
COVID-19 Decision Making Guide
The following information is designed to provide the public with a greater understanding of the process Lethbridge School Division Board of Trustees and central administration use to determine if the Division can ease COVID-19 protocols in schools.
As always, the overriding principle is the safety of students, staff, the school community and the larger community. Each month the Board considers information in the following categories:

February 9 UPDATE:
Tuesday evening, the Government of Alberta announced plans to gradually lift public health restrictions, in three steps.
Starting today, as part of Step 1, the Government of Alberta has removed the Restrictions Exemption Program.
Click the link below for more information:
January 14 UPDATE:
Lethbridge School Division has updated the 2021/2022 Re-Entry Plan.
To find out what is new in the plan, please see Page 22 of the document, which includes a summary of the changes.
View the plan by clicking on the link below:
January 5 UPDATE:
On Jan. 5, the Government of Alberta confirmed students are returning for in-person learning on Monday, Jan. 10. More details can be found here: UPDATE
October 25 UPDATE:
Lethbridge School Division has revised the communication processes regarding contact notification. Click the following link for more information: NOTIFICATION
Oct. 19 UPDATE:
Lethbridge School Division will allow a limited number of spectators inside schools for indoor extra-curricular sport and recreation activity.
At the high school level, this will begin on Wednesday Oct. 20, as each student participant from the home team and visiting team will be allowed two adult spectators at indoor league games. This does NOT include tournament play at this time. Details regarding how the two adult spectator allocation will be managed will come directly from the schools.
More information can be found here, in this letter to high school parents from Supt. Dr. Cheryl Gilmore: HIGH SCHOOL LETTER.
At the middle school level, this will begin on Monday, Oct. 25, as once again, each student participant from the home team and visiting team will be allowed two adult spectators at indoor league games. As is the case for high school, this does NOT include tournament play at this time
MIDDLE SCHOOL LETTER.
The admittance of the two adult spectators will be in keeping with the Division's Restriction Exemption Program that follows the provincial requirements. Details regarding the Division’s program can be found here: REP.
Schools value the engagement of spectators and know families have missed being able to watch their children participate in sports.
Oct. 18 UPDATE:
Lethbridge School Division Supt. Dr. Cheryl Gilmore drafted to letter to parents/guardians regarding school start-up for 2021/2022.
The letter can be found here: START-UP.
May 31 UPDATE:
Lethbridge School Division currently has outbreaks at 5 schools and alerts at 2 schools.
Outbreaks are reported when there are 5 or more cases are confirmed in an investigation, over a 28-day period, where the disease could have been acquired or transmitted in the school.
The Division also tracks active COVID-19 cases in our schools, to provide perspective on the total number of cases in a particular school.
These active cases consistent of students or staff members in a particular school who are currently in quarantine, as part of the COVID-19 investigation at their school.
Schools currently on Outbreak status include:
Galbraith Elementary School – 16 cases (0 active)
Immanuel Christian Elementary School – 10 cases (0 active)
Senator Buchanan Elementary School – 5 cases (0 active)
Senator Fairbairn Middle School – 13 cases (1 active)
Winston Churchill High School – 23 cases (2 active)
Schools currently on Alert status include:
Chinook High School - 1 case (1 active)
Coalbanks Elementary School - 1 case (0 active)
May 11 UPDATE:
Lethbridge School Division currently has outbreaks at 11 schools.
Outbreaks are reported when there are 5 or more cases are confirmed in an investigation, over a 28-day period, where the disease could have been acquired or transmitted in the school.
The Division also tracks active COVID-19 cases in our schools, to provide perspective on the total number of cases in a particular school.
These active cases consistent of students or staff members in a particular school who are currently in quarantine, as part of the COVID-19 investigation at their school.
Schools currently on Outbreak status include:
Chinook High School – 12 cases (1 active)
Dr. Probe Elementary School – 6 cases (2 active)
Galbraith Elementary School – 16 cases (3 active)
G.S. Lakie Middle School – 9 cases (0 active)
Immanuel Christian Elementary School – 10 cases (4 active)
Lethbridge Collegiate Institute – 10 cases (3 active)
Park Meadows Elementary School – 9 cases (7 active)
Senator Buchanan Elementary School – 5 cases (2 active)
Senator Fairbairn Middle School – 14 cases (10 active)
Wilson Middle School – 14 cases (0 active)
Winston Churchill High School – 21 cases (1 active)
May 4 UPDATE:
All Kindergarten to Grade 12 students, and all Early Education Programs, will temporarily shift to at-home learning (Scenario 3), starting on May 7. Students will return to in-class learning on May 25.
Click here for more information: SCENARIO 3.
To read a letter from Lethbridge School Division Superintendent, Dr. Cheryl Gilmore, which addresses the government announcement, please click this link: LETTER.
