Addendum:
New Westminster Secondary School – School/Site Safety Plan

Further to the District Biohazardous Exposure Control Plan and the COVID-19 Health & Safety Plan (V2.0), this addendum represents the site specific application of most effective to least effective measures to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 transmission, where practicable.

The following additional measures are listed below:

Learning Space Configuration

  • Desks and tables have been arranged to maximize space between staff/students.
    • Where possible, people are arranged to minimize facing one another directly, i.e., collaboration spaces are spaced apart and independent activity is encouraged.
    • Assigned seating is arranged.
  • If weather permits and without impact on HVAC systems, staff have been advised to open windows.

Cleaning and disinfection

  • As per section 3.0 Work Environment & 4.0 Cleaning and disinfection protocols.
  • Teachers and support staff have been provided with disinfection solution and have been trained on its safe use.

Ventilation and air exchange

  • School’s ventilation system is serviced and operating to specifications. It is regularly checked by District Maintenance staff and those same staff are available for emergency or non-emergency callout.

Other additional Environmental Measures:

  • Refilling water stations are cleaned and disinfected and are to be used to refill personal containers.
  • Plexiglass/dividers installed in common staff prep areas (where needed).
  • Extra hand sanitizers are stationed in staff areas.
  • Hand sanitizing stations located at each entry point into the building.
  • Traffic flow indicators in place throughout building.
  • Posters and signage are displayed throughout the building to remind all of health and safety guidelines; specifically physical distancing, hand washing and mask wearing.
  • Disinfection supplies are replenished as needed.

Entrance & Exits

To avoid crowding in common spaces, entrance and exits students enter and exit in single file and are led by their classroom teachers. Multiple designated entry/exit points are assigned to accommodate for staggered entry/exit.

Floor plans with exits and entrances marked with pedestrian directions, where applicable, are available to staff at each site/school.

Physical distancing outside of learning groups are maintained

  • between staff and students at all times for middle and secondary
  • physical distancing posters are posted in high visibility/traffic areas

Learning groups/cohorts remain consistent and are changed on a minimal frequency (i.e. quarter semester or not at all throughout the school year.)

Staff only common spaces (e.g. break rooms, copy rooms, mail room, etc.)

  • Visual cues on occupancy limits, and posters on physical distancing, hand hygiene, ‘how to wear a face masks’ are posted. Limits are strictly enforced.
  • Opportunities for food preparation and or food consumption have been removed or restricted.

Itinerant Staff workspace has been designated, extra supplies of the disinfection solution, hand hygiene stations, and/or physical barriers are provided. Workspace assignment is centralized in the general office. Refer to personal measures for daily health check.

TTOC, Sub EA, casual support staff have been instructed to follow protocols and site-specific orientation protocols are provided at each school/site. Limits are strictly enforced. Refer to personal measures for daily health check.

All visitors are required to complete a daily health check prior to entry. Visitors are not permitted to enter the site unless are such entry is deemed essential by the Principal or designate.

Other additional Administrative Measures:

  • No events that bring staff and students together outside of regular learning activities occur on this site.
  • Occupancy limits are posted in elevators.
  • Health Declaration is included in the sign in binder and/or MS Forms. All staff and visitors must complete this declaration before entering the building – i.e. “I confirm that I have passed the daily health check”.
  • Staff are provided with daily health and safety reminders through weekly updates and staff meetings.
  • Posted signage and written communication sent to staff to complete their daily health declaration.
  • Parents and students are reminded about daily health check through emails, the weekly parent bulletin and morning announcements.
  • Visitors are only allowed to enter through the main front doors. Upon entering visitors are to use the hand sanitizer and then sign in at the office declaring that they have done their Health Check. Visitors will sign out upon leaving the school
  • Additional staff break/eating areas used throughout the building to minimize contact.
  • Bottles of disinfectant and microfiber cleaning cloths are provided in each learning and office space (i.e. classrooms, gyms, counselling offices, etc.).
  • Wherever possible Physical Health Education classes are held outside (especially for high intensity activities).

Daily Health Checks

  • Staff and all other adult visitors are required to declare that they have completed a daily health check. Declaration sheet is located at first point of entry on site.
  • Parents and students are been reminded of their responsibilities.
  • Strategically located posters remind all of the Daily Health Check requirements.
  • During staff meetings and PA announcements, staff and students are reminded to complete the daily health check each day and before entering the school/site.

 Stay Home When Sick Messaging

  • During staff meetings and PA announcements, staff and students are reminded to stay home when sick.
  • Strategically located posters/signage reminders.

Other additional Personal Measures:

  • OHS is a rolling agenda topic in staff meetings
  • Daily Health check confirmation for staff completed through either sign in sheet or use of a QR code link (MS Forms) at main entrance
  • Messaging around expectations to families continues through weekly staff and parent bulletins.
  • Staff and students are encouraged to practice hand hygiene upon entering the school and prior to exiting the school, before and after eating, after using the washroom, before and after handling shared materials, and before and after transitioning to various locations around the school.

Masks

  • Staff, itinerant staff, and visitors (who are able to), wear masks in accordance with the K-12 Health & Safety Guidelines.
  • Students (who are able to), wear masks in accordance with the K-12 Health & Safety Guidelines.
  • Extra supply of masks are available at the front desk for those how have forgotten theirs.
  • Extra dust masks or non surgical masks are provided in each classroom’s emergency bag.

Other additional PPE Measures:

  • Questions regarding PPE will be answered by administration.
  • OHS is a rolling agenda topic in staff and department head meetings.
  • All staff and students were provided with reusable masks at the beginning of the year, and may request more as needed.
  • All staff were offered clear face shields at the beginning of the year.
  • Cups are provided to students who do not have water bottles
  • Plexiglass barriers were made available to staff when needed (i.e. for itinerant teachers); and additional requests can be made at the main office.
  • Disposable masks are available for students at the office upon request.

Reference: