Below is an email sent by Principal Albrecht-Bisset on Friday, October 21, 2022.
Dear Wilkinson Parents,
As we enter fall and winter, we know that cold and flu season is fast approaching. We also know that we will see an increase in COVID cases, especially with the possibility of new variants.
With this email, I am including a letter that I received today from Dr. Janine McCready (Michael Garron Hospital). Dr. McCready has been working with East York schools since 2020 to help us navigate the various health restrictions and now our reopening. Dr. McCready provides important updates about vaccines for both adults and children – as well as links.
I am also including copies of the Toronto Public Health posters we will be putting up around the school related to hand washing and mask-wearing.
While masking remains optional, Toronto Public Health and Michael Garron Hospital are encouraging masking indoors for those who may be immunocompromised or at risk – or who are in close contact with someone who is. As well, anyone who wants an extra layer of protection can wear a mask.
Students should mask for 10 days after a positive COVID test, close contact with someone who tests positive or after experiencing COVID symptoms without a test. I am including a copy of the screening tool here for your reference.
Any student with a fever, respiratory symptoms or gastro-intestinal symptoms (vomiting, diarrhea) will be sent home. This was true prior to COVID as well. If your child is sick, please keep them home. Other families do not want to share your illness – whether COVID, the flu or a cold.
As well as our physical health, we know that the pandemic has affected the mental health of many. If you, or someone you know is struggling with anxiety, depression or extreme feelings of fear, you can access free mental health supports.
As the weather turns, many people are bringing back their masks when indoors. The school still provides reusable masks for students on request. As well, families can pick up COVID test kits from the school office on an as-needed basis.
We are excited to be back together this year – and want to keep it that way! Let’s stay safe together and keep our building open and activities going by staying home when sick, washing hands regularly and, for many, using masks as an extra layer of protection.
Elizabeth Albrecht-Bisset
Principal
Wilkinson Junior Public School