April 29 UPDATE:
As announced this afternoon by the Province of Alberta, students in Lethbridge School Division in Grade 7 to Grade 12 will switch to At-Home Learning (Scenario 3) on May 3.
The switch to at-home learning will be in place for at least two weeks.
Monday, May 3, will be used for preparation to move to full online delivery for Grade 7 to Grade 12. Full delivery of online learning for those grades will start on Tuesday, May 4.
For a letter from Superintendent Cheryl Gilmore, addressed to parents/guardians of Division students in Grade 7 to Grade 12, please click on this link: LETTER.
April 20 UPDATE:
The Province of Alberta, along with Lethbridge School Division, recognizes the challenges we have all encountered shifting from face to face to online, and back again since March of 2020. This has been a difficult year for all of us. Teachers have instructionally stretched in ways they have never before experienced, parents have had to be creative with childcare on a dime and students have had to explore different levels of independence and learning.
This year has presented with challenges to learning and teaching that everyone has done their best to respond to. As we move into next year, anticipating fewer pandemic pressures, educators are discussing the importance of understanding where each student’s learning is when they commence the next school year. The Province and the Division appreciate there will be deficits or gaps in learning because of the ongoing changes and breaks in learning throughout this pandemic year.
Staff are aware of the gaps in student learning that may present in September onward. We appreciate that it is beneficial to assess where students are at to measure progress and gauge instruction. Receiving teachers will communicate with past teachers to facilitate continuity in programming for students and differentiate to support diverse learning needs that present in the classroom.
Given the reality this pandemic has presented to us all, parents may be worried or concerned about how to support their child best returning to school in the fall. Some may even be considering retention for their children. Our professionals know that retention for the majority of our students is not the appropriate response, and Lethbridge School Division will continue to support and work with your children in the best way socially, emotionally, physically and cognitively.
Here are some suggestions from teachers and other parents on how best to support your child moving forward recognizing their struggles:
- Get to know your child’s teachers. You can send an introduction at the beginning of the year, you may wish to book a meeting earlier in the year to meet your child’s teacher. Building a positive parent-teacher rapport sooner than later is helpful as it will prepare your teacher for your child and they will appreciate your perspectives.
- Create a routine when students return home daily (even in the summer). Getting your child into a routine when they return home on a school day assists the child in feeling like they have predictability, control and they can begin to understand priorities. Having them build it is best ! For example, supporting a “Homework” hour from 6-7 p.m. consistently (where there are no social texts or phone call/facetime chat) adds structure to an evening that could be used to game.
- Keep activities and friendships alive. Some parents may panic or be concerned when they see their child struggling with academics and may deliberately remove “distractions” to focus more time on academics. Many child development advocates encourage children/youth to participate in extra-curricular activities to maintain positivity and purpose. Mental wellness and positive connection is a key contributor to academic success- maintain activities and friendships they are important!!
- Read in the summer!!! One of the challenges our teachers encounter in September is the phenomena called “the summer slide”. This is a decline in reading ability that can occur over the summer months. Establishing a routine of “reading time” for your child in the summer will best support their growth and appreciation for reading during the summer. If your child is a reluctant reader read with or to them, ensure they are reading something they are interested in.
March 28 UPDATE:
Galbraith Elementary School and Winston Churchill High School have both shifted to at-home learning
March 25 UPDATE:
Due to the numbers of Early Education Program staff impacted by recent and potential close contact quarantines, along with shortages of subs for staff, we will be moving all Early Education Programming across Lethbridge School Division to “at home” program service delivery for March 29, 30 and 31. April 1 was already a non-scheduled day for Early Education Program children. We apologize for this change, but we wanted to insure families had as much notice as possible to make alternative arrangements for children if needed. Your Early Learning Educator will be in touch with you regarding “at home” Early Education programming that will occur March 29, 30 and 31. We look forward to Early Education Program children returning to “in class” programming on Tuesday, April 13.
March 21 UPDATE:
As communicated in the Lethbridge School Division COVID-19 Re-entry Plan, the safety and well-being of students and staff is one of our most important priorities.
The Division has been informed of the status of the number of positive COVID-19 cases at both Immanuel Christian Elementary School and Immanuel Christian Secondary School. As a result, a number of staff and students are in quarantine after being identified as close contacts by Alberta Health Services.
At this time,there are three positive cases of COVID-19 at ICES requiring 67 per cent students, 71 per cent of teachers and 50 per cent of support staff to quarantine or self-isolate at home.
Additionally, there are three positive cases of COVID-19 at ICSS requiring 47 per cent students, 50 per cent of teachers and 33 per cent of support staff to quarantine or self-isolate at home.
