Supporting Students During Short-Term Absences
Last week, we shared tips from Hamilton Public Health Services (HPHS) on how to protect yourself and others from respiratory illness.
It is important to continue being mindful that COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses, like flu and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), are circulating in the community. Individuals should assess their own personal level of risk for severe outcomes from respiratory illnesses, and be mindful that there are community members who remain at a higher risk.
One of the tips from HPHS is to stay home when you are sick. At HWDSB elementary and secondary schools, teachers and principals continue to work with students and families to support short-term absences.
Students who are absent will be provided with an opportunity to learn the material missed during the absence, and be assessed on that learning. Communication between families and schools is vital when supporting students who are absent.
When students are absent for a short period of time, students and families can potentially expect:
- Alternative assessments, considering some essential learning and assignments might have been missed
- Materials to be shared using email, Teams, and the HUB, or via a family member or friend, to enable learning while absent
- Reasonable timelines for completing missed assignments
If there are any questions or concerns about absences, please contact your school.
For more information about protecting yourself and others, the City of Hamilton website continues to be an excellent source of information to help understand your risk and take actions to slow the viral spread.
Updated on Monday, March 06, 2023.