Masks are no longer required for students at school or on the bus starting today (Feb. 14).
Christ the Redeemer Catholic Schools (CTR) is following suit with the latest recommendations.
Superintendent Dr. Scott Morrison says it's very much in line with their approach to previous COVID measures.
"Pretty early on in the pandemic, Christ the Redeemer kind of took the position that we're not health experts, we don't pretend to be health experts, and we just saw the debate as being a circular one because there's always strong perspectives on either side. We said we need to defer to authority on health decisions and we've done that. We've followed the guidance from the minister and the chief medical officer and haven't exceeded that guidance, and we think that's kind of been a sweet spot."
The school division was quick to notify local families of the changes following the province's announcement last Tuesday.
In terms of correspondence from parents, Morrison says there wasn't really an uptick after the announcement.
"We had a few 'I'm really worried, we should all be in masks,' we had more 'thank you, I'm really glad there's a little bit fewer restrictions.' I would say it's a very muted reaction but in general, most people are supportive of, I'd say, a slow, safe return to near-normal, that's kind of how we're characterizing it."
CTR will be accommodating those who choose to continue to wear masks, though Morrison doesn't believe it will be a source of contention between students.
"I really don't anticipate it, I think masks are normalized in society. I know there will be lots of staff and students who continue to wear masks and I think we're over it. I don't think that's a significant source of stigma, or will be. We'll make conscious efforts to make sure it's not a concern."
Masks are the biggest change to come from the latest provincial update, though it's not the only one being affected at CTR.
They've also dropped their proof of vaccination program, which allowed for unvaccinated members of staff, or those who did not want to disclose their medical history, to participate in twice-weekly rapid tests.
Morrison is looking forward to larger group events made possible by reduced capacity limits.
"Now we can have up to 500 people in our gyms to watch games, so now more limiting the number of spectators. I think that our principals will also start to have a few more assemblies, not of the whole school, but maybe a third, a quarter, or even half of the school."
He remains pleased with how CTR's COVID measures have played out, noting absentee rates from the last few months.
"We averaged out at only 3 per cent student absenteeism prior to Christmas which is pretty incredible. Our normal rate is two to four per cent. We had outbreaks, we had multiple cases in classes, but what's fascinating is to really look at the big picture. I can honestly say serious learning disruptions did not occur between September and December. We had a spike of absenteeism right after Christmas that went up to eight per cent but it's quickly already down to five per cent and dropping."