13 schools reporting 30% absence rates with one at 45% in Brampton

Thirteen schools are reporting major absence rates (over 30%) this week in Brampton.

The province recently shifted from reporting COVID-19 cases in schools to monitoring overall absence rates. The percentages below are the combined percentage of students and staff who were reported as absent.

The following Brampton schools are reporting over 30% absence this week:

• Arnott Charlton Public School in Brampton (PDSB) – 31.3%
• Burnt Elm Public School in Brampton (PDSB) – 33.2%
• Clark Boulevard Public School in Brampton (PDSB) – 32.7%
• Dolson Public School in Brampton (PDSB) – 42.9%
• Esker Lake Public School in Brampton (PDSB) – 32.1%
• James Grieve Public School in Brampton (PDSB) – 45.8%
• Kingswood Drive Public School in Brampton (PDSB) – 30.1%
• Larkspur Public School in Brampton (PDSB) – 36%
• Robert H Lagerquist Sr Public School in Brampton (PDSB) – 30.2%
• Robert J Lee Public School in Brampton (PDSB) – 32.6%
• Sir John A. Macdonald Sr Public School in Brampton (PDSB) – 31.1%
• Sir Winston Churchill Public School in Brampton (PDSB) – 31.1%
• Springdale Public School in Brampton (PDSB) – 31.2%

Whether the students/staff are absent due to COVID-19 or other reasons is not specified.

Schools re-opened for in-person learning as of Jan. 19, with Health Minister Christine Elliott saying there is “very little evidence” that schools are leading to high levels of transmission of COVID-19.

“We know that there’s high levels of community transmission right now. But in schools themselves, as students go there, they have been made as safe as possible,” Elliott said.