Lakeland Catholic School Division (LCSD) confirmed Friday morning that spectators were welcomed to attend school sporting events effective Feb. 10.
"We know parents have been eager to watch their children play in games and tournaments in-person and we appreciate their continued patience and cooperation,“ wrote Meagan MacEachern, the communications officer for LCSD in a statement to Lakeland Today.
Similarly to other school jurisdictions, adult attendees are required to wear a mask and capacity limits will be adhered to in LCSD schools.
LAKELAND – Changes made to public health measures by the province on Tuesday have sparked policy changes for Lakeland area schools.
Parents who have been watching students compete via livestream throughout the school year are now allowed back into some area schools.
Following Tuesday’s provincial announcement and after consultations with other school divisions, Northern Lights Public School (NLPS) has decided to permit spectators at school sporting events, games and tournaments, effective immediately.
Some measures will remain in place for adults visiting the school.
“All adult spectators will need to be masked until the mask mandate for adults is lifted,” reads a statement released by NLPS. “Schools will also need to comply with any capacity limits that are in place.”
Within the St. Paul Education region, spectators were allowed back into schools as of Wednesday.
During the St. Paul Education monthly board meeting on Feb. 9, Superintendent Glen Brodziak relayed the news to trustees.
“Schools are open for spectators,” said Brodziak, adding, masks are required to be worn by adult spectators.
Brodziak also noted that there had already been some requests about school facility rentals, but administration requires more time to work through those details.
When asked about capacity at sporting events, Brodziak noted that capacity at league games likely would not be an issue since attendance never reaches high enough levels.
Return of school sports
Last month, both NLPS and Lakeland Catholic School Division (LCSD) schools put inter-school games and tournaments on pause but maintained practices following a rise of COVID-19 cases related to the Omicron variant.
The decision to proceed with inter-school sports and tournaments was reached last week between senior administration from NLPS, LCSD and Conseil scolaire Centre-Est.
Beginning today, students in Grades 7 to 12 from all three school divisions will return to competition. Inter-school sports for Students in Grades 4 to 6 are slated to begin on Feb. 22.
RELATED STORY: School sports pause in some areas, continue in others
“Lakeland Catholic understands the important role athletics play in student morale, and are pleased to be able to once again offer inter-school games and tournaments while continuing to keep the health and wellness of our staff and students a top priority,” said Meagan MacEachern, communications officer with LCSD.
She added, “By working together with Northern Lights Public Schools and Conseil scolaire Centre Est, we have been able to ensure a collaborative approach to athletics in our communities.”
A statement regarding changes to policy following the Government of Alberta’s update is also expected to be released by LCSD this week.
St. Paul Education has allowed league games to continue since students returned from the winter break, and attendance at tournaments has been allowed since Jan. 24.
While school divisions continue to navigate changing restrictions, they ask parents and families for their ongoing cooperation and patience.
“We are currently waiting for an updated guidance document from Alberta Education to see what other changes are being made to the requirements and recommendations for schools,” says NLPS.
The school division is expecting to receive the provincial document by the end of this week.
“Until we have had an opportunity to review the new guidelines, our schools will continue to follow all of the other current protocols we have in place.”
Masks in schools
Starting on Monday, Feb.14, Alberta students will no longer be required to wear masks at school or when riding the school bus.
“Students may continue to wear masks on the bus or at school if they choose to do so,” states NLPS.
The provincial government will continue to provide schools with medical-grade masks to distribute to students who need them, notes NLPS.
While masking for students will be lifted next week, masks will continue to be mandatory for all adults in schools. This includes school staff, visitors and volunteers, according to NLPS.
However, this is also expected to change on March 1 when the province enters Step 2 of its plan to phase out restrictions.
Use of daily checklist stays
Before entering Lakeland schools, all students, staff and visitors should complete the Alberta Health Daily Checklist, follow its recommendations, and comply with any isolation requirements outlined by the province.
Mandatory isolation periods for anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 or who has the core symptoms associated with COVID remain in place. This includes mandatory masking requirements following a period of isolation.
"After (an) isolation period, up to a total of 10 days from the day of symptom onset, you are required to wear a mask at all times when in a public place or otherwise in the company of other persons, with no exceptions,” states the COVID-19 Alberta Health Daily Checklist.