With this number of staff required to be out of school, both schools are not able to adequately deliver educational programming at this time in a safe and efficient manner. Furthermore, it is challenging to secure the number of substitute staff required to cover for staff who are in isolation.
The Division has consulted with the Ministry of Education about the need to move both schools to Scenario 3 (at-home learning), and this plan has been approved by the Ministry.
Beginning on Monday, March 22, 2021, all classes at both schools will move to at-home learning. The status of the schools will be re-assessed at the end of this week, but it is most likely the schools will remain in Scenario 3 until after the Easter break. The schools will use the online delivery platform.
Attendance is mandatory and teachers will continue to provide quality learning opportunities for students. Teachers will need time to plan for change of delivery on Monday. Your school administration or teacher will contact you on Monday to ensureeveryone is ready for delivery of learning on Tuesday.
“I know that moving to at-home learning with very short notice may cause significant pressure on families, and I apologize for the short notice,” said Supt. Dr. Cheryl Gilmore. “However, as mentioned, we need to keep the health and safety of our students and staff at the forefront of decisionmaking.”
March 21 UPDATE:
Dr. Probe Elementary School has been notified by Alberta Health Services that they have identified a second case of COVID-19 at the school.
As a result, the Medical Officer of Health has started an investigation. Public Health staff are investigating to determine who may have been exposed at the school to cases of COVID-19 during their infectious period.
The risk to the general population in the school of becoming infected because of these cases is low.
For more information, please click on the following link: LETTER
March 21 UPDATE:
Park Meadows Elementary School has been notified by Alberta Health Services that they have identified third and fourth cases of COVID-19 at the school.
As a result, Park Meadows remains on Alert status. Public Health staff are investigating to determine who may have been exposed at the school to cases of COVID-19 during their infectious period.
The risk to the general population in the school of becoming infected because of these cases is low.
March 19 UPDATE:
Gilbert Paterson Middle School has been notified by Alberta Health Services that they have identified a second case of COVID-19 at the school.
As a result, the Medical Officer of Health has started an investigation. Public Health staff are investigating to determine who may have been exposed at the school to cases of COVID-19 during their infectious period.
The risk to the general population in the school of becoming infected because of these cases is low.
For more information, please click on the following link: LETTER
March 18 UPDATE:
Immanuel Christian Secondary School has been notified by Alberta Health Services that they have identified a second case of COVID-19 at the school.
As a result, the Medical Officer of Health has started an investigation. Public Health staff are investigating to determine who may have been exposed at the school to cases of COVID-19 during their infectious period.
The risk to the general population in the school of becoming infected because of these cases is low.
For more information, please click on the following link:LETTER
March 16 UPDATE:
Victoria Park High School has been notified by Alberta Health Services that they have identified a second case of COVID-19 at the school.
As a result, the Medical Officer of Health has started an investigation. Public Health staff are investigating to determine who may have been exposed at the school to cases of COVID-19 during their infectious period.
The risk to the general population in the school of becoming infected because of these cases is low.
For more information, please click on the following link: LETTER
March 16 UPDATE:
Senator Buchanan Elementary School has been notified by Alberta Health Services that they have identified a second case of COVID-19 at the school.
As a result, the Medical Officer of Health has started an investigation. Public Health staff are investigating to determine who may have been exposed at the school to cases of COVID-19 during their infectious period.
The risk to the general population in the school of becoming infected because of these cases is low.
For more information, please click on the following link: LETTER
March 15 UPDATE:
Galbraith Elementary School has been notified by Alberta Health Services that they have identified eighth and ninth cases of COVID-19 at the school. Galbraith remains on Outbreak status.
As a result, the Medical Officer of Health has started an investigation. Public Health staff are investigating to determine who may have been exposed at the school to cases of COVID-19 during their infectious period.
The risk to the general population in the school of becoming infected because of these cases is low.
March 14 UPDATE:
Winston Churchill High School has recently been notified by Alberta Health Services that they have identified a seventh case of COVID-19 at the school. Winston Churchill remains on Outbreak status.
As a result, the Medical Officer of Health has started an investigation. Public Health staff are investigating to determine who may have been exposed at the school to cases of COVID-19 during their infectious period.
The risk to the general population in the school of becoming infected because of these cases is low.
For more information, please see a link to the community letter here: LETTER
March 14 UPDATE:
Wilson Middle School has recently been notified by Alberta Health Services that they have identified ninth, tenth and eleventh cases of COVID-19 at the school. Wilson remains on Outbreak status.
As a result, the Medical Officer of Health has started an investigation. Public Health staff are investigating to determine who may have been exposed at the school to cases of COVID-19 during their infectious period.
The risk to the general population in the school of becoming infected because of these cases is low.
For more information, please see this letter: LETTER
March 13 UPDATE:
École Agnes Davidson has been notified by Alberta Health Services that they have identified three cases of COVID-19 at the school.
