St. George's School of Montreal - COVID-19 Preparedness Plan
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
St. George’s School of Montreal
COVID-19 Preparedness Plan
Updated January 15, 2021Table of Contents
Table of Contents....................................................................................................................................................................... 2
Introduction
Introduction and Definitions………...…………………………………………………………………..………………………………………….3
Section 1
Covid-19 Pandemic Planning Mandate.......................................................................................................................... 4
Section 2
2.1 What is the Novel Coronavirus?...............................................................................................................................4
2.2 How does the virus spread?.....................................................................................................................................4
2.3 How will Covid-19 Impact us?..................................................................................................................................5
2.4 Will our school close? ……………………..……………………………..…………………………………………………………………...…6
2.5 Potential Spread of Covid-19 Infection at School…………….…………….……………………............................................6
2.6 Prevention……………………………………………………………………………………………........................................................7
Section 3
Communications and Emergency Teams……………………………………….........................................................................8
3.1 Sharing St. George’s Covid-19 Preparedness Plan with Employees.......................................................................10
3.2 Sharing St. George’s Covid-19 Preparedness Plan with Parents and Students.....................................................10
3.3 Sharing Information with the Community, MEES and Regional Health Authorities During the Pandemic........11
3.4 Sharing Information with Employees, Parents and Students After the Pandemic................................................11
Section 4
Human Resources…………………………………………………................................................................................................11
4.1 Environmental Health & Safety Resonsibilites…………………………..…………..........................................................11
4.2 Responsibilities to Employees……………………………………………………………………..................................................11
4.3 Employees’ Responsibilities…………………...…….....................................................................................................13
4.4 Response Plan for Administrative Absenteeism………………………………………………..............................................14
4.5 Response Plan for Teaching Activities…................................................................................................................15
Section 5
5.1 Responsibilities to St. George’s Students and Families.........................................................................................15
5.2 Responsibility to Students with Support Services……………………………..…………………………….............................16
5.3 Students’ and Parents’ Responsibilities…………………............................................................................................16
5.4 Emergent Illness Among Students While at School……………………………………….................................................17
Section 6
Information Technology………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….....18
Section 7
7.1 Homestay Students’ Considerations Prior to Travel................................................................................................18
Section 8
8.1 Buildings & Grounds Responsibilities……………………………..………………………………………………………………………19
8.2 Usage of the School by External Groups.…………………………………………………………………………………………………19
8.3 Animals on Campus…..…….……………..…………………………………………………………………………………………………….19
Section 9
Finance Department/Business Office…………………………………..………………………………………………………………………20
Section 10
Legal and Ethical Considerations………..…….…………………………………………………………………………………………………20
Section 11
Recovery Plans…………..…..…….……………..…………………………………………………………………………………………………….20
Appendix A…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….22
Appendix B…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………....23
Appendix C…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………....25
Appendix D …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………....26
Appendix E…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………....28
2Introduction
This document has been developed to provide essential information regarding our knowledge of COVID-
19, its implications for our school operations, and the mitigating strategies put in place by St. George’s to
support a safe reopening of the school. As our knowledge of this novel coronavirus continues to evolve, and
the development of the pandemic in Montreal continues to change, information provided in this document
will also be adjusted. It is our collective responsibility to remain informed, and to follow guidelines and
protocols as best we can to protect ourselves, each other, and our community as a whole.
Definitions
• Viruses are microscopic parasites that can infect living organisms (e.g. humans, animals) and cause
disease. They are smaller than bacteria. Medical treatment of viral infections focuses mainly on
managing symptoms; for example, treating a cough with cough syrup or a fever with acetaminophen,
while the body’s immune system fights the virus. Antibiotics are NOT effective in treating viral
infections.
• Bacteria are microscopic living organisms that are found everywhere. They can be beneficial such as
in the case of protective gut bacteria, or dangerous (cause infection). Some bacterial infections will
require antibiotics to treat the infection. Antibiotics kill bacteria in the body.
• Viruses and bacteria can enter a human body in various ways – through mucous membranes
around the eyes, through the nose and via the mouth to the stomach. Viruses and bacteria can also be
transmitted by different bodily fluids such as saliva, respiratory droplets, urine, blood, feces etc.,
depending on the type of virus or bacteria.
• Viruses and bacteria can be transmitted to a person either directly or indirectly.
➢ DIRECT: The infectious agent (virus, bacteria) is transmitted directly from one organism to
another (e.g. person to person, or animal to person).
o Direct contact: such as skin to skin, kissing.
o Droplet: saliva spray, or respiratory droplets generated from a sneeze, cough, or even talking.
These droplets travel a short range (a few feet), and pass the diseases to the next person
through portals (e.g. eyes, nose mouth).
➢ INDIRECT: The infectious agent (virus or bacteria) is transmitted via an intermediary which can
be:
o Airborne: when the virus/bacteria are carried by microscopic air particles/dust. May remain
suspended in the air for a significant amount of time and can travel large distances.
o Vehicle: when a virus/bacteria is transmitted to a person via a non-organism such as water,
food, or an inanimate object (toy, doorknob).
o Vector: when a virus/bacteria is transmitted to a person by another organism, such as a
mosquito, flea, or tick.
