Safe SMA

SAFE SMA GUIDE

Fall 2021 Return to School Guide for Students and Families

St. Mary's Academy is focused on providing and sustaining a clean, healthy and safe school environment for students, faculty and staff while we navigate the Covid-19 pandemic. Our SAFE SMA guide has been formulated based on guidelines from Manitoba Education and Training and Manitoba Public Health. At the time of publication of this Guide K to 12 schools in the Winnipeg regional area are in the Level Yellow Caution zone. With the evolving nature of the pandemic, SMA is prepared to revise these measures and/or pivot to a different zone based on Government guidelines.

Government of Manitoba Guidelines

Restoring Safe Schools. Published August 2021

https://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/covid/index.html

Government Guide for Parents, Caregivers and Students

Restoring Safe Schools: A Guide for Parents, Caregivers and students. Published August 2021

https://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/covid/index.html

In-Class Learning

The school year begins with in-class learning for all Manitoba students. SMA’s guidelines are based on direction from Manitoba Public Health and Manitoba Education and Training.

Cohorts 

• Each homeroom is a cohort (this exceeds current public health recommendations).
• Cohorts will remain in one location for their core subjects.
• Faculty will move to the location of cohorts to teach classes whenever possible.
• Physical distancing is required.

Classrooms

• Desks in all classrooms are physcially distanced to the greatest extent possible.
• All classrooms are equipped with sanitizing Classrooms will be sanitized daily.

Attendance

• Accurate attendance records are required in the event of contact Parents and guardians must email Mrs. Boulet at jboulet@smamb.ca to report an absence.
• Students who arrive late or require early dismissal must sign in/out at the school office.
• Seating plans will be kept for all classrooms.
• Attendance will be taken at all extra-curricular events.

Lockers

• Each student will have a locker.

Office 365

Office 365 is our primary communication and collaboration hub for students and teachers. Students have access to the full functionality of Office 365 applications (Eg: Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook, Teams, One Note, Stream).

• Office 365 link is found at ca along the top red bar.

Physical Education and Athletics

SMA’s physical education and athletics are governed by Manitoba Education and Training, Manitoba High Schools Athletic Association and the individual sports governing body.

• Physical Education classes will take place both indoors and outdoors with safety protocols in place. 
• Physical Education teachers will discuss clothing requirements with classes.
• Face masks are required in the Fitness Room.

Choir

• Choir will take place in person with safety protocols in place.

Pandemic Response Level for Schools:
Caution (yellow) level

Health and Safety

COVID-19 Vaccinations

• SMA strongly encourages all students who are eligible to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19.

Screening and Illness

• Parents/guardians are required to screen their daughters at the start of each day for Covid-19 or flu related symptoms.
• If a student exhibits symptoms she is required to stay home and self-isolate. A list of Covid-19 symptoms is found at https://www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/updates/about.html A self-screening tool is found at https://sharedhealthmb.ca/covid19/screening- tool. If symptoms are present call Health Links at 204-788-8200. Parents/guardians are requested to email Mrs. Boulet at jboulet@smamb.ca or call the school and leave a message on the attendance voice mail (extension 340) as early in the morning as possible each day that their daughter is absent.
• For a student exhibiting Covid-19 symptoms, parents/guardians should contact Health Links where they will be given guidance to determine if a test is required. If Health Links does not recommend a test the student can return to SMA when no longer symp- If a test is required and it is negative she can return to SMA 24 hours after symptoms are no longer present. If the test is positive Public Health will inform the family and guide all protocols and procedures moving forward for both the family and SMA. 
• If a student displays Covid-19 symptoms during the school day she is required to inform her Parents/guardians will be contacted and required to pick up their daughter as soon as possible. Until the arrival of her transportation, the student will be isolated in a room away from other students.
• Students and staff are required to self-monitor for symptoms using the COVID-19 checklist.
• A student may still attend SMA with a chronic stable cough, sneeze, runny nose or nasal congestion that is unchanged and linked to a previous medical condition such as asthma or allergies. If chronic symptoms change or worsen, parents/guardians should contact Health Links at 204-788-8200.

Positive COVID-19 Test

• A student who tests positive for Covid-19 will be under the jurisdiction of Public The parameters that Public Health has in place at the time of the confirmed case will be carried out. Eg: Public Health will trace the close contacts of the student, the student will self-isolate for the recommended number of days etc.
• SMA will work in partnership with Public Health and adhere to all guidelines and procedures recommended by Public Health.
• SMA will share information with parents, guardians and students as determined by Public Health.
• SMA will disinfect areas of the school as advised by Public Affected areas will not be used until such time they are deemed safe by Public Health.
• SMA will remain open for in-class learning unless otherwise determined by Public Health.

