​December 13, 2021

Dear ASD-W Families,

This afternoon, the Province of New Brunswick announced new restrictions and safety guidelines affecting schools across the province. As of midnight tonight, all youth sports for children under 12 years old are suspended until further notice, including all community use of schools for youth sports. The Province will provide an update on when these programs can continue again. All youth sports for ages 12 and over will be reduced to team practices/skills and drills only, with safety precautions documented and in place. All upcoming games and tournaments are suspended until further notice from the Province. For sports that fall outside the jurisdiction of the school system, please watch for official messaging from that organization.

Additionally, the Province of New Brunswick announced that classes for students in Kindergarten to grade 6 will be dismissed for the holiday break at the end of the day this Friday, December 17^, instead of midday on Thursday, December 23. This decision was made to help slow the transmission of the virus to students who have not yet had the opportunity to be fully vaccinated (ages 5-11) and curb the spread to more vulnerable members of the community. There is no expectation for learning for these grades until school resumes on Monday, January 10, 2022. All staff will continue to report to school next week to prepare for January.

As previously planned, students in grades 7-12 will continue to attend school until midday on Thursday, December 23.

Please also be reminded that, as per the new Public Health order, students in Kindergarten to grade 8 in any Health Zone 3 school with a confirmed Covid-19 case in the past 14 days will begin a daily rapid testing program immediately. In all other schools with grades Kindergarten to 8, daily testing is encouraged but not mandatory.

Thank you for your continued cooperation and support as we navigate the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

Sincerely,

David McTimoney
Superintendent, ASD-W​