Board of Trustees Letter to BLSD Community
September 7, 2021
As the new school year begins, we still find ourselves amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic. We are excited to have students back in school full time this fall but at the same time we recognize this has been a trying time for our Border Land community.
As the BLSD Board of Trustees we wanted to reach out to let you know that we have heard you. We have heard from people via email, phone calls and in person conversations. People have been sharing their concerns, their frustrations, their praise, and their support for what is occurring not only in Border Land School Division but also in Manitoba.
As a Board of Trustees we want you to know that where we can we are working to adjust what is happening in the school division, but there are many items that are not within our control. Public Health Orders are made by the authority of the Chief Public Health Office pursuant to the Manitoba Health Act. They are equivalent to laws and therefore have enforceable legal standing. School divisions cannot implement policy that contravenes a public health order.
We want to assure you that Manitoba Public Health school-based immunization clinics will function with complete transparency. These clinics have been in schools for years and this year they include the option of a COVID-19 vaccine. Parents will receive notification from their local school of the clinic dates and parental consent forms for all vaccines will be required.
Together with our divisional and school-based leadership teams, we will continue to work to keep families informed of updates, changes, and happenings in our schools around items related to COVID-19. We encourage you to continue to reach out with your questions but ask for understanding in knowing what is within our control as a local school board. If you have questions or concerns with regards to ongoing Public Health Orders, we encourage you to reach out to your local MLA and/or to Manitoba Health.
We look forward to our continued partnership with you as we work together to provide a safe and positive learning environment for all students and staff.
Thank you
Border Land School Division Board of Trustees