At this time, students are no longer attending in-school classes until further notice.

It is too early to know how long this situation will continue.

The Chief Medical Officer of Health and other government officials are monitoring the situation

closely and will make further decisions as necessary.

The education system will come up with a plan on how best to manage that transition, if it happens. However, we are not at a point right now to provide any details.

Currently, students are no longer attending in-school classes until further notice.

It is too early to know how long this situation will continue.

Spring break will continue as scheduled in your school authority. (South Schools - March 30 - April 3rd, North Schools - April 6-10th)

Schools will be closed during this time, with teachers and school staff not required to work.

At this time, students will no longer be attending in-school classes until further notice.

It is too early to know how long this situation will continue.

Yes, as long as health recommendations are followed, home schooling can continue. Associated boards or private schools are expected to continue to supervise the program and provide assistance and advice to the parent without going into homes.

We are asking for patience from parents as each school within the division is working through a number of complex challenges at the moment. School administration and support staff will be developing a school-by-school solution to address parent concerns in this area.

Our first priority is establishing continuity of student learning plans for every student.

School administration, teachers, and support staff will be in touch, if they have not already, to provide further details on plans to pick-up materials and personal items. We are trying to restrict access to the building and reduce the number of people in the building at any single moment.

Teachers are currently evaluating what has not yet been covered in their classes and will prioritize remaining learning outcomes based on what is manageable for students learning at home.

Each school authority will have to determine what will work best for their children and students.

This will likely vary among the school authorities, and may even vary from school to school.

Student learning is continuing and each school is taking steps to determine how best to deliver at-home student learning.

This might include some online learning tools, paper packages, or other ways to continue student learning.

A: There are a number of possible answers to this question.

First, you can sign out a device from your child's school if lack of a device is the issue.

If access to an Internet connection is an issue, check with your cell phone provider - many have lifted the caps on data and done away with data overages during this time. You could hotspot a device to your phone if this is the case for you.

Finally, if those two options don't work, teachers have designed lessons to be accessible by students without technology as well. Packets will be available for pickup from the school if you need them. Just contact your child's teacher to make the necessary arrangements.

A. Each school under the direction of the principal in collaboration with teaching staff will develop schedules that best meet the needs of the students and families. This work should take approximately the amount of time allotted by the Education Minister, according to the grade level of the student.

A: Deadlines are not meant to be strict and enforced during these stressful times, but our goal is to continue to see progress in learning for each child. Contact your child's teacher to discuss any challenges completing and submitting the assigned work.

A: You can email them. Teachers will be maintaining communication with parents using the same methods that they have used all year up until this point. In addition, if you call the school, either the secretary or an administrator (Principal or Vice Principal) will be able to reach the teacher by phone.

A: PATs and Diploma exams have bee cancelled for this year.

Students will focus on the core courses needed for graduation, including language (English, French and French language arts), social studies, mathematics, biology, chemistry and physics. Content from other courses will be delivered where possible. Students will complete an average of three hours per course per week. Work will be done online or through other methods such as course packages and telephone check-ins. Reference high school learning quick facts.

For all children in ECS programs and kindergarten to Grade 12 students, school authorities will offer at-home learning opportunities, either through online means or through other accommodations, such as course packages and telephone check-ins.

Government expects that every student, regardless of their geographic location or socioeconomic status, will continue to learn while in-school classes across the province are cancelled.

Each school in the division will determine what is the best solution for families and students learning from home.

Staff will provide specialized supports and services to children and students with disabilities in consultation with families.

Government expects school authorities and school leaders to be flexible, and trusts their professional skills and experience.

Essential outcomes, including literacy and numeracy.

Goals, supports and services outlined in Individual Program Plans (IPPs)

Education content will focus on language/literacy and mathematics/numeracy outcomes of the provincial curriculum.

Teachers will assign an average of five hours of work per student per week, and will be expected to work with their students and parents on the delivery of these materials.

Education content will continue to focus on language/literacy and mathematics/numeracy outcomes, and there will be opportunities to incorporate science and social studies outcomes through cross-curricular learning.

Teachers will assign an average of five hours of work per student per week, and will be expected to work with their students and parents on the delivery of these materials.

