Dear Parents and Guardians,
Please see the message below sent out by our Director of Education (Michael Glazier) yesterday regarding the messaging from the Ontario Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Kieran Moore. We want to reiterate to parents/guardians to please keep students home if they are symptomatic or test positive for COVID. Please always refer to the screening tool below for the most current Public Health Guidelines.
This morning, Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health (CMOH), Dr. Kieran Moore, shared information concerning the rise of cases of influenza, RSV, and COVID across the province. Dr. Moore has strongly recommended that Ontarians utilize the protective strategies available to them, including wearing masks indoors. While masking is not mandated, schools remain mask-friendly spaces and we encourage students and staff to wear masks indoors during the rise in cases our community is currently experiencing. The decision to wear a mask remains a personal choice, however, as Dr. Moore notes, it is a way to support partners in our health care system as they respond to an increase in pressures caused by the current increase in respiratory illnesses in our communities.
- Parents, students, and staff are reminded to stay home if feeling unwell and only return when symptoms are improving for at least 24 hours (48 hours if you are experiencing nausea, vomiting, or have diarrhea). Those recovering from illness or with symptoms should continue to mask for ten days from onset of symptoms. Please review the daily Ontario School Screening Tool for common symptoms and specific guidance when responding to your individual circumstances. https://www.ontario.ca/school-screening/
- Students and staff are encouraged to wear a mask when indoors when around others to reduce the opportunity to spread respiratory illness. The decision to mask remains a personal choice and all individuals will be afforded the same respect in our classrooms and workspaces.
- Students and staff are asked to practice good hand hygiene (e.g. hand washing, sanitizing) and be sure to cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing (e.g. cough/sneeze into your elbow).
- Dr. Moore has also suggested that Ontarians consider getting their flu shot or COVID vaccine.
Thank you for your support in keeping our school and communities safe and healthy.
Please see the attached posters regarding an upcoming Cyber-Bullying and Human Trafficking Presentation on October 24th at 6:00 pm in the St. Joseph School Library. All parents are welcome to attend.
Please also refer to the upcoming Parent/Guardian Webinars being offered by the The Grove Youth Wellness Hubs.
Thank you so much.