Hello Everyone,
I hope this email finds you and your family well and safe.
The incredible staff of Our Lady of Grace have been working hard in preparing our school for the safe return of our students. By following all of the recommendations by Public Health and the Ministry of Education, we are working to equip classrooms and teachers with the tools and training to ensure that the safety, health and well being of all staff and students is maintained at all times. At this time, York Region Public Health will not allow parents or visitors into the school. All visits need to be pre arranged through the school office.
Please note that the Staggered Re-Entry Dates are:
September 8 and 9: No students will attend school. During this period, staff will be preparing for learning during COVID-19.
Thursday, September 10: Grades 1, 2 and 3 (start and continue)
Friday, September 11: JK/SK (start and continue)
Monday, September 14: Grades 7 & 8 (start and continue)
Tuesday, September 15: Grades 4, 5 and 6 (start and continue)
All elementary students will be in school by Tuesday, September 15, 2020
I have reviewed the data collected from our school parent survey, and at this time 20% of our student population will be learning remotely. Thank you for taking time to complete the survey.
Moreover, early next week I will be sending you an email with your child(ren) teacher’s name, classroom number, first day procedures and specific protocols that you can continue to review as a family. If your family will participate in Remote Learning, you will also receive information from the Board in the coming days.
Your child’s safety is our priority. The teachers will be teaching the students about hand hygiene, mask wearing and social distancing. Routines are being established to ensure that Entrances, Exits and Recess time are safe.
As per public health guidelines, students in grades 4-8 must wear a mask and students from kindergarten to grade 3 are encouraged to wear a mask. Parents are expected to supply masks for their children. Please always include an extra one in their knapsacks. Please send your child to school with a paper bag or a breathable cloth bag for your child to store their mask during snack time, lunch and recess.
This week, we hope you will take some time to encourage your child(ren) to practice wearing a mask as well as properly putting on the mask, taking it off and storing it. Parents are invited to watch this back to school video for more information. For instructions on proper mask wearing procedures, please go to the 11-minute mark of the video.
With regards to in-person preparation, it is recommended that students bring the following items (labelled with their name) with them to school:
- Refillable water bottle (students will not be allowed to drink directly from the water fountain);
- Personal school supplies (pencils, crayons, markers etc.). We ask that you please ensure that students have all materials necessary for their day before leaving home as access to the school by parents will be limited;
- Packed daily lunch (Lunches cannot be dropped off at school and students are asked to not go home for lunch. According to the YCDSB re-entry plan, if students leave the building for lunch, they are not to return that day).
For students who are eligible for bus transportation, you can access bus stop pick-up and delivery times using the “Find My Bus Stop” tool at www.schoolbuscity.com. Student Transportation Services is also developing a transportation specific COVID Safety Update to help answer commonly asked questions about transportation. To access this information, please use the “COVID-19” link at the website address above. You are encouraged to check the website regularly for updates. Please take the time to review as many of the bus routes from last year have changed.
For those of you who are returning and have a school-issued Chromebook or iPad, please ensure that your child brings it to school safely as we will collect them on the first day they return.
The Our Lady of Grace CES website will be updated on a continuous basis to include important news, the school calendar, school forms and highlight school events. Emails will be sent to parents via School Messenger. If you are not receiving any emails from the school please check your junk mail OR contact the office. If you don’t already, be sure to follow us on Twitter @OLG_YCDSB for the most up to date news. In the meantime, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to send me an email to fabrizio.grossi@ycdsb.ca or visit the board website for our Re-Entry Procedures and Safety Protocols.
Yours in Catholic Education
Mr. F. Grossi