Protecting the health and safety of residents and communities is of the highest priority to the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) as we begin to prepare to reopen schools for the 2021-22 school year.

To safeguard the health and safety of students and school staff during the COVID-19 pandemic, schools will follow the recommendations of the NWT Chief Public Health Officer (CPHO), while supporting the learning and well-being of all NWT students.

The upcoming 2021-22 school year will see an easing of restrictions as vaccine rates continue to climb in the NWT. Some public health requirements will remain in place for the time being, as set out in the Emerging Wisely Plan.

The Department of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE) is working with NWT education bodies and the Northwest Territories Teacher’s Association (NWTTA) to coordinate a safe return to school in all planning for the upcoming school year.

As this is still an evolving situation, guidelines may change over the course of the school year. The OCPHO and ECE are committed to ensuring that learning continues for all NWT students. As done over the last two school years, schools have built flexibility into their planning, and educational staff are prepared to adapt models of learning to the changing COVID-19 situation. For information regarding any questions parents or the public may have regarding the opening plans for specific schools, please contact your local school board.

Quote(s)

“I am pleased to welcome our students and staff back to school this September. We are prepared to open the 2021-22 school year, and to continue our important work to improve education outcomes for students in the NWT.  I would like to thank the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer for these guidelines, and all educational staff and students for doing their part to implement them. It has been a challenging time for our communities, but I’m grateful to see our rising vaccination rates and an easing of some restrictions. I hope all of our students and staff were able to enjoy some much-deserved time off this summer and are ready to start an exciting new school year.”

- R.J. Simpson, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment

“I would like to welcome students and staff back to school in the coming days and weeks, and a return to in-classroom learning. The Office of the Chief Public Health Officer will continue to support the Department of Education, Culture and Employment, and work with education bodies to answer any questions they have as they implement safety measures for the 2021-22 school year. While not all COVID-19 restrictions have lifted this year, I am confident that students and staff are prepared to once again put the safety and well-being of our communities first. They are a true example of the resiliency of northerners, and I wish them all a safe and healthy school year.”

-Kami Kandola, NWT Chief Public Health Officer

Quick facts

• Wearing non-medical masks or face coverings will be mandatory on school buses and within the school building outside of the classroom in the 2021-22 school year. Masks will not be required in classrooms.
• Physical distancing in classrooms for students in grades 7-12 will no longer be required.
• There will be no drama classes or productions, singing, choir, band programs or the playing of wind-blown musical instruments in schools.
• There will be no physical education programming or extra-curricular activities that are high contact, such as wrestling or dancing with a partner.
• There will be no school assemblies, large gatherings or concerts/events, but outdoor activities are encouraged.
• Regular hand washing, screening for symptoms daily, and increased disinfecting and sanitizing in schools are still required.
• Education bodies have submitted reopening plans for each school. These plans are based on specific criteria provided by the OCPHO.

Related links

• Back to School 2021-22 Guidelines
• Back to School 2021-22 Frequently Asked Questions
• Emerging Wisely 2021

For media requests, please contact:

Briony Grabke

Manager, Public Affairs and Communications

Department of Education, Culture and Employment

Government of the Northwest Territories

briony_grabke@gov.nt.ca

Dawn Ostrem

Communications Manager

COVID Secretariat, Department of Health and Social Services

Government of the Northwest Territories

dawn_ostrem@gov.nt.ca