BTPS Weekly Update
November 29 - December 3, 2021
Superintendent's Memo - Monday, November 29, 2021
Hi Team,
Welcome to the week where December starts. I wonder if anyone else is wondering when that Christmas decorating and shopping will get done! This should never sneak up on me but it does seem to every year.
Schools are busy planning their virtual Christmas concerts and activities for the month. Thank you to all staff who continue to volunteer and put in the extra hours with students. The pandemic continues to add challenges and your efforts are very much appreciated.
Last week was Education Worker Week and our Senior Leadership Team wants to do a huge shoutout to all of our BTPS staff! Your resiliency and perseverance continues to shine. We are so proud of our staff as every day you are all amazing.
Our November News from the Board is posted here.
Take care and enjoy the week,
Rhae-Ann
#NationalGratitudeMonth #BTPSTogether
International Travel
As we head into winter months and travel has opened up a bit, please remember that when returning to work, all conditions imposed by the Minister of Health must be adhered to.
If you are traveling with children, be aware that unvaccinated children less than 12 years of age who enter Canada are unable to attend school, camp or daycare for 14 days upon return.
Staff need to be aware of the potential risks at the places they are travelling to that could cause challenges in their ability to return to work. While the Collective Agreement provides sick leave for those who are sick, regardless of where they become ill, it does not provide pay for those who are not sick. A member who is not sick, but is nonetheless held up by protocols outside of their control, cannot access sick leave.
COVID-19 vaccines for 5-11 year olds – important information for families
Dear colleagues:
As you are aware, Health Canada has approved Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5-11. Yesterday, Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health announced that Albertans can book appointments beginning at 8 a.m. today. You can watch the news conference here.
This is exciting news—as vaccines are highly effective and proven to protect Albertans and communities from COVID-19. The Canadian Pediatric Society is recommending that all eligible children get vaccinated against COVID-19.
Appointments for children aged 5 to 11 can be booked through the Alberta Vaccine Booking system, or by calling Health Link at 811. Appointments will be available primarily at Alberta Health Services clinics around the province as of November 26. Vaccines will not be available in schools at this time.
Parent or guardian consent is required for children to get their vaccine, and it can be provided either in-person at the vaccine appointment or by a signed consent form. Parents and guardians are encouraged to seek out reliable and factual information to inform their decisions on vaccines for their children. We appreciate your support in sharing accurate information with families in your school communities.
The following information may be helpful:
· Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health letter to parents (November 24, 2021)
· Government of Alberta – Vaccine myths and facts and information on vaccines for children
· AHS COVID-19 Immunization for Children Under 12
· Health Canada – COVID-19 vaccines for children: What you need to know (also in French)
All public health guidelines, including physical distancing, practicing good hand hygiene, masking when in public and staying home when sick remain in effect. It is important to continue to protect one another during this time.
As always, thank you for your support in sharing information with your school communities. If you have any questions or concerns, please email educationcovidguidance@gov.ab.ca.
Sincerely,
Kindy Joseph
Assistant Deputy Minister,
Program and System Support Division
Homewood Health
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Mental Health Helpline
Buffalo Trail Public Schools
Email: central_office@btps.ca
Website: www.btps.ca
Location: 1041 10A Street, Wainwright, AB, Canada
Phone: 780-842-6144
Twitter: @BTPS28