Hyland Heights News for March 10th

Posted March 10, 2022

Good evening,

Happy March Break to all of our Hawk families! Please remember that there is no school for students on March 11th, as this is the first day of March Break. We will see everyone back at Hyland on Monday, March 21st at 850am. We hope that you and your family have a restful break. 

It was fun to see our students and staff in their comfy clothes today. Please take note of the following spirit days as well:

Monday March 21- World Down Syndrome Day-  Rock your Socks in support!

Friday March 25- Purple Day for Epilepsy Awareness

Friday April 1- Sports team Day, Wear your favourite team jersey, t-shirt or sweater

The Ministry is now providing COVID-19 guidance, the best and most current information is embedded within the screening tool. The tool also accounts for individuals who tested positive in the last 90 days, who have traveled etc. COVID 19 School Screening

As you are probably aware, the Government has announced further reductions in CVOID 19 restrictions. An update about masking is down below. Please note that classes will no longer need to be cohorted as well. 

Mandatory masking will no longer be required in Upper Grand District School Board schools as of March 21, 2022, as the school board does not have the authority to enforce this beyond March 21.

Here are the facts:

  • On March 9, 2022, the province announced it was lifting mask requirements for Ontario schools, beginning on March 21. 
  • At a Special Board Meeting of the UGDSB in August 2020, Trustees approved a Board Resolution that all staff, students and visitors are required to wear a mask indoors and on school buses. 
  • Following the province’s March 9 announcement, the UGDSB consulted with several parties to determine next steps and receive clarity on the board’s authority to mandate public health measures.
    • Those consultations concluded that once the province lifts its masking requirements, the school board does not have the independent authority to prescribe public health measures in response to an infectious disease, such as COVID-19. 
    • Further, boards of trustees do not have the authority to impose restrictions that the Ministry has directed must be revoked.

UGDSB March 22, 2022, Board Meeting

As such, at the March 22, 2022, regular UGDSB Board Meeting, the changes to mask protocols will be on the agenda. The Board of Trustees will need to follow the direction of the government and bring forward a motion to align with Ministry direction and rescind the Board Resolution. 

We know that the topic of masks can be a divisive one. We want to stress that students, staff and visitors are still welcome to wear masks in our schools, and this is their choice. Masking indoors continues to be strongly encouraged. Staff will continue to be provided with personal protective equipment (PPE). 

We encourage all members of our school communities to treat others with kindness and respect with regards to their choice. 

 

Finally, we hope that all of our families have a terrific March Break. We are excited to continue our school year. We are proud of our students and all that they have accomplished over the past several months. 

 

Categories: News