As a result, the Medical Officer of Health has started an investigation. Public Health staff are investigating to determine who may have been exposed at the school to cases of COVID-19 during their infectious period.
The risk to the general population in the school of becoming infected because of these cases is low.
For more information, please click on the following link: LETTER
March 12 UPDATE:
Lethbridge Collegiate Institute has been notified by Alberta Health Services that they have identified a second case of COVID-19 at the school.
As a result, the Medical Officer of Health has started an investigation. Public Health staff are investigating to determine who may have been exposed at the school to cases of COVID-19 during their infectious period.
The risk to the general population in the school of becoming infected because of these cases is low.
For more information, please click on the following link: LETTER
March 8 UPDATE:
Mike Mountain Horse Elementary School has been notified by Alberta Health Services that they have identified a fourth case of COVID-19 at the school.
As a result, the Medical Officer of Health has started an investigation. Public Health staff are investigating to determine who may have been exposed at the school to cases of COVID-19 during their infectious period.
The risk to the general population in the school of becoming infected because of these cases is low.
March 8 UPDATE:
Wilson Middle School has recently been notified by Alberta Health Services that they have identified fourth and fifth cases of COVID-19 at the school. This places Wilson on Outbreak status.
As a result, the Medical Officer of Health has started an investigation. Public Health staff are investigating to determine who may have been exposed at the school to cases of COVID-19 during their infectious period.
The risk to the general population in the school of becoming infected because of these cases is low.
For more information, please see a link to the community letter here: LETTER.
March 8 UPDATE:
Galbraith Elementary School has been notified by Alberta Health Services that they have identified second and third cases of COVID-19 at the school.
As a result, the Medical Officer of Health has started an investigation. Public Health staff are investigating to determine who may have been exposed at the school to cases of COVID-19 during their infectious period.
The risk to the general population in the school of becoming infected because of these cases is low.
For more information, please click on the following link: LETTER
March 6 UPDATE:
Senator Joyce Fairbairn Middle School has been notified by Alberta Health Services that they have identified two cases of COVID-19 at the school.
As a result, the Medical Officer of Health has started an investigation. Public Health staff are investigating to determine who may have been exposed at the school to cases of COVID-19 during their infectious period.
The risk to the general population in the school of becoming infected because of these cases is low.
For more information, please click on the following link: LETTER
March 6 UPDATE:
Mike Mountain Horse Elementary School has been notified by Alberta Health Services that they have identified a fourth case of COVID-19 at the school.
As a result, the Medical Officer of Health has started an investigation. Public Health staff are investigating to determine who may have been exposed at the school to cases of COVID-19 during their infectious period.
The risk to the general population in the school of becoming infected because of these cases is low.
March 6 UPDATE:
École Nicholas Sheran has been notified by Alberta Health Services that they have identified two cases of COVID-19 at the school.
As a result, the Medical Officer of Health has started an investigation. Public Health staff are investigating to determine who may have been exposed at the school to cases of COVID-19 during their infectious period.
The risk to the general population in the school of becoming infected because of these cases is low.
For more information, please click on the following link: LETTER
Jan. 26 UPDATE:
Alberta Health Services has been working closely with Lethbridge School Division to support and manage the safety of our schools.
As of Jan. 26, AHS has notified the Division that there are now four COVID-19 cases at Gilbert Paterson Middle School. At this time, based on advice from Alberta Education, Gilbert Paterson Middle School will remain open.
AHS has proceeded with defining close contacts of the four cases within the school context, and those
individuals will be contacted by the school via email.
Those individuals will be required to quarantine immediately for the period defined by the close-contact letter.
On Jan. 12, the Division first received notice of an Outbreak at Gilbert Paterson Middle School. As a result, Gilbert Paterson Middle School was required to follow AHS direction and protocols.
As of Jan. 18, however, the Government of Alberta announced changes to how COVID-19 cases are reported in schools.
An Alert is issued for schools that have one to four cases. Schools are put on Outbreak status when five or more cases of COVID-19 are reported.
Dec. 9 UPDATE:
Alberta Health Services has been working closely with Lethbridge School Division to support and manage the safety of our schools.
On Dec. 9, Wilson Middle School’s status shifted from Watch to Outbreak. As a result, Wilson Middle School is required to follow AHS direction and protocols.
The Alberta Government defines an outbreak as: If there are TWO OR MORE confirmed cases in a school setting (staff/child) within a 14-day period (one incubation period) OR two or more confirmed cases (staff/child) that are epidemiologically linked.
As of Dec. 9, there are now two active COVID-19 cases at Wilson Middle School. At this time, based on advice from Alberta Education, Wilson Middle School will remain open. As of Nov. 30, Wilson’s Grade 7 and Grade 8 students, like all middle schools across Alberta, shifted to at-home learning. Grade 6 students will continue to attend in-person classes until Lethbridge School Division’s Christmas break.
