Parent Peek at the Week
Week of May 31st, 2021
Important Dates
Did you know.....that the day of the cycle (days 1 to 5) is always listed beside the date in the calendar below. That way you never have to go searching to find out what "day" it is!
Monday, May 31st - Day 2
- Please wear orange in support of the 215 children found at the Kamloops Indian Residential School (see below)
Tuesday, June 1st - Day 3
Wednesday, June 2nd - Day 4
Thursday, June 3rd- Day 5
Friday, June 4th - Day 1
Upcoming Dates:
- June 7th: School Council Meeting
- June 8th: Domino's Pizza Night (yes - another one!)
- June 11th: PA Day
Show support - wear orange
Who is teaching what in September 2021?!
I've had several emails this past week inquiring about this exact topic. What I can tell you is that the staffing process is ongoing. For those that are sharing they have "heard" who is teaching what - I'd love their sharing partner to let me know too! We are continuing to post some positions, interview and hire for others, while still our numbers shift and change with new enrollment, students leaving for other schools and the unknown of the Virtual Elementary School.
Please continue to have patience with us. Once we have a staffing organization that is able to be shared - I will!
Just a little reminder that especially in our current times, all teaching assignments are tentative and subject to change. Another little reminder that while I appreciate you may have connections with one teacher or another, I am unable to take requests for your child or children to be placed with a favourite teacher. Stay tuned for information as soon as we can share!
Transition to Crestwood Intermediate
This is the second year that our students will be transitioning to Crestwood Intermediate instead of James Strath P.S. I know some of our Grade 4 and 5 families have begun to think about this transition too. For your interest here is a little video tour, done by Ms. Jones, to give you a "taste" of what it is like at this great school:
https://drive.google.com/u/0/uc?id=12WEDYwe8jKqsogqaCWWm4MgnVmN-I4Mc&export=download
Can we help?
If your family would benefit from a grocery voucher or gift card, please just email me. All emails will be kept strictly confidential. In addition, please see the calendar below of local food bank times.
We're only a call, email or message away. Please reach out if you need us!
Summer Fun Program Guide
Please see the attached information regarding summer activities available for children and families this summer. Activities range from beaches and wading pools , free programs in local parks to sport and day camps offered at the Peterborough Museum, Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre and Peterborough Naval Association.
Daily Online Screening
Just a little reminder to please ensure you complete the COVID screener daily with each of your children. If one of your children does not pass, everyone must stay home. Then follow the instructions on your screen. The screener can be found at: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/. If you would like a paper copy of the screener, please see the attachment below.
From the Board Office.....
KPR NEWS
You may have heard reports that the government would be announcing a date “very soon” for students’ return to in-person learning. While we are aware of these reports, we have not received any information from the Ministry of Education on a date for schools to reopen.
When provincial education and health authorities direct schools to reopen, KPR will be ready and able to do so; however, we have not received any information to that effect. As soon as we receive news on the matter, we will share it with everyone.
Youth Vaccinations For 12 and Up
Health Canada has authorized use of the Pfizer vaccine for ages 12 and up. Ontarians aged 12-17 are now able to book an appointment for a first dose of the vaccine. Some local health units also will hold special “youth and families” clinics. Details on booking vaccinations in our public health regions are available here.
To help you make informed decisions, the province has developed the attached fact sheet, based on expert medical advice and scientific data. It covers key areas including vaccine safety and effectiveness for youth, and the importance of vaccination.
The government also has a dedicated webpage outlining how to book and prepare for a vaccination appointment. It outlines the province’s plan for youth vaccinations, answers questions about safety and effectiveness, and provides links to external sites for more information.
Secondary Quadmesters in 2021-22
The quadmester system will continue in KPR high schools for the coming school year, as directed by the Ministry of Education, to limit the number of student-to-student contacts.
The 2021-22 school year will be divided into four quadmesters, with high school students taking two courses at a time: one in the morning, and one in the afternoon. This differs from the current quadmester model, which has students taking each of two courses one week at a time, on alternating weeks. The change to two classes a day follows consultation with students and staff.
This schedule will apply to all KPR high schools, including the Virtual High School. If required by public health officials to further reduce student contacts, schools will be able to adapt this model, or even pivot to other modes of learning.
The Ministry of Education will communicate further with school boards in the summer regarding back-to-school safety measures such as masking, handwashing, cohorting for school clubs and extra-curricular activities, and screening. KPR will share any further direction received from the province with students, families and staff, as soon as possible.