Education content will focus on core mathematics, language/literacy, science and social studies curriculum outcomes.

Teachers will assign an average of 10 hours of work per student per week, and will be expected to work with their students and parents on the delivery of these materials.

Education content will focus on specified and core courses required for high school graduation requirements, including language (English, French and French language arts), social studies, mathematics, biology, chemistry and physics.

Content from other courses will be delivered where possible, and accommodations for students unable to complete courses are in place.

Teachers will assign an average of three hours of work per course per student per week, and will be expected to work with their students and parents on the delivery of these materials.

East Central Catholic is following the direction of Alberta Education and Alberta Health in regard to implementing Scenario One for the school re-entry guidelines.

The Minister of Education Adriana LaGrange announced on July 21, 2020 school authorities across Alberta will follow scenario 1 of the plan at the beginning of the 2020-21 school year. That’s a return to near normal operations with health measures. Implementation of this School Re-Entry Plan is subject to change and direction from the Chief Medical Officer of Health. It is based on the best available information related to the COVID-19 pandemic. This plan will evolve and be adjusted when new information becomes available as the status of the COVID-19 pandemic changes. Alberta Education will continue to engage with our education partners as part of this important process.

https://www.alberta.ca/k-to-12-school-re-entry-2020-21-school-year.aspx

Alberta K-12 Re-Entry Plan - July 2020

East Central Catholic School Division Re-Entry Plan

WHO is actively studying and encouraging research on the science of masks. New research findings identified the following preferable types of fabrics, number of layers and the composition of a non-medical, fabric mask:

• an inner layer of absorbent material such as cotton

• a middle layer of non-woven material such as polypropylene

• an outer layer of non-absorbent material, such as polyester or polyester blend

More information on the types of materials and their effectiveness can be found in the updated mask guidance document -

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) technical guidance: Infection prevention and control / WASH

Make sure to construct or purchase a mask that lets you breathe while talking and walking briskly.

Remember, the use of a fabric mask alone is not sufficient to provide an adequate level of protection. Maintain a minimum physical distance of at least 1 metre from others and frequently clean your hands.

WHO recommends that people always consult local authorities on recommended practices in their area.

https://www.alberta.ca/masks.aspx

Alberta Health Mask Recommendations

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/question-and-answers-hub/q-a-detail/q-a-on-covid-19-and-masks

https://advances.sciencemag.org/content/early/2020/08/07/sciadv.abd3083

The Alberta government has made the decision to re-enter in Scenario 1 and will continue to make all future decisions about which scenario is to be applied in Alberta schools. In the coming weeks they may issue new direction with respect to public health measures or programming that changes the answers below prior to school starting again in the fall. If the rate of infection increases in our region, we may need to move to Scenario 2 or 3 with little notice. As always, we will do our best to keep you up to date with their direction and its impact on our school re-entry planning.

An individual who has signs or symptoms of COVID-19 illness. For a full list of common, serious and other symptoms please refer to Symptoms and Testing.

Yes. As identified by the Government of Alberta on August 4, all staff and students from grades 4-12 will be required to wear a mask in common areas, classrooms, hallways, and buses (K-3 students will be exempt). Students and staff can remove their mask when they are in their classroom as long as proper protocol regarding physical distancing can be maintained. All students and staff will be provided with two reusable masks at the start of the school year (teachers will also be provided with face shields). Parents are welcome to send masks to school with their children. Surplus masks will be available for those who forget their masks at home.

Alberta Mask Wearing Recommendations

Yes. Recess will happen, and students will have a chance to play with their classmates. Recesses may be staggered (school decision) so that fewer children are on the playground and class sets of play equipment will be provided. Low contact games and activities that support reasonable distancing will be encouraged.

"Near normal" return means that just about all classes will operate in Scenario 1. Most programs will be able to function with limited modifications.

Physical Education and Music are classes that require a good deal of attention to provincial direction. Activities will need to be modified to meet the direction/guidance of the Chief Medical Officer of Health.

To date, we are not permitted to sing or play “wind” instruments in schools. Music teachers are preparing to transition their programs to other instruments (strings, percussion) and music appreciation in order to provide quality music instruction during Scenario 1.