• Contagion period is the period of time a person can spread the virus to someone else. The contagion
period depends on the particular virus.
• Epidemiology is the study of how often diseases occur in different groups of people and why. A few
key terms used in epidemiology:
o Epidemic refers to an increase, often sudden, in the number of cases of a disease above what
is normally expected in that population in an area.
o Outbreak carries the same definition of epidemic, but is often used for a more limited
geographic area (e.g. a city, a school, or a hospital).
o Pandemic refers to an epidemic that has spread over several countries or continents, usually
affecting many people.
3SECTION 1
COVID-19 PANDEMIC PLANNING MANDATE
The mandate of St. George’s is to continue to operate during the COVID-19 pandemic and to prioritize the
following:
• Provide a safe environment for students and staff before, during and following the COVID-19
pandemic.
• Maintain the delivery of instruction to students, either on campus, following safety guidelines, or
through distance learning, as permitted by MEES.
• Continue providing essential services (E.g. supervision, curricular requirements, student support,
building security).
• Communicate accurately and in a timely manner with management, staff, students and families
regarding operations before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic period.
• Track and monitor the various departmental activities and additional costs of responding to the
pandemic.
To fulfill this mandate, and to address the safety needs of staff, students and their families, St. George’s
has created the following documents, which complement the work of other existing emergency plans.
1) COVID-19 Preparedness Plan for Staff
2) COVID-19 Safe Return to Campus Plan for Parents
3) COVID-19 Safe Return to Campus Plan for Students
Important Note: Due to the continually evolving and unpredictable nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the
rapid adaptation of policies and/or procedures is highly possible in response to new or evolving scientific
evidence and information.
SECTION 2
PANDEMIC PHASES
Please refer to the Covid-19 Preparedness Plan Section 3 for details of pandemic phases, as determined
by the World Heath Organization.
2.1 WHAT IS THE NOVEL CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)?
On December 31, 2019, cases of undiagnosed viral pneumonia were first reported by health authorities in
Wuhan, China. The cause was confirmed as a new (novel) coronavirus, known as COVID-19, which has
not previously been identified in humans. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that circulate in
animals including humans and may cause illness in them. Human coronaviruses are common and can
range from mild illnesses such as the common cold, to severe illnesses such as Severe Acute Respiratory
Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS CoV) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS CoV).
2.2 HOW DOES THE NOVEL CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) SPREAD?
Some families of viruses cause respiratory illness, like influenza viruses (e.g. flu) and some
coronaviruses (e.g. common cold, COVID-19). Respiratory illnesses have a wide range of symptoms, from
asymptomatic (no symptoms) to severe illness. The symptoms are referred to as “non-specific”, as they do
not indicate any particular virus; the specific virus can only be identified by testing. Coronaviruses are
a large family of viruses which may cause illness in humans and animals. In humans, several coronaviruses
are known to cause respiratory infections, ranging from the common cold to severe illness (ex. SARS).
COVID-19 is the illness caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus (SARS-CoV-19).
4• Symptoms of COVID-19 (a person may have one or multiple symptoms):
o New or worsening cough
o Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
o Sore throat
o Temperature of 38.1°C and higher
o Chills
o Major fatigue or weakness
o General muscle pain or body aches not related to physical exertion
o New or sudden loss of smell or taste
o Headache
o Runny or stuffy nose
o Significant loss of appetite
o Gastrointestinal symptoms (abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting)
o *Children have also been reported to have abdominal symptoms and skin
changes or rashes
• It may take between 24-48 hours for symptoms to appear once a person is infected. They are
contagious as soon as they become infected, whether they have symptoms or not.
• Asymptomatic: some people do not develop symptoms when infected with COVID-19,
however, they are still contagious and can spread the virus.
• Period of contagiousness: the COVID-19 virus is estimated to be contagious for 14 days.
• Mode of transmission: The COVID-19 virus spreads mainly from person to person, via
respiratory droplets. This can be through direct contact (when a person with the virus sneezes
or coughs very close to another person and there is aerosol transmission), or indirect contact
(when droplets from an infected person are transferred to a surface, such as a table, and another
person touches it and then transfer it by touches their eyes, nose or mouth).
2.3 HOW WILL COVID-19 IMPACT US?
The anticipated and potential impact of Covid-19 on St. George’s community will likely be significant.
• Immunocompromised students and/or faculty who are vulnerable to the virus may be required
to stay home for portions of the school-year and proceed with distance learning / teaching.
• Student, faculty and staff absenteeism will likely increase, given the wide diversity of symptoms
for which it is recommended for people to stay home preventatively.
• Employee absenteeism will be affected by illness, responsibilities in caring for ill dependents,
childcare needs, bereavement and/or anxiety regarding infection.
• With a potentially increased exposure and possible spread of infection, staff and/or students may
become ill while at school.
• The psychological impact on our community will likely be significant.
• In the event of widespread and/or severe outbreaks, supply chains of goods and services (E.g.
external supports such as substitution), could be diminished, and social disruptions could occur.
• Should a second wave occur in the region, it could result in a complete school closure and the
need to pivot to school-wide online/distance learning.
