Holy Spirit's Update: Spectators at School Events page

Update: Spectators at School Sports and Extracurricular Events

Posted on 02/01/2022

As previously communicated, we are reviewing our position on athletics and extracurricular activities on a regular basis.

After consulting with each junior high and high school principal, it has been decided that two (2) spectators for each student participant engaged in an extra-curricular activity will be permitted. This will come into effect on Friday, February 4, 2022 and will apply to activities such as league games and/or fine arts performances.

However, due to the large and varying number of student athletes, it has been determined that no spectators will be permitted for tournaments at this time.

 It is also important to note that schools will host events with spectators only if they have the internal capacity to do so. Absenteeism of students and staff is significantly more evident in some schools compared to others and therefore, not every school is able to host spectators at this time. Other contributing factors include, but are not limited to, the health of participants in the activity cohort and available space in the gymnasium/gathering space. Schools will communicate to parents if they are not able to welcome spectators. While this is far from ideal, I encourage parents to support this decision should it have to be made by the administration of a school in the short term or for a specific game. Should a school be open to welcoming two (2) spectators per student participant, visitors to the school are required to provide proof of vaccination (or a negative COVID-19 Rapid Test result within a 72 hour period) with accompanying government-issued identification.

 The staff in our Catholic schools remain committed to making everything work in their local contexts. As we transition slowly in the direction of opening up to spectators, we are indebted to our school administrators who continue to make difficult decisions while managing and operationalizing daily activities of every kind and, ultimately, ensuring that the following two key guidelines are being met:

1.  Schools remain open for learning, with attention to measures that mitigate the spread of COVID.
2.  Students are involved in activities which enhance their overall experiences in school and promote their well-being.

 We will continue to vigilantly review our practices and make the necessary adjustments along the way. Please keep our entire school community in your prayers as we move forward cautiously.