​December 13, 2021

Dear ASD-S Families,

This afternoon, the provincial government announced new restrictions and safety guidelines impacting schools across the province.

Classes for students in Kindergarten to Grade 6 will be dismissed for the holiday break at the end of the day on Friday, December 17. This is earlier than originally scheduled. There will be no in-person classes or expectation of at-home learning for K-6 students during the week of December 20.  All staff will continue to report to school. Students in Grades 7-12 will still attend school until midday Thursday, December 23 as previously planned.

This decision is made in an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19 amongst students aged 5-11, who are not yet eligible to be fully vaccinated and who may pass the virus on to more vulnerable members of the community.

Additionally, as of midnight tonight, all school and community organized sports and activities for children under 12 years old are suspended until further notice. The province will provide an update when these programs can resume. All youth sports for ages 12 and over will be reduced to one-team practices/skills and drills only, and all upcoming school and community games and tournaments  are cancelled.

Premier Higgs noted during today’s announcement that students would receive rapid testing kits to have at home over the holidays. We will let families know when we receive those kits from the province and provide further instructions.

Thank you for your continued patience and support as we work together to respond to the pandemic. We know that changes in routine can be stressful, and we appreciate your understanding.

Sincerely,

Zoë Watson,

Superintendent