By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

"we don't have the medical expertise"

Chinook’s Edge, Wolf Creek & Wild Rose school divisions decide on masking

Sep 9, 2021 | 9:46 AM

Chinook’s Edge School Division will not enhance masking requirements for students.

In a letter to parents on Wednesday afternoon, Superintendent Kurt Sacher says they rely on and follow the advice of Dr. Deena Hinshaw, the province’s chief medical officer of health.

“We simply do not feel we have the necessary medical expertise to justify going beyond what has been recommended by Alberta Health Services (AHS),” says Sacher.

“It is important to note, however, that we fully support those students and staff who choose to wear a mask in their school. Also, if the provincial protocols change, or if AHS has advised us that a particular school or community requires a modified approach, we will respond swiftly with additional measures that they direct.”

Parents and visitors must make an appointment prior to entering the school, and all visitors (parents included) will need to wear a mask inside.

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The decision comes a couple days after Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools and Red Deer Public Schools made waves for enhancing their masking requirements.

The board of trustees for Red Deer Public passed an additional motion condemning the UCP government’s “lack of leadership” on masking, also noting that school divisions should not be making health decisions.

Conseil Scolaire Centre-Nord, which has Francophone schools around Alberta, including in Red Deer, says, “the mask will be compulsory when the students move around the classroom and when they are face to face. Students will be able to remove their masks when they are seated at their desks.”

At Wild Rose School Division, which serves communities in west central Alberta, trustees met Wednesday and decided that, “the Wild Rose School Division implement no indoor school gatherings and that all adult (non staff) and volunteers are required to wear masks while in school facilities.”

“As per the health guidelines from Alberta Health Services, masking and cohorting are not mandated for students and staff in WRSD schools,” the division’s statement continues. “However, we fully support all students and staff who choose to wear a mask at school.”

Wolf Creek Public Schools trustees held a meeting earlier this week as well, also deciding to not mandate masks.

Masking up is, “strongly encouraged for all students and staff in school common areas, or where social distancing is not possible,” Wolf Creek adds.

Masks are mandatory at the division office and maintenance office, and for all school visitors.

“Increased measures, including mandatory masking are subject to change,” writes Superintendent Tim De Ruyck. “We understand that this is a sensitive issue and time for all our communities, as we work together to make it a safe and successful school year. We truly appreciate all the feedback that the Board received from families and school communities, and thank you for your continued support for our schools, students, teachers and school staff.”

Golden Hills School Division trustees also decided this week to not mandate masking.