February 6th, 2021
Welcome Back!
I am sure that is with a range of emotions that students and staff approach our return back to the Adaptive/Hybrid model this coming Monday, Feb. 8th. Since the Winter Break, it has been a small team of staff on site, along with our students in our ACE classrooms, while everyone else has been working from home. We have missed you and are looking forward to getting back! Know that all of the safety protocols that you have been following and that have served us all well remain in effect, along with the following adjustments:
- Though students and staff have been doing a daily self-screening process since our return in September, all of us are required by the Ministry to verify having done so each day. So, once you have done the daily self screen (Ontario Daily Covid Self-Screen) before coming to school and have gotten the green “Go to School” message, either take a quick screenshot of the image/leave the confirmation open on your browser so you can show your teacher at the start of your class. If the result of the screening is red/states not to attend school, follow the directions from the website. Tip: Add the self screen to the homescreen of a device/bookmark the site so it is handy for you for quick access each morning.
Note: If you can’t find the green verification from that morning once you get into class, you will be able to quickly redo your self-assessment.
I view the intent of a daily self-screening as a good opportunity to do a bit of mindful reflection each morning. It is reassuring as it offers me a daily “reality check” of how I am doing as I answer the basic questions each day. Knowing that I must “verify” having done so ensures that I engage in that reflection each day. It is very much like logging any activity that I aspire to improve upon (e.g. like a workout). Eventually, that good practice becomes automatic. As for the verification process, please know that we expect this process to change and are waiting for completion of a student portal that will allow you to send us your results each morning, which should make it a bit easier and straightforward. Stay tuned!
2. Mask wearing. You have been doing an outstanding job in wearing your masks indoors and only removing them to consume food/drink. From my observation before and after school is that many students also wear their masks outdoors and while in the company of friends. I know that, by the end of the day, many wish to remove the mask immediately. That is understandable: We get that. Encourage your peers to adopt outside mask-wearing as a consistent practice, especially when with others, and continue to model good practice. It is much appreciated.
Remember:
- Entry doors open at 8:15 am. First Floor classes enter via Door #1 (by the back portables); Second Floor classes enter via Door #2 (the closest door by Laurelwood Drive) and Third Floor classes enter via Door #3 (entrance by the back parking lots).
- Monday, Feb. 8th – Wednesday, Feb. 10th sees Cohort A for Period 1 onsite, while Cohort B is at home. From Thursday, Feb. 11 – Wednesday, Feb. 17th, Cohort B is onsite for Period 1 and Cohort A is at home. Here is the link to the schedule for Quads 3 and 4.
Each and every day, as I witness the care that our students and staff display for each other and for themselves in following all of the ever-changing protocols, I am humbled and impressed. As we navigate our way through this pandemic, know you are resilient and outstanding in your efforts. I am honoured to be your Principal and to be a part of this school community.
See you soon and stay warm!
Ms. Collis
Categories: News
