​November 22, 2020

Dear ASD-S Families,

You may be aware that a few schools in ASD-S have communicated to their families that there is a confirmed case of COVID-19 connected to their school communities. These schools and the District are working with Public Health to ensure that, through the contact tracing process, those who need to be self-isolating are contacted by Public Health.  

You or your child may naturally have many questions at this time.  Public Health and ASD-S are not able to share specific information about confirmed cases or those in isolation, out of respect for individuals’ privacy.  If you have not been contacted by Public Health, then your child can continue to attend school and we look forward to seeing them Monday morning.  If you have been contacted by Public Health please follow their instructions carefully.

We understand that some families and students may feel anxious to return to school. Attending school is important for learning and development. It provides a supportive community and structured routine that allows children to thrive. We want families to understand that our schools’ Operational Plans outline very specific ways they are working to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the schools. During this Orange phase there are also heightened safety protocols in place, including increased mask use. Our staff and students have done an exceptional job adhering to these safety procedures and we thank them, as well as you for your support, for maintaining these protective measures for the school community.

If you have not been instructed by Public Health or your primary care giver to keep your child home, then we encourage you to ensure your child continues attending class. Children and young people look to the adults in their lives to guide them on how to react to worrying and stressful events. Parents are encouraged to talk to their children about any anxieties and remind them to treat one another with kindness and respect, in person and on social media.

Those students who have been identified by their primary care giver or Public Health as required to stay home at this time, will receive educational support for learning from home.

​Families can positively impact their children and contribute to the health of their communities by:

• modelling the behaviours needed to limit the spread of COVID-19, such as hand washing, proper cough and sneeze etiquette, physical distancing, mask wearing, and staying home when sick;
• monitoring children daily for symptoms and calling 811 or your primary healthcare provider if symptoms are present;
• talking to your children about COVID-19 and what symptoms to be aware of
• being respectful and kind – we are all doing the best that we can under difficult circumstances

As a reminder, during the Orange phase, students from K-12 are required to wear a mask on the bus. Students K-8 must wear masks at all times in school unless eating, sitting quietly at their desk or during physical activity. Students in grades 9-12 must wear a mask at all times in school except when eating or doing physical activity. This includes outside, for all grades.

Thank you again for supporting your children and for your patience as we work together to stop the spread of COVID-19. We will continue to provide you updates should the situation evolve further.

Zoë Watson,

Superintendent​