Preference for participation in physical education will be for those activities that allow students to use their own equipment and those that do not encourage physical contact. Alberta Education is working with Alberta Health and education partners, including the Alberta Schools’ Athletic Association, to explore future possibilities for athletic activities and events within the context of health measures being in place.

Your child’s teacher will be aware of measures that will need to be taken to mitigate potential spread of the virus.

Custodial staff will be engaged in more frequent cleaning. Daytime custodians will be present so that ongoing cleaning of “high touch” surfaces (doorknobs, water fountain push buttons, etc.) and common spaces (bathrooms) can be conducted frequently throughout the day.

Cohorting (see next question) is being done in elementary and, for the most part, in middle school. This, coupled with strictly limiting the sharing of space and materials will reduce the need for frequent cleaning of student workspaces. That said, students (where age appropriate) and staff will all have to do their part to clean personal workspaces.

Custodial staff will be engaged in more frequent cleaning. Daytime custodians will be present so that ongoing cleaning of “high touch” surfaces (doorknobs, water fountain push buttons, etc.) and common spaces (bathrooms) can be conducted frequently throughout the day.

Cohorting (see next question) is being done in elementary and, for the most part, in middle school. This, coupled with strictly limiting the sharing of space and materials will reduce the need for frequent cleaning of student workspaces. That said, students (where age appropriate) and staff will all have to do their part to clean personal workspaces.

Gentle, non-toxic cleaning products (approved by Health Canada) will be available to staff and students for occasional use. Only custodial staff and other, selected, support staff will work with cleaning supplies other than those described here.

No. Cohorting high school students is far too complex due to the level of choice and specialization that students have at that level.

No. "Near normal" return to school means students will be able to move around their classroom and work with their classmates. Our staff will make every effort to maintain physical distancing when reasonable to do so. Part of why classes are being kept together as much as possible is to create (within the school day) a “cohort” where students and staff can work together in as normal a way as possible.

A COVID-19 checklist will be provided to all families. If you can answer no to all the questions on the COVID-19 checklist, you may send your child to school. This checklist is not to be submitted. We trust that each school community will honour the need for this new, morning routine and will follow through.

Anyone who develops symptoms while on the school bus or while at school will be required to wear a mask immediately. They will be, as directed by Alberta's Chief Medical Officer of Health, directed to an isolation space and their parents/guardians will be contacted for immediate pick-up.

Individuals directed home due to the onset of symptoms will not be permitted to return until they confirm a negative COVID-19 test.

If your child has a known, pre-existing condition that causes COVID-19 symptoms, they should be tested to confirm that COVID-19 is not the cause of the symptoms and to establish a “baseline” for staff.

Should two or more members of a cohort develop symptoms consistent with COVID-19, we will initiate the “outbreak notification procedure” that is to be provided by Alberta Health Services prior to the beginning of the school year.

If a child or staff member tests positive for COVID-19, Alberta's contact tracing process is initiated, and the school will be contacted. Students or staff that have tested positive for COVID-19 are not permitted on East Central Catholic property until after the 14 day quarantine period has ended.

Parents and volunteers are not permitted in schools unless by appointment. If attending an appointment at the school, all visitors will be required to complete a COVID-19 health check immediately upon arrival. Parents are welcome to walk their children to outside doors if they respect physical distancing.

Face to face learning is almost always better for students and we strongly encourage in-person attendance. Some parents and guardians are concerned enough about COVID-19 that they would prefer to keep their children home. Some need to remain home during the pandemic due their own health or that of a loved one. Our system, and each school, has plans to address this need and parents are to speak with their principals for options.

In the event a student is unable to attend their school due to illness or isolation, they will still be supported by their classroom teacher. Most classroom programming in ECCS schools is being enhanced by Google Classroom. With this platform, lesson materials and assignments are provided and available for students of these classes. Classroom teachers can support their at-home learners who are isolating, however, there is a contingency built into our plan where, if numbers warrant, students may be assigned to a teacher who has volunteered to work exclusively in the support of students who are learning from home.

We expect that this will be a challenge this year. We will be reaching out to see how many substitute teachers will want to be on our "list" next year and are building protocols for how they will work in this new environment.