Dec. 4 UPDATE:
As per the Government of Alberta’s November announcement, Grades K-6 students (including Early Education Program students), will transition to at-home learning from Jan. 4 through to Jan. 8.
Please note, for elementary schools throughout Lethbridge School Division, teachers will begin to deliver at-home learning on Tuesday, Jan. 5.
Our teachers will use Monday, Jan. 4 to organize at-home learning instruction for students.
Please note, for K-6 and EEP students currently enrolled in at-home learning, classes will also not be held on Monday, Jan. 4.
Dec. 4 UPDATE:
Alberta Health Services has been working closely with Lethbridge School Division to support and manage the safety of our schools.
On Dec. 4, Lethbridge School Division received notice there is an outbreak at Park Meadows Elementary School. As a result, Park Meadows Elementary School is required to follow AHS direction and protocols.
The Alberta Government defines an outbreak as: If there are TWO OR MORE confirmed cases in a school setting (staff/child) within a 14-day period (one incubation period) OR two or more confirmed cases (staff/child) that are epidemiologically linked.
AHS has notified the Division that there are now three COVID-19 cases at Park Meadows Elementary School. At this time, based on advice from Alberta Education, Park Meadows Elementary School will remain open.
AHS has proceeded with defining close contacts of the three cases within the school context, and those
individuals will be contacted by the school via email.
Those individuals will be required to quarantine immediately for the period defined by the close-contact letter.
For more information, please see this letter from AHS: AHS LETTER
Dec. 2 UPDATE:
Alberta Health Services has been working closely with Lethbridge School Division to support and manage the safety of our schools.
On Nov. 3, Lethbridge School Division received notice there is an outbreak at Senator Joyce Fairbairn Middle School. As a result, Senator Joyce Fairbairn School is required to follow AHS direction and protocols.
The Alberta Government defines an outbreak as: If there are TWO OR MORE confirmed cases in your school setting (staff/child) within a 14-day period (one incubation period) OR two or more confirmed cases staff child) that are epidemiologically linked.
As of Dec. 2, AHS has notified the Division that there are now four COVID-19 cases at Senator Joyce Fairbairn Middle School. At this time, based on advice from Alberta Education, Senator Joyce Fairbairn Middle School will remain open for in-school classes for Grade 6 students who are not identified as close contacts. At-home learning began on Nov. 30 for Fairbairn students in Grade 7 and Grade 8, as per the Government of Alberta's mandatory restrictions, announced on Nov. 24.
AHS has proceeded with defining close contacts of the four cases within the school context, and those individuals will be contacted by the school via email.
Those individuals will be required to quarantine immediately for the period defined by the close-contact letter.
Nov. 30 UPDATE:
Alberta Health Services has been working closely with Lethbridge School Division to support and manage the safety of our schools.
On Nov. 1, Lethbridge School Division received notice there is an outbreak at Wilson Middle School. As a result, Wilson Middle School is required to follow AHS direction and protocols.
The Alberta Government defines an outbreak as: If there are TWO OR MORE confirmed cases in your school setting (staff/child) within a 14-day period (one incubation period) OR two or more confirmed cases staff child) that are epidemiologically linked.
As of Nov. 30, AHS has notified the Division that there are now four COVID-19 cases at Wilson Middle School. At this time, based on advice from Alberta Education, Wilson Middle School will remain open for in-school classes for Grade 6 students who are not identified as close contacts will. At-home learning was scheduled to begin on Nov. 30 for Wilson students in Grade 7 and Grade 8, as per the Government of Alberta's mandatory restrictions, announced on Nov. 24.
AHS has proceeded with defining close contacts of the four cases within the school context, and those individuals will be contacted by the school via email.
Those individuals will be required to quarantine immediately for the period defined by the close-contact letter.
Nov. 30 UPDATE:
Alberta Health Services has been working closely with Lethbridge School Division to support and manage the safety of our schools.
On Nov. 30, Lethbridge School Division received notice there is an outbreak at Dr. Probe Elementary School. As a result, Dr. Probe Elementary School is required to follow AHS direction and protocols.
The Alberta Government defines an outbreak as: If there are TWO OR MORE confirmed cases in a school setting (staff/child) within a 14-day period (one incubation period) OR two or more confirmed cases (staff/child) that are epidemiologically linked.
AHS has notified the Division that there are now two COVID-19 cases at Dr. Probe Elementary School. At this time, based on advice from Alberta Education, Dr. Probe Elementary School will remain open.
AHS has proceeded with defining close contacts of the two cases within the school context, and those
individuals will be contacted by the school via email.
