This plan will be periodically updated upon direction from Saskatchewan’s Chief Medical Health Officer and as our response to the COVID-19 pandemic evolves. JANUARY 6, 2022

COLLEGIATEBACK-TO-SCHOOL HANDBOOK 2021-22

Table of Contents 3 Director’s Message

4 COVID-19 Information

4 Vaccinations

5 Student Close Contact Protocol

6 Safety Precautions in Schools

13 Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment

15 Online Learning

17 Food and Nutrition Programs

18 Facilities

Saskatoon Public Schools COLLEGIATE BACK-TO-SCHOOL HANDBOOK3 JANUARY 6, 2022

To the students, parents, and caregivers of our schools,We look forward to welcoming students back to school. While much has changed in our province in the last year, Saskatoon Public Schools remains committed to protecting our students, staff members and school communities by providing safe learning and working environments.

We are incredibly proud of the work of our staff members and commitment of our students during the last school year. Our schools—both in-person and online—were responsive to their communities. Staff members followed the protocols and modelled it for our students. In turn, students showed great resilience and learned what it truly means to be a part of a community.

We learned a great deal from our experiences last year and we are carrying these lessons forward into the 2021-22 school year. Saskatoon Public Schools remains committed to the following three goals: Protect the health and well-being of students, staff members, and families; quality educational opportunities and instruction are provided for all students, whether in class or at home; and community engagement and connections are maintained and strengthened with students and families.

All elementary schools and collegiates will offer in-class, daily learning starting September 1. Saskatoon Public Schools will have several safety measures in place, which will significantly reduce the possible transmission of COVID-19. These measures include:

• masks are required inside all schools for students, staff and visitors; • daily health screening for students and staff members before attending school; • a stay-at-home requirement for those who are sick; • proper hand hygiene expectation; • continued focus on cleaning and disinfection; • collegiates moving to a quarter system to reduce contact; and, • encouraging physical distancing when possible.

While safety remains the priority, curricular and extracurricular activities will resume. This includes athletics, performing arts and in-school clubs. Also, visitors will be able to attend schools when necessary.

We are grateful for the continued support of our local public health officials, whose guidance is central to our pandemic response. Along with prioritizing student and staff safety, this plan will also minimize disruptions to learning so students can continue to attend in class. If at-home learning is preferred, our Online Learning Centre continues to offer K-12 programming, including French immersion.

Saskatoon Public Schools supports the provincial vaccination program. Vaccination is the most effective measure our community can take to protect one another. We encourage all eligible students, staff members and community members to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

Thank you for your continued support of our schools. If we work together, we can keep our students safe and have a successful year of learning.

Sincerely,

Shane Skjerven DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION

Saskatoon Public Schools COLLEGIATE BACK-TO-SCHOOL HANDBOOK4 JANUARY 6, 2022

COVID-19 InformationCOVID-19 spreads from an infected person to others through respiratory droplets and aerosols (smaller droplets) created when an infected person talks, sings, shouts, coughs or sneezes. COVID-19 can also spread by touching something that has the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes with unwashed hands.

Symptoms of COVID-19 are like other respiratory illnesses, including the flu and common cold. Common symptoms may include one or more of the following:

• fever;

• cough;

• headaches;

• aches and pains;

• sore throat;

• chills;

• runny nose;

• loss of sense of taste or smell;

• shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.

VaccinationsSaskatoon Public Schools supports the provincial COVID-19 vaccination program. All eligible students, staff members and parents/caregivers are encouraged to get immunized to help protect the health and well-being of all members of our school communities. According to the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA), if an individual is fully vaccinated, they will not be required to self-isolate if identified as a close contact.

Starting November 29, 2021, Saskatoon Public Schools requires individuals working in the division’s schools and buildings to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or provide proof of a valid negative COVID-19 test from an approved testing site. Details of this requirement can be found under Administrative Procedure 415 COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing.

