In-person learning is invaluable to our students’ academic journeys, and we are pleased to welcome students back into our school this year. In-person learning allows for interaction and socialization with teachers and their peers, and it is critical for their mental and physical health. Our students’ health and safety is the number one priority at Don Valley Academy, so we are committed to ensuring in-person learning is as safe as possible.
Here are some of the steps we are taking to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our school.
Utilizing COVID-19 Screening
We are utilizing Toronto Public Health’s COVID-19 Screening Questionnaire for students attending in-person school. The main symptoms this questionnaire checks for are a fever of 37.8 degrees Celsius or higher, a cough, difficulty breathing, a decreased sense of taste or smell, a sore throat, a stuffy or runny nose, a headache, and aching muscles or fatigue.
The questionnaire asks the following:
- If the student has any of these symptoms and if they have been getting worse.
- If anyone in the student’s household has these symptoms.
- If the student has tested positive on any type of COVID-19 test in the last 10 days.
- If the student has been in contact with someone who has tested positive.
- If the student has travelled outside of Canada and has been advised to quarantine in the last 14 days.
Depending on how the student answers these questions, the questionnaire advises them on whether they should stay home, get tested, and isolate themselves or if they should come to school. This questionnaire must be completed each day before the student comes to school.
Social Distancing
We are enforcing social distancing in our school. This means that no more than two people are allowed in the elevator at a time, and we have put up signs throughout the school reminding everyone to maintain their distance.
Mask Protocol
Everyone who enters the school must wear a mask. Inside the school, including in classrooms, masks must be worn by everyone. The only time masks can be removed is during lunch and breaks when students are eating and drinking.
Sanitization Protocol
The common areas in the school are sanitized frequently throughout the day, specifically, surfaces get cleaned a minimum of twice per day. We also have hand sanitizers at each entrance to the building, in the reception area, and in every classroom. Students and faculty are encouraged to sanitize their hands frequently.
Each classroom has Lysol wipes which students can use to wipe down their desks as often as they wish. We have also installed HEPA air filtration systems in all of our classrooms. This promotes better air quality in our school.
DVA is Committed to Keeping Our Students and Faculty Safe
We are thrilled to offer in-person learning to our students. However, the safety of our students and faculty comes first. If you have any questions regarding our health and safety measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, feel free to contact us.