Principal’s Message – January 22, 2022

Posted January 22, 2022

It was wonderful to see our students back in school on Tuesday.  We spent the day catching up, talking about how we were feeling about being back and reviewing all the health and safety procedures. 

On Tuesday we sent home two Rapid Antigen Tests and two 3-ply cloth masks with each student.  Please take some time to look at the masks your kiddos are wearing.  They should cover the mouth, nose and chin and sit tightly on their face.  We have some students who are wearing masks that are too big and as a result they keep slipping down.  We do remind students regularly “the mask goes over the nose” but it would be more comfortable for them if it sat properly.  Also, consider sending two or more masks if you can.  Masks regularly get wet and/or dirty throughout the day.  Having a dry, clean mask makes learning better for all.

Please remember to complete the Ontario School Screening daily.  If your child develops any of the symptoms at school we WILL be sending them home.  We also use the tool and there is clear guidance around next steps for parents (e.g., need for child to self-isolate, need for siblings to self-isolate, can return to school if symptoms have been improving for 24 hours, etc.)  As a rule of thumb we ask that you keep your children home if they are not feeling well.

If you are curious about absentee rates in Upper Grand, the Board has created an information dashboard looking at increases and decreases in absences.  You can find it at https://www.ugdsb.ca/community/coronavirus/2021-22-school-operations/daily-absence-tracking-pilot/

To our parents of students who ride the school bus:  Please know that the transportation consortium is dealing with a driver shortage due to Covid 19.  Although we are fortunate that this has not impacted us yet, parents need to be prepared for delayed routes both in the morning and after school.  We are also being warned that some routes may be canceled for a time across the system.  As a school, we have no control over this, as the busses are run by the transportation consortium.  We encourage you to regularly check their website at https://stwdsts.ca/ and to sign up for their notification service to help you in planning for these events.

A reminder that we do spend time outside for learning and recess each day, regardless of the cold.  We keep an eye on temperature, sunshine and wind, and if we can get out, we go out as being outside provides students with a mask break and is good for their mental wellness.  Please remember to send your kiddos with warm layers, winter boots, extra gloves and extra socks (these can get quite wet.)  

Beyond the world of Covid protocols, January is always an exciting time for us and a time of transition.  We have 24 little people registered for JK in September.  We have been doing virtual registrations and it is so much fun to see these future learners so excited to say hello and to come to school.  On the other end of the spectrum our Grade 8s are deeply involved in selecting their courses for high school and having visits from the high school guidance counselors.  We appreciate for parents at the beginning and the end of elementary school there are big emotions.

We hope that you have a terrific weekend with your families.

Mrs. D-J

Categories: News