Communication to Families Regarding COVID-19 Response Plan
March 14, 2020
Dear Faculty and Parents,
I hope your weekend is going well.
 
Alberta Education sent us a document last night titled “Alberta Guidance for Schools and Child Care Programs: 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).” As well, Darren Forrester, Sean Maxwell (chair of the Board) and I attended a telephone meeting for schools this morning with Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Education; Andre Corbould, Deputy of Minister of Education; and Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Chief Medical Officer of Health for Alberta. 
 
Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Chief Medical Officer of Health for Alberta, affirmed her recommendation that schools in Alberta remain open. Dr. Hinshaw has been in communication with Health Services in the other provinces and is very knowledgeable and up-to-date on all of the current information and recommendations from the World Health Organization. Her skills, experience, knowledge and sound thinking instills a high level of confidence in her work with this most challenging situation.
 
The following is new information regarding protocols being implemented in our school.

If you would like to review the information that has already been sent about Clear Water Academy's procedures related to COVID-19, please click these links:
Clear Water Academy
COVID-19 Response Plan
As of March 14, 2020
Hand Washing Procedures for Faculty and Students:
  • In addition to the previous procedures, all faculty and students are to wash their hands before leaving home and on arrival at the school.
 
Protocol for Illness – Zero Tolerance:
  • If your child is not well – sneezing, cough, cold, runny nose, stomach flu, fever, etc., they are to stay home from school until they are well. There will be zero tolerance for sick children to attend the school. If you child comes to school and they are sick, you will have to take them home; if your child becomes sick during the day, you will be called immediately and asked to pick up your child and take them home.
 
Sharing of Food:
  • We will be diligent in our current policy that students are not to share food.
 
Communication:
  • As we communicated yesterday, parents are encouraged to discuss the Virus with their children. As noted by Dr. Hinshaw:

“It is important to remember that children look to adults for guidance during new or stressful events. If you do not provide them with accurate information, they will still pick things up at school, on the playground, from television and online. It is important that all parents talk to their children in a factual, age-appropriate way. Let them know that worrying is a normal and healthy response. Be honest and accurate. Evidence to date suggests that the vast majority of kids who contract COVID-19 experience mild symptoms. Most importantly, parents should make their children feel safe and educate them on everyday actions they can take that will help them reduce the spread of germs.”
 
  • Please discuss the relevant sections of the Clear Water Academy COVID-19 Response Plan in an age-appropriate way with your children.
 
  • Please continue to pray for all those who have and will be impacted by the Virus and to pray for wisdom, prudence and charity in the decisions that world leaders, health officials and each one of us are making.


 
Due to the fluid nature of COVID-19, our Response Plan will be continually updated and we will keep you well informed.
Sincerely in Christ,

Bill Tomiak
Executive Director