**This message is for all GSCS staff sent on behalf of Board of Education Chair Diane Boyko and Director of Education Greg Chatlain.**
Further to the October 12, 2021, message about a proof of vaccine or negative policy in the works, the Board of Education approved the attached policy on October 18, 2021. Also attached is the administrative procedure to accompany the policy.
The decision to pursue such a policy is not one we have taken lightly. We appreciate the frank, respectful dialogue we have had around the board table, with senior administration, with medical professionals, with church officials and with many of you who have offered feedback.
Just seven weeks into the school year, we find ourselves in a position that we must take further action to protect children and youth who are bearing a disproportionate burden during this fourth wave of the pandemic. In this short time, we have had more COVID-19 cases in schools than we did the entire 2020-21 school year, and outbreaks have been declared in several schools, indicating there is in-school transmission.
Similar to policies or processes in other jurisdictions, our policy is being implemented “in order to reduce the burden on Saskatchewan’s health care system, enable essential services to continue, and to reduce serious illness and overall deaths as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic” (Public Health Order – Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination or Negative Test – September 30, 2021)
In addition to these reasons, we believe measures to supplement the ones we already have in place will allow us to continue in-person learning, which we can all agree is preferable and is beneficial for students’ physical, mental, spiritual and emotional well-being.
As the October 12 message to staff mentioned, the policy is mindful of the Catholic Church’s view of vaccines as a voluntary, morally responsible way to protect one’s own health and pursue the common good. Because of the effectiveness of approved vaccines, vaccination should naturally be one of those measures. If individuals opt to not pursue the most effective preventative measure (vaccination), regular monitoring is a reasonable alternative for those individuals.
Although not a requirement for fully-vaccinated individuals, staff access to voluntary rapid testing will continue.
Also attached is a Frequently Asked Questions document that we hope addresses concerns or questions you may have.
Next steps: Logistical details about providing proof of vaccination and test requirements will follow later this week. Look for an email from GSCS <mailbot@applitrack.com>.
May the Holy Spirit continue to guide us.
Sincerely,
FAQs vaccine or negative test policy October 2021
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Diane Boyko Board of Education Chair
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Greg Chatlain Director of Education |