• Staff may need to take on additional duties, as required.
• There may be financial losses or incremental costs associated with the pandemic.
• Increased disinfection procedures will be required, particularly when there is a case or outbreak.
52.4 WILL OUR SCHOOL CLOSE?
The decision to close Montreal schools will be made by MEES, upon the recommendations of Santé
Publique. It is also possible that individual schools might identify other situations that could require
their closure (E.g. insufficient number of staff). Under such circumstances, any decision to close a
school would ultimately be made in consultation with MEES and the Santé Publique.
2.5 POTENTIAL SPREAD OF COVID-19 INFECTION ON CAMPUS
Measures to reduce interpersonal exposure will be balanced with the need to maintain normal routines,
school operations and societal functioning. MEES has set fall 2020 reopening guidelines for operating
under the pandemic.
St. George’s will establish a clear and well-communicated message that stresses the need for students
and staff to stay home if they are displaying signs of the following symptoms:
o New or worsening cough o New or sudden loss of smell or taste
o Shortness of breath or difficulty o Headache
breathing o Gastrointestinal symptoms (abdominal
o Sore throat pain, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting)
o Temperature of 38.1°C and higher o Runny or stuffy nose
o Chills o Significant loss of appetite
o Major fatigue or weakness o *Children have also been reported to
o General muscle pain or body have abdominal symptoms and skin
aches not related to physical changes or rashes
exertion
The Covid-19 Symptom Self-Assessment Tool can be useful in taking the right course of action.
Santé Publique (DRSP) has established an intervention protocol for managing infection or outbreak of
COVID-19 in a school environment. A summary is outlined in the following chart:
Description
Niveau des niveaux Interventions de la DRSP Intervention du
d’intervention d’intervention milieu
1 Aucun (0) cas connu - Soutien et conseil dans la mise en place des Mise en place des
(approche préventive) mesures de base. mesures de base.
- Diffusion de guides et d’outils sur les mesures
préventives de base.
2 1 cas confirmé dans Enquête auprès du cas: Communication aux
un groupe ou une - Identification et isolement des contacts étroits. parents pour le suivi
classe quotidien des symptômes
Soutien à l’écol :
des élèves.
- Vérification ou renforcement de l’application des
mesures préventives de base.
63 2 cas confirmés dans Enquête auprès des cas: - Grille de surveillance
un même groupe - Identification et isolement des contacts étroits. des symptômes pour
(incluant enfants, les membres du
Soutien à l’école:
enseignants et personnel.
personnel service de - Vérification ou renforcement de l’application - Communication aux
garde en lien avec ce des mesures préventives de base. parents pour le suivi
groupe) - Création du portrait de l’éclosion (ex. : groupes quotidien des
OU et locaux touchés). symptômes des élèves.
2 cas confirmés dans
- Évaluation de l’environnement et de
les membres du
l’organisation scolaire pour identification de
personnel
mesures personnalisées.
4 >= 4 cas dans l’école Enquête auprès des cas:
OU - Identification et isolement des contacts étroits.
En augmentation Soutien et suivi à l’école tout au long de
rapide : nombre de
l’éclosion :
cas double tous les 5
jours - Vérification ou renforcement de l’application
des mesures préventives de base.
- Évaluation approfondie de l’environnement et
de l’organisation scolaire pour l’identification
de mesures personnalisées (visite terrain).
- Déterminer la stratégie de dépistage appropriée.
- Création du portrait de l’éclosion (ex. : groupes
et locaux touchés).
- Demande d’envoyer le registre des symptômes
des employés et des élèves chaque semaine.
- Production de la courbe épidémique.
2.6 PREVENTION
The following prevention measures are shown to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
• Good Hygiene
o Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using
the washroom, before preparing food, and when visibly soiled.
o Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
o Cough or sneeze into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand.
o Dispose of any tissues you have used as soon as possible in a lined waste basket and wash
your hands afterwards.
o Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Wearing a masks/face coverings when in public places, such as public transportation, stores,
banks, offices, etc. In a school setting, Public Health officials have deemed that all employees and
high school students should wear a procedure mask when on campus. Elementary students
should also wear masks, as per the Ministry directives.
• Cleaning and disinfecting are effective means of killing COVID-19 viruses. The school will
follow all Public Health and MEES recommendations for appropriate cleaning and disinfection.
o Cleaning removes viruses, bacteria, dirt, and impurities from surfaces or objects.
Cleaning works by using soap (or detergent) and water to physically remove germs from
surfaces. This process does not necessarily kill germs, but by removing them, it lowers their
viability and the risk of spreading infection.
7o Disinfecting kills viruses and bacteria on surfaces or objects. Disinfecting works by using
chemicals to kill germs on surfaces or objects. This process does not necessarily clean dirty
surfaces or remove germs, but by killing germs on a surface after cleaning, it can further
lower the risk of spreading infection.
o Sanitizing lowers the number of viruses and bacteria on surfaces or objects to a
safe level, as judged by public health standards or requirements. This process works by
either cleaning or disinfecting surfaces or objects to lower the risk of spreading
infection.
