Ministik School COVID-19 Safety

Self-Screening

All members of our school community, (students, staff and school visitors) must self-screen before entering Moose Factory Ministik School. The use of this online self-assessment tool is recommended:  https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/

Any member of our school community experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 must stay home from school and should seek testing and appropriate medical attention by contacting Moose Factory Public Health Centre 705-658-4220.

In case of emergency, please visit the Weeneebayko General Hospital Emergency Department. If you need an ambulance, call 705-658-1111.

Physical Distancing

Moose Factory Ministik School promotes physical distancing whenever possible. Enhancements to our school environment include:

  • Routine instruction and reminders for all members of the school community to maintain a 2m personal space bubble, whenever possible.
  • Signs and visual cues posted at entrances, hallways, washrooms and common spaces.
  • Classrooms and shared spaces will be arranged to maximize space between students and allow for transitions between learning activities; excess furniture will be removed.
  • Outdoor spaces and external doors will be designated by classroom cohort for entry, dismissal and recess.

Hand Washing, Masks & General Personal Hygiene 

All members of our school community will engage in routine hand washing, including the use of hand sanitizer when soap and water is not available, appropriate use of face masks and PPE, and general personal hygiene practices.

Hand Washing Protocol & Guidelines

All members of the school community will wash their hands with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds upon entering the school, before lunch, after lunch, after using the washroom, and before exiting the school.

Students will be instructed and reminded to use proper hand washing techniques.

Hand Sanitizing Protocol & Guidelines

When access to sinks, soap and water is not possible, members of the school community will use hand sanitizer for a minimum of 20 seconds.

Students will be instructed and reminded to use proper hand sanitizer techniques.

Masks (reasonable exemptions for medical conditions must be documented with the Principal)

  • Students:
    • All students in Kindergarten to Grade 8 are required to wear personal non-medical or cloth masks at all times indoors
    • Students are not required to wear their masks while they are eating their lunch, and while outdoors and physically distancing themselves from others
  • Staff:
    • School staff are required to wear masks indoors
    • Medical masks and appropriate PPE will be provided for all school staff who are regularly in close contact with students
  • School Visitors:
    • All visitors to the school are required to wear masks indoors

General Personal Hygiene

All members of the school community will support our enhanced cleaning and sanitizing protocols by ensuring that their personal belongings and learning materials are kept tidy, well organized and stored effectively.

Students will be instructed and reminded to use effective routine organization and storage practices.

Enhanced Cleaning & Sanitizing Protocols

Enhanced Cleaning & Sanitizing Protocols have been established for the regular and routine cleaning and disinfecting of our school. This plan includes routine checklists for all areas of the school; including high touch surfaces, student learning spaces, common areas, bathrooms, outdoor learning spaces and equipment, etc.

Student Personal Belongings

Only a minimum of student personal belongings will be permitted at school.

  • Students are required to bring their own non-medical or cloth face mask. It is recommended that students have at least two (2) masks for each day so that one can be replaced if wet or soiled. It is recommended that students also have a designated space to store clean and used masks to bring home for washing.
  • Students are required to bring their own pair of indoor shoes.
  • Students are required to bring their lunch and reusable water bottle to school upon arrival.
  • Kindergarten students are encouraged to bring their own change of clothes.
  • Students are permitted to bring one backpack to school each day; student personal belongings will be stored within their backpack when not in use.
  • Student backpacks, coats, and outdoor shoes are to be kept neatly organized in the designated area for each classroom cohort.
  • All other personal belongings should not be brought to school.
  • All personal belongings are to be labelled with the child’s name.

Washrooms

Each teacher will teach and reinforce clear expectations for students:

Classroom sign-in/sign out process, one student per class at a time, limit to two students in each washroom at a time, physically distanced foot mats for students waiting in the hall, hand washing protocols, and increased monitoring of the washroom hall areas.

Outdoor Learning Spaces

Weather permitting, Cree Language and Health & Physical Education classes will take place outdoors. Parents are encouraged to ensure that all students are dressed appropriately for the weather each day.

Visitors to the School

    • Limited Access to all Visitors to the School
      • All visitors to the school are required to wear masks indoors
  • Except in exceptional circumstances, and with permission of the school principal, all parents or community service providers will have access to the school by appointment only
    • School Office staff will maintain a sign-in/sign-out record for all persons accessing the school, other than students and staff
    • Entry guidelines/signage to be posted and will include steps for COVID self-assessment, hand washing/sanitation, and the application of required facemasks, PPE; as per public health guidelines

Operational Guidance: COVID-19 Management in Schools

Reference to the COVID-19 Reference Document for Symptoms (PDF) on Ontario’s COVID-19 website, Porcupine Public Health Unit, Weeneebayko Area Health Authority, MCFN Health Services and Moose Factory Health Centre.

Our school principal will work in collaboration with the local public health unit for the following: 

  1. Management of COVID-19 
  2. Management of ill individuals during school hours
  3. Management of individuals exposed to COVID-19 outside of the school
  4. Management of a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 in the school community