As you know the situation regarding the COVID-19 pandemic is changing daily and the school is responding to those changing circumstances.
Please note the following taking effect immediately.
Zero Tolerance
In the newly released Alberta Guidance for Schools and Child Care Programs: 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) one of the many guidelines includes zero tolerance for students and staff who show symptoms of respiratory illness.
Below is information taken from page 9 of that document.
Parents/guardians of students/children should be informed that there is zero tolerance for children with any respiratory symptoms attending school or child care centres. Teachers/child care providers should be asked to closely monitor their classrooms, and if any student is having respiratory symptoms such as cough or symptoms of a mild cold, the steps below should be followed. The same steps should be followed if a staff member begins to experience respiratory symptoms.
- If a student, child or staff develops respiratory symptoms while at school/child care, they should be removed from the school environment.
- Schools/child care programs promptly separate the student/child or staff with symptoms of COVID-19 (e.g. fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, and including symptoms that may seem like a mild cold) in an area separate from others, with adequate supervision until they can go home.
- Students/children or staff who develop respiratory symptoms should be kept home for 14 days after the start of the symptoms.
If you notice that your child has any of the above symptoms, please make plans for your child to remain out of school as the school will be contacting you or your emergency contact to pick up your child if such symptoms are presented at school.
Reporting Absences
If your child will be absent from school, please use this form which is found on the school website Contact Page.
You may still email lrichardson@newhorizons.ca. or call the school at 780-416-2353.
After School Clubs & Practices Cancelled
All after school practices are cancelled until further notice. This includes badminton, choir, and puzzle club.
Helping Your Children Understand
While NHS staff will be watchful and take care to ease the emotional issues that students may have related to a pandemic, you as parents have a key role to play. There are likely many helpful sites that can help parents navigate the discussions with their child.
NHS Staff will use the suggestions provided by Alberta Health. They are identified below and may be helpful to you as you have discussions with your family.
A new virus such as the COVID-19 can create anxiety and be difficult for students/children to understand, especially if someone in their school or family is sick, or they see or hear troubling messages on the radio, internet or television. It is normal for students/children to feel worried or nervous and have questions.
- Reassure students/children about their personal safety and health. Telling students/children that it is okay to be concerned is comforting.
- Reassure them they are safe and there are many things they can do to stay healthy:
- Hand washing: Wash hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol based hand sanitizer, especially after coughing or sneezing.
- Cough/sneeze etiquette: Cough and sneeze into arm or tissue Stay home when sick: Students/children should tell parents if not feeling well, and together, make a plan to stay home from school.
- Keep clean: Keep hands away from face and mouth.
- Stay healthy: Stay healthy by eating healthy foods, keeping physically active, getting enough sleep.
- Listen to students/children and provide age-appropriate information. Let them know they can talk about their feelings and ask questions.
- Answer questions honestly but make sure that the information is suitable for their age level. If you don’t know the answers to their questions it’s okay to say so and together look for resources that can answer their questions.
- Remember students/children are often listening when you talk to others about COVID-19.
Staying Informed
Parents can continue to stay informed using these links:
COVID-19 On-Line Screening
The above Alberta Health website has a COVID-19 On-Line Screening.
Please call 811 for any health related questions.
Please Keep Your Own School Entry to a Minimum
- Do not enter the school if you have any of the symptoms identified above.
- Do not enter the school if you have travelled outside of Canada in the last 14 days.
Thank you for your cooperation.
