Fairfield Elementary School
Remote Learning Update & Newsletter April 18, 2021
Update on Virtual Learning
Dear Families,
Staff will be in touch with families/students on Monday April 19th with plans for asynchronous activities and moving into a combination of synchronous and asynchronous learning for students by Tuesday, as directed by the Ministry of Education. We began to prepare for the possibility of a pivot to remote learning before the break as we started collecting information about students requiring devices. Thank you to those families who have already indicated that you require a device. So far we have almost 80 devices ready for pickup. If your circumstances have changed and you require technology to access learning, please email the school at frfld@limestone.on.ca or call the school at 613-389-2636 and we will be happy to help you. Device allocation will be today, Sunday April 18th from 4-6pm.
We understand that the pivot to remote learning is both challenging and difficult for students and families. We also know that virtual learning is not ideal for all learners. We are here to assist you and know that together, we will be able to support your children through this phase of their learning. If you require any support throughout remote learning, please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s teacher. We truly appreciate everyone’s patience, support and perseverance as we once again make this transition.
Please lean on each other and your school community - we really are in this together. We look forward to seeing everyone online, and eventually in person.
-Hilda Barret (VP) & Deborah Thompson (P)
Frequently Asked Questions
What should we expect on Monday, April 19th 2021?
- Fairfield Elementary School staff will meet virtually on Monday morning to finalize details regarding our transition to our remote learning plan.
- Educators will contact all students/families to verify that LDSB student logins work from home and that students can access virtual platforms (Google Classroom or Microsoft Teams).
- Educators will post asynchronous learning tasks for students to access and will provide a schedule for the week that will incorporate asynchronous and synchronous learning periods.
- Planning time subject teachers will coordinate with homeroom teachers to develop the schedule for the week and to share access to learning links from the homeroom platform.
- If you have any additional questions or requests, please contact your child's teacher or the office.
- More information about the LDSB pivot to remote learning can be found HERE.
How do I borrow a device from the school?
- Devices will be deployed today, Sunday April 18th from 4pm-6pm.
- If you now require a device for a student in your home, please email or call the school as soon as possible. We will have devices ready for families to pick up today but must have information from families in advance of pick up.
- Connection instructions and IT support information is linked below for easy access. How to Connect with a Chromebook; Fair Notice Agreement
What if I don't hear from my child's teacher?
What About Students with Special Needs?
What If My Child is Not Going to Be Participating in Remote Learning on a Given Day?
1. Toll-free telephone
- Call 1-855-257-9349 toll-free to report an absence using the automated phone system.
2. School Messenger App
- Use your mobile device to download and install the free SchoolMessenger blue app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store, the SchoolMessenger website portal, or from within the LDSB mobile app.
- The first time you use the app, you must select Sign Up to create your account. Please ensure you use the same email address your student’s school has on file. If you do not use that same email address, you will not be able to create an account, or may not be able to see the "Attendance" option. You may have already created an account when we introduced the Communicate broadcast system.
- Select Attendance, then select Report an Absence and follow the prompts.
- Visit the SchoolMessenger website portal.
- The first time you use the app, you must select Sign Up to create your account. Please ensure you use the same email address your student’s school has on file. If you do not use that same email address, you will not be able to create an account, or may not be able to see the "Attendance" option. You may have already created an account when we introduced the Communicate broadcast system.
- Select Attendance, then Report an Absence and follow the prompts.
How Can I Best Stay Informed?
I've Heard there is Asymptomatic Covid Testing for Students Available?
ALERTS ASYMPTOMATIC COVID TESTING AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS
Students are invited to participate in voluntary asymptomatic testing (no symptoms) for COVID-19 during designated times. Families must book appointments for students using the assessment centre’s existing booking process (online or by telephone). Walk-ins are not permitted. Parent/guardian consent is required for testing of students under the age of 18. This testing is only for students, staff and bus drivers who DO NOT have COVID-19 symptoms.
Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 must self-isolate and get tested for COVID-19 at a Community Assessment Centre. Learn more at https://bit.ly/LDSBAsymptomaticTesting
Amherstview Foodland Supports Fairfield ES
Rain Barrels - LAST DAY TO ORDER IS TUESDAY APRIL 20th
All orders are online! Pick up is at Fairfield ES on Friday April 23rd from 3:30pm-5:00pm. Please note: Rain barrels must be picked up this day as we do not have storage for them.