Schools and teachers of ECCS have the flexibility and creativity where the same grade or subject can (with the support of substitute teachers) help one another out in the support of students and families.

There may be a need to shift students from one teacher's class to another. For example, if enough students in a grade stay home it may be reasonable to shift them to a teacher whose sole focus is supporting at home learning. In fact, this is likely, if a considerable number of students remain at home for school. Our teachers are working together to align their planning so that outcomes are covered in the same order (if in different ways) so that students can transition back and forth when needed without falling behind.

We expect that this will be a challenge this year. We will be reaching out to see how many substitute teachers will want to be on our "list" next year and are building protocols for how they will work in this new environment.

Schools and teachers of ECCS have the flexibility and creativity where the same grade or subject can (with the support of substitute teachers) help one another out in the support of students and families.

There may be a need to shift students from one teacher's class to another. For example, if enough students in a grade stay home it may be reasonable to shift them to a teacher whose sole focus is supporting at home learning. In fact, this is likely, if a considerable number of students remain at home for school. Our teachers are working together to align their planning so that outcomes are covered in the same order (if in different ways) so that students can transition back and forth when needed without falling behind.

Unlike when COVID-19 first emerged, we are not approaching this as an emergency. We are moving into a stage of schooling that is different. It requires creativity, wisdom and care, but it is not an emergency. We can see it coming. Therefore, students and families will need to commit to engaging with school in order to achieve success.

• High School: High school students who do not engage in a course of study will fail that course. While the principal may assign credits (known as “unassigned credit”) to help a student to get the required number (100) of credits for graduation, they will not permit passing grades in required courses for students who do not do the work. Failure to engage at school, or from home, will have an impact on grade progression and graduation.

• K-9: Failing (or retention) is more complicated for younger children. Being retained and then attending school with younger students who are, largely, less mature physically and emotionally often has a negative impact on the child who is retained. That being said, if students fail to engage in school and fall far behind their peers in literacy and numeracy (Language Arts and Math) retention may be necessary. This is a decision made by the principal of the school with input from teachers and families.

Where necessary and as physical distancing requires. East Central Catholic is fortunate that we have manageable class sizes and low teacher-pupil ratios. With that said, physical distancing in our classrooms and committing to the concept of cohorts will still be important in minimizing risk.

Teachers will educate students on appropriate hand and respiratory hygiene. In addition to classroom sinks, hand sanitizer will be available at building and classroom entrances throughout the school and hand hygiene will be performed regularly including when entering and exiting the school and classrooms, and before and after eating. Students will be continually reminded of respiratory etiquette by staff and through the use of age appropriate posters.

Regular, enhanced, and as needed cleaning will be performed by custodial staff, as will monitoring to ensure all necessary supplies are available. Where student numbers warrant, daytime custodians will disinfect contact surfaces and high contact areas; evening custodial staff will thoroughly clean all areas.

School cleaning cleaning staff in coordination with school administration will provide cleaning kits for each school that will include spray bottles with approved and properly mixed disinfectant, paper towels, gloves and safety data sheets. School staff will clean and disinfect shared equipment and surfaces between uses and as needed during the course of the school day. Cleaning by staff, other than custodians and other select support staff, will be limited to their own workspace or shared equipment that they have, or are going to, access.

Scenario 2 is very similar to scenario 1 except for two significant differences. The number of students in our schools is to be limited significantly and true physical distancing (two meters spacing) becomes more critical. Students are to be grouped in order to roughly halve the number of students in our schools each day.

Students will be grouped as Group A and Group B students. Group A will attend Monday, Wednesday and every other Friday. Group B will attend on the alternate days. Students from the same family will be grouped to attend on the same days. Groupings will be shared with families in the early fall so that you can prepare for scenario 2 if it happens.

When at school, adherence to physical distancing (whenever possible) will be expected. Cohorts will be limited to 15. Expectations of students when transitioning from one space to another and to and from the school bus will include physical distancing.

Remember that the Alberta Government may update their guidance, and as such, the expectation to wear a mask may expand to include all staff and students. We await further direction.