• Physical distancing means being physically apart. Public Health Canada recommends keeping
approximately 2 metres from others. The school will ensure compliance with physical distancing
recommendations from the MEES and Public Health.
• Quarantine means restricting activities or separating people who are not ill themselves but may
have been exposed to COVID-19. The goal is to prevent the spread of the disease by staying home.
• Isolation means separating people who are ill with symptoms of COVID-19 to prevent the
spread of the disease. This is usually done by staying home.
SECTION 3
COMMUNICATIONS AND EMERGENCY TEAMS
In the event of a COVID-19 infection or outbreak at school, communication will flow through the St.
George’s Crisis Response Team. At the discretion of the Crisis Response Team, and adhering to the
guidelines of the Santé Publique and MEES, information will be communicated as deemed necessary
and in a timely manner.
• St. George’s Interim Head of School, Nathalie Bossé, will be the official spokesperson through
which all crisis related information will be communicated
• Communications to the employees, parents and guardians will also come from the Interim Head
of School.
• Information to students will come from the Assistant Head, Elementary School, Aidan De Jean,
and/or the Assistant Head, High School, Michael O’Connor.
• The Emergency Health Team will assist with the daily oversight of health and safety measures for
students and employees.
• General information regarding the local situation regarding the COVID-19 pandemic will be
obtained by the teams by consulting Quebec Santé Publique, and Public Health Canada.
• All communications will be adapted to the diversity of the school population and community.
• Communication mechanisms may include the following:
o St. George’s website and The BLVD. portal (both will be updated on a regular basis)
o Zoom or online video conferencing
o Written communications (memos, posters, signage, etc.)
o E-mail
o Emergency phone information line
o School signs and screens
8Crisis Response Team
Nathalie Bossé Kathay Carson
Interim Head of School Director, Enrolment
Michael O’Connor Marc Balas
Assistant Head, High School CFO
Aidan De Jean Nathalie Stein
Assistant Head, Elementary School Director, Human Resources
Brian Foote, Assistant Head, Kim Segal
Curriculum Research and Innovation Director, Strategic Marketing
Safe Return to School Task Force
Nathalie Bossé Michael O’Connor
Interim Head of School Assistant Head, High School
Jason Levine Aidan De Jean
Chairperson, St. George’s Board of Directors Assistant Head, Elementary School
Holly Durkee
Emergency Health Officer Marc Balas
Emergency Health Team Coordinator CFO
Shefale Urva
B&G Coordinator Kathay Carson
Emergency Health Team Member Director, Enrolment Management
Jessica Sherman
Registered Nurse Nathalie Stein
Emergency Health Team Consultant Director, Human Resources
Angie Continisio Aaron Stamboulieh
Administrative Assistant Technology Coordinator
Emergency Health Team ES Support
Leigh McCarthy
Executive Assistant to Head of School & Brian Foote
Events Coordinator Assistant Head, Curriculum Research and Innovation
Emergency Health Team
This team advises the Safe Return to School Team on health and emergency issues in preparation for
the reopening of the school and throughout the pandemic. IT also maintains a registry of illness
developed amongst students and/or staff, oversees isolation and departure of student and/or staff sin
the event an illness occurs while at school, and advises the Head of School on issues and crises that
require intervention and communication with the Board.
9Nathalie Bossé Nathalie Stein
Interim Head of School Director, Human Resources
Dr. Sarah Kerner Dr. Earl Rubin
Family Physician/G.P. Pediatric Infectious Disease Specialist, Physician and
Emergency Health Team Consultant Microbiologist
Emergency Health Team Consultant
Jessica Sherman Holly Durkee
Registered Nurse Emergency Health Officer
Emergency Health Team Consultant Emergency Health Team Coordinator
Angie Continisio Shefale Urva
Administrative Assistant B&G Coordinator
Emergency Health Team ES Support Emergency Health Team Member
3.1 SHARING THE COVID-19 PREPAREDNESS PLAN WITH EMPLOYEES
The COVID-19 Preparedness Plan will be reviewed by the Leadership Team, who will then share the
information with all faculty and staff. Additionally, a copy of the plan will be posted on the school’s
portal for access by employees. The School will keep employees apprised of changes to operations
within the School. Employees will be advised how to prepare themselves and their families for an
outbreak, and what to do if they become infected. St. George’s will provide its employees with reliable
sources of information, include the following:
• Santé Montréal: https://santemontreal.qc.ca/en/public/coronavirus-covid-19/
• Ministère de la Santé et Services Sociaux:
https://msss.gouv.qc.ca/professionnels/maladies-infectieuses/coronavirus-2019-ncov/
• Government of Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health.html
• World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/
3.2 SHARING THE COVID-19 INFORMATION WITH PARENTS AND STUDENTS
Using information provided by the Crisis Response Team, St. George’s will:
• provide parents and students with reliable sources where they can find information on what to
do if they become infected and how to prepare for an outbreak;
• communicate the measures included in the Safe Return to Campus Plan, as per Santé Publique
guidelines;
• communicate to parents and students Ministry of Education directives as they are periodically
issued/updated;
• provide a safe and healthy environment for employees and students.
