Dundana Update to Families – August 28th

Hello again, Dundana families!

As you have probably seen in both the media and via board messaging, there is a lot of work being done right now to get our schools ready to open, with new safety procedures and protocols.  Next week, Dundana staff will be training on these new protocols and I will also be sharing more detailed operations plans specific to Dundana by Wednesday, September 2 on this website.

Additionally, all schools will be given direction next week around any re-organization of classes or assignment changes for educators.  Usually we only go through the re-organization process at the end of September.  However, this year comes with it’s own challenges, including new requirements from the Ministry of Education, new mandates passed by HWDSB Trustees earlier this week on class averages for Kindergarten and grades 4 to 8, and new school-based registration numbers after some families have opted for remote instruction at this time.

Re-organization before school even begins poses some benefits, but also some challenges.  On the positive side, it will allow us to even out classes in terms of number of students to ensure your child is in the smallest class cohort we can provide.  Unfortunately, to do this, it may mean your child is assigned to a class/teacher that you weren’t expecting.  We also can’t guarantee your child will be in a class with particular friends and, as always, requests will not be accepted requesting specific teachers.  If your child’s class assignment changes, you will be notified prior to their first day of (staggered) attendance.  Continue to watch the board website for updates on the staggered start calendar for more information about that.

Thank you to all of the families who were able to persevere through the Parent Portal bumps in the road to log your choice for September learning for your child:  in person attendance or remote learning.  This information will be sent to the school next week.  It is very important for all families who have chosen in person attendance to fill out an attestation document PRIOR to each child’s start of school.  The attestation document is a one-time sign off by parent or guardian.  It can be done electronically via the Parent Portal.  If you are still  having difficulty accessing the portal, please contact [email protected] and it will be sent to you via email for you to complete and return.  We will not be able to admit students into the school without the attestation first being completed.

For families who are eligible for transportation but intend to decline it’s use at this time, please ensure you are declaring your intention by September 1 by filling out the form on www.hamiltonschoolbus.ca  As has been reported already, at this time all courtesy busing is paused.  We are not able to accept applications for courtesy busing at the school, nor will they be accepted at Transportation.  Families are encouraged to alternative ways for children to walk and/or ride bikes to school.

Despite everything that has occurred in the last six months, I am very eager to see students learning in Dundana School again very soon.  The staff and I will be working hard next week to get everything as ready and safe as we can for your return.  There will be more updates next week as we piece together all the most current information.