Southwestern Ontario’s largest school board has issued an urgent appeal for emergency supply staff.

The Thames Valley District School Board said Wednesday that it is in need of people who can fill in for teachers at 21 elementary schools.

According to the board, emergency supply staff are people who have an interest working with students and have an educational or work background that supports their use for coverage purposes in emergency situations. These individuals do not have to be registered with the Ontario Teachers College. But the ideal candidate would currently hold a four year university degree or be enrolled in university in their 3rd or 4th year, or be a Masters or PhD student, have a minimum of six months experience working with children, be able to support students with special needs and maintain confidentiality and professionalism.

People applying for an emergency supply staff role would also have to be able to work on a casual basis and with short notice. A criminal record check will also be required before an individual can begin work as an emergency supply.

The urgent call for supply staff comes a day after the Middlesex London Health Unit reported an increasing level of influenza activity and other respiratory illnesses, such as COVID-19, across the region. There were 342 new COVID-19 cases and 11 flu cases confirmed locally over the last week. However, the level of community spread is believed to be much higher. Health officials have previously advised the public to wear a mask in public areas, stay home if sick, and get a flu shot to lower personal risk of contracting a respiratory infection.

Absenteeism is expected to worsen over the winter months as cold weather keeps social gatherings indoors.

Of the schools in need of emergency supply staff, 13 are in London, five are in Oxford County, and three are in Elgin County.

Applications to be a member of the emergency supply staff can be sent to the principal of each school seeking coverage.

The full list of schools seeking additional help is listed below:

London:

Ashley Oaks PS
Eagle Heights PS
Glen Cairn PS
JP Robarts PS
Kensal Park FIPS
Lord Elgin PS
Lord Nelson PS
Sir G.E. Cartier PS
Sir Isaac Brock PS
White Oaks PS
Wilfrid Jury PS
Wilton Grove PS
Woodland Heights PS

Elgin:

Aldborough PS
Lockes PS
Dunwich-Dutton PS

Oxford:

Central PS
Harrisfield PS
Laurie Hawkins PS
Springbank PS
Westfield PS