Due to at least eight confirmed COVID-19 cases affecting both staff and students across multiple classrooms, some of which are a variant of concern, the LDCSB has made the decision to temporarily close St. Patrick’s Catholic Elementary School in Woodstock effective immediately.
With roughly two-thirds of the school’s 350-plus students and staff self-isolating, as well as the ongoing teacher and educational assistant shortage, the school board was forced to make this difficult decision due to health and well-being as well as operational concerns.
The school will be closed until at least March 28 inclusive. During this temporary closure, students will continue their learning remotely. At the current time, it is anticipated that in-person classes will resume for many students on March 29. Other staff and students will return to the school once their period of self-isolation is over if it extends beyond March 29.
Southwestern Public Health is investigating the cases and is providing advice and support to the LDCSB and the school community in navigating the situations.
The LDCSB temporarily closed St. Michael’s Catholic Elementary School in Woodstock on March 11. St. Michael’s is expected to reopen on March 25.
The LDCSB posts information about all confirmed active cases on our website at ldcsb.ca/covid/ (click the Status of LDCSB Schools link).