Those individuals will be required to quarantine immediately for the period defined by the close-contact letter.
For more information, please see this letter from AHS: AHS LETTER
Nov. 29 UPDATE:
Alberta Health Services has been working closely with Lethbridge School Division to support and manage the safety of our schools.
On Nov. 1, Lethbridge School Division received notice there is an outbreak at Wilson Middle School. As a result, Wilson Middle School is required to follow AHS direction and protocols.
The Alberta Government defines an outbreak as: If there are TWO OR MORE confirmed cases in your school setting (staff/child) within a 14-day period (one incubation period) OR two or more confirmed cases staff child) that are epidemiologically linked.
As of Nov. 29, AHS has notified the Division that there are now three COVID-19 cases at Wilson Middle School. At this time, based on advice from Alberta Education, Wilson Middle School will remain open for in-school classes for Grade 6 students who are not identified as close contacts will. At-home learning was scheduled to begin on Nov. 30 for Wilson students in Grade 7 and Grade 8, as per the Government of Alberta's mandatory restrictions, announced on Nov. 24.
AHS has proceeded with defining close contacts of the three cases within the school context, and those individuals will be contacted by the school via email.
Those individuals will be required to quarantine immediately for the period defined by the close-contact letter.
Nov. 25 UPDATE:
Alberta Health Services has been working closely with Lethbridge School Division to support and manage the safety of our schools.
On Nov. 25, Lethbridge School Division received notice Gilbert Paterson Middle School has been placed on Watch status. As a result, Gilbert Paterson Middle School is required to follow AHS direction and protocols.
The Alberta Government declares a Watch status when: a school has FIVE or more cases where COVID-19 could have been acquired or transmitted in the school.
As of Nov. 25, AHS has notified the Division that there are now five COVID-19 cases at Gilbert Paterson Middle School. At this time, based on advice from AHS, Gilbert Paterson Middle School will remain open. As of Nov. 30, Gilbert Paterson’s Grade 7 and Grade 8 students, like all middle schools across Alberta, will shift to at-home learning. Grade 6 students will continue to attend in-person classes until Lethbridge School Division’s Christmas break.
AHS has defined close contacts of the five cases within the school context, and those individuals have been contacted by the school through an emailed letter.
Those individuals are now required to quarantine immediately for the period defined by the close-contact letter.
Nov. 25 UPDATE:
Alberta Health Services has been working closely with Lethbridge School Division to support and manage the safety of our schools.
On Oct. 30, Lethbridge School Division received notice Winston Churchill High School has been placed on Watch status. As a result, Winston Churchill High School is required to follow AHS direction and protocols.
The Alberta Government declares a Watch status when: a school has FIVE or more cases where COVID-19 could have been acquired or transmitted in the school.
As of Nov. 25, AHS has notified the Division that there are now eight COVID-19 cases at Winston Churchill High School. At this time, based on advice from AHS, Winston Churchill High School will remain open. As of Nov. 30, WCHS, like all high school across Alberta, will shift to at-home learning.
AHS has defined close contacts of the eight cases within the school context, and those individuals have been contacted by the school through an emailed letter.
Those individuals are now required to quarantine immediately for the period defined by the close-contact letter.
To ensure students remain connected to their teachers and to the school community, Winston Churchill has a plan in place to deliver online education.
For students whose teachers have been directed to quarantine by AHS, their classes will be taught online, by their teachers, via Microsoft TEAMS. Students will remain home (only for those classes) to continue learning with their subject-specialist teachers.
Students who are not in quarantine, who have other classes where their teachers are still in school, will attend those classes in person. For example, a student may stay home to learn on TEAMS with their teacher for Math, but then come to school for any other classes that day. Online learning will only occur as long as the teacher is asked to quarantine, which is typically 14 days.
For students asked to quarantine, their teachers will continue to support their learning through Microsoft TEAMS.
For students who currently have a teacher in isolation, Winston Churchill staff will communicate with them regarding a timeline for their class being online.
Nov. 24 UPDATE:
Today, the Government of Alberta announced mandatory restrictions for schools, which begin Nov. 30.
Students in Grade 7 to Grade 12 will move to at-home learning starting on Nov. 30. Students and staff will have their scheduled Christmas break following the last day of class on Dec. 18. The first day of class, Jan. 4, will commence as scheduled with at-home delivery.
Grades K-6 students (including Early Education Program students), will continue in-person learning to Dec. 18. Following the scheduled Christmas break, classes will be delivered at-home using online delivery from Jan. 4 through to Jan. 8.
At this time, all students are set to resume in-person classes on Jan. 11.
For our middle schools, this will mean Grade 6 students will continue to go to school until Dec. 18. These students will continue to be bused to school, as per usual.
