Dear Parents/Guardians,
As we prepare for the return of students on Monday January 17th, we ask that you take the time to review the following. We understand that these are very trying times for everyone. I thank you for your patience and understanding these last few weeks.
A parent communication email was sent on Friday, January 14 entitled Covid-19 Update for Families Attending School in York Region. Please review this document as it contains important information for the return to in-person learning. As information is subject to change, please continue to check your emails frequently for updates from the YCDSB and Our Lady of Grace CES. Please see below for a breakdown of some key points:
- Updated Public Health Screening: As York Region Public Health is no longer actively managing cases and dismissing cohorts, daily screening for students and staff is more important than ever. Screening must be completed daily using the most recent COVID-19 school and child care screening tool.
Parents/guardians must not send children to school if they are showing any symptoms of COVID-19.
Students are asked to complete the screening each day and bring the YCDSB Student COVID-19 Daily Screening Confirmation back to school each day.
- NEW Masking is required for ALL students, Kindergarten to Grade 8, as per York Region Public Health mandate:
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- All students from Kindergarten to Grade 8 will be required to wear a mask at school (recommendation is a three-layer well fitted mask);
- Although masking is not required while outdoors, students may do so if they choose to;
- Please send extra masks, as they may become wet or soiled during the day.
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- Rapid Antigen Testing: Prior to the Christmas break, the Ministry of Education provided one (1) box of Rapid Antigen Tests for each student attending school in-person. If families still have some of these tests remaining, they are encouraged to use them for students before returning to school on Monday, and to stay home if the student receives a positive test result. More information about rapid antigen tests will be shared once it becomes available.
- Option for Temporary Remote Learning: Thank you to all families who filled out the Google Form indicating that you will be selecting the option for temporary remote learning. Classroom teachers have been notified of your choice. If you have selected this option, classroom teachers will provide live synchronous learning in Math, Religion and Language through their virtual classrooms. They will also post asynchronous work for all other subjects and will check in with students from time to time during the school day to support their learning. These check-ins will also take place through the teacher’s virtual classroom.
- Device Return: For those students who borrowed devices, and are returning to in person learning on Monday, please bring your devices back with you on Monday. Please ensure that you are also bringing the charger back. For those families who borrowed a device and are choosing to stay online, you may keep the device, as needed.
- Inclement Weather Days: As we return to school during the winter months, there may be days when our school transportation is suspended due to weather conditions. In such cases, schools will be closed and students are to work from home on tasks that were previously assigned or they are to review course content previously delivered. For more details please click HERE
Have a wonderful week everyone.
F. Grossi