I hope you will have time to spend with family and friends as well as take some time to relax, unwind, and re-charge. I have a couple of updates and reminders to share with you:

1. On behalf of our School Council, we would like to extend a BIG thank you to all the families and community members who were able to support our MacMillan’s school fundraiser once again! We know how difficult the Pandemic has been, so the school council and school community are incredibly grateful. Together we sold $10 368 in product and the school made a profit of $3628.80. The proceeds will be going towards the purchase of new equipment for the gym for our physical education classes and DPA. Orders will be ready for pickup on Wednesday December 15th between 2pm-6pm. Families can ring the buzzer when they arrive at the school, and someone will bring their order out to them.
   
2. In January, we will be using the Daily COVID Screening Verification Log and Calendars again. The calendars will be sent home with your child(ren) on Friday, and it will need to be completed, signed, and returned on the first day back in January.  Students in grades 7 and 8 can do their screener electronically and show their teacher the green check mark if they have their own device in the morning. Then as per our policy all personal devices will need to be stored in their backpacks or lockers unless being used during instructional time with the permission and supervision of their teachers. 
   
   
3. The Ministry of Education has provided all schools with 5 rapid tests that will be sent home with students tomorrow.  We will not be demonstrating these in class.  The kits will come with instructions for how to use these at home.  Staff will ensure these kits go home in backpacks on Wednesday.  An information letter from the Board is also attached in this School Messenger communication. Please read the letter to fully understand when to use the rapid antigen screening kit. Please note that your child’s participation in this rapid antigen testing is voluntary. If your child is absent tomorrow, they can get their kit form their teacher on Thursday. Students are not required to participate to return to the classroom after the winter break. Together, with Hamilton Public Health Services, we are supporting additional action to prevent the spread of Covid-19, giving parents another tool to access volunteer testing, and further protect in-person learning. Thank you for your cooperation. If you have any questions, please contact Public Health at 905-974-9848 or visit www.hamilton.ca/coronavirus.
   
   
4. Please remember that COVID Protocols remain in effect at all HWDSB schools. These safety measures help everyone in our community (including those at home) remain safe.  Here is a summary of the safety measures at Ray Lewis:
   • Daily Screening – Compete the daily screener to determine if you are safe to come to school. Students will need to complete the screener verification calendar when they return in January and for the remainder of January and February as well.
   • Masks – Students and staff MUST wear a mask when inside the building. They can remove their masks only when eating. They also need to wear a mask outdoors when physical distancing cannot be maintained.
   • When at school, students learn and remain in their cohort/class for the instructional day.
   • At nutrition breaks, students have designated areas to move and play in.  Please remind your student that they must stay in their cohort area during nutrition break.
   • Staff and students are asked to physically distance (2metres) themselves as best they can when interacting in classrooms and hallways.
   • Each classroom is provisioned with hand sanitizer.  Students are asked to sanitize their hands when entering their learning spaces. 
     
5. This week our students have been participating in our Winter Spirit Week! We have the following days remaining:
   1. Wednesday – Ugly or Seasonal Sweater Day
   2. Thursday – Seasonal Scarf and Sock Day
   3. Friday – Pajama Day