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Trustees approve enhanced measures for a safe return to school

A message from the Chair of the Board, Dawn Danko

We are excited to welcome students and staff back to school on Wednesday, September 8, 2021. As we resume in-person learning, our focus is on taking steps to promote health, safety and well-being.

A School Re-opening presentation was shared with Trustees during the Special Board Meeting on Aug. 23. The report highlights public health measures, among other programs, procedures, and school operation items. This summary is a helpful status as we work towards sharing a full list of procedures on the Board’s website before school starts.

Trustees continue to advocate for the safe return to school. A series of enhanced measures have been raised by Trustees, including at a recent Board meeting, and shared with staff to implement.

• Masks: At HWDSB, face masks are mandatory for all students from JK to grade 12. Current provincial guidance related to mask-wearing applies to students from grade 1 to 12. Trustees confirmed their August 2020 motion that required Kindergarten students to wear masks will continue. Masks will be provided at the school to anyone who needs one.
• Lower Class Size in Elementary: In order to promote distancing and learning recovery, Trustees directed staff to use up to $6 million in reserve funds and an additional $2 million from Covid-19 funding to reduce class sizes in kindergarten and grades 4 – 8. The funds will allow the Board to hire additional elementary teachers and designated early childhood educators. This plan also includes the use of approximately 75 additional classrooms. Current class size caps for grades 1 to 3 are 20-23 students and can accommodate distancing as much as possible.
• COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Protocol: In a recent Notice of Motion, the Board supported applying the Vaccination Disclosure and Testing Policy to Trustees. The Board also approved efforts to protect individuals’ privacy where vaccination data is collected and reported publicly. Also, Trustees will pursue provincial support for additional health and safety needs for school communities that are identified by Hamilton Public Health Services as being at higher-risk. A letter will be sent to the Minister of Education to request full funding of the Vaccination Disclosure and Testing Policy, and any enhanced protective measures.

Please continue to check the HWDSB website as information becomes available. Another Covid-19 Update for Families will be shared next week with further details regarding public health measures for school and school activities.