Proof of full vaccination or negative test will be required at schools for the following activities:

• Attending a meeting or school assembly;

• Volunteering for in-school activities like hot lunch, coaching, or SCC meetings;

• Attending a field trip;

• Presenting or speaking to staff or students; and

• Working in a preschool, childcare, or before and after school program.

Proof of vaccine will not be required for the following:

• Students;

• Parents and caregivers dropping off or picking up students; and

• Spectators at extracurricular events after school (arts and sports).

Saskatoon Public Schools COLLEGIATE BACK-TO-SCHOOL HANDBOOK5 JANUARY 6, 2022

Saskatoon Public Schools COLLEGIATE BACK-TO-SCHOOL HANDBOOK6 JANUARY 6, 2022

How do you feel today?Every morning before your child leaves for school, please check to see if they are experiencing any of these symptoms:

Fever or chills Cough Headache Aches and pains Sore throat

Runny nose or congestion Loss of taste or smell Shortness of breath or

difficulty breathing Fatigue Nausea or vomiting

Diarrhea Conjunctivitis Dizziness

If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, do not send your child to school. Contact Healthline 811 for assistance.

Safety Precautions in SchoolsPRESCREENINGMonitoring symptoms is important for controlling transmission of the virus. Students must do a daily screening check before school to ensure they are feeling well. see the following graphic for reference.

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PREPARING FOR AN ILL STUDENTParents and caregivers should make a plan in case their child needs to be picked up early from school due to illness. Please ensure contact information is up to date with the school.

IF A STUDENT IS SICKIf a student is experiencing cold or flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, headaches, aches and pains, sore throat, chills, runny nose, loss of taste or smell,shortness of breath or difficulty breathing), they must not attend school. If symptoms persist, parents/caregivers should contact HealthLine 811 for direction.

Students can return to school once they are symptom-free.

IF A STUDENT BECOMES SICK AT SCHOOLIf a student is showing symptoms, they will be taken to a separate area and provided with a medical mask until they can be picked up. Students must be supervised in this area.

The student’s parents or caregivers will be contacted and must pick up the student. School staff will not transport the student home. After the student/ staff member has been picked up, the space will be cleaned and disinfected.

IF THERE IS A COVID-19 CASE AT SCHOOLThe Saskatchewan Health Authority will notify the school division if there is a case of COVID-19 confirmed through a PCR test that is linked to a school. In abiding by the Local Authority Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (LAFOIP), Saskatoon Public Schools will not be sharing names or health information of students and staff.

The school and school division will work with public health officials on communication and the next steps, which may include self-isolation, self-monitoring, contact tracing, and testing. Staff, impacted classes and the school community will be notified. According to the SHA, if an individual is fully vaccinated, they will not be required to self-isolate if identified as a close contact.

If a family or staff member reports a positive case to the school that was determined through a rapid antigen test, the school will notify families in the impacted classroom(s) and school bus, as well as school staff.

Following a positive case, a thorough cleaning of the affected area will be conducted.

Rapid test kits are available to families through schools, as supply permits.

Saskatoon Public Schools COLLEGIATE BACK-TO-SCHOOL HANDBOOK8 JANUARY 6, 2022

HYGIENEProper hand hygiene is a key element to reducing the spread of illness. Students will be taught and expected to follow proper hand hygiene. This includes washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and the frequent use of hand sanitizer. Visual instructions for proper hand washing will be displayed beside every sink.

Hand sanitizer will be available in all schools at all entrances and in every classroom. Students are encouraged to bring their own bottle of hand sanitizer.

please

WASH your hands!

please

WASH your hands!

20 sec.

wet

soap

scrub3

rinse

dry

2

1

4

5

HOW TO USE HAND SANITIZER

Apply sanitizer to palm of one hand

Rub hands together

Cover backs of hand and fingernails

Rub hands together until they are dry

Saskatoon Public Schools COLLEGIATE BACK-TO-SCHOOL HANDBOOK9 JANUARY 6, 2022

• All students, employees, and visitors in all collegiates are required to wear a mask indoors, except when eating or drinking.

