Principal Update Oct 2

Hello,

 

Students and staff have quickly been able to get into some more regular classroom routines. While somethings are definitely different, it has been great to see students getting into class activities. This week we were able to recognize the legacy of Residential Schools with Orange Short Day and also the 40th Anniversary of the Terry Fox run. The month of October is Islamic Heritage Month in Canada and we will be incorporating activities throughout our classes this month.

 

As there is lots of information to share, I have divided the update into sections by topic.

 

Medical Screener and Symptom Procedure

The province has released a new daily screener tool which can be found at https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/

 

There has been a change in how symptoms are categorized and what follow up is needed. However, the message is still that students showing symptoms should not be coming to school or will need to be sent home if showing symptoms at school.

 

To help ensure the health and safety of all members of the Ancaster Meadow community it is important that all families pay close attention to the daily medical screener. Students showing symptoms while at school still must be moved to an isolation room awaiting pick up. Please have a plan in place to pick up students quickly during the school day if necessary.

 

Parents can contact the COVID School Support Team at Public Health at 905-974-9848 x5 if there are questions regarding symptoms and school attendance.  If needed, a COVID test can be booked online at  http://www.HamiltonCovidTest.ca

 

 

HWDSB Family Update

 

The HWDSB sent an update to families on Sept 30th. It can be found at: https://www.hwdsb.on.ca/blog/covid-19-update-to-families-26-september-30-2020/

 

Remote School and In-person school Transition

 

Parents/guardians are able to choose between remote and in-person school programs at specific times throughout the year (October, January and March). The first transition date has been delayed to November 3. This is the next step in the fall elementary reorganization process and is likely to result in changes in teachers and classes.

 

The HWDSB will collect parent/guardian choice through an optional parent survey in the Parent Portal. Only parents who want a change will need to enter a choice in the Parent Portal. If parents can’t access the Parent Portal, they can contact the school office for assistance. If we don’t hear from parents, then their child’s placement stays the same. The next opportunity to change will be after the December break.

 

The optional survey for parents will be available in the Forms section of the Parent Portal starting Monday, October 5at 9:00 a.m. The survey will close at midnight on October 12.

 

Rain procedures

 

We have had some wonderful weather to start the school year but we know that the Fall will bring some rainy days. Students should be dressed for light rain and mist as outdoor time is valued and students will be outside as much as possible.

 

In heavier rain the following changes to school routines will be in place:

• Morning: Doors open at 8:45am and students will go directly to the classroom
• Recess: During indoor recess students must be wearing a mask and be at their assigned desk
• Dismissal: Bused students will be called to the gym. Older classes will dismiss directly from their rooms early and will exit the school. Primary classes will exit a class at a time just before the dismissal bell.

 

To help maintain physical distancing, families and students will still have to walk on and off the property. Please wear coats and bring umbrellas, students cannot wait at the front doors for individual car pick up.

 

iPad Device Collection

If you were a family that received an iPad during the school closure in the spring please return the iPad to the Homeroom teacher or the Main Office. Please remember to include the charger. Next week, we will be reaching out to families directly to collect these devices that we have not received back. Thank you to the families who have already returned devices.

 

Driving and Parking Reminders

 

The school parking lot is closed during pick up and drop off times. Please remember to follow all traffic laws and local parking by-laws. Due to several instances near our front cross walk, Hamilton By-Law and Hamilton Police Services have been notified and they have indicated that they will be enforcement checks in the coming weeks.

 

Bus Information

 

There is no courtesy busing this year. Only students indicated directly by HWSTS my ride the school bus. Families have been notified directly by HWSTS about rotating cancellations. This is currently impacting our Monkey bus route.

 

Special Events and Birthdays – Class Food and Handouts

 

With the requirement to follow all the additional health protocols the school cannot have food or other handouts to celebrate birthdays and other special events. Unfortunately items brought in by students cannot be shared by others.

 

Ancaster Meadow Home & School Association

 

What is Home & School? – H&S is an independent parent-driven organization committed to promoting the welfare of children and youth at Ancaster Meadow.

We will be holding our first meeting of the 2020-2021 school year. All are welcome to attend, you must register your name and email in order to receive the Zoom meeting link. Please register by Monday to ensure you will receive a link

The meeting date is October 6th @ 6:30 pm

Follow this link to register https://forms.gle/4H9PGuJVrNJuVySWA

Join Ancaster Meadow Home & School Facebook Page

Join Parents of Ancaster Meadow Elementary School Facebook Page

Traffic Control is looking for a few helping hands that can help ensure the safety of our students within the front parking lot. If you are interested please email [email protected].

We are looking for morning (AM 8:30 – 9:10) or afternoon volunteers (PM 2:50 – 3:35)

 

 

Take care and stay safe,

Simon Goodacre, Principal