Frequently Asked Questions
We know that our families will have many questions. Please view the below FAQs. For more information, contact the main office at your child’s school.
1. Will learning continue for students isolating as a result of COVID-19?
As always, independent (asynchronous) remote learning will be provided to students who are isolating with access to Google Classroom (elementary) and Brightspace (secondary).
The HDSB will continue to closely monitor staff absence rates and have proactive approaches in place. In Halton, we have not experienced the same issues with unfilled staff absences as other school boards have. Supply staff and non-classroom staff are available within schools if needed and other strategies (e.g. non-school based staff) can be considered if required. Combining classes would be considered as a last resort. Where classes are combined, schools would continue to follow guidance from Public Health.
The HDSB has been upgrading school heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems as part of our regular renewal plan over several years and taken on targeted enhancements through COVID-19 Resilient Infrastructure Stream (CVRIS) funding. Information and FAQs about ventilation and HVAC upgrades in HDSB schools can be viewed on our
Ventilation webpage. The HDSB has deployed HEPA air purifiers in priority order to support schools with limited mechanical ventilation, to support program needs where students may be unmasked, and then further to support student and staff use of larger spaces such as gyms and libraries. As announced by the Ministry of Education on Dec. 31, 2021, additional HEPA air purifiers will be distributed in schools to supplement ventilation and air quality in schools.
Children under five years old, and unvaccinated or partially vaccinated five to 11 year olds, returning from international travel must wear a mask for 14 days upon return. Unvaccinated individuals 12+ years old returning from international travel must isolate and not attend school/work for 14 days. For more information, visit the Government of Canada COVID-19: Travel, testing and borders webpage.
The HDSB will continue to follow the rules and regulations set out under the
Reopening Ontario Act in regards to spectators.