As we near the end of 2021, another challenging year of the COVID-19 pandemic, the team at public health would like to express gratitude, and appreciation for the dedication, hard work and compassion shown by all of you, our local educators, bus drivers, support staff, and other education partners. As you are well aware, schools are one of the most important factors to protect the health and well-being of students and their families. Your ongoing efforts have helped ensure that local students have been able to return to, and stay in, in-person learning, as safely as possible.
Throughout the pandemic, ensuring school environments are as safe as possible has meant taking extra measures and precautions to help reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. We know that this requires significant additional efforts and want to thank you for your ability to continue delivering exceptional education to local students despite these ongoing challenges. Your efforts are recognized, and sincerely appreciated.
You have spent the last four months taking care of local students. As you approach a well-deserved holiday break, please remember to take care of yourselves. If possible, take steps to boost your mental health during these challenging times. Please know there are supports available internally within your boards and within our community. Some resources for your own use, and for integration into your teaching, are listed below. In addition, a complete list of mental health resources and services can be found at hpePublicHealth.ca.
As another challenging year draws to a close, we thank you, educators and education partners! You are truly making a difference and improving the lives of students and families. I sincerely wish you a wonderful, safe, and well-deserved holiday season. I encourage you to take steps to celebrate safely in order to protect your own health, and the health of those you care about. To celebrate safely, avoid gatherings and if you must gather, keep it small and keep your contacts consistent. Please get fully vaccinated, and get a booster as soon as you can. If you are the parent or caregiver of an eligible child, please get them their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible.
Our team looks forward to continuing to work together in the new year and beyond.