April 6, 2021
To our Sister Mary Phillips School families,
Alberta Health Services continues to work closely with Fort McMurray Catholic Schools to support and manage the safety of our schools. Today Fort McMurray Catholic School Division received notice of a positive case of COVID-19 in relation to Sister Mary Phillips School. Sister Mary Phillips School will remain open upon the completion of Easter break on April 12, 2021.
We can also confirm with you at this time that Alberta Health Services has indicated this case is a variant of concern (VOC).
Parents/guardians of students who are deemed to be close contacts, and are required to self isolate, will receive confirmation from Alberta Health Services shortly with additional information. Sister Mary Phillips School has already reached out to these families who will need to self-isolate today.
Alberta Government K-12 school re-entry guidance states that “Generally, the entire classroom is considered to be close contacts of the case . . . Additionally, all of these classmates should also be tested for COVID-19. Even if a classmate of a case is tested and the result is negative, they still must complete the 14 day quarantine.”
AHS will communicate directly with all identified close contacts of the case and will provide additional information on testing recommendations and quarantine requirements for those directly impacted. More information on COVID-19 variants of concern can be found at: alberta.ca/covid-19-variants.aspx
As we continue our focus on preventing the spread of COVID-19. Our custodial services team is conducting enhanced cleaning protocols. Additional cleaning is focusing on areas where the individual was present, along with high-touch areas and surfaces throughout the school.
Out of respect to this individual and in accordance with Alberta Health Services guidelines, we cannot disclose personal details of the individual that has tested positive for COVID-19.
We remind families to monitor for any signs or symptoms of COVID-19 using the Alberta Health Screening Questionnaire. Please remember to complete the checklist each day prior to attending school. If you or a member of your family have any of the symptoms of illness listed, please fill out the online Alberta Health Services COVID-19 self-assessment or call Health Link at 811.
The health and safety of our staff, students and community is paramount. We know this news can be distressing for families and supports are available. Please be assured we will continue to work closely with Alberta Health Services to ensure we follow their ongoing recommendations.
Thank you for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Joel Canete, Sister Mary Phillips School Principal
George McGuigan, Fort McMurray Catholic Schools Superintendent