An important note for high school students and staff is that diploma exams are optional for rest of the school year. Students and their families can choose whether to write an exam or receive an exemption for the January, April, June and August 2021 exams. Details regarding opting into exams will be sent by schools in the near future.
Nov. 20 UPDATE:
Alberta Health Services has been working closely with Lethbridge School Division to support and manage the safety of our schools.
On Nov. 20, Lethbridge School Division received notice there is an outbreak at Fleetwood-Bawden Elementary School. As a result, Fleetwood-Bawden Elementary School is required to follow AHS direction and protocols.
The Alberta Government defines an outbreak as: If there are TWO OR MORE confirmed cases in a school setting (staff/child) within a 14-day period (one incubation period) OR two or more confirmed cases (staff/child) that are epidemiologically linked.
AHS has notified the Division that there are now two COVID-19 cases at Fleetwood-Bawden Elementary School. At this time, based on advice from Alberta Education, Fleetwood-Bawden Elementary School will remain open.
AHS has proceeded with defining close contacts of the two cases within the school context, and those
individuals will be contacted by the school via email.
Those individuals will be required to quarantine immediately for the period defined by the close-contact letter.
For more information, please see this letter from AHS: AHS LETTER
Nov. 17 UPDATE:
Alberta Health Services has been working closely with Lethbridge School Division to support and manage the safety of our schools.
On Nov. 3, Lethbridge School Division received notice there is an outbreak at Senator Joyce Fairbairn Middle School. As a result, Senator Joyce Fairbairn School is required to follow AHS direction and protocols.
The Alberta Government defines an outbreak as: If there are TWO OR MORE confirmed cases in your school setting (staff/child) within a 14-day period (one incubation period) OR two or more confirmed cases staff child) that are epidemiologically linked.
As of Nov. 17, AHS has notified the Division that there are now three COVID-19 cases at Senator Joyce Fairbairn Middle School. At this time, based on advice from Alberta Education, Senator Joyce Fairbairn Middle School will remain open.
AHS has proceeded with defining close contacts of the three cases within the school context, and those
individuals will be contacted by the school via email.
Those individuals will be required to quarantine immediately for the period defined by the close-contact letter.
For more information, please see this letter from AHS: AHS LETTER
Nov. 4 UPDATE:
Alberta Health Services has been working closely with Lethbridge School Division to support and manage the safety of our schools.
On Nov. 4, Lethbridge School Division received notice there is an outbreak at Chinook High School. As a result, Chinook High School is required to follow AHS direction and protocols.
The Alberta Government defines an outbreak as: If there are TWO OR MORE confirmed cases in your school setting (staff/child) within a 14-day period (one incubation period) OR two or more confirmed cases staff child) that are epidemiologically linked.
To date, AHS has notified the Division that there are two COVID-19 cases at Chinook High School. At this time, based on advice from Alberta Education, Chinook High School will remain open.
AHS has proceeded with defining close contacts of the two cases within the school context, and those
individuals will be contacted by the school via email.
Those individuals will be required to quarantine immediately for the period defined by the close-contact letter.
For more information, please see this letter from AHS:AHS LETTER
Nov. 3 UPDATE:
Alberta Health Services has been working closely with Lethbridge School Division to support and manage the safety of our schools.
On Nov. 3, Lethbridge School Division received notice there is an outbreak at Senator Joyce Fairbairn Middle School. As a result, Senator Joyce Fairbairn School is required to follow AHS direction and protocols.
The Alberta Government defines an outbreak as: If there are TWO OR MORE confirmed cases in your school setting (staff/child) within a 14-day period (one incubation period) OR two or more confirmed cases staff child) that are epidemiologically linked.
To date, AHS has notified the Division that there are two COVID-19 cases at Senator Joyce Fairbairn Middle School. At this time, based on advice from Alberta Education, Senator Joyce Fairbairn Middle School will remain open.
AHS has proceeded with defining close contacts of the two cases within the school context, and those
individuals will be contacted by the school via email.
Those individuals will be required to quarantine immediately for the period defined by the close-contact letter.
For more information, please see this letter from AHS:AHS LETTER
Nov. 1 UPDATE:
Alberta Health Services has been working closely with Lethbridge School Division to support and manage the safety of our schools.
On Nov. 1, Lethbridge School Division received notice there is an outbreak at Wilson Middle School. As a result, Wilson Middle School is required to follow AHS direction and protocols.
The Alberta Government defines an outbreak as: If there are TWO OR MORE confirmed cases in your school setting (staff/child) within a 14-day period (one incubation period) OR two or more confirmed cases staff child) that are epidemiologically linked.
To date, AHS has notified the Division that there are two COVID-19 cases at Wilson Middle School. At this time, based on advice from Alberta Education, Wilson Middle School will remain open.
