Following the release of school-specific plans by Saskatchewan鈥檚 27 school divisions on August 26, the Ministry of Education in collaboration with public health officials has released parent information packages for distribution to parents prior to the September 8 school year.
Parent information packages contain general background on the Safe Schools Plan and guidance on how to prepare for a safe return to schools.聽 The packages also include detailed fact-sheets on COVID-19 testing options and, processes for notification of illness in school, and information regarding thresholds for changes to in-classroom learning.
鈥淲e know that as much information as possible will help parents, students, teachers and staff prepare for a safe return to schools,鈥� Education Minister Gordon Wyant said.聽 鈥淭oday we are releasing parent information packages for distribution through Saskatchewan鈥檚 27 school divisions to ensure that important information and guidance is available.聽 This includes what parents can expect if a student in their child鈥檚 class tests positive for COVID-19, and thresholds for changes to in-classroom learning.鈥�
The package contains new information on the notification and illness process if a child, teacher or staff members tests positive for COVID-19, and guidance on further steps that could be taken including when individual students or cohorts should self-monitor or self-isolate.
Also included is information for parents and schools on thresholds for changes to in-classroom learning precipitated by the positive identification of COVID-19 in the classroom or school setting.聽 This approach was developed by public health and will be assessed throughout the school year based on transmission trends and risk, and health system and education system capacity.
Thresholds included in the information packages outline scenarios for the identification of a single positive COVID-19 test result, outbreak declarations in schools, and the pursuant thresholds for changes to in-classroom or school-wide delivery.
Parent information packages can be accessed via the attached document, and will be distributed by the 27 school divisions on behalf of the Ministry of Education.
