In an update from the Thames Valley District School Board late Thursday, learning model options will be available for students not wishing to return to in-person learning at this time.
The TVDSB says “We understand that families will need to make individual choices about the return to in-person learning for their child. As such, Thames Valley is planning to support families during this time with short-term options.”
They also note that in the event of high absenteeism, classes and/or schools may need to pivot to remote learning to ensure the safety of students and staff.
Because of this, schools will not be collecting any technology devices that have been loaned to students, in the event that a pivot back to remote learning is required.
A number of reminders were also issued to parents and students who are preparing for a return to the classroom…
COVID-19 Daily Screening/Screener
Effective January 2022, all schools are required to reinstate daily on-site confirmation of screening for all students and staff until further notice. The COVID-19 school and child care screening tool was updated in January 2022.
The COVID-19 symptom list has been updated to reflect the most current health and testing guidance. Anyone who has symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 or is a confirmed positive case must self-isolate, regardless of vaccination status.
Elementary COVID-19 School Screening Confirmation Form
In Thames Valley, elementary students are to be screened based on the Ministry of Education’s most current COVID-19 Screening Tool for Students. This process is completed through the COVID-19 School Screening Confirmation Form for students in TVDSB elementary schools.
A blue TVDSB Student COVID-19 Screening sticker with your child’s username and password was sent home with your child prior to the winter break to provide you with the necessary information to complete this daily confirmation form. Each child in your household (who attends a TVDSB elementary school) should have received a sticker.
The COVID-19 School and Child Care Screening Confirmation Form can be accessed the following ways:
- Use the camera app on your cellular phone to view the QR code located on the sticker. You will be prompted to open a webpage that will lead you to the confirmation questions.
- Access the TVDSB Parent Portal. The link to the Screening Confirmation Form is located at the top of the page.
- Open a browser and go to www.tvdsb.ca/Screening.
Effective, Monday, January 17, 2022, this daily screening is to occur prior to riding transportation or attending school. We thank you in advance for ensuring this becomes part of the daily morning routine for your family.
Secondary
Thames Valley secondary students are able to continue to complete their daily screening via the QR code access they have been provided and an email they receive to their TVDSB email account.
Thank you for ensuring secondary students in your household complete the daily COVID-19 School and Child Care Screening each day.
If you have any questions about the screening tool, please contact your child’s school.
Masking
Students Grade 1-12 are still required to wear a well-fitted cloth or medical mask. In Thames Valley, as per an approved TVDSB Board motion, this is also required for Kindergarten students.
With the reopening of schools, the government is providing students with free high-quality three-ply cloth masks. The use of these specific masks is not being mandated at this time, but will be available to any student who needs one.
Vaccination
Vaccination continues to represent the most effective strategy to protect Ontarians from COVID-19, and vaccination rates for school staff and eligible students continue to rise.
Individuals who have received the full series of a COVID-19 vaccine authorized by Health Canada, or any combination of such vaccines (two doses of Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, AstraZeneca, including COVISHIELD) or one dose of Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) are considered fully vaccinated, see https://covid-19.ontario.ca/proof-covid-19-vaccination#overview for more information.
To book a vaccine appointment and for current eligibility visit: www.covidvaccinelm.ca
Rapid Tests
The Ministry of Education has announced this opportunity for students in a prioritized manner. Thames Valley awaits a bulk delivery of rapid antigen tests for students and staff, as per the Ministry of Education’s announcement yesterday. This will require additional steps to deploy these kits to schools. As soon as possible, these will be provided to Thames Valley schools to provide to staff and students. We appreciate your patience. Please note: these tests are only available for staff and students who are attending school in person on a daily basis.
HEPA Units
TVDSB is hoping to receive the additional HEPA units in the coming weeks from the Ministry and will be distributing to designated, prioritized locations where students are present with an approved mask exemption.
Frequently Asked Questions
For families seeking more information, the Thames Valley website has been updated with a Frequently Asked Question page: https://www.tvdsb.ca/en/our-board/faqs.aspx
Transitioning to In-Person Learning
Parents and Caregivers are encouraged to talk to their child and take some time to think through what the return to school might look like for your child.
Children may feel nervous about returning to school for any number of reasons. It is important to allow space for them to express their concerns, and also to help them to remember the parts of school that they enjoy and are looking forward to the most.
Check in regularly with your child, as their emotions and feelings will likely change from day to day or week to week. You can normalize any fears as a response to the uncertainty and can reassure them. Even though things are different, they can manage and there will be adults there to help. It can be helpful to remind your child of the positives of going back to school, such as seeing their friends again.
We look forward to welcoming students back to school and wish everyone well during this transition period.
