March 4, 2022 

Dear ASD-N Families: 

Last week the Province of New Brunswick announced that it will be lifting the Mandatory Order and removing all remaining COVID-19 measures on Monday, March 14th. 

This is what it means for our schools at this time: 

1)Masks will no longer be required at any time in our schools or on buses. Students and staff are welcome to continue to wear masks if they wish, and all staff and students are expected to show respect and kindness to all, regardless of anyone's choice. Please note that neither schools nor staff can require anyone to wear a mask once the Mandatory Order is lifted.

2)There will no longer be a requirement to self-isolate if your child (or a close contact) tests positive but is feeling well. As in pre-COVID times, if your child does not feel well, we urge them to stay home until they do feel well.

3)  Any new teams or activities will no longer require students to be vaccinated. Protocols will remain for any existing teams or activities which are currently mid-season.

4)After March 4th, families will no longer need to inform the school if their child tests positive for COVID-19, and the school district will no longer be updating the COVID- 19 Dashboard. The district and schools will no longer be notifying families of positive cases. As with any missed time, families will still be responsible for informing the school of their child's absences, via Safe Arrival.

We would like to take this opportunity to remind you that, while formal safety measures will be lifted on March 14th, it is important to encourage your children to continue frequent hand washing/sanitizing, proper cough/sneeze etiquette, and monitoring for symptoms. 

We understand that each family's reaction and comfort level, regarding these changes, may be a little different, but we are hopeful that the removal of restrictions will help us all to enjoy and thrive for the remainder of the school year. 

If you have any questions about how the lifting of restrictions will impact your child, please reach out to your school principal. 

Have a safe and restful March Break! 

Mark Donovan

Superintendent