We know that participation in extra-curricular activities is an important part of the school experience for many students. The Limestone District School Board continues to work closely with its partners at KFL&A Public Health (KFLAPH), the Kingston Area Secondary Schools Athletic Association (KASSAA), the Limestone Elementary Schools’ Athletic Association (LESAA) and the Algonquin & Lakeshore Catholic District School Board (ALCDSB) to ensure a continued safe return to in-person learning and the reintroduction of extra-curricular activities (sports and clubs).
The changes to protocols for extra-curricular activities are as follows:
The use of gymnasiums, swimming pools, change rooms, weight rooms, indoor physical education equipment and shared outdoor equipment are permitted with as much distancing as possible being encouraged. High and low contact activities are permitted with the following parameters:
Masking is not required when playing high or low contact activities outdoors.
Masking is required for indoor sports when not actively engaged in the activity.
Masks can be removed when actively participating in the activity if they cannot be worn safely while participating.
Winter seasons are currently underway and vaccination requirements were in place when these teams/groups were created for this season. Given the province has removed the vaccination passport effective March 1, 2022, the vaccination requirement will be lifted as of March 1, 2022. Any existing teams in the current season would still require vaccinations given they were created with that condition, and it is still unclear whether community-based venues may still require proof of vaccination.
Based on current information, new teams/clubs being created, or any new season moving forward would not require proof of vaccination. However, vaccinations may still be required if external venues maintain this requirement. It should be noted that the spring season for extracurricular athletics is outdoors.
At this time K-6 must remain in cohorts for extracurricular activities. To ensure students remain safe and healthy both inside and outside the classroom, we are taking important steps to prioritize the health and safety of student athletes and volunteer coaches.
Limestone will continue to update and will implement every strategy within our ability, and as recommended by public health. As we reintroduce extra-curriculars in our schools, we will continue to take reasonable steps to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and maintain a safe environment. We are committed to student and staff safety and will follow all public health directives to protect in-person learning, some of which may change over time. Thank you for your understanding as we proceed with a cautious approach to extra-curricular activities.
Detailed update to protocols as of Feburary 24, 2022