Safe SMA

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

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. 

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 Health Links does not recommend a test the student can return to SMA when no longer symptomatic. 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 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 and provided a medical grade mask.

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

Face masks are mandatory at all times while inside SMA and on the grounds except when students are:

• Eating lunch.
• Participating in Physical Education class while maintaining two metres of physical distance (masks required in Fitness Room).
• On the grounds while maintaining two metres of physical distance.

Physical Distancing

Physical distancing of at least one metre, preferably two, while wearing a mask, 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.