Please click on the below links for our most current information regarding COVID-19
General Information
Health Information
Updates from RETSD & The Province
Travel
2020 Convocation
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information
Resources
GENERAL INFORMATION
We understand there may be some concerns regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19) and its impact in River East Transcona School Division. On this page, you'll find all available information, which will be updated as the situation evolves.
On March 13, we received a directive from the Minister of Education declaring the following:
March 16–20, 2020: Staff and students are in schools to prepare and plan for the learning that will take place during the two weeks that students are not in school.
March 23–27 & April 6–10, 2020: Staff are on the job supporting the learning of students who are not in school.
March 31, 2020 Update:
The Province of Manitoba announced today that the current class suspension is now extended indefinitely. Should a change in the COVID-19 pandemic situation occur prior to the end of this school year, the suspension may be lifted by the chief provincial public health officer. Teachers will be in contact with parents after the break to provide details of ongoing learning and assessment.
To help slow the spread of COVID-19 virus, River East Transcona School Division, under the guidance of the province, is prohibiting the use of all play structures on all school grounds effective immediately until further notice. These structures are high touch areas and with the public health directive to maintain a two-metre distance, we encourage parents, students, and community members to instead use the open large spaces such as fields and parks.
Fee-for-service transportation fees will not be collected for April and will be suspended until bus service resumes.
April 6, 2020 Update:
In following the chief public health officer’s recommendations, our school buildings are currently closed to the public. Information regarding options for students or families to pick up personal items from our schools will be shared as soon as possible. Thank you for your understanding as we all do our best to keep everyone safe.
May 15, 2020 Update:
Manitoba's chief public health officer recently issued guidelines that can be used to move forward with the reopening of play structures on school grounds. With these recommendations in mind, we are now allowing community members to use equipment. Equipment is not cleaned or sanitized, and use is at the discretion of the parents/guardians. These new signs will be posted to demonstrate guidelines for use.
*NEW* May 21, 2020 Update:
As per the Premier's announcement on May 21, we are excited for the gradual re-opening of our province in June. We are waiting to receive more information from Manitoba Education in order to plan for what this will mean for schools. We will share information as we receive it, and we will continue to work to make thoughtful, responsible plans that meet all health guidelines.
HEALTH INFORMATION
Specific health concerns should be directed to your family physician or by calling the WRHA Health Links line at (204) 788-8200 or 1-888-315-9257 (toll-free).
As a precaution, here are some ways to stop the spread of germs and reduce the risk of infection:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds
- Cough or sneeze into your elbow
- Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if handwashing with soap is not possible
- If you feel ill, stay home
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COVID-19 Screening Tool
River East Transcona School Division also has the following policy with tips and information on keeping our schools, staff, and students healthy.
UPDATES FROM RETSD & THE PROVINCE
Letter from Manitoba Education (March 13, 2020)
COVID-19: RETSD Update #1 (March 13, 2020)
COVID-19: RETSD Update #2 (March 16, 2020)
COVID-19: Letter to RETSD Families from The Board (March 20, 2020)
COVID-19: RETSD Update #3 (March 20, 2020)
Message from Superintendent/CEO Kelly Barkman to RETSD Staff (March 27, 2020)
Letter from Minister of Education (March 31, 2020)
Postponement of School Immunization Program
COVID-19: Early Years Update (April 24, 2020)
COVID-19: Middle Years Update (April 24, 2020)
COVID-19: Senior Years Update (April 27, 2020)
TRAVEL
Staff or students if you are returning from international or inter-provincial travel:
- Self-isolate for 14 days after your return.
- Monitor your health for fever, cough or difficulty breathing.
- Wash your hands often for 20 seconds and cover your mouth and nose with your arm when coughing or sneezing.
- If symptoms develop during the 14-day self-isolation or self-monitoring period contact Health Links—Info Santé to determine if testing for COVID-19 should be considered. In cases where testing is not recommended, stay home (self-isolate) until well.
In addition, if you return from Italy, Iran, or Hubei province (China) you will be asked to contact Manitoba Health within 24 hours of arriving in Canada to provide your contact information.
2020 CONVOCATION
As we continue to move forward during this unprecedented time of pandemic, we are looking at the high probability of having to defer Grade 12 convocation to a fall timeline.
We know this will be a great disappointment to our many graduating students and their families who have looked forward to and planned for this significant event for quite some time. Please know that we intend to make this celebration very special for the students, and while it may be deferred, they have not been forgotten.
Read more here
CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) INFORMATION