Physical Distancing

• Physical distancing to the greatest extent possible, while wearing masks, is required throughout SMA and on the grounds.

Face Masks

• Face masks are mandatory at all times while inside SMA and on the grounds except when students are:
• Eating lunch.
• On the grounds while maintaining two metres of physical distance.
• It is the primary responsibility of parents/guardians to ensure their daughter has disposable 3-ply The school office has extra masks in the event a student needs one.

Facility

• Sanitizing of touch points such as door knobs and banisters will be ongoing throughout the school day.
• Classroom windows will be open whenever possible.
• Fans will operate in classrooms if required, airflow will be directed away from people and surfaces.
• Capacity of washrooms has been reduced to maximize physical distancing.
• Sanitizing of classrooms, door knobs, washrooms, stairwell banisters, common areas will take place regularly.
• Ventilation (HVAC) is manually set to allow for regular, continuous supply of outside fresh air (eliminating the recirculation of stale air).
• Ventilation filters will be changed monthly, or sooner if required.

Staff, Substitute Teachers, Coaches, Volunteers, Food Services Personnel and Guests

All staff, substitute teachers, coaches, volunteers, food services personnel and guests will meet the Government of Manitoba’s requirement to be fully vaccinated or submit to regular COVID-19 testing. Proof of vaccination or a valid (within 48 hours) negative COVID-19 test result is required.

Faculty and staff will adhere to all screening, illness and travel protocols, practice physical distancing, wear face masks and follow hygiene requirements.

Visiting SMA

Access to SMA is limited for the safety of our students. 

When parents/caregivers and volunteers arrive they will enter at our Reception Office in the Administration Building (doors face Wellington Crescent) where they will be screened. SMA will keep a record of all people entering the school to support case and contact management. Anyone over the age of 18 entering the building is requested to have proof of vaccination or a valid (within 48 hours) negative COVID-19 test result.

All visitors must sanitize their hands upon entry, wear a mask and practice physical distancing.

Procedures

Drop-off and Pick-up

• The earliest students are allowed in the school is 8:00 AM.
• Upon entry students are required to report directly to their first period class (avoid use of common areas).
• Students are expected to leave the school promptly at the end of the school Only students involved in an extra-curricular activity are allowed to remain longer.

Assemblies and Group Gatherings

• Assemblies and group gatherings that exceed Public Health guidelines are discontinued. Livestream and virtual gatherings will replace in-person gatherings. Students will participate in virtual gatherings from their classroom.

Hand Washing and Hand Sanitizer

Frequent handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is the recommended hand hygiene practice. Use sanitizing fluid when handwashing is not available.

• Students will sanitize their hands upon entry and exit of the school. Each entry/exit is equipped with a sanitizing station.
• Students will wash or sanitize their hands before and after eating lunch, after using the washroom, before and after preparing food, before eating or drinking, after coughing, sneezing or blowing nose and before and after putting on a mask.
• Sanitizing stations are located at entries, exits, in hallways, in the cafeteria and other common areas.
• Hand sanitizing is required before using shared materials such as computer keyboards and microwaves.
• Students are encouraged to have their own personal hand sanitizers.

Uniform

Full regulation uniform is required with summer and winter options when appropriate.

Regulation Uniform

• Regulation kilt, MAXIMUM 6 CM ABOVE THE KNEE.
• Regulation white, button down SMA shirt; short or long sleeves (no SMA crested hoodies allowed).
• Regulation navy knee socks, navy tights or navy panty hose (no design or patterns, no leggings or sweat pants).
• Navy or black dress Shoes must have a closed toe, closed back and a heel height of less than 4 cm (no canvas shoes, running shoes, boots or sandals).

Optional items:

• Regulation crested sweater available in cardigan, pullover or sleeveless vest.
• Regulation SMA uniform ties.

Winter uniform options (after Thanksgiving Weekend and up to April 30):

• Regulation navy or grey pants, properly hemmed

Summer uniform options (from May 1 to Thanksgiving Weekend):

• Regulation white or navy polo shirt with SMA logo (polo shirts can be layered)
• Regulation navy summer skirt, MAXIMUM 6 CM ABOVE THE KNEE

As we strive to instill an awareness of business appropriate attire, the school reserves the right to regulate excessive hair colour and hairstyles, excessive make-up, and inappropriate piercings, tattoos or jewelry.

Let us work together to adhere to uniform regulations for our students.

Entrances and Exits

Each grade level must enter and exit through their assigned access point. 

Grades 10, 11 & 12

Use Alumnae Hall doors

Grade 9

Use Ramp door

Grades 7 & 8

Use Academy Road door

Hand sanitizer is available at each access point and must be used on entry and exit.