(File photo/paNOW News)

By Derek Craddock

SCHOOL VACCINES

Proof of vaccination required for staff with Sask. Rivers School Division

Oct 5, 2021 | 10:00 AM

Staff at all public schools in Prince Albert will now need proof of vaccine or a negative COVID-19 test.

At its recent board meeting, the Saskatchewan Rivers Public School Division approved new measures in an effort to keep staff and students safe.

One of those measures is to require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test for all staff.

“The health and safety of students and staff continues to be a priority and we consistently work closely with the provincial and local medical health officers for advice and direction,” said board chair Barry Hollick.

On Sept. 16, the Government of Saskatchewan announced its move to a proof of vaccination or negative test policy for government employees and encouraged school divisions to do the same.

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Director of Education, Robert Bratvold said they were busy the past few days preparing those details.

“We know that CUPE National and the provincial STF supports vaccination,” Bratvold said, “but we worked with local CUPE and STF representatives, and with health, SSBA (Saskatchewan School Boards Association), legal, and others as we developed and finalized the admin procedure.”

“The board has had several discussions about this topic and recognizes that this decision will have both positive and negative impacts on staff and on our operations,” added Hollick. “But the board was ready to make the decision. Student and staff safety is paramount to providing an excellent learning environment.”

Proof of vaccination is required for many non-essential businesses in Saskatchewan as well as city employees in Prince Albert and workers with the Government of Saskatchewan.

Last Friday, the Prince Albert Catholic School Division (PACSD) told staff it will also be requiring proof of vaccination. An exact date for that policy to start is to be determined.

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Derek.craddock@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @PA_Craddock