Director’s Back to School Message to Families

Sept. 1, 2022

Dear Parents and Guardians, 

Our schools are polished and gleaming, classrooms are organized and our caring and supportive staff are eager to welcome back students for the start of the 2022-2023 school year on Tuesday.

Fall is always the most exciting time for us and we all look forward to the sound of school playgrounds and hallways abuzz with student activity and energy.

We want to hear your stories as you head into the long weekend and prepare for the first day of school. What are you most looking forward to this year? Share your excitement and photos using #PVNCBack2School on Facebook or Twitter and tag us @PVNCCDSB! 

Our school year calendar is available online and our Homeroom Lookup tool goes live tomorrow at 4 p.m. 

We enter this school year building on the momentum of last spring, which saw the return to the  full school experience including sports, clubs and field trips and school gatherings such as assemblies, masses and graduation ceremonies. 

These opportunities and experiences are so crucial for our students, and we look forward to starting the school year with a full slate of opportunities for students. 

Below you will find updates and reminders about the 2022-2023 health and safety measures in schools. Please read these carefully prior to the first day of school. We will continue to work closely with public health in our region to respond to ongoing COVID-19 issues and to communicate guidance as it evolves.

You may be aware that we are entering a year of labour negotiations with the unions that represent teachers and support staff. The province and the unions are in the very early stages of the labour process. As we have in past years, we will keep families updated on any developments that may impact schools as the labour process progresses. 

I hope all families enjoy a wonderful Labour Day long weekend and I wish you all a successful start to the new school year.

Sincerely, 

Joan Carragher
Director of Education 

2022-2023 Health and Safety Measures in Schools

Daily Screening

We ask that all staff, students and visitors continue to self-screen every day before attending school using the school and child care screening tool. Following public health guidance, individuals should stay home if they are feeling ill to prevent the spread of illness. 

Masking 

As was the case last spring, masks will not be required for students, staff and visitors in schools, school board offices and on student transportation.

Some students and staff may choose to continue to wear masks at times, or consistently throughout the school year. Our schools will remain mask-friendly environments which are safe and inclusive for everyone. 

There may be times throughout the school year when, based on advice from local public health, we may strongly encourage masking for all students, staff and school visitors.

Ventilation 

Students, staff, parents and guardians can learn more about our Board’s strategy to optimize air quality through improved ventilation and filtration in schools, including a school-by-school ventilation report here: www.pvnccdsb.on.ca/school-ventilation-hvac-and-air-quality/

Absenteeism Reporting 

Principals will report any significant spike in absenteeism (30% or higher) at individual schools to the local public health unit, which depending on a review of underlying factors, may recommend time-limited precautions for the school community. 

Hand Hygiene / Respiratory Etiquette / Enhanced Cleaning

Schools will continue to promote and integrate appropriate hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette throughout the school day and hand sanitizer will continue to be available. Schools and school vehicles will continue with enhanced cleaning protocols in place.