Catholic school board to require proof of vaccination or regular testing for students in ‘high-contact’ sports

Students at Hamilton's Catholic board participating in high-contact sports like basketball, football and wrestling must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or undergo regular testing in order to play.

Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board (HWCDSB) trustees voted Tuesday - about a week ahead of the Sept. 8 return to school - to require proof of vaccination or regular" rapid testing for all students participating in high-contact sports as part of a vaccine disclosure policy.

Our goal is to really have a cautious approach and transition back to normalcy, but to keep schools open," said chair Pat Daly.

The policy is one of a number of additional measures implemented at Hamilton schools amid rising case counts and lagging vaccination rates in the city. On Wednesday, school boards released detailed back-to-school plans with information about health and safety, academics and case management in schools.

As we start school in the fourth wave of the pandemic, we must stay vigilant and support public health measures," Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) chair Dawn Danko and education director Manny Figueiredo said in a joint statement Wednesday. We will do everything that we can to wrap protective measures around our students so they can continue to learn with minimal disruptions."

Under the Ministry of Education's back-to-school plan, indoor and outdoor sports, music and extracurriculars will be allowed at Ontario schools with few restrictions.

Last week, Hamilton public health said local school boards would have stricter measures than required by the province.

At the HWDSB, additional measures include:

• Indoor masking for all students from kindergarten to Grade 12.

• Cohorting at recess.

• Masks and distancing required for indoor singing.

• Masks and distancing required for indoor instrumental music.

• Paused in-person assemblies and staff meetings, field trips.

• Paused food sales at high school cafeterias (students eat in morning classes or off school property).

• No lockers for high school.

At the HWCDSB, additional measures include:

• Masking for all students from kindergarten to Grade 12.

• Cohorting at recess (morning entry and recess may also be staggered).

• Masking and cohorting required for indoor singing; distancing is encouraged.

• Woodwind instruments permitted within cohorts only (i.e. music class).

• Paused in-person assemblies and staff meetings.

• No lockers for high school.

• Proof of vaccination (or rapid testing) for all students participating in high-contact sports.

In a release late Tuesday, Daly said the Catholic board plan reflects the board's commitment to rebuild from the pandemic."

The HWCDSB also voted to pen a letter to the province requesting that COVID-19 be included as one of the mandatory vaccines for eligible students." The letter will be sent in the coming days, a spokesperson confirmed.

In an update on Tuesday, Hamilton's public board said school sports may be modified" this fall, but that the board is fully committed to ensuring a safe return to athletics."

The Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) says it is working with public health to ensure provincial guidance is followed in a way that reflects our local context."

COVID-19 protocols and case management

At both boards continued layers of protection" includes cohorts, screening, masking, hand hygiene, improved ventilation and enhanced cleaning.

Students from kindergarten to Grade 12 must wear masks indoors at all times, and outdoors where distancing or cohorting cannot be maintained.

Students in elementary and secondary must complete a daily screening before arriving at school. Unvaccinated students who fail the screening must either isolate for 10 days, test negative or receive an alternative diagnosis.

Boards say they will work closely with Hamilton public health in contact tracing and outbreak management, in which isolation requirements are expected to differ based on vaccination status. Details on case management are expected to be confirmed soon.

Both boards will implement the provincial vaccine disclosure policy for employees in Ontario schools. Staff who are not immunized will undergo regular rapid testing.

At the public board, staff were able to submit their vaccination status starting Aug. 30. Boards say they are awaiting further direction from ministry on testing and education sessions for unvaccinated staff.

Confirmed cases at the HWDSB will be posted on its COVID-19 dashboard.

Kate McCullough is a Hamilton-based reporter covering education at The Spectator. Reach her via email: kmccullough@thespec.com