Black Gold School Division

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  • Update Re: Extended Winter Break for Students

    Posted on    Posted in BGSD, COVID-19, Featured, General

    Dear Parents/Guardians,

    Black Gold Sr. Administration met with the Deputy Minister of Education on December 31, 2021, to get operational clarity on the Minister LaGrange’s announcement on December 29. Additional details are below.

    PLEASE NOTE: The deadline for parents/guardians to change their child(ren)’s Choice of Learning is noon, January 5, 2022. Changes to choice of learning between in school classes and distance learning will not be accepted after this date. Parents/guardians who wish to change the choice of learning for their Grades 1-12 child (In-school or Distance Learning), will need to refer to the email they received on December 8th to access their child’s student number and complete the Change to Choice of Learning Form. There is no Distance Learning for Pre-K or Kindergarten.

    There are NO classes for Pre-K – Grade 12 students from January 3-7, 2022. This includes:

    • Pre-K
    • Outreach
    • Online programs (DL and virtual)

    There are NO extracurricular activities January 3-7, 2022 (includes all team practices). There are no exceptions to this.

    All school staff will be working during this time, either from home or in school depending upon circumstances.

    Alberta Education’s expectation is that in-class learning will resume on January 10, 2022.

    All Diploma Exams are cancelled for the January writings. November Diploma exams still count towards students’ final grades. Alberta Education will decide about the April and June Diploma exams at a later date.

    Alberta Education is providing medical grade masks for all students and staff K – 12. Details on the distribution of these will follow when it is available. Masks will be available for all K-12 students and staff. While only Grades 4 – 12 students are required to wear masks, K- 3 students will also receive masks.

    Alberta Education is providing 2 Rapid Test kits (with 5 rapid tests/kit) for each student and staff member. Parents will decide whether or not they want their child(ren) to bring home the Rapid Test Kits. They are optional. Details on the distribution of these will follow when it is available.

    There is no requirement for staff or parents to report positive test results to schools or AHS.

    Rapid Test Results (from AHS)

    Positive result with symptoms:

    • Isolate immediately:
      • Fully vaccinated: 5 days or until symptoms resolve, whichever is longer, plus 5 days of wearing a mask at all times when around others outside of home.
      • Not fully vaccinated: 10 days or until symptoms resolve, whichever is longer.
      • Do not continue rapid testing. Book a PCR test only if you meet the high-risk conditions outlined at https://www.alberta.ca/rapid-testing-at-home.aspx.
      • Notify all close contacts from the previous 48 hours that they should monitor for symptoms and be cautious about going to any high risk settings like continuing care facilities or crowded indoor spaces.
      • There is no obligation to report positive tests to AHS or to the school

    Positive result with no symptoms:

    • Isolate immediately.
    • Take second rapid test in 24 hours:
      • If negative, isolation can end unless you develop symptoms.
      • If positive, continue isolating as outlined above.
    • If the second test is positive, inform all close contacts as indicated above.

    Negative rapid test:

    NOTE: A negative test result does not rule out infection. Continue monitoring your symptoms and following public health guidelines.

    • Negative rapid test with symptoms:
      • Isolate immediately for 24 hours.
      • Take second rapid test in 24 hours:
        • If negative, continue isolating until symptoms resolve before cautiously resuming normal activities.
        • If positive, continue isolation:
          • Fully vaccinated: 5 days or until symptoms resolve, whichever is longer, plus 5 days of wearing a mask at all times when around others outside of home
          • Not fully vaccinated: 10 days or until symptoms resolve, whichever is longer
    • Negative rapid test no symptoms:
      • Isolation is not required but continue monitoring symptoms and following public health guidelines.

    This was not the New Year that any of us wanted. We want to recognize the hard work and dedication of our staff and very much appreciate the support from our Black Gold family as we continue to navigate this ever-changing global pandemic. We continue to do everything we can to keep students and staff safe while providing the best possible learning experience for your children.

    If you have any questions, please contact your school directly. Thank you for your continuing patience and resilience.

    Sincerely,

    Black Gold School Division

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