For just over a week, Western School Division (WSD) has seen a spike in student illnesses which has led to a number of absences. The first signs of it were in École Morden Middle School.

"Our absenteeism due to illness rose above ten percent and any time that happens we contact Public Health so that [they're] aware of it, and they can monitor those levels," Cyndy Kutzner, WSD Assistant Superintendent.

The illnesses kept rising in the middle school and eventually spread to Maple Leaf and Minnewasta Schools on Monday.

"The high school has always stayed under ten percent so we don't see the same level of illness there that we are at the K-8 schools, and specifically our K-4 schools. Those levels of absenteeism due to illness went up to thirty five percent. On Tuesday was the highest levels we had and we're seeing it steadily going down a little bit."

Kutzner says Public Health has given them a number of ways to help minimize the spread including protocols on how to cough into sleeves, making sure they wash their hands after, and how to wash their hands properly.

"We've put those on our websites, we've sent those home to parents with newsletters. We've also sent letters home to parents saying that we do have an unusual level of illnesses and if they're noticing some things - that their children aren't feeling well for more than three days - take them out to see the doctor in case it is something more severe."

The division has also instructed custodial staff to take extra time to wash tables, desks, door handles, and those types of things. This is especially important as additional community members are entering the schools for Christmas concerts and other holiday activities.

"We've been working with Public Health and Southern Health, and they've been contacting the Chief Medial Officer to make sure that there's nothing that's too serious here. Basically the advice we're getting is the same thing, is to make sure we do as much as we possibly can to minimize the transmission. It's generally the flu, fever, general feeling of unwell, colds. There have been a few cases of mononucleosis and strep throat but generally it's just kids not feeling well."

Kutzner adds that families have been doing very well in making sure their kids are using healthy hygiene practices which the division appreciates, but it's important they continue doing that.

Having a Christmas break and some time away from school will also help get kids on the mend.

"We're already on the downward trend back to health which is good because it spiked the other day . . . but it will also help because there will be less public events happening in the schools, so I think when January sixth comes around kids will come back to school healthy."