Students, parents and other supporters gathered along Deep River’s waterfront Friday afternoon to protest COVID-19 mandates, part of a larger student protest throughout Ontario.
About two dozen people took part in the demonstration on Brockhouse Way across from Mackenzie Community School and in front of Centennial Terrace overlooking the Ottawa River.
In a message to parents on Thursday, the Renfrew County District School Board said it was aware of “information circulating online inviting students, parents and others to protest at schools across Ontario” on Friday afternoon at 2 pm.
The school board said the “event(s) are in support of ending mask mandates and all restrictions in place at schools, and individuals are asked to bring ‘signs and letters’ to schools.”
“While our District supports the peaceful exchange of ideas and we value student voice – particularly in matters that affect them – we wish to make it clear that this is not a District sanctioned event and we will not tolerate hateful symbols or messaging that is intended to intimidate,” the board added.
“Our District has been in touch with the Ontario Provincial Police to inform them of this matter and our school principals are also aware.
“Should a protest occur and it is judged to be unlawful or dangerous, schools will contact the OPP to attend and assist.”
That did not appear to be an issue in Deep River Friday, as protesters waved Canadian flags and signalled passing drivers to honk in support.
The school board had noted that “if you encounter a protest at your child’s school, you are encouraged to approach at a slow speed and exercise caution while proceeding.”
“If walking, you may be engaged in conversation. Stay calm. Be friendly or neutral. It is important to avoid verbal or physical confrontation.”
The board said any students taking part in a protest “during a class period… will be marked absent and their parent/guardian will be notified through the school.”
Masks
As far as ongoing COVID measures in schools, including the requirement to wear masks at all times, the board said that from the outset of the pandemic, “we have maintained a steadfast commitment to provide the safest learning spaces possible.”
“This work has been informed and supported through a close working relationship with our local public health unit. It is one grounded on a mutual understanding of the priorities, expertise and mandates of both organizations.”
The board said it had recently questioned the health unit on “whether students could choose to go without a mask during their recess periods.”
“We are pleased to share that they have agreed to this proposal provided masks remain on when we cannot maintain cohorts or there is an inability to maintain an appropriate physical distance.”
The board said it believes the move to allow students “the option to remove their mask” during the recess periods is “a small but important gesture that will provide an important respite for students during outdoor play.”
“We will continue to trust the professional judgement of our staff in managing and applying this and the other COVID procedures in our schools.”
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