Using information provided by the Interim Head of School and Director of Strategic Marketing,
St. George’s will keep parents and students apprised of any changes to school services. The
communication mechanisms cited above at the start of Section 3 will be used for this purpose.
Messaging will provide concise, factual information regarding:
• the impact of the pandemic on the school;
• what students/parents can expect from St. George's;
• what they can do to support St. George’s;
• when suspended services or reduced services are likely to be restored,
• the communication mechanisms cited in Section 3 will be used for this purpose.
103.3 SHARING INFORMATION WITH THE COMMUNITY, MEES AND REGIONAL
HEALTH AUTHORITIES DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
The St. George’s Crisis Response Team will communicate, as necessary, with the community and with
appropriate health and/or education authorities regarding COVID-related issues, concerns, needs,
requirements and/or support.
3.4 SHARING INFORMATION WITH EMPLOYEES, PARENTS AND STUDENTS AFTER
THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, St. George’s will:
• continue to communicate with employees, parents, and students regarding the return to normal
operations;
• help students and their families identify community resources to assist in coping with stress
caused by the pandemic;
• communicate strategies for catching up on missed instructional time or backlogged work;
• inform the community of any ongoing operational modifications, temporary or permanent.
SECTION 4
HUMAN RESOURCES
During the COVID-19 pandemic, St. George’s will implement measures to avoid/minimize the spread
of infection within its facilities. Clear, well-communicated messages will inform employees that they
are not to come to work if they or any member of their family or household exhibits any of the COVID-
19 symptoms listed above in Section 2.2. St. George’s will communicate recommendations from Santé
Publique on return to work timelines. The school will also ensure a system is in place to cover/reassign
the work of those who are ill.
4.1 ST. GEORGE’S RESPONSIBILITIES CONCERNING ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
AND SAFETY
The School, as far as reasonably practicable, will continue to provide a safe and healthy environment in
which to carry on its affairs during the COVID-19 pandemic. St. George’s will rely on Santé Publique
and CNESST to provide guidelines and recommendations to support St. George’s regarding workplace
safety, health and environmental matters, particularly in an educational setting. The School will
respond to requests for assistance based on a prioritized risk assessment of the issues/hazards, and will
evaluate and promote measures proven effective for the COVID-19 pandemic in protecting employees,
as endorsed by the public health authorities of Quebec. St. George’s will stay informed as the scientific
community evolves in its understanding of preventative measures to protect against COVID-19, and
new measures may be put in place at any time.
4.2 ST. GEORGE’S RESPONSIBILITIES TO EMPLOYEES
St. George’s has the obligation to protect and ensure the safety and physical well-being of its employees.
To this end, the school will:
• identify, assess and control risks through a thorough Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) exercise;
• implement a daily fit-to-work survey to ensure that no sick employees report to work, and will
require entry signatures to confirm compliance;
11• provide training, as outline below in Section 4, to all full-time and part-time employees, as well as
service providers, with regards to the pandemic measures implemented at both campuses, including
hygiene training to identify potential risks and ensure a safe workplace;
• provide health and safety guidelines to protect employees and minimize their risks;
• provide personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect and ensure safety of employees, including
sanitization products in every room, and face shields, goggles, procedure masks, classroom shields
and plexiglass protectors for common work areas;
• ensure ventilation conditions in both campuses are tested and verified as safe by a proper authority.
Update: In conjunction with St. George’s Building and Grounds Committee, the School has
reviewed current recommendations regarding ventilation and air conditioning as related to the
potential spread of the Covid-19 virus, to ensure the safest possible environment for students and
staff.
At both campuses, all stable student groups are located in classrooms that can be well ventilated with
fresh air from open windows. It is recommended that teachers keep the windows open as much as
possible (weather permitting) or open them at least 10-15 minutes every teaching period. Following
recommendations in the commissioned engineering audit of the school’s ventilation systems, an
upgrade of the existing HVAC system at the Elementary campus has been completed, as has the
installation of a new fresh air exchange system at the High School campus.
HEPA/UV air filters were installed throughout both campuses last fall and will remain in place
permanently, working in tandem with ventilation system upgrades to bring even better air to our
campuses. They will also assist over the long term in reducing seasonal allergies, dust, allergens,
germs and viruses.
The Leadership Team will work to develop an efficient and appropriate reassignment process in order
to cover critical services. Staff may be asked to support school operations in areas unrelated to their
normal assignments. Employees may be requested to work from home. Staff members will be advised
should they be needed to cover for absent employees.
Employees who are unable to attend work due to illness, or because of a vulnerable condition as
specified by the CNESST, will be covered by the existing sick leave provisions in Human Resource
Policies 2018 and/or by special measures implemented by the government.
Maintenance of payroll, pension and benefits will be given priority. In instances where inaccurate
disbursements are being made, the School will take corrective steps in the post-pandemic stage.
Employees will be educated on COVID-19 symptoms and will be required to stay home if they or a
member of their family or household exhibits any of the COVID-19 symptoms listed above in Section
2.2.
In the event of a school closure, St. George’s may consider deferring staff leaves for non-health reasons,
such as professional development, vacation or other reasons.
