Safe SMA

Remote learning in effect Wednesday, May 12 until May 30, 2021 for schools in Winnipeg and Brandon.

St. Mary’s Academy plan that meets Government guidelines in the Restricted (orange) level, in effect Monday, October 26 to Tuesday, May 11, 2021.

Physical Distancing
Classrooms are configured to allow for two metres of physical distancing to the greatest extent possible.
- Excess furnishings have been removed from classrooms wherever possible to allow for maximum distancing of desks/chairs.

Additional learning space has been configured.
- The large boardroom in our 1902 building is converted into a classroom.
- Prior to school resuming in September, several areas of our campus were converted to learning spaces to accommodate physical distancing, such as the Auditorium in the 1902 building, Durocher Library and the Multi-purpose room.

Lunch space added.
- The lower foyer in the 1964 building (basement by Alumnae Hall) converted to a space where senior students can eat lunch. This allows for increased distancing of tables/chairs to two metres in the cafeteria and atrium.

Blended Learning for Grades 9 to 12

Grades 9 to 12 students will participate in a blend of in-class and remote learning following SMA’s regular timetable. When students are physically present at SMA they will remain in their cohort. Students’ school week will be structured as follows:

Weeks 1 and 2

Grades 11 and 12

• In-class at SMA on even numbered school days: 2, 4 and 6.
• Remote learning from home on odd numbered school days: 1, 3 and 5.

 Grades 9 and 10

• In-class at SMA on odd numbered school days: 1, 3 and 5.
• Remote learning from home on even numbered school days 2, 4 and 6.

Weeks 3 and 4 (Flip)

Grades 11 and 12

• In-class at SMA on odd numbered school days: 1, 3 and 5.
• Remote learning from home on even numbered school days 2, 4 and 6.

Grades 9 and 10

• In-class at SMA on even numbered school days: 2, 4 and 6.
• Remote learning from home on odd numbered school days: 1, 3 and 5.

Students will follow their regular timetable for both in-class and remote learning days.

In-class Learning for Grades 7 and 8

Grades 7 and 8 students will participate in full-time in-class learning at SMA. 

Ancillary Information

SMA Preparedness for Changes in Provincial Covid-19 Response Levels
Overview of SMA’s preparedness measures for all four Provincial response levels.

SAFE SMA: Fall 2020 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. We have in place a SAFE SMA structure that has been formulated based on guidelines from Manitoba Education and Training and Manitoba Public Health. At the time of publication, 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 update/revise these measures and/or pivot to a different zone based on Government guidelines.

Government of Manitoba Guidelines
Welcoming Our Students Back: Restoring Safe Schools www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/restoring/rss-practice-guidance.html
Published August 24, 2020

Pandemic Response Level for Schools in Winnipeg and Brandon. 
Remote learning from May 12 to May 30, 2021

Self-Isolation

With Covid-19 Variants of Concern in our province, Public Health is urging people to familiarize themselves with current protocols which call for strict self-isolation for people with symptoms and/or waiting for Covid-19 test results. Please read this Factsheet with information (published March 2021).

When a student is sick or unable to attend in-class or remote learning, please contact Mrs. Boulet in the school office to report her absence jboulet@smamb.ca (preferred method) or call 204-477-0244 ext. 340.

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, and everyone in the household, is required to 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 and guidance will be given to determine if a test is required. 

If a student displays Covid-19 symptoms during the school day she is required to inform her teacher. Parents/guardians will be contacted and required to pick up their daughter as soon as possible. Until the arrival of her ride, the student will be isolated in a room away from other students.

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 Health. The parameters that Public Health has in place at the time of the confirmed case will be carried out. (Examples: 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. (Examples: 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 Health. 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.

Self-Isolation

If a student is observing a 14-day self-isolation she may contact the grade level Principal to make arrangements for continuing her learning while at home.

If a student travels to an area whereby the Manitoba Government requires 14 days of self-isolation upon their return, they must not attend SMA. Students and families are strongly encouraged to stay within areas where self-isolation restrictions are not imposed. Advise SMA of travel related self-isolation by emailing Mrs. Boulet at jboulet@smamb.ca or call 204-477-0244.

Face Masks

As of April 6, 2021 students are required to wear either medical grade or non-medical grade 3-ply disposable masks. This requirement is also in place for faculty and staff. Should the cost of providing masks be prohibitive, or if you have questions about the requirement, please contact the grade level principal:

Grades 9 to 12: Mrs. Michelle Klus, mklus@smamb.ca  

Grades 7 and 8: Mrs. Carol-Ann Swayzie, caswayzie@smamb.ca

Physical Distancing

Physical distancing of two metres is required throughout SMA and on the grounds.

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.

Students are encouraged to have their own personal hand sanitizer.

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.