AHS has proceeded with defining close contacts of the two cases within the school context, and those
individuals will be contacted by the school via email.
Those individuals will be required to quarantine immediately for the period defined by the close-contact letter.
For more information, please see this letter from AHS: AHS LETTER
October 30 UPDATE:
Alberta Health Services has been working closely with Lethbridge School Division to support and manage the safety of our schools.
On Oct. 30, Lethbridge School Division received notice Winston Churchill High School has been placed on Watch status. As a result, Winston Churchill High School is required to follow AHS direction and protocols.
The Alberta Government declares a Watch status when: a school has FIVE or more cases where COVID-19 could have been acquired or transmitted in the school.
To date, AHS has notified the Division that there are five COVID-19 cases at Winston Churchill High School. At this time, based on advice from AHS, Winston Churchill High School will remain open.
AHS has defined close contacts of the five cases within the school context, and those individuals have been contacted by the school through an emailed letter.
Those individuals are now required to quarantine immediately for the period defined by the close-contact letter.
To ensure students remain connected to their teachers and to the school community, Winston Churchill has a plan in place to deliver online education.
For students whose teachers have been directed to quarantine by AHS, their classes will be taught online, by their teachers, via Microsoft TEAMS. Students will remain home (only for those classes) to continue learning with their subject-specialist teachers.
Students who are not in quarantine, who have other classes where their teachers are still in school, will attend those classes in person. For example, a student may stay home to learn on TEAMS with their teacher for Math, but then come to school for any other classes that day. Online learning will only occur as long as the teacher is asked to quarantine, which is typically 14 days.
For students asked to quarantine, their teachers will continue to support their learning through Microsoft TEAMS.
For students who currently have a teacher in isolation, Winston Churchill staff will communicate with them regarding a timeline for their class being online.
October 29 UPDATE:
Alberta Health Services has been working closely with Lethbridge School Division to support and manage the safety of our schools.
On Oct. 29, Lethbridge School Division received notice there is an outbreak at Gilbert Paterson Middle School. As a result, Gilbert Paterson Middle School is required to follow AHS direction and protocols.
The Alberta Government defines an outbreak as: If there are TWO OR MORE confirmed cases in your school setting (staff/child) within a 14-day period (one incubation period) OR two or more confirmed cases staff child) that are epidemiologically linked.
To date, AHS has notified the Division that there are two COVID-19 cases at Gilbert Paterson Middle School. At this time, based on advice from Alberta Education, Gilbert Paterson Middle School will remain open.
AHS has proceeded with defining close contacts of the two cases within the school context, and those
individuals will be contacted by the school via email.
Those individuals will be required to quarantine immediately for the period defined by the close-contact letter.
For more information, please see this letter from AHS: AHS LETTER
October 27 UPDATE:
Alberta Health Services has been working closely with Lethbridge School Division to support and manage the safety of our schools.
On Oct. 27, Lethbridge School Division received notice there is an outbreak at Winston Churchill High School. As a result, Winston Churchill High School is required to follow AHS direction and protocols.
The Alberta Government defines an outbreak as: If there are TWO OR MORE confirmed cases in your school setting (staff/child) within a 14-day period (one incubation period) OR two or more confirmed cases staff child) that are epidemiologically linked.
To date, AHS has notified the Division that there are three COVID-19 cases at Winston Churchill High School. At this time, based on advice from AHS, Winston Churchill High School will remain open.
AHS has proceeded with defining close contacts of the three cases within the school context, and those
individuals will be contacted by the school through an emailed letter and individually by AHS as close
contacts.
Those individuals will be required to quarantine immediately for the period defined by AHS.
For more information, please see this letter from AHS: AHS LETTER
October 25 UPDATE:
Alberta Health Services has been working closely with Lethbridge School Division to support and manage the safety of our schools.
On Oct. 25, Lethbridge School Division received notice there is an outbreak at Immanuel Christian Secondary School. As a result, Immanuel Christian Secondary School is required to follow AHS direction and protocols.
The Alberta Government defines an outbreak as: If there are TWO OR MORE confirmed cases in your school setting (staff/child) within a 14-day period (one incubation period) OR two or more confirmed cases staff child) that are epidemiologically linked.
To date, AHS has notified the Division that there are two COVID-19 cases at Immanuel Christian Secondary School. At this time, based on advice from AHS, Immanuel Christian Secondary School will remain open.
AHS has proceeded with defining close contacts of the two cases within the school context, and those
individuals will be contacted by the school through an emailed letter and individually by AHS as close
contacts.
Those individuals will be required to quarantine immediately for the period defined by AHS.
For more information, please see this letter from AHS:AHS LETTER
October 13 UPDATE:
The Parent Re-entry Plan for the 2020/2021 school year has been updated. Please see the following link to view the plan: RE-ENTRY UPDATE