• Masks are required during physical education classes indoors, except for aquatic fitness. Students do not hve to wear masks if they are actively participating in a warm-up and/ or game situation. For example, five-versus- five play in basketball. Students who are not actively participating or on the bench must be masked.

• Masking is recommended in all outdoor settings where two metres of physical distancing cannot be maintained, including recess and other outdoor activities.

• All students are required to wear masks while riding the bus.

• Students are welcome to bring their own masks. Triple-layer masks are recommended. Bandanas and gaiter masks are not recommended as appropriate face coverings.

• Staff members can remove their masks when alone, such as working alone in their classroom or office.

• Medical-grade disposable masks are available for students at the school but are not mandatory.

• Online training for the proper use of masks is available to all staff, students, and families here. The training is voluntary.

• In some situations, wearing a mask may not be possible for a student. In these instances, school staff members will work with parents/ caregivers to consider accommodations. More information can be found on the CDC website.

• More information about the proper usage of masks or face coverings is available from the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Saskatchewan Human Rights CodeIt is not a violation of the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code to require a student to wear a mask. If, however, a student is unable to wear a mask because of medical reasons, that student must be accommodated in the same way as any student with medical restrictions.

Student Cannot Wear a Mask for Medical ReasonsWearing masks may not be possible in every situation or for some people. In some situations, wearing a mask may exacerbate a physical or mental health condition, lead to a medical emergency, or introduce significant safety concerns.

Masks should not be worn by:

• Anyone who has trouble breathing; or,

• Anyone who is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.

For students unable to wear a mask due to a medical reason, the family will obtain medical documentation and work with the school to create an accommodation plan. If there is already medical information on file specific to exemption from wearing a mask, further medical information may not be required.

MASK GUIDELINES

Saskatoon Public Schools COLLEGIATE BACK-TO-SCHOOL HANDBOOK10 JANUARY 6, 2022

Pull loops around ears

Handle mask by loops and cover nose to chin

HOW TO WEAR A MASK

Wash or sanitize your hands

Make sure your mask is clean and dry

Lift the ear loops off

Pull the mask away and fold it

Don’t touch your eyes, nose, and mouth

Wash or sanitize your hands

Wash mask before wearing another day

HOW TO REMOVE A MASK

Don’t touch your mask

Saskatoon Public Schools COLLEGIATE BACK-TO-SCHOOL HANDBOOK11 JANUARY 6, 2022

PHYSICAL DISTANCINGSchools will encourage physical distancing when possible.

Schools will do their best to manage the flow of people in common areas, including hallways and washrooms, to minimize crowding and allow for the ease of people passing through.

STUDENT GROUPINGAs much as possible, student groups will remain consistent in collegiates to limit the number of student interactions during the school day.

Collegiates will be following a quarter schedule to reduce student interactions.

School gatherings such as assemblies will align with public health recommendations and orders for indoor gatherings at the time. Collegiates should minimize large gatherings where students are in close proximity to one another. Smaller grade specific or cohorted assemblies are recommended.

LIMITING SHARED MATERIALS All students will be responsible for their own school supplies. Sharing of student personal items such as electronic devices, writing instruments, supplies, and food will be discouraged.

WASHROOMSIncreased cleaning and sanitization will be scheduled.

Visual instructions for proper hand washing will be displayed by every sink.

LOCKERSStudents will be able to use lockers for storing personal items.

Schools will work to minimize students gathering in the hallways.

STUDENT ACCESS TO WATERWater bottle filling stations are available at every school.

Water fountains have been disabled.

Students are asked to bring a reusable water bottle filled from home to school every day. This water bottle is for personal use and must not be shared with others.

Saskatoon Public Schools COLLEGIATE BACK-TO-SCHOOL HANDBOOK12 JANUARY 6, 2022

FIRE AND LOCKDOWN DRILLSThe mandated fire and lockdown drills will resume.

REGISTRATIONSStudent registrations will be accepted online, by phone, or in person.