Upon first entering the building, occasional service providers will be invited to complete a Supplier
Check-In questionnaire and will be informed of the protection measures in place at the school for safe
operations within the pandemic.
12EMPLOYEE TRAINING
St. George’s employees will receive training in the following:
• The risk of exposure to COVID-19.
• The contents of the COVID-19 Plan.
• Preparations for safely working on campus during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The signs and symptoms of the disease, and how to react to them.
• Following safe workplace protocols, including hand washing and cough/sneeze etiquette.
• Proper use of procedure masks and other PPE.
• Who to advise in the case of an illness or safety concern.
• How to report an exposure to of COVID-19 and/or symptoms.
• How the COVID-19 Preparedness Plan will be communicated to workers, including contract staff
or service providers, and keeping a record of the communication.
• Knowing which specific Scenario of the COVID-19 Preparedness Plan is currently taking place.
• How updates or changes to the COVID-19 Preparedness Plan and specific Scenario plans will be
communicated.
• How to communicate the fall 2020 Safe Return to School plan (SR2S) to students and other
members of the community who use the School’s facilities and/or are working remotely.
4.3 EMPLOYEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES
Employees will be expected to comply with the following measures in order to avoid putting students
and colleagues at risk:
• Given the possibility that students or co-workers could come to school while being asymptomatic
for COVID-19, the Ministry requires that all employees wear a procedure mask when on campus.
Teachers are to wear a procedure mask at all the times, both within and beyond a 2m distance from
others, with specific exceptions. Masks can only be removed when eating/drinking, if required
during a phone call and in those instances when absolutely necessary to work with a student in a
specific setting to assist in the delivery of curriculum. In this last instance, teachers are asked to
cautiously use their professional discretion to determine when this is required.
• All staff, even those working behind plexiglass, are to wear a procedure mask at all times, both
within and beyond a 2m distance from others, with specific exceptions. Masks can only be removed
when eating/drinking, when alone in an enclosed office space and if required during a phone call.
• Supplied by the School, these masks will be available at the parking lot entrance, in each classroom
and at reception.
• Ensure high school students have received and are wearing procedure masks whenever on school
grounds, except when eating/drinking, or participating in Phys Ed class. Two mask per day are to
be made available to these students.
• In addition, the school requires that teachers wear goggles or a face shield at all times when in the
classroom, in common areas and on exterior school grounds, whether within or beyond a 2m
distance from others.
• Avoid any gathering that is not essential to completing work-related tasks. As such, employees are
required to:
o consume snacks and/or lunch at their assigned workspace;
o mininimize /eliminate non-essential visits to other workspaces;
o wear masks at all times in shared workspaces, except when eating/drinking;
o ensure all desks remain 2m apart in classroom and offices, space permitting;
13o avoid walking/running/jogging with colleagues at lunch or during breaks; a 2m distance
must be maintained at all times, both on and off campus, even when wearing masks
• Immediately contact their supervisor if they are experiencing any illness or symptoms as listed above
in Section 2.2 of this plan, and to explicitly follow the subsequent instructions of their supervisor.
• Communicate with the Emergency Health Officer to indicate illness, immediately leave the School
and contact a health professional for proper assessment of their condition and follow directions
outlined on the employee decision tree.
Update: With virtually no widespread existence of cold and flu this season, any related symptoms
likely point to a Covid-19 diagnosis. As such, anyone presenting with these symptoms is requested
to go to a Covid-19 screening center as soon as possible to be tested, eliminating the 24-hour
waiting period previously recommended.
If a family member (child or parent) is symptomatic and therefore will proceed to get tested, every
member of the family residing in the same household must now stay at home in isolation
pending test results to exclude COVID-19 or other infectious diseases before returning to
campus.
Employees are responsible to inform the Crisis Response Team or the Emergency Health Team of any
situation that could present risks to the school or the community.
• For illness-related risks, contact Holly Durkee.
• For HR Issues, contact Nat Stein.
• For Buildings & Grounds or Physical Plant issues, contact Shefale Urva.
Employees are not to bring equipment or personal items back and forth between home and school
unless they are absolutely necessary for the carrying out of their tasks and responsibilities at work.
Anything brought into/taken from the building must be wiped clean with disinfectant upon arrival/
departure.
If a School closure has been announced while the employees are at work, they will be expected to report
to their managers prior to leaving the School and follow new directives, which could include:
• reporting to a temporary reassignment; if the School is closed, this may include an off-campus
reassignment of duties, as required;
• organizing the distribution of material to students for distance learning;
• remaining away from work until notified;
• keeping in contact with their manager by phone or email to determine the state of alert and establish
when they are to return.
Once a re-opening of the School has been announced, employees will be expected to report to work on
the date specified, unless they have been advised otherwise by their supervisor. If they are unable to
report to work, they are to contact their supervisor to indicate the reason (E.g. under quarantine, caring
for an infected person, ill themselves, etc.).
4.4 ST. GEORGE’S RESPONSE PLAN FOR ADMINISTRATIVE ABSENTEEISM
The School may consider these strategies for addressing periods of high administrative absenteeism:
• Document any administrative activities that might be added during COVID-19 or might increase in
terms of workload (i.e. contacting the parents of absent children, compiling and disseminating
absentee information, etc.).
