Dear families,
As we go into the winter break, we want to take this opportunity to thank you for your partnership over the first half of the school year. We know this year, our second year in a pandemic, has created challenges for families and we appreciate your collaboration to ensure the continuity of learning for our students.
We also want to share some important reminders with families:
Rapid Antigen Tests
The Ministry of Education is providing one box of Rapid Antigen Tests to all students attending school in person. They are encouraging students to use these optional tests to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 upon the return to school on January 3, 2022. Schools distributed tests to students along with information about when and how to take these tests. Please see the letter from York Region’s Medical Officer of Health with some advice for the tests.
Public Health Guidelines
It is essential that we all continue to adhere to public health guidelines over the break, particularly with the recent rise in COVID-19 cases and information about the omicron variant. As always, we will continue to keep you updated as new information becomes available.
Returning from Travel
We appreciate that many families have planned vacations over the break, and encourage you to continue to check travel advisories and requirements from the Government of Canada. It is important that families adhere to all testing and self-isolation requirements following travel, to help us protect the health and safety of our students and staff.
Screening Requirements upon Return to School
The Ministry of Education is requiring that students provide confirmation of COVID-19 screening when families return from the winter break. Similar to the start of the year, students and families will be required to complete the confirmation of screening before coming to school each morning. The forms can be found on the Board website at www.yrdsb.ca/school-reopening.
Message from the Minister of Education
In addition, please read this Message from the Minister of Education
Messages from York Region Public Health
Please read the following messages and updates from York Region Public Health:
- Letter to Families
- Backpack Health Chat Newsletter
- Information about the Beary Beachy COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic December 18-19
Return to School in January
We are working on the plan that schools will reopen in January, however we are prepared to move to virtual learning if that announcement is made. Should the provincial government make an announcement regarding the timing of the winter break, we will communicate it to families as we receive information. Please remind your children to bring home all personal belongings, including personally owned technology, they will need over the winter break.
We wish you all a healthy, safe and restful winter break, and if you and your family are celebrating, we wish you a very happy holiday season.