Important updates for all families
Nov. 18, 2022
Labour Update
It is our understanding that CUPE, the union representing support workers in our Board, and the provincial government, will continue negotiations throughout the weekend to try to reach an agreement.
As communicated Wednesday, CUPE has provided notice that it intends to commence a strike (full withdrawal of services) on Monday, Nov. 21, 2022 if it does not reach an agreement this weekend. Should a strike commence, all schools in the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington (PVNC) Catholic District School Board will be closed to in-person learning on Monday, Nov. 21, 2022 and until further notice, and all students will transition to remote learning from home.
We ask families to check their email regularly over the weekend and to follow labour developments in the media. Should an agreement be reached over the weekend, we will message families accordingly.
Public Health Masking Recommendations
Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health announced Monday that he is strongly recommending the use of masks in all indoor spaces across Ontario, including in schools and childcare facilities. This is a message that is echoed by the three local public health units in our Board jurisdiction as our region is experiencing an early increase of respiratory illnesses (RSV, the flu and COVID-19) in children this year.
We are sharing with you the following measures that the Chief Medical Officer of Health for Ontario has recommended so that you are fully informed:
- Students are strongly encouraged to wear a mask while at school, on the bus, and at childcare. Members of the public are also strongly encouraged to wear a mask while in an indoor space.
- Complete the daily school screening for signs of illness, follow the appropriate guidance, and ensure your child stays home if they are sick.
- Stay up to date with your vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines and flu vaccines, which are both safe and effective for individuals six months of age and older. Information about flu shots can also be found at Ontario.ca/flu. Please also make sure your child receives all recommended childhood immunizations, including those that may have been missed during the pandemic. Families should speak with their primary care provider or local public health unit for more information.
- Regularly wash your hands, cover your coughs, avoid touching your face and keep common touched surfaces clean. Enhanced cleaning and disinfection practices continue to take place in our schools.
PVNC continues to be in contact with our local public health units and we are following their most current guidance to support health and safety at school and work.
Inclement Weather
As we enter the winter months, a reminder that our inclement weather practices remain the same as previous school years.
On inclement weather days that may force the cancellation of local school bus routes, our schools remain open for students and staff who are able to attend safely.
Families with school bus riders can check the status of buses using the Student Transportation Services of Central Ontario (STSCO) website at: www.stsco.ca. Kawartha Lakes families can access bus notifications at: https://www.mybustoschool.ca/Alerts
Please remember that if you choose to drive your child to school on inclement weather days, you are responsible for picking them up as well.
New Chairperson of the Board
Clarington trustee Kevin MacKenzie was acclaimed as PVNC Catholic District School Board chairperson for the 2022-2023 term during the Board’s inaugural meeting held Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2022, at the Catholic Education Centre and re-elected and newly elected Trustees officially began their new term. Read more here.