VISITORS TO THE SCHOOLVisitors are permitted in schools. This includes external presenters or speakers and contractors attending to the school for facilities work.

Masks are required for all visitors to collegiates.

Visitors should prescreen for symptoms to ensure they are well before entering the school. Disposable masks and hand sanitizer will be available at the entrance and must be used.

SCC MEETINGS/ THREE-WAY CONFERENCESSCC meetings can proceed in person or virtually. Information about three-way conferences, which are held in fall and early spring, will be forthcoming.

Saskatoon Public Schools COLLEGIATE BACK-TO-SCHOOL HANDBOOK13 JANUARY 6, 2022

PHYSICAL EDUCATION Students are required to wear masks while participating in indoor physical education. However, students do not have to wear masks if they are actively participating in a warm-up and/or game situation; for example, five-versus-five play in basketball. Students who are not actively participating or on the bench must be masked. Masks are not required for outdoor physical education. Outside activities are encouraged.

CURRICULAR AND EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES All curricular and extracurricular activities will resume, in alignment with current public health orders. This includes all performing arts, athletics, and in-school clubs. Everyone attending any indoor extracurricular activity must be masked at all times—participants, coaches, staff, spectators, visitors, volunteers, and officials. However, students do not have to wear masks if they are actively participating/performing in athletics or band.

Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment K-12

BAND/CHOIRBand and choir will resume. In band, students are required to wear masks unless actively participating in an activity that requires masks off. In choir, masks are required. Instruments, including accessories (e.g. drum sticks, mallets) should not be shared. If sharing instruments and accessories is required for equity purposes, then they should be thoroughly cleaned between users. Sharing of music stands and sheet music is allowed, provided good hand hygiene is followed. Spacing is encouraged, including going outdoors as weather permits.

FIELD TRIPSOff-site activities and field trips are permitted in accordance with public health guidance and orders.

INTERNATIONAL AND OUT-OF-PROVINCE TRAVEL All international school trips have been cancelled for the 2021-22 school year. Out-of-province trips will be determined based on public health direction at the time.

Saskatoon Public Schools COLLEGIATE BACK-TO-SCHOOL HANDBOOK14 JANUARY 6, 2022

COLLEGIATE BLOCK SCHEDULING To continue to support the health and safety of students and staff members, all collegiates will be adopting a quarter schedule for 2021-22.

This means the school year will be broken up into four quarters, with students taking three classes per day.

• One class will be a semestered class lasting 64 minutes daily over five months, ending Jan. 28.

• The other two classes will be quarter classes, lasting 132 minutes daily over two and a half months. These classes will include five-minute breaks.

QUARTER 1: Sept. 1 – Nov. 5

QUARTER 2: Nov. 9 – Jan. 28(end of first semester class)

QUARTER 3: Feb. 1 – Apr. 13

QUARTER 4: Apr. 25 – Jun. 28(end of second semester class)

Specific start times will be determinedby each collegiate. A student’s individual timetable will be updated and communicated prior to school start up.

STAYING CONNECTED WHEN STUDENTS ARE ILLIf a child needs to stay home due to illness or due to contact tracing, they will be able to access their classroom teacher’s online platform and continue some of their learning at home with the support of the platform. Once they are well, they will return to in-person learning.

NOTE: Providing learning supports using an online platform is not the same as online teaching and learning. This is not a replacement for in-class instruction.

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Online Learning Kindergarten—Grade 12

For the 2021-22 school year, Saskatoon Public Schools Online Learning Centre (OLC) is offering K-12 curriculum online. This program accommodates families who choose an online or at-home learning experience for their student.

We know multiple transitions adversely affect student success so we recommend students register for the entire year. In order to maintain stability for student learning and staffing, Saskatoon Public Schools has established a deadline of Tuesday Sept. 7, 2021, for collegiate students to register for online learning. After this deadline, collegiate students will be able to transfer before the start of each new quarter. If a family has extenuating circumstances they can speak to their principal about requesting a transfer. Requests will be reviewed by the division.

