Grande Prairie, AB – Peace Wapiti Public School Division (PWPSD) has been advised of three cases of COVID-19 at Sexsmith Secondary School, resulting in a decision to move Grades 11 and 12 students and related teaching staff to remote learning until Thursday, April 1 due to the number of staff identified as close contacts. The three individuals all last attended the school on Friday, March 26. School administration communicated the information to families and staff on Monday and Tuesday, March 29-30 after learning about the positive test results and receiving direction from AHS.
Out of respect for the individuals, and in accordance with AHS guidelines, no further information will be shared about the cases. PWPSD and Sexsmith Secondary School wish the individuals a safe and speedy recovery, and will continue to work closely with AHS to ensure necessary measures are in place to protect all students and staff.
Grades 11-12 on remote learning until April 1, school remains open for Grades 7-10 in-person learning
On Monday and Tuesday, March 29-30, school administration provided the following information to families and staff:
- The plans set in place to create zones and cohorts at Sexsmith Secondary School have worked as planned, and helped in the successful completion of contact tracing with AHS.
- The identified close contacts must isolate at home until:
- Friday, April 9 for those identified as close contacts of a case on Thursday, March 25.
- Saturday, April 10 for those identified as close contacts of a case on Friday, March 26.
- Due to the number of staff identified as close contacts, PWPSD has authorized a short-term operational shift to remote learning for Grades 11-12 students and related teaching staff until Thursday, April 1. Since Friday, April 2 is the Good Friday holiday, followed by the week of Easter Break, all isolating close contacts will return to school on Monday, April 12.
- AHS is expected to provide all close contacts with further direction on testing and isolation instructions.
- Students and staff not identified as close contacts do not need to isolate and were able to return to school on Tuesday, March 30.
- The school has been disinfected.
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