Scenario 3 is very similar to what we experienced in the last three and a half months of the 2019-2020 school year. Students are unlikely to be able to attend school buildings for any reason.

As was the case for the end of the past school year, teachers will program for students so that they can complete the work at home through Google Classroom. It is desired that all assignments be completed online and submitted through Google Classroom or another digital means.

A significant difference will be that we are expected to cover significantly more of the curriculum this year, regardless of the scenario. Therefore, unlike this year, high school students who fail to complete their studies are unlikely to receive a passing grade and will almost certainly have to repeat the course in order to graduate or receive credit toward their diploma. Again, if this move is made by government it does not represent an emergency. We can see it coming and students need to understand that their learning cannot stop because things change. Of course, our staff will apply a level of grace to our thinking in these circumstances, but it is critical to note that students will not be gifted credits.

For the most part, field trips (off-site activities) will not be permitted, as the direction from government is to avoid activities that require bus transportation. Additionally, we are concerned about taking students to other environments away from the school building where we are taking steps to mitigate the spread of the virus.

We are awaiting direction and guidance from the Alberta government and from the Alberta Schools’ Athletic Association (ASAA) with respect to extracurricular sports. To date, we believe that entire leagues will be limited to no more than 50 participants and that play will not be permitted outside our immediate zone. Once we receive this direction, the superintendents of all school divisions will discuss how/if extracurricular sports will proceed province-wide.

Yes, students in grades 1-6 will receive a supply list from their school (available now on your school website). Students in grade 7-12 will receive as a list of supplies from the teachers on the first day of classes. If you require additional information we recommended contacting your school administration.

If your child is registered in a East Central Catholic for the 2020-2021 school year we are committed to supporting them, either through in-school, on-line, or at home learning. Families can choose which option will work best for their child by meeting with their principal and discussing what would be the best educational option for the student.

1. Register at their local community school for in-class learning (Blessed Sacrament School, St. Jerome School, St. Thomas Aquinas School, Theresetta School, Christ-King School, Blessed Sacrament Outreach School),

2. Register at School Of Hope for teacher-directed online, blended, or homeschooling programming through their designated school.

Note: Parents will have the opportunity to select from their local community school programs and online learning two times in the school year. (September - January and February - June)

If your child is registered in a East Central Alberta Catholic for the 2020-2021 school year we are committed to supporting them, either through in-school, on-line, or at home learning. Families can choose which option will work best for their child by meeting with their principal and discussing what would be the best educational option for the student.

1. Register at their local community school for in-class learning (Blessed Sacrament School, St. Jerome School, St. Thomas Aquinas School, Theresetta School, Christ-King School, Blessed Sacrament Outreach School),

2. Register at School Of Hope for teacher-directed online, blended, or homeschooling programming through their designated school.

Note: Parents will have the opportunity to select from their local community school programs and online learning two times in the school year. (September - January and February - June)

Schools are to work collaboratively with AHS Public Health under the authority of the Zone Medical Officer of Health/designate in order to manage their outbreak status and adhere to any recommendations or orders provided by the Medical Officer of Health/designate. This includes working with AHS Public Health to provide information required for contact tracing, as outlined in the Alberta Public Health Act. o Ensure all record keeping is complete and communicate with AHS Public Health for contact tracing.

COVID-19 Management Protocol

School COVID-19 Outbreak Protocol Flowchart

No, everyone in the class does not need to be quarantined. If a child/staff/visitor/volunteer has one of the core symptoms of fever, cough (new cough or worsening chronic cough), shortness of breath or difficulty breathing (new or worsening), runny nose or sore throat, they must stay home and isolate for 10 days. If they have any other symptoms of illness, they should stay home until their symptoms resolve. Any individual with symptoms of COVID-19 should be tested as soon as possible, which can be arranged through the AHS online self-assessment tool. Contacts of someone who IS NOT a case of COVID-19 are not required to isolate or quarantine.

If a teacher or staff member becomes a confirmed case of COVID-19, Alberta Health Services Public Health will work with the school community to identify close contacts and ensure that they follow the appropriate quarantine restrictions. The specific details of the case will determine who is considered to be a close contact.

