For some students returning to school on Monday, it will be the first time they don't have to wear a mask in class.
Lambton Kent District School Board Director of Education John Howitt said students in grade one have not experienced a "normal" school year, and grade 11 students have not really had a "traditional" full secondary school year either.
"And we need to be really cognizant of that and not assume that the students understand what our school system, what's normal, or traditional is kind of the term I've been using because I'm not sure what normal is anymore," said Howitt. "But, the return to traditional is not the traditional for many of our students."
Howitt said mental health and wellbeing supports will continue to be available to students to support the transition. A letter was sent home before the March Break, and parents can visit the LKDSB website as well to see what students can expect upon returning to school.
"I think students will see an extensive change, especially in elementary where cohorting is no longer required, so recess will return to traditional boundaries where classes can be mixed on the playground," said Howitt. "Assemblies without distancing, parent-teacher interviews, in-person graduations as well as proms."
The most notable change for students will be the lifting of mandatory masking in class and on the school buses. Howitt said the board is committed to supporting personal choice.
"I believe you will see a number of staff and students who continue to wear masks, even though it's no longer required. Student transportation does not meet the definition of public transport, it's not available to all. Student transportation is specifically named as one of the areas where masking is no longer required but is optional."
Howitt said cleaning protocols will continue, as will the use of HEPA filter units in all learning spaces.