14• Prepare written instructions so that partially trained employees or volunteers can complete essential
tasks.
• Document location of key information and means of access (e.g. passwords, keys).
• Prepare to report excessive absenteeism to Santé Publique for pandemic surveillance purposes
(MEES or Santé Publique will provide absenteeism reporting guidelines).
4.5 ST. GEORGE’S RESPONSE PLAN FOR FACULTY ABSENTEEISM
The School may consider these strategies for addressing periods of high faculty absenteeism:
• Draw from the substitute pool, support teachers, part time teachers and/or tutors.
• Use administrative personnel, non-faculty professionals, retired teachers, parents, volunteers or
education students to assist teachers.
SECTION 5
ACADEMICS
5.1 ST. GEORGE’S RESPONSIBILITIES TO STUDENTS AND FAMILIES
In dealing with the challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, St. George’s commits to
honouring its academic responsibilities to its students, within reason and using all means at the
School’s disposal.
• Students will be educated, at an age-appropriate level, about COVID-19 illness transmission
prevention and symptoms and will be encouraged to make appropriate personal health decisions. A
Fall COVID 19 Reopening Plan for students (link) will be generated to support teachers with this
matter.
• During a COVID-19 outbreak, every effort will be made to offer essential school services where
possible, whether on campus or through distance learning.
• St. George’s will provide students and parents/guardians with timely communication regarding the
School’s plans and expectations for continued instruction.
• Where possible, continuation of coursework and assignments may be facilitated through distance
learning for students who are ill or unable to attend school on site.
• Decisions on instructional matters will be the responsibility of the Interim Head of School in
consultation with the Leadership Team and Faculty.
• Decisions to extend the term, revise exam schedules or alter the academic schedule will be
made by the Assistant Head Curriculum, in consultation with the Leadership Team as
recommended or directed by MEES.
• For issues regarding students who have missed or not completed work due to illness, class
cancellations or other reasons connected to the COVID-19 pandemic, decisions by the School will
be made in accordance with Ministry guidelines.
• In the event of a school closure, St. George’s will make every effort to provide parents with as much
lead time as possible, will share the reason(s) for the closure, the mechanisms associated with St.
George’s transition to distance learning and, if possible, an estimate of the duration of the closure
as determined by MEES and Santé Publique.
155.2 ST. GEORGE’S RESPONSIBILITIES TO STUDENTS AND FAMILIES
St. George’s is committed to providing support to all students during the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, some support services may be interrupted if key staff members are absent due to illness. In
the case of staff shortages or school closure, the school will make every effort to communicate with
affected students and their parents to develop alternative plans. Whenever possible, the planning will
take place early, allowing parents to be involved and aware of potential issues that may interrupt their
child’s educational programming.
5.3 PARENTS’ AND STUDENTS’ RESPONSIBILITIES TO ST. GEORGE’S
During this period of Red Alert in our region, every student in K – Grade 4 must wear a mask when
in common areas outside their classroom, such as hallways and washrooms. Students in Grade 5 & 6
must wear a mask everywhere on school grounds, whether in classrooms, common areas or outdoors
spaces. Masks can only be removed while eating/drinking or when participating in Physical Education
class.
All high school students in Grades 7 – 11 must wear a procedure mask whenever on school grounds,
both indoors and outdoors. Upon entering the building, students must be wearing a mask of their own
and must go directly to their assigned classroom to obtain a procedure mask. Two masks per student
will be available daily, so students can change to a new one if/when required. During this period of Red
Alert in our region, students must wear the procedure mask in classrooms, common areas and outdoors
spaces, and they can only be removed while eating/drinking or when participating in Physical
Education class. While eating/drinking, students must maintain a 2-meter distance and remain in
stable bubbles. Students must wear the procedure mask as they leave the building and keep it on while
they are on school grounds.
At the high school, lockers have been assigned and are to be used for outdoor clothing and footwear
only. In order to avoid congestion in the locker areas, no locks are to be used and course material,
personal items, backpacks, etc. are to be kept in the students’ designated classrooms, where they will
be permitted to remain for the duration of the day.
As with the many other responsible practices for healthy living that have been developed and realized
on a daily basis in our school (E.g. mobile device usage, respect of diversity, dress code, sustainable
practices, “Our Table” initiative, etc...), St. George’s will add "responsible behavior in a pandemic" to
the list of important topics for the ongoing conversations with our students. This will serve to foster
their command of responsible risk mitigation behaviors during a pandemic.
Santé Publique advises parents to keep children out of school if they are ill or showing any signs of
COVID-19, and to call the COVID-19 Québec hotline at 1-877-644-4545 for further instruction.
Update: With virtually no widespread existence of cold and flu this season, any related symptoms
likely point to a Covid-19 diagnosis. As such, anyone presenting with these symptoms is requested to
go to a Covid-19 screening center as soon as possible to be tested, eliminating the 24-hour
waiting period previously recommended.
If a family member (child or parent) is symptomatic and therefore will proceed to get tested, every
member of the family residing in the same household must now stay at home in isolation
pending test results to exclude COVID-19 or other infectious diseases before returning to campus.
