Principal’s Message
Hi, Victory Families!
I hope you have all had a good week. At school, we are appreciating the glimpses of spring weather and are happy to be together in the building.
You are all aware, I’m sure, that the number of people contracting COVID each day in our community is increasing. We are seeing that reflected in the number of COVID-related absences at school as well. The school is doing everything possible to reduce the spread of the virus. HEPA units run all day in every learning space (classrooms, library, gymnasium) as well as staff rooms and the main office. Windows are open as much as is possible given the weather conditions. Classes are spending time learning outside. Any student with symptoms is sent to the office to wait in the Isolation Room for pick-up (The Isolation Room is the room outside the office – there are windows. For hygiene reasons, there is very little in the room besides two chairs. Staff screen for symptoms before coming to work each day and do not come in if they can’t pass the Screening Tool. The school’s ventilation system is running all day long, as well as before we all arrive and after we all leave, with the highest grade of filter possible. Custodians continue to clean touch points and surfaces with disinfectant throughout the day. We also send a couple of rapid tests home with children who leave with symptoms during the day. Finally, while indoor mask wearing is no longer required or mandated, health experts continue to strongly encourage the practice, as does the Upper Grand DSB. We appreciate that so many families have been continuing to send their students to school wearing masks and encourage you to continue to do so as we all work together to get through this latest wave.
In addition to masks and all the other safety steps taken at school, the Screening Tool is an important protective action we must all take. Students and staff are required to pass the Screening Tool before coming to school. This tool has been refined and updated over the course of the pandemic and we find it very useful in the office. If your child gets the red screen (Do Not Go To School), then be sure to scroll down to read the instructions below the X. You will see very clear directions for next steps and also how long your child must remain at home, including next steps for other household members. It is clear and easy to figure out. Keeping sick people at home protects everyone. We know this is very challenging for parents. We are truly grateful to our families who have been considerate and supportive and who have made sacrifices throughout this pandemic. We recognize it is not easy and are very, very appreciative. This careful consideration for others is just part of the culture at Victory where many of our students continue to wear masks and we have a high level of student vaccination rates. Thank you.
Even though it’s hard to think about anything other than COVID some days, we are continuing to enjoy school life. Classrooms feel more normal and teachers are providing rich and meaningful learning activities. There are events beginning to occur, we were able to offer SK grad photos, intramurals, subs and Booster Juice and we are loving the fact that parents can come inside to wait for their children if there is an early pick-up. We do ask that you remind your child and to let Mrs. Wynne know in the office before they head out the door with you if you are picking up early for some reason. We need to see for ourselves they are leaving with the right adult!
The message this week feels heavy. I think we are all exhausted from living with COVID and the resulting restrictions on our lives. Despite all that, though, we are part of the most amazing school community. The days grow longer and the birds louder with each sunrise. Living through this pandemic has reminded me to appreciate even the small and quiet moments of loveliness each day. I hope you have a day filled with those.
With warm regards,
Carla Anderson
Categories: News