Over the past few weeks many families across the region have had important conversations about the return to school this year. At the end of July, the province released its plan for the safe reopening of schools. Since then, Halton Region Public Health has continued to work closely with the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, school boards and community partners to ensure all students return to a safe learning environment this year.

Regardless of what decision you have made or are still considering, you are doing what is best for your child’s academic and social needs, including weighing the risks COVID-19 may place on your family’s own unique situation.

Resources from Halton Region Public Health

I encourage you to visit our Reopening Schools webpage available on halton.ca to get the latest information on the school year, including:

• answers to some frequently asked questions;
• information on public health measures in place and work with the school boards;
• mental health resources for those going back to school and those learning in a new virtual environment; and
• resources for parents, students and teachers including factsheets, posters, animated, educational videos for elementary school-aged children and more.

We also continue to offer our resources to support students and families transition academically to new ages and stages, including:

• If you have a preschooler starting kindergarten, you can access Halton’s Ready, Set, Go! webpage for tips, printable resources and a webinar discussing important skills for children, the importance of relationships, helpful routines and more.
• If you have a teen starting high school, visit the Ready, Set Whoa! webpage for resources including a webinar on how to navigate and support your teen’s successful transition to high school.
• Our HaltonParents team can support you and your family and answer any questions you may have through their @HaltonParents social media channels and blog.
• Our Mental Health webpage provides resources and access to support agencies in our community.

Going back to school safely is a community effort

While Halton continues to have a low number of cases and everyone has been doing their part, returning safely to school is a community effort. Whether in the school, at home, in the community or at work, we must continue to practice physical distancing, wear face coverings in indoor public places and when physical distancing cannot be maintained, and stay home when not well (even with mild symptoms).

If your children are learning remotely or attending school in person, talk to them about the importance of keeping themselves, their classmates, their teachers and other school staff safe. For helpful tips, I encourage you to watch the latest video from Dr. Hamidah Meghani, Halton Region’s Medical Officer of Health.

Thank you for staying vigilant helping us keep Halton a great place to live, work, raise a family and retire. For more resources that can help your family prepare for the upcoming school year, visit halton.ca, email accesshalton@halton.ca or call 311. As always, please visit halton.ca/COVID19 for the latest information on cases in our community and public health direction.