Covid Update, Monday, January 3rd

Parents,

I am just writing to give an update as we prepare to welcome the children of health care workers only on Tuesday, January 4th for the first stage of the “phased restart” of schools in the midst of the current Covid outbreak.

The “phased restart” is meant to serve a few purposes while supporting the needs of health care workers.  While the children on site will be cared for by a professional and dedicated team of teachers and educational assistants, classroom teachers and administrative staff will be busy reviewing & implementing covid protocols and preparing for the possibility of “functional closures” and subsequent online learning due to covid outbreaks and staffing shortages.  Rest assured, we will have contingency plans in place to provide continuous learning to students regardless of the circumstances.

A lot has been made in the news of ventilation in schools. I want to assure you that the HVAC systems sought after by the BCTF (of which we are not members) and so many parents in the province are already in place at Star of the Sea School. MERV-13 air filters in each individual classroom were refreshed over Christmas Break.

Masks will continue to be required in schools for the foreseeable future. Please try to have a stockpile of them at hand when your child returns to school on January 10th.

Under the new restrictions, parents and outside visitors are not permitted to enter the school. If you need to talk to a staff member or drop off items at the school, please call ahead to make arrangements.

I have a meeting with our Superintendent’s Office tomorrow and may learn more. I will share details throughout the week on our school website and will email you once again on Thursday, January 6th.

It is my hope and expectation that schools will resume their full function again on Monday, January 10th. I look forward to welcoming you and your children back then. In the meantime, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me by email or by phone at the school office.

Please be assured of my continued prayers for your health and safety.

Sincerely,

Mr. Jason Borkowski

Principal