The Premier of Saskatchewan's news conference and subsequent changes to the provincial Public Health Order will result in adjustments to operations in the Regina Catholic School Division. The government news release can be found here.

Proof of Vaccination

The province-wide public health order requiring proof of vaccination (POV) or a negative test before entering certain establishments will be lifted at 12:01AM on February 14, 2022. The Ministry of Education has advised us that school divisions are expected to stop seeking proof of vaccination prior to individuals entering a school building or division facility after that date. Effective February 14, 2022, this requirement will be lifted in RCSD.

The Administrative Application requiring vaccination or proof of a negative test for employees or visitors of RCSD (7910: COVID-19 Vaccinations for Regina Catholic School Division Employees, Trustees and Other Individuals) will be rescinded effective February 14, 2022.

Masking

The Public Health Order requiring masking indoors will expire at midnight on February 28, 2022.  Effective March 1st, 2022, masks will no longer be required to attend or visit a school or facility in our division.

However, Regina Catholic School Division remains committed to mask-friendly environments. Students, staff and visitors are encouraged to continue mask use for as long as they feel it is necessary, based on their own personal risk assessment. Masks will be provided to schools and division facilities for students and staff who wish to wear them. We ask parents to engage in the conversation at home to honor and support the personal masking choices of students and staff.

The Government of Saskatchewan's news release indicated:

"Residents are encouraged to continue to help reduce the transmission of COVID-19, including wearing your best mask, taking advantage of free rapid testing, regular handwashing, staying home when ill and getting vaccinated, including your third/booster dose as soon as you are eligible."

February 9^th Ministry of Education notice for school divisions:

The remaining public health orders will also be rescinded end of day February 28. This includes self-isolation for five days for those who have COVID-19 symptoms. The Government of Saskatchewan expects school divisions to remove their requirements for mandatory vaccination/rapid testing and mask mandates when the Public Health Orders are rescinded.

Public Health continues to recommend that persons who test positive for COVID-19 should self-isolate for 5 days. If symptoms persist beyond five days individuals (whether or not tested) should stay home until their symptoms have been improving for 48 hours.

The Regina Catholic School Division strongly endorses these recommendations as they support our priorities of a safe environment for students and staff, and in-person learning opportunities.

These changes will undoubtedly spark debate. Our ask is that such discussions are respectful of personal belief and experience, while also understanding of our staff members' roles in operating our schools and division under the provincial directives. Our students, your children, have demonstrated incredible flexibility, understanding and resilience during the pandemic. We remain resolute in our commitment to supporting their learning journey.