First Week of School – Welcome Back!

The beginning of our new school year will be like no other start up!  Staff have been working on keeping students safe while they learn.  We sent information home last week about specifics and hope you have had time to read through how the first week will look. Families will play an important role in helping their child(ren) return to school and we believe keeping you as updated as possible will help.

Return-To-School Survey – Thank you for filling out the survey, we are adjusting some class lists to rebalance classes now that we have the information.  Some families have chosen learning options other than the classroom. Most classes will remain the same and we encourage you to help your child adjust. All families will be receiving further information regarding Remote Learning by September 21.

Office Hours: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday-Friday, and although we usually like to have an open-door policy, we will not be able to welcome parents/guardians/visitors without an appointment this year.  Please call the office for an appointment.

FIRST WEEK BACK TO SCHOOL:

Tuesday, September 8 – Staff only for orientation sessions.

Wednesday, September 9 – Staff only for orientation sessions.

Thursday AM, September 10 – Grade 6 students only from 9am – 11:00am.

Thursday PM, September 10 – Grade 7 students only from 1:00pm – 3:00pm.

Friday, September 11 – Grade 8 students only from 9am – 11:00am.

Monday, September 14 – The first full day of school for all students.

Buses will not be running the first week.  Bus schedules and information will be sent to you from the Transportation Department as soon as it is ready. Buses are scheduled to begin on September 14.  Staff will be assigning student areas to line up and wait for buses afterschool.

Vehicle Drop off – our parking lot can get very busy in the morning and at afterschool pickup times.  We encourage you to drop your child(ren) at the Fastball Fields and have them walk in on the sidewalk or trail along the field.  The reverse for afterschool.

First Day – staff will meet students outside and help them find their teacher and line up zone.  If students are unable to physically distance themselves from others, they must wear a mask.  Each divisional teacher will notify families on Wednesday, September 9 to introduce themselves as your child’s teacher.  These orientation days will be 2 hours long.    Please have your child arrive and leave as close to the bell as possible, (see times above).

Handwashing – students will be required to sanitize their hands before entering the building.  Staff will go over these procedures and your child may report back that this is the only thing they did all day.  It will become routine the more we practice!

Masks – Personal masks are required in common areas where physical distancing cannot be done (hallways), but at this time are not required in the classroom or outside.  A student may choose to wear a mask the entire time if they choose.  We will continue to follow the guidelines set out by the Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry and adjust if needed.

Recess Break – students will have a recess break; however, not at a specified time as in the past.  Teachers will take students out for recess at different times to allow for more space outside.

Lunch Break – students will be divided into two groups.  Five Learning Groups,(10 classes) will go outside for one 30 break and the other 6 Learning Groups (11 classes) will go out for the other.  Each Learning Group will also have 15 minutes to eat their lunch in the classroom with their teacher.  Students are encouraged to pack in and pack out all lunch/snacks.  Our custodians are concentrating on cleaning and your support is greatly appreciated.

School Supplies – check out supplies on our website under “links”.  Do not send supplies the first day, but something to write with and something to write on are needed.  Classroom teachers will provide more information on supplies.

Lockers – we are not opening our lockers at this time to maintain physical distancing in our hallways.  We will review at the end of September.

SD 62 Online Consent Documents: https://consent.sd62.bc.ca/apps/OnlineConsent.

Student Fees – you will receive an envelope with fee information.  At this time the only payment needed is for a yearbook (optional).  Should our Athletic Program resume, we will notify parents.  Please refer to the instructions for online payment  https://sd62.schoolcashonline.com/ If you have not signed up, please go to our website https://journey.web.sd62.bc.ca .  You can also have your child bring in a cheque or cash when you return the envelope with signed paper-based permission forms.

Cell Phones and other electronic devices – Students may not use their communication devices from bell to bell.  First time – asked to put it away.  Second – comes to the office and picked up afterschool.  Third – it comes to the office and a parent/guardian picks it up afterschool.

Class Lists – Our classes are created in June and staff spend considerable time and thought creating balanced by learning styles, learning needs, and friendships.  Teachers provide information about each student and are instrumental in creating these groups.  Although we do have to make some adjustments due to some students not returning at this time, most decisions will remain.

We look forward to welcoming our students back.  Please contact me at lszadkowski@sd62.bc.ca or call the school at 250-642-5881.  Remember our first week will be extremely busy and I will get back to you as soon as possible.