Volunteers in Schools Protocol and New Immunization Attestation
Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board wants to provide a safe and healthy working and learning environment for both students and staff. During this time, visitor access to schools, including volunteers, will be limited on the advice and guidance of Public Health. Only volunteers that support service programs or events that would otherwise not be able to operate without them will be permitted in schools.
Volunteer drivers must wear a medical mask at all times, both outside and inside their vehicle. Schools will provide a medical mask to the volunteer driver if needed. Passengers must wear a mask and will sit in rear seats of the vehicle. Any volunteer drivers should meet their passengers outside the school.
Volunteer Immunization Attestation Process
All volunteers must be fully vaccinated according to Ministry of Education policy and in compliance with Board of Trustees direction to staff.
The Ministry of Education immunization disclosure policy for the education sector applies to frequent visitors in schools, including all volunteers. The Board of Trustees also passed a motion on Monday, September 13, 2021 that directs staff to ensure that all volunteers are fully immunized against COVID-19.
In addition to the regular screening and orientation process outlined in Volunteer Policy/Procedure 1.8, volunteers will be required to disclose their immunization status through an attestation and by showing their proof of vaccination. All required volunteer forms, including the new Volunteer Immunization Attestation, will be provided by the school principal or vice principal.
Since the Volunteer Immunization Attestation Form includes personal health information, only the principal or vice principal will review the form and verify proof of vaccination. Completed Volunteer Immunization Attestation forms will be stored by principals in secure files and copies of vaccination receipts will not be kept.
Any questions should be directed to your school or school principal.
Third-Party Service Providers, Partners, Contractors, Students on Placement etc.
Third-party essential services will only be permitted in person at schools, with the guidance of Hamilton Public Health Services. We are maintaining health protocols to keep schools open. This process is managed centrally by the Superintendent or Senior Manager working with agencies and organizations. If a service is permitted, be assured that the immunization attestation will be kept in a secure file.
Updated on Wednesday, October 06, 2021.