As the summer break comes to an end, the two largest school boards in Chatham-Kent and Lambton County are ready to welcome students back to the classroom.
Officials with the Lambton-Kent District School Board (LKDSB) and the St. Clair Catholic District School Board (SCCDSB) said when students start school on September 6, most health and safety requirements will remain unchanged from the end of the 2021-2022 school year.
“What that means is we are not limited by cohorts, students and staff are not required to wear masks… students and staff will not have to submit vaccinations to be part of clubs and teams,” said Scott Johnson, the director of education with the SCCDSB. “It’s really going to feel much more like a pre-pandemic environment. Visitors are welcome back in our schools be welcomed back. You’re going to see increasing opportunities for parents to engage with the schools.”
While masks will not be mandatory, they will be available at all schools within both boards for students and staff who wish to wear them.
As well, HEPA filters have been installed in every classroom and learning space across the region to ensure proper ventilation while students are present.
“We’re also running our ventilation earlier and later in the day to ensure that ventilation has extra time to exchange the air in the building,” said John Hewitt, the education director with the LKDSB.
While daily COVID screening is no longer a mandatory requirement at local schools, officials with both boards are recommending that staff, students and visitors utilize their respective online screening tools each day before attending school. However, students who feel ill are encouraged to stay home until their condition improves.
Free rapid test kits will also be available at each school for students who require them.
“We’re very excited and optimistic for as few disruptions as possible this school year,” said Howitt.
Fewer students will be learning remotely this coming school year, school board officials said. Only around 55 students have expressed interest in online learning at the SCCDSB. There are just over 300 students at the LKDSB who will also be learning remotely.
Both school boards said they will continue to follow the advice and direction of Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, as well as the Chatham-Kent and Lambton County health units.
“We want to move our [mindset] from one of fear and protection to one of hope and opportunity,” said Johnson. “We’re coming back to a time of hope. There’s great opportunity in front of us and we want to work with our staff and students to make our schools vibrant places to learn and live.”