The Calgary Catholic School District (CCSD) took matters into its own hands by announcing it would restrict large school gatherings if student absentee rates continue to climb..This uptick is due to COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and flu. .The plan has been dubbed the "Make It to Christmas" plan, as there are two weeks left until Catholic schools go on their holiday break. .In a letter released to parents and guardians, the CCSD revealed its illness mitigation plan that went into effect immediately and will be in place until Christmas break..The measures could see large in-school gatherings such as extracurricular Christmas concerts, sporting events and other activities postponed, recorded, or moved to a virtual presentation if outbreak or high illness rates soar..“If we keep doing what we’ve always done, we’re always going to get what we’ve always gotten," said CCSD Chief Superintendent Dr. Bryan Szumlas. ."And so, something has to change if we’re going to help our young children and the healthcare system.” .A letter sent home to parents said schools have a "social responsibility through our faith to create Catholic Communities of Caring and to protect the most vulnerable — our children.".The letter said it would reevaluate the plan in January. .Szumlas said CCSD officials looked at all the provincial guidance to develop the latest strategy. .The district will monitor illnesses within schools with the CCSD Dashboard, which tracks student illnesses. If a particular school has more than 10% of students absent with similar symptoms or an outbreak is declared by Alberta Health Services, sporting events, liturgies, and other large gatherings will be postponed. .“We are praying for our students, staff, families, and health-care workers during these challenging times," said Szumlas.."Working together, we can safely ‘Make it to Christmas’ and have the break that so many need."