Any one confirmed case will result in an investigation by Alberta Health Services Public Health. It is likely with a single case that exposure is limited to a single class or group. Closures of specific classes, cohorts or schools may occur dependent on the outcome of an investigation. Public health measures for outbreak management are at the discretion of the Zone Medical Officer of Health (MOH); decisions on the need for alternative instructional delivery plans or school closures will be made by Government in conjunction with local officials.

Alberta Health Services (AHS) receives all of the case notifications directly from the lab. If there is confirmed case in a school, the school will be contacted by AHS. It is not necessary to contact AHS to confirm. The appropriate individuals and schools will be notified. Parents and staff with general inquiries can be directed to call Health Link at 811 or can visit the Alberta Health website: https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/info/Page6410.aspx

Individuals WILL NOT receive written or email documentation of their results. Those who wish to access their results directly should sign up for MyHealth Records.

There is not a requirement to provide evidence of negative results prior to returning to school.

AHS Public Health will contact all confirmed cases and their close contacts and provide them clear direction.

AHS Public Health will notify the school of a positive case.

Individuals with COVID-19 symptoms are encouraged to be tested using the AHS Online Self-Assessment tool.

An alert is generally defined as a warning sign that there may be more cases than would normally be expected in a defined community, geographical area or season.

A COVID-19 alert in a school setting is defined as one confirmed case of COVID-19 in either a student or staff member in the school setting.

In a school setting, close contacts are individuals that:

a) Provide direct care for an individual with COVID-19 or who had similar close physical contact

OR

b) Had close prolonged contact (i.e., for more than 15 minutes cumulative and within two metres) with a case

OR

c) Had direct contact with infectious body fluids of an individual with COVID-19 (i.e., was coughed or sneezed on).

A COVID-19 cohort, also referred to as a bubble, circle, or safe squad, is a small group whose members are always the same people, and who do not always keep 2 metres apart. Cohorts in schools will generally be the size of one class.

A person with laboratory confirmation of infection with the virus (SARS-CoV-2) that causes COVID-19.

An outbreak is generally defined as “the occurrence of cases of disease in excess of what would normally be expected in a defined community, geographical area or season” (World Health Organization, 2018). A COVID-19 outbreak within a school setting is defined as “two or more confirmed cases (staff and/or student) within a 14 day period (one incubation period) OR two or more confirmed cases (staff/child) that are epidemiologically linked.”

An individual who has signs or symptoms of COVID-19 illness. For a full list of common, serious and other symptoms please refer to Symptoms and Testing.

Classroom-based learning may continue and students/staff with no symptoms do not need to be sent home or quarantined if there was a symptomatic-only individual in the school (NOT a confirmed case).

Alberta Health Services (AHS) receives all of the case notifications directly from the lab. In the event there is a confirmed case of COVID-19 attending the school, the school will be notified by AHS.

If there is an absence rate of 10% due to illness, OR there is an unusual amount of individuals with similar symptoms, please report to your local public health unit or school nurse as per your usual notification process, regardless of the COVID-19 test results for each individual. AHS Communicable Disease Control or Environmental Public Health will follow up with your school to investigate based on influenza-like illness or gastrointestinal symptoms.

Students/children must not enter the school if they have symptoms of COVID-19

Direct the student to stay home, seek health care advice as appropriate (e.g. call Health Link 811, or their primary care practitioner or, if needed, 911 for emergency response, and fill out the AHS Online COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool to determine if they should be tested

The child/student should be asked to wear a non-medical mask if they are able.

The child/student should be isolated in a separate room. If a separate room is not available, the child/student must be kept at least 2 metres away from other children/students.

The child/student’s parent/guardian should be notified to pick up the student immediately.

If the child/student requires close contact and care, staff can continue to care for the child/student until the parent is able to pick up the child/student. The student and staff should wear a mask and close interactions with the student that may result in contact with the student’s respiratory secretions should be avoided. If very close contact is required, the staff member should also use a face shield or eye protection.

Staff/students must perform hand hygiene before donning a mask and before and after removing the mask and before and after touching any items used by the child/student.

Click here to submit an Alberta Health Service question or concern.

https://www.alberta.ca/assets/documents/covid-19-implementing-school-re-entry-guidance.pdf