​Dear ASD-S families

We are excited to welcome your child back in September! Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Dominic Cardy released the plan for our return to schools today. We know there will be many questions and we will do our best to answer them in the coming days.

While New Brunswick has entered the green phase of recovery and the vaccine has allowed for the lessening of restrictions, we know that COVID-19 is still in our communities. This is why we will continue to have some protective health measures in place this school year to help limit its spread.

Starting in September, classrooms will no longer be bubbled and high school students will return to full-time, in-person learning. There will be fewer restrictions on music classes, activities and extra-curriculars, busing, and cafeterias. However, like last year, all students and staff will be required to wear a mask in indoor common areas, such as hallways, restrooms, locker areas, and on the bus. Visitors to schools will continue to be limited and by appointment only, and school rentals will be restricted to youth activities. In the event of a confirmed case of COVID-19 in a school, the process will be similar to last year and families should be prepared that their child may transition to learning from home.

It is important to note that some students and staff may feel more comfortable wearing a mask and will choose to do so even in the classroom. While this is not required, it is important for us to respect each other and remain kind and understanding of others. If your child is experiencing one symptom, they are asked to wear their mask throughout the day. If they have two or more symptoms, they are asked to stay home.

You can find more details of what students and families should expect as you return in the fall and what health and safety measures will be in place in the plan, Healthy and Safe Schools Guidelines, found here. This plan is subject to change given the evolving nature of the COVID-19 pandemic. Please continue to watch for emails, or monitor our website, Twitter, and Facebook page for updated information, and be sure to keep your contact information up to date with your child’s school.

We understand some families may be experiencing concern and anxiety and appreciate that school has been very different for students over the past 18 months.  Teachers are familiar working with students at varying levels and will meet them where they are academically to ensure that each student is achieving the appropriate outcomes.  As well, educators are mindful that some students have been impacted socially and emotionally and will be sensitive to this. We will continue to work with our Principals, Public Health and the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development to implement the plan and ensure our students experience a successful and safe return to school. You can find a letter to families from Minister Cardy regarding the return to school here: Letter Return to School.pdf

We look forward to welcoming families back to the start of a new school year. With some restrictions still in place, schools will be looking to have alternative back-to-school events and PSSC elections. As a reminder, our schools will have staggered start dates again this year. The return to school schedule for the week of September 7-10, 2021 will be communicated to you by your child’s school.  You can find the 2021-22 school calendar on the ASD-S website.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we get ready to head back. The health and safety of our students and staff is our top priority and we are committed to providing a safe environment for your child to learn.  

Sincerely,

Zoë Watson,

Superintendent ASD-S​