COVID-19 Restrictions Ease March 1

As announced by the Alberta Government this past weekend, starting Tuesday, March 1, the province will move forward with the lifting of almost all COVID-19 restrictions.

This includes the removal of any remaining school requirements, such as Kindergarten to Grade 6 cohorting. Adults in our school buildings including teachers, administrators, school staff and bus drivers will no longer be required to wear a mask. Please note that students who use City of Red Deer buses for school transportation will still be required to wear a mask while riding on these buses. This is a Provincial requirement that has not yet been lifted.

Students and staff may choose to continue wearing a mask while in our school buildings. Regardless of individual and family decisions around masking and vaccinations, it is essential that we maintain respectful school environments for all students, staff and families. Red Deer Public will support students, staff and families regardless of the choice they make.

For the near future, we will continue enhanced cleaning throughout the school day to help ensure our buildings are safe environments for all students and staff.

Parents and volunteers play a vital part in our schools, with the lifting of restrictions we once again welcome you to be part of our community. Individual schools will communicate with parents on how they may be part of upcoming parent teacher interviews as they plan a “hybrid” version of interviews allowing parents to meet virtually or in person depending on individual comfort levels.

As we continue to move forward, it is important that families continue to keep their children home if they are sick. If your child is showing symptoms or not well, please do not send your child to school.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Red Deer Public Schools has followed all health restrictions set out by the provincial government. School divisions do not have the authority to impose guidelines above provincial health mandates.

We understand that families may have varying comfort levels regarding the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions in schools. We ask that students, staff and families remain respectful of one another, and give each other grace, as we return to more traditional ways of functioning in schools.

We thank you for your support over the last 24 months. We look forward to continuing excellence in teaching and learning in every classroom.