Hard to believe that we have almost completed one month of school! It went by quickly, as it was a very busy month reorganizing for HUB learning, learning new Covid procedures, and adjusting to our new 'normal.' Students have done very well adapting to new safety expectations and it is obvious that parents have been reinforcing with students the importance of wearing a mask, washing/ sanitizing hands, and physical distancing. Thank you parents for your help and support!
As cold and flu season approaches, students may present with symptoms that are similar to COVID-19. We want to help clarify the processes outlined by Alberta Health Services in regards to 'symptomatic' students.
If you choose for your symptomatic child to NOT HAVE a COVID-19 test:
Albertans with symptoms are legally required to isolate for a minimum of 10 days if you have a cough, fever, shortness of breath, runny nose, or sore throat that is not related to a pre-existing condition.
The mandatory isolation period is 10 days from the start of symptoms, or until the symptoms resolve, whichever takes longer.
Albertans with chills, painful swallowing, stuffy nose, headache, muscle or joint aches, feeling unwell, fatigue or exhaustion, gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or unexplained loss of appetite), loss of sense of smell or taste, conjunctivitis (pink eye) need to stay home and minimize contact with others until all symptoms resolve.
If you choose for your symptomatic child to HAVE a COVID-19 test:
If you tested negative and have no known exposure to the virus, you are not legally required to isolate. Students should stay home until all symptoms fully resolve so that you do not infect others.
If you become sick with cough, fever, shortness of breath, runny nose or sore throat during this time, you must isolate an additional 10 days from the beginning of symptoms or until you are feeling well, whichever takes longer.
If a student has symptoms related to allergies or a pre-existing medical condition:
The student should be tested at least once before returning to school and have a negative COVID-19 result.
These symptoms would be their baseline health status. As long as the cough or runny nose is always the same and does not get worse, the student can attend school.
Call the main office (403-777-6200 ext 0) to notify the school about your child's pre-existing medical condition so the school may keep a confidential record of his condition.
We are asking parents to err on the side of caution and keep students home with even the smallest symptom. It is important that we work together to ensure that all students, family, and staff remain healthy and safe.
The guidelines that were outlined above were taken directly from Alberta Health Services Student Illness information guidelines. For more information, go to alberta.ca/covid19
I wanted to give a very special thank you to T & T supermarket who has generously donated 6000 kid sized disposable masks to Highwood School worth over $2500. These will be put to good use as we often have students who have forgotten to bring a mask, have had their mask soiled and require a new one in the middle of the day, had a mask strap break, or is wearing a mask that is too large to properly fit their face. In their letter to me, they expressed that:
At T & T Supermarkets, we know what it is like to stay open throughout a pandemic and the stresses that comes with it. Schools are the next essential business we must keep safe and operating, and our teachers are the next frontline heroes. We are happy to support our schools with the donation of these face masks to protect our beloved teachers and children.
Since T & T Supermarket exemplified our theme of “How does kindness/ empathy change the world?" we thought that we would pass on that kindness and Highwood School donated 2000 of those masks to the Calgary Board of Education to distribute to elementary schools who were in need. My challenge to all Highwood families is to find ways, big or small, to show kindness and empathy towards others. You never know how it will change someone's life, including your own!
I wish everyone continued health and safety!
Christine Cheung
Principal
