Regina school divisions to drop vaccination, masking mandates in coming weeks

Regina Public Schools and the Regina Catholic School Division are changing their COVID-19 requirements to conform with changes announced Tuesday by the Government of Saskatchewan.

In statements Thursday, the divisions said they would stop asking adults entering any of their schools or facilities to show proof of vaccination or proof of a negative test as of Monday.

The public division noted about 98 per cent of its employees are fully vaccinated against COVID. As of Monday, it will stop requiring proof of vaccination or proof of a negative test from its staff, as will the Catholic division.

Regina Public Schools added it was still encouraging everyone who’s eligible to get vaccinated — including students– to get their first, second or booster shot.

As well, starting March 1, adults and students who go to a Regina school or facility or take transportation won’t have to wear a mask. However, the public division said it “will strongly recommend continued mask use by students and staff” after March 1.

The division will “support and encourage employees and students who choose to continue to wear masks and encourage families to continue to ask their children to wear masks in school.” The Catholic division has a similar plan.

“Students, staff and visitors are encouraged to continue mask use for as long as they feel it is necessary, based on their own personal risk assessment,” read a letter from Sean Chase, the Catholic division’s director of education. “Masks will be provided to schools and division facilities for students and staff who wish to wear them.”

The public division said it would promote regular self-testing at home and asked families to continue to notify schools if there’s a case involving a student.

“Note that this is encouraged but not required,” added the statement.

Regina Public Schools also will continue with enhanced cleaning protocols in all schools, buildings and buses, upgrading air filtration systems, and using technology, program equipment and learning resources to support physical distancing.

Extracurricular activities like field trips, tournaments and elementary competitions are to resume after the February break, as is mixing elementary cohorts for educational purposes.

“Throughout the pandemic, I have seen the kindness and understanding of all school families who want what is best for children — for them to be educated in a safe, nurturing environment,” Greg Enion, the division’s director of education, said in a letter to parents.

“I ask that we all continue to work together, as families and educators to make the rest of this school year a positive, safe, and successful one for all students.”

“These changes will undoubtedly spark debate,” Chase added in his letter. “Our ask is that such discussions are respectful of personal belief and experience, while also understanding of our staff members’ roles in operating our schools and division under the provincial directives.

“Our students, your children, have demonstrated incredible flexibility, understanding and resilience during the pandemic. We remain resolute in our commitment to supporting their learning journey.”