Kindergarten Registration
Welcome to Kindergarten in Limestone. This is an exciting time for both you and your student. Kindergarten is a wonderful experience and your student’s next phase on their journey of learning.
Kindergarten programs in Ontario offer a full day of learning for four- and five-year-olds. Our Kindergarten program aims to nurture the whole child. In Kindergarten classrooms, a teacher and an early childhood educator work together as a team. This partnership helps to create a nurturing learning environment; giving every student the opportunity to learn in the way that is best suited to their individual strengths and needs.
We recognize this year has been different due to COVID-19, and we have learned a great deal from our experiences these past months. We are proud of the way our students and staff have responded to these challenges, and we continue to work closely with our partners at KFL&A Public Health to ensure health and safety protocols are in place and appropriate. The health and safety of students and staff is our priority.
You can feel confident your student will be cared for within safe and inclusive environments.
Fairfield Elementary School is ready to welcome your student to a wonderful new world of learning and growing. We very much look forward to meeting you and supporting you as you become part of the Limestone community.
If your student is 4 or 5 by the end of December, now is the time to register.
- Discover Kindergarten in Limestone
- Required documents & additional online registration information
Plantables Fundraiser
Help us raise money for our school and fill your garden with Ontario grown fruits and veggies. Choose from single plants or kits that are shipped right to your door.
Here’s how it works
1. Go to www.plantables.ca
2. Choose from a variety of plants for your garden
3. Use the Code FalconsPlantables at check out.
Please share this information with family, friends and coworkers. Thank you for supporting Fairfield Elementary!
FlipGive - An Easy Way to Support FES
The FES School Council is launching an ongoing fundraiser for the school. It is easy to join in, it is FREE for you, and you can support the school all year long with no extra cost to you.
We earn cash back on purchases made when you start your shopping using the FlipGive app or on the FlipGive website. Think about things you usually purchase, like groceries or birthday gifts. There is a long list of brands to choose from and you can shop for items and/or gift cards. A percentage of each shopping “trip” will be donated back to the school.
Join our “team” now and you’ll get a $5 bonus the first time you shop:
https://flipgive.app.link/teams/join?joincode=X7J9DX
Or
enter this code: X7J9DX
It’s completely virtual and contactless. Feel free to share this information with the online shoppers in your life. Any questions, just ask! Many thanks from the FES School Council.
Mental Health Supports
YOUTH HUB
Contact 613-308-9338 or email youthhubnapanee@kchc.ca.
FOOD SHARE PROGRAM
We continue to get support from the Food Share program. If your family is struggling, please reach out to the school and we will connect you with support from our local Food Share Program for bi-weekly deliveries to your home.
ONLINE RESOURCES
Kids Help Phone – Children and youth can contact Kids Help Phone 24/7 from anywhere in Canada, via phone, text or online chat.
Wellness Together Canada: Mental Health and Substance Use Support – Provides free online resources, tools, apps and connections to trained volunteers and qualified mental health professionals when needed
Anxiety Canada - Free online, self-help, and evidence-based resources on anxiety, including resources specific to COVD-19.
Government Support for Learners
The new COVID-19 Child Benefit announced in the 2021 Ontario Budget will provide direct payments to families and students to help with additional costs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
If you received a payment through the Support for Learners program, you do not need to apply.
Starting on April 26, 2021, we will begin issuing additional payments of:
- $400 for each child or youth up to Grade 12
- $500 for each child or youth up to age 21 with special needs
If you missed applying for the Support for Learners program, you will have the opportunity to apply for this new round of payment. Applications will open from May 3, 2021 to May 17, 2021. Learn more on the government’s Support for Learners webpage.
Need a Book to Read? Check out Sora!
Stay Up-To-Date with LDSB Social Media
Fairfield ES Twitter https://twitter.com/fesfalcons_ldsb?lang=en
Fairfield ES Website https://fairfield.limestone.on.ca/
LDSB Website https://www.limestone.on.ca/
LDSB Twitter https://twitter.com/LimestoneDSB
LDSB Facebook https://tinyurl.com/wbhjtku
LDSB Instagram https://instagram.com/limestonedsb?igshid=1epyma6c0g5qd
Fairfield Elementary School
Email: frfld@limestone.on.ca
Website: fairfield.limestone.on.ca
Location: 59 Kildare Avenue, Amherstview, ON, Canada
Phone: 613-389-2636