Since in-person learning resumed a few weeks ago, it has been wonderful to see the teaching and learning occurring in schools. While some families have opted for virtual school for the balance of this school year, and some families have chosen to remain linked to their classroom and continue with short-term virtual before returning to in-person learning, the vast majority of Limestone students are back in classes. I think we can all agree that schools provide a critical space for children and youth to support their learning, social connections, routine, and their well-being. I have a number of updates I would like to share with families.
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While provincial masking requirements remain in place on all student transportation and inside schools, KFL&A Public Health has lifted the requirement for masking outdoors when students are in cohorts. The outdoor requirement was put in place in the fall when our region saw a dramatic increase in COVID cases.
- Black History Month provides us with the opportunity to recognize and learn about the achievements and contributions of Black Canadian changemakers. While the month of February is officially identified for this, schools and classrooms embed learning of past and present and future Black Canadian leaders throughout the year. We are particularly proud of our partnership this year with Kingston Frontenac Public Library offering a variety of exciting opportunities for students and families. More information on some of these activities can be found https://bit.ly/BrittB_Feb2022 and https://bit.ly/3Gs9X1z
- We have obviously experienced several inclement weather days in the past couple of weeks. This information will be posted/shared in most cases by 6:00 AM. As a reminder, on inclement weather days when schools remain open, families need to provide transportation to/from school, and cohorts may have to be combined on these days. Where possible, mixed cohorts will be moved to larger spaces in the school to allow for some spacing.
- We are currently in the process of planning for the 2022-2023 school year. Limestone will continue to offer elementary and secondary virtual schools next year. In the coming weeks we will be sharing a survey with elementary families to indicate their desire for a virtual option. Classes will be organized based on the numbers of students/families indicating this is what they would like for next year. Secondary families interested in a virtual option can contact Secondary Virtual School directly to register for the next school year by calling 613-542-7369 or emailing [email protected]
- Based on family circumstances tied to Public Health COVID self-isolation requirements, students or families experiencing an emergent need for short-term remote learning are encouraged to connect with their school(s) and educators. Schools will also be reaching out to ensure continuity of learning. The ongoing need to offer the option of short-term remote learning will continue to be assessed moving into the coming weeks.
- Additional Rapid Antigen Test kits are available in schools for students to take home if they are exhibiting symptoms at school or who have ‘screened out’ resulting in an unplanned absence from school. Please connect with your child’s/children’s school(s) if this is the case.
- Screening for symptoms on a daily basis remains critical at this point.
- Public Health authorities continue to emphasize the importance of vaccinations to protect children ineligible to receive vaccinations and those members of the community who are more vulnerable to COVID. Information about local clinics can be found https://bit.ly/3GzRmQW
- A return-to-train model started in the past couple of weeks to allow extracurricular athletics to resume by having teams practice. Given the importance of these activities, we are very pleased we will see a full return to play that will allow all inter-school competitions to resume in our region next week.
- With the end of quadmester two at secondary and term one at elementary, report cards will be shared with students/families in the near future.
- Thank you to everyone who provided input for the 2022-2023 school year calendar. Once the calendar has been approved by trustees, and confirmed by the Ministry of Education, we will promptly share the information.
I will continue to keep families informed of the most up-to-date information as we navigate this pandemic and the challenges it brings. Thank you for your continued patience and efforts to support your children and youth. While the pandemic continues to present challenges, the teaching and learning, daily routine, and social connections that are occurring is of critical importance for all students.