Superintendent’s Update
december 21, 2021
Dear Parents/Caregivers,
HSD remains committed to keeping our community informed and updated with new information as it becomes available. Today, we are providing an update regarding Kindergarten registration, rapid test kits, travel requirements, and reminders for the winter break.
Kindergarten Registration
The 2022-23 school year registration will begin on Jan. 6, 2022. The first step in the registration process takes place online. Details will be posted on the HSD website in the new year.
Rapid Test Kits
As announced last week, the Manitoba government has obtained a limited supply of COVID-19 rapid antigen test kits from the federal government. Rapid antigen testing kits will be distributed to schools in Manitoba as they become available.
Schools will receive take-home rapid antigen screening kits to distribute to students in Kindergarten to Grade 6. Participation is voluntary and is only for families that choose to participate. The following community letter from Manitoba Education provides additional information regarding the rapid testing program.
Manitoba Education will coordinate deliveries with school divisions and schools. The availability of test kits and distribution dates have yet to be determined. Upon receiving the kits, HSD will provide further information and an update regarding the distribution process.
Domestic Travel
As per the current public health order, 14 days of self-isolation (quarantine) is required for all individuals returning to or coming to Manitoba from all jurisdictions, unless the individual is exempt in the order from quarantine. View details regarding travel and self-isolation on the Government of Manitoba website.
International Travel
If you qualify as a fully vaccinated traveller, your unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated children under 12 years of age must follow specific requirements when you return to or enter Canada. Requirements include a 14-day restriction on attending school, camps, team sports, and daycare.
Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated youth 12 to 17 years of age are subject to the 14-day quarantine and all testing requirements for pre-entry, arrival and Day-8 tests, whether or not they are accompanied by travellers who qualify as a fully vaccinated traveller. For more information, please review COVID-19 Vaccinated Travellers Entering Canada.
Winter Break
A reminder that schools will be closed from Thursday, Dec. 23, through Wednesday, Jan. 5. The HSD Administration Office will be open during the break but on a reduced schedule. Visit the HSD website to view office holiday hours.
Lastly, and most importantly, I’d like to thank our parent and caregiver community for your continued support throughout this fall term. Our staff work tirelessly and diligently to provide a safe learning environment for your children. I am proud of their hard work, and they are deserving of much gratitude and recognition. Your respectful dialogue with all levels of our staff is certainly acknowledged and appreciated as we continue to work together in education.
I wish you and your family a restful and meaningful winter break and all the best for a happy, healthy, and hopeful New Year.
Respectfully,
Shelley Amos, Interim Superintendent/CEO
Hanover School Division