provide you with a bit of a review:  

• Masks will now be a choice for all students and staff in our buildings (K-12), and one that will be respected as a personal decision.  This is in response to the PHO Health Order from March 11th.
• We are expecting a further announcement from Dr. Henry on April 7th where we will likely see additional measures being adopted such as:
  • Removal of the Vaccine Passport requirement in various community settings;
  • An increase in audience capacity to 100% for K-12 events such as Graduation 2022;
  • Reduced limitations on field trips that require a Vaccine Passport.
• Details will be provided once we know the specifics of any further changes.

If you have travelled internationally during Spring Break you and your children are still required to follow all Federal COVID-19 Regulations.  These regulations can be found in their entirety on the Government of Canada website, but I’ve highlighted some key points below:

• All adults and children (aged 5 and older) who travelled internationally must wear a well-constructed and well-fitting mask at all indoor and outdoor public spaces, including K–12 schools, for the first 14 days after entry.
• This means that wearing a mask at school is not a personal choice for 14 days after entry into Canada if you have travelled internationally. 
• Adults and children must also monitor for symptoms for 14 days after entry and follow federal requirements for self-isolation and quarantine if symptoms develop and/or they test positive for COVID-19.

We are looking forward to welcoming your children back into their classrooms next week.

Sincerely, 
Dave Eberwein
Superintendent & CEO, Saanich Schools