16As such, all students MUST remain away from school and not attend classes on campus if they are
showing any of the following COVID-19 symptoms OR if they are not well for any other reason:
o New or worsening cough o New or sudden loss of smell or taste
o Shortness of breath or difficulty o Headache
breathing o Gastrointestinal symptoms (abdominal
o Sore throat pain, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting)
o Temperature of 38.1°C and higher o Runny or stuffy nose
o Chills o Significant loss of appetite
o Major fatigue or weakness o *Children have also been reported to have
o General muscle pain or body aches abdominal symptoms and skin changes or
not related to physical exertion rashes
In the case of a student being absent from class, parents/guardians are asked to contact the school
prior to the start of the school day and inform Lori or Angie of the reason for the absence (E.g.
appointment, caring for an infected person, in quarantine, symptomatic for Covid-19, ill/unwell, etc.)
If the absence is due to the onset of COVID 19 symptoms, St. George’s Emergency Health Officer will
then call back the parents/guardian to provide information on the appropriate follow-up, as per Santé
Publique directives.
If a student is unable to attend class on campus due to illness/symptoms/quarantine, but is still well
enough to do their studies from home, it is expected that student will inform their Advisor and
participate in synchronous classroom.
If a closure of the School is announced, students will be expected to remain away from the campus
during the closure and keep up with their academic responsibilities, as directed by their teachers, if well
enough to do so. Families will be expected to monitor St. George’s website and read the email
broadcasts for timely updates and to determine the state of the alert at the School at any given time.
Once a reopening has been announced, students will be expected to report to class on the date specified,
according to the schedule published in the school calendar and/or in school communication to parents
and students.
5.4 EMERGENT ILLNESS AMONG STUDENTS WHILE AT SCHOOL
In the event a student becomes unwell or demonstrates any of the COVID-19 symptoms indicated above
in Section 2.2, the child will be isolated from others until their parents are contacted and have come to
take them home. At the Elementary School campus, the glass office in the main Reception area has
been designated for this purpose. At the High School campus, the Athletics office near the entrance to
the Fitness Centre has been designated for this purpose.
While waiting for their parents, students will be kept two-metres apart whenever possible, even if they
are not displaying the typical COVID-related symptoms. This serves to minimize the likelihood of
transmission between those with COVID-19 and those ill due to other causes. St. George’s will
communicate with Santé Publique regarding all cases of COVID-related symptoms. Follow-up by St.
George’s Emergency Health Officer and the parents will also take place. If a case of COVID-19 is
subsequently confirmed, a broadcast will be sent to the community with the pertinent information. All
necessary actions on the part of the School will be taken in accordance with Santé Publique
recommendations.
17SECTION 6
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
In the event of a COVID-19 outbreak at the School, the Information Technology (IT) department will
fulfill the following responsibilities:
• In the shutdown scenario, the IT servers and network infrastructure can run normally without onsite
staff for extended periods. There will be a protocol in place allowing IT staff access to the School in
order to perform periodic onsite maintenance and recovery functions, as required.
• In all scenarios, it will be necessary to keep the web space, core data network, email and other
systems running.
• IT suppliers and service providers, where possible, will continue to provide normal functions and
support during all phases of an outbreak.
• In administrative systems, IT tasks and responsibilities will be determined by the requirements of
the Finance Department. All financial, demographic and advancement systems can be accessed and
operated offsite.
• IT will conduct increased online security monitoring and reporting for distance learning systems,
and will update the Leadership Team on a weekly basis of any emergent digital threats and solutions.
SECTION 7
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS AND HOMESTAY PROGRAM
St. George’s has developed protocols that international students and other travellers must follow to
reduce the risk of infection and transmission of the virus, including undertaking a mandatory 14-day
quarantine period immediately upon arrival in Canada. These procedures outline expectations and
requirements to:
• alleviate any fears or concerns of students, Homestay host families and members of the community;
• support the safe travel, transit, health and well-being of our International students;
• ensure Homestay students and their host families manage this period safely and smoothly.
7.1 PROTOCOLS FOR PRE-DEPARTURE, TRAVEL, ARRIVAL AND STAY IN CANADA
These are the expectations of International students and participants in the Homestay Program during
the COVID-19 pandemic:
• International students will follow all of the same rules, protocols and procedures implemented by
School officials for Canadian citizens, in accordance with the directives from MEES, Santé Publique
and the Government of Canada.
• International students will comply with all of the same rules, protocols and procedures implemented
for Canadian citizens pertaining to school attendance and the completion of schoolwork/
assignments, to the best of their ability in the given circumstance.
• St. George’s may recommend, in accordance with the guidelines of the Government of Canada
and/or MEES, that International students in the Homestay program return to their home countries.
• Should domestic and/or foreign travel be suspended, students in the Homestay program will remain
in the care of their Homestay families.
• St. George’s will take all appropriate measures to secure the health and safety of the Homestay
community. It may become necessary to isolate/quarantine Homestay students who present
symptoms. Homestay students will be required to comply with all measures designed to promote the
ongoing health and safety of the St. George’s community.
18You can also read
