Superintendent’s Update
October 8, 2021
Dear Parents/Caregivers,
HSD remains committed to keeping our community informed and up to date with any new information. Today, we are providing important information regarding Covid-19 Immunization Clinics in schools for students (ages 12-17).
COVID-19 Vaccinations in Schools
As announced by the province a few weeks ago, public health teams have begun offering immunization clinics in schools across the province. The clinics are expected to run for four to six weeks. Eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine includes anyone born on or before Dec. 31, 2009.
Manitoba Public Health has informed us that clinics will soon be offered in HSD schools. Southern Health will be communicating directly with schools and coordinating dates. Clinics will be held in all HSD schools with students in Grades 7-12. Public Health will only offer these clinics during school hours.
Parents will be notified when a COVID-19 immunization clinic will be happening in their school and will be provided with additional information and consent forms. Public Health will ask for consent from a parent or guardian for all children and youth who wish to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in schools during school hours.
The HSD Board of Trustees fully supports the authority and role of parents/guardians in determining whether COVID-19 vaccination is appropriate for their children. It is the expectation of the Board that consent will be obtained from a parent/guardian prior to the vaccination of any eligible student (ages 12-17). Please be aware that the current law permits children 16 or older the right to provide individual informed consent. We encourage parents/guardians to have conversations with their children. All students under the age of 16 will require parental consent forms. Learn more about informed consent and vaccination protocols by visiting ProtectMB.ca.
Removal of Masks Indoors
A reminder that masks may be removed indoors where there is a physical distance of 2 metres (6 feet) for the purpose of eating, drinking, and for short, infrequent mask breaks. Please be aware that when students are permitted to remove masks for eating and drinking during the lunch break, their risk of virus exposure increases. Our staff will ensure appropriate physical distancing to the greatest extent possible, acknowledging that 2 metres cannot be reached in many instances. If you are concerned about an increased risk of exposure during the lunch breaks, please consider picking up your child and providing lunch at home.
As always, the Hanover School Division will continue to follow the Public Health Orders and Manitoba Education guidance to ensure the safety of our students, staff, and school communities. Working together, we can keep the risk of transmission low in our schools which will help keep our schools open for in-class learning.
Respectfully,
Shelley Amos, Interim Superintendent/CEO
Hanover School Division