• Online programming is developed and delivered by Saskatoon Public Schools teachers.

• Online programming is at no cost to families.

• Registered Grade 9 students will take all required Saskatchewan Curriculum areas of study: English language arts, mathematics, science, social science, health education, arts education, and physical education.

• Grades 10 to 12 students can choose from a selection of over 40 courses in order to achieve their high school diploma. Additional courses may be added depending on student registration and interest.

• Students who enroll full-time in the OLC may be eligible for support services, such as EAL or resource.

• French Immersion online programming will be available. Grade 9 students must register full-time. Grade 10-12 studetns may choose from the classes offered in French. See the OLC website for a list of course offerings.

• For students with additional needs, the implications and challenges of delivering an individualized program in an online format need to be carefully considered and discussed with the child’s support team prior to enrolment. An online learning plan for students with additional and intensive supports will be developed with the online teacher, student support team and families as required.

• More information regarding Collegiate Online Learning programming can be found on the OLC website https://www.spsd.sk.ca/program/online/ProgramsServices/912/Pages/default.asp x#/=

Saskatoon Public Schools COLLEGIATE BACK-TO-SCHOOL HANDBOOK16 JANUARY 6, 2022

COLLEGIATE ONLINE LEARNING (9-12)The collegiate OLC offers Saskatchewan high school courses for Grade 9-12 to students in an online learning environment. Students in Grade 9-12 have an option to register part-time or full-time in the OLC. Full-time students will take up to two classes at a time over five sessions (two months each) for a total of 10 possible classes. Part-time students will take one class at a time and remain enrolled at their home collegiate for part-time in-person classes.

• Grade 9-12 programming is course based.

• Students in Grades 9-12 will use Blackboard as their learning management system.

• Collegiate students can expect regular online sessions with their teacher in a combination of large group, small group, and individual online sessions.

Saskatoon Public Schools COLLEGIATE BACK-TO-SCHOOL HANDBOOK17 JANUARY 6, 2022

FOOD BROUGHT FROM HOMEStudents bringing their own food to school should use clean containers and bring their own utensils. Students should bring items for lunch that they can open unassisted to limit contact from others.

Zero-waste lunch is preferred. Each student is encouraged to use reusable containers and utensils to limit garbage resulting from their lunch.

Food must not be shared with other students and should be stored with the student’s belongings. Students must not share utensils, dishes, and water bottles or drink containers.

FOOD SERVICE PROGRAMS (Breakfast Programs, Cafeteria, Hot Lunch and Nutrition Programs) • Food service establishments can resume normal operations.

• Utensils should be used.

• Buffets are not permitted.

• Shared food containers should be removed from eating areas. If using single serve packets of condiments, provide them directly to students.

• Cafeteria areas are open eat, but overcrowding should be avoided.

• Proper hand hygiene practices should be followed.

• Food and nutrition courses involving food preparation with students will continue.

Food And Nutrition Programs

Saskatoon Public Schools COLLEGIATE BACK-TO-SCHOOL HANDBOOK18 JANUARY 6, 2022

VENTILATION

The school division has standards for the HVAC (heating, cooling and ventilation) systems in schools. Maintenance staff will ensure the proper fit of filters, conduct regularly scheduled maintenance, and complete visual inspections to ensure cleanliness and optimal operating efficiency. The operation of the entire HVAC system is verified regularly to ensure that it is functioning properly. Fresh air intake, mixing, and air exchanges will be increased whenever local weather conditions allow, in accordance with ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers) guidance for building operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Implementing these measures ensures the provision of safe and comfortable teaching and learning environments in all schools.

DISINFECTION PROTOCOL To support a safe environment for students, staff, and families, regular disinfection of surfaces that individuals regularly touch will be of high importance. The disinfection of a surface is the process of applying a mixture of water and disinfectant (as per manufacturer’s recommendation) to surfaces to kill any virus that may be present.

Facilities