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August 31 - Changes to Return to School Plan

August 31, 2021

Updated Return to School Plan Aug 31.pngThe NWSD Return to School Plan has been updated as of August 31, 2021. The following letter has been sent to all families and shared through the NWSD social media channels.

August 31, 2021

The school year kicks off this week and the excitement for our first day back with students is growing. We are grateful that the 2021-2022 school year will bring back a variety of school activities, including extra-curricular programming and a return of more classroom collaboration and opportunities for students to reconnect with peers.

When the summer started, we were hopeful for a school start with no restrictions, but COVID had other plans. The current situation in Saskatchewan and our region calls for a stronger response to ensure the safety of our staff and students. We understand some will be disappointed these safety measures are continuing. We will evaluate and adjust our plan as needed.

In normal circumstances, few of us would choose to wear a mask. Unfortunately, these are not normal times. Throughout the pandemic school divisions, including ours, have followed the recommendations of the Government of Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Health Authority, and Northwest School Division will continue to do so.

The provincial Safe School Plan outlined broad measures for school divisions and encouraged school divisions to work closely with local medical health officers. Local medical health officers provide guidance and direction based on what they are seeing in active cases, transmission and vaccination levels. They are able to assist us in developing a plan that meets the current context and need in our communities. The updates we have made to our Return to School Plan have been made with the feedback and support of the local medical health officer for our region.

Last year our COVID control measures were quite successful. While we did have cases in schools, the level of transmission was extremely low. This means the safety protocols and measures in place worked.

We recognize the COVID fatigue in our communities and our schools, but, unfortunately, COVID is not done with us. School divisions must provide the safest environment possible for students. We have a responsibility and duty of care to the families who entrust us with their children and are held to a higher standard than that of the general public.

It is critical that Northwest School Division school communities continue to follow the practice of self-monitoring for symptoms. For everyone’s safety, students and staff should stay home if they are sick.

Additionally, some of the safety measures Northwest School Division will implement for the beginning of the school year include:
• Masks are required for all elementary students (PreKindergarten to Grade 6) and staff who work directly with them. Masks must be worn in all common areas, halls, washrooms and in group work settings. It is appropriate for students to remove their mask when seated at their desk or when taking part in strenuous activity.
• Masks are strongly recommended for students in Grade 7 to 12 and all other school staff.
• Masks are required to be worn on buses by all students and staff who ride.
• Masks are required for all visitors to schools.
• A supply of disposable masks will be available at all school facilities. Families are also encouraged to provide reusable masks for their children if they choose.

The full Return to School Plan with the remainder of the safety protocols is published on our website.

We understand that some families may still be hesitant about returning to school. Northwest School Division continues to offer Kindergarten to Grade 12 programming through the Northwest Virtual School​, and families can contact the school division for registration information.

With these safety protocols in place, we look forward to an exciting school year and a return of many activities that our students and staff look forward to.

Thank you to all our families for your cooperation and understanding as we prepare for a safe start to the school year.

Duane Hauk, Director of Education
Northwest School Division

Glen Winkler, Board Chairperson
Northwest School Division


The complete Return to School Plan is posted here:

Fall 2021 NWSD Return To School Plan.pdf