January 17th, 2022

As students return to the classroom this week, we understand parents and caregivers have questions and concerns over the Ministry of Education’s decision to stop reporting COVID-19 cases in schools.

We want to assure you that we will do our best to continue to provide as much information and transparency as possible when it comes to COVID-19 at WRDSB schools. Our highest priority is to ensure the safety of our students and staff members.

Communication on Possible Exposure to COVID

The WRDSB knows families have concerns about receiving information on COVID-19 cases in schools. When schools become aware of a positive PCR or Rapid Antigen Test result for COVID-19, directly impacted classes will continue to be informed. Current guidance from the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health does not require a cohort to be dismissed in response to a possible exposure. Instead, Public Health guidance is asking for parents/caregivers/students to monitor your symptoms and complete the School Screener daily to determine if you are permitted to return to school. While individual classes will continue to be notified of a possible exposure to COVID-19, the “Confirmed Cases of COVID-19” page on the WRDSB website will no longer be updated.

Absence Reporting

Schools will now be required to report student and staff absences to the Ministry, as well as any school closures. The government will begin sharing this information publicly on www.ontario.ca starting January 24. If more than 30 per cent of the school population is absent, the WRDSB is required to notify the Region of Waterloo Public Health. We will provide this information by school on our website.