Several classrooms at an Airdrie, Alta., school are closed as staff continue to take steps to control “flea activity” at the facility. The Calgary Catholic School District (CCSD) told CTV News Thursday that a flea infestation was discovered at Our Lady Queen of Peace (OLQP) School in early October. Pest control measures have been undertaken, but officials said those would be stepped up beginning Nov. 5. “As part of our ongoing efforts to address the flea activity and maintain a safe learning environment, the Grade 5 and 6 portable wing will be temporarily closed beginning Thursday, Nov. 5 and will remain closed until students and staff return from fall break on Monday, Nov. 16,” the CCSD said in a letter, written by Deneen Rycroft, CCSD’s area director of central and Airdrie schools, sent home to parents of the school on Nov. 3. At-home learning is being made available to the school’s Grade 5 and 6 students. The situation has also led to an early closure for OLQP students. “Friday, Nov. 6 will be the last day of classes for the entire school before fall break begins two days early. Classes will not take place on Monday, Nov. 9 or Tuesday, Nov. 10 for any students,” CCSD said. The extended break means that there is “the longest possible window” for pest control treatments. “Alberta Education and Childcare is aware of these plans. Temporary changes to the school schedule are permissible under the Education Act for local circumstances.” Source of fleas is unknown Rycroft said there was no confirmed source of the infestation, despite all the cleaning, inspections and professional pest control treatments completed to date. “Fleas can be introduced into school environments through a variety of sources, including people, clothing and pets. We continue to work with Alberta Health Services (AHS) and professional pest-control experts to investigate the situation and determine any additional measures that may be required.” The CCSD acknowledged the challenges the alternative schedule would present to families. “We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we take these additional steps to address the situation. Further information about at-home learning arrangements will be shared directly with families whose children attend classes in the portables.” All further information about the situation will be shared with parents in the coming days.
