Sept. 1, 2022 - Message to HDSB Families
We hope this message finds you and your families well and that you enjoyed time relaxing and connecting with friends and family throughout the summer. As we prepare to welcome you to a new school year next week, we are writing to provide you with information on COVID-19 health and safety protocols to assist you as you prepare for the new school year. As always, COVID-19 health and safety protocols for the Halton District School Board are based on direction from the Ontario Ministry of Education and in consultation with Halton Region Public Health.
While much of our COVID-19 health and safety protocols remain unchanged from June, here are a few updates and reminders for this school year:
- Students, staff and visitors to schools are encouraged to complete the online COVID-19 School Screening Tool before attending school each day. Confirmation of completing the screening tool at the school is not required.
- Individuals with symptoms and/or who have tested positive for COVID-19 should stay home until they have no fever and symptoms are improving for at least 24 hours (or 48 hours if gastro-intestinal symptoms).
- If students develop symptoms of COVID-19 while at school, parents/guardians will be contacted for pick-up (as with all other illnesses). It is recommended that ill students wear a mask while waiting for their family.
- Schools will continue to be mask-friendly and actively promote respectful, welcoming and inclusive environments for individuals who choose to wear or not wear a mask. Wearing masks is optional for students and staff at school or on the bus however, masking in indoor settings and crowded spaces is still encouraged. Masks will continue to be available for those who wish to continue wearing them.
- Masking is still required for:
- Individuals who experienced symptoms of COVID-19 (were symptomatic) should to wear a mask for 10 days after symptoms started.
- Individuals who tested positive for COVID-19, regardless of whether they experienced symptoms of COVID-19, should wear a mask for 10 days from their test date.
- All symptom-free (asymptomatic) close contacts (of people with symptoms and/or who have tested positive for COVID-19) should wear a mask for 10 days from their last exposure.
- Students, staff and visitors to schools are encouraged to continue to practice good hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette (cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough).
- Schools continue to implement ventilation best practices. For more information, visit the Ventilation and HVAC Upgrades & FAQs page on the HDSB website.
- Enhanced cleaning protocols at schools continue.
- Field trips and extra-curricular activities can continue.
- Physical distancing and grouping students together during class or outside break is not required.
- Rapid Antigen Test kits will continue to be made available to students and staff in accordance with provincial testing guidelines.
- Mental Health and Well-Being: The mental health of our staff, students and families remains especially important at this time. The HDSB Mental Health & Well-Being webpage has information for parents/guardians and students on mental health, ways to support positive mental health and well-being and how to get additional support at school and in the community.
International Travel
Health and Safety Measures for Schools and COVID-19 Vaccines for School-aged Children
Information for Students Who Take the School Bus
Halton Student Transportation Services (HSTS) is
advising families that due to a shortage of school bus drivers, some schools will be impacted by bus delays. Parents/guardians are encouraged to sign-up for delays and cancellation notifications on the HSTS website (
haltonbus.ca). A list of bus delays is posted on the
HSTS website daily.
Further Information
All COVID-19 health and safety information for HDSB families can be found on the
COVID-19 page on the HDSB website. Families can find helpful tips and resources to make the beginning of a new school year as smooth as possible on the new HDSB
Welcome to a New School Year webpage. For more information, please contact your child’s school. School offices are now open.
We hope you enjoy the upcoming long-weekend. We look forward to seeing you on the first day of school (Tuesday, Sept. 6).
Sincerely,
Halton District School Board