October News
Bath Public School 2020
Halloween Spirit day
This has been a challenging year for our children and the “fun stuff” that would normally occur just has not been able to happen in a way we would like. The COVID-adaptive guidelines around Halloween have been evolving and as a staff we have discussed plans for a safe Halloween Spirit day. We are looking forward to seeing our students dressed in Black and Orange (costumes optional) on Friday October 30th. There are a few things to consider should students choose to wear costumes. We would ask that students come dressed in their costume for the day as we have limited capacity in the bathrooms for changing, and please leave all accessories that may accompany costumes at home. Also, Halloween masks will not be permitted…a COVID mask is best for this Halloween.
Although we appreciate the generosity and kindness of our families, this year we are unable to have students bring in treats from home to share with their class. This includes both packaged items and baked goods. Thank you for your understanding. How ever you choose to recognize Halloween this year, please be safe and have fun!
Opt in/Opt out
This school year, students and families in the Limestone District School Board have the option of choosing to opt in or opt out of in-person or virtual school to accommodate their individual needs and circumstances.
Families were required to express their interest in changing from one model of learning to another as early as possible to ensure the board could adhere to staff collective agreements and class sizes set by the Ministry of Education.
At the elementary level, the board conducted a reorganization in late September to adequately staff our in-school and virtual classrooms. Since then, we have had additional families express an interest to move their students from in-person school to the LDSB Virtual School. Currently, some students remain on a wait list for the virtual school. In other cases, families have opted to return to the classroom.
Elementary students: Elementary families who wish to move students from in-person to remote learning or remote learning to in-person learning, must provide notice by October 29, 2020 at 3 p.m. To do this, families must contact their student’s home school. Once numbers are known, staffing will be arranged with class start up scheduled for the week of November 9, 2020.
While efforts will be made to accommodate requests for a change, families should expect that they might need to be wait-listed if they change their minds due to capacity challenges at their current school. Families who are currently on the wait list will be accommodated first. While we will endeavour to make another formal opportunity to move between learning models, it is important that families understand we cannot guarantee another opportunity to switch between modes of learning later this school year. If we can do so, it would occur mid-winter.
The board appreciates everyone’s patience and understanding as we work through these changes because of COVID-19. As indicated, we also want to assure families and students that we are prepared to transition students to online learning (not Virtual School) should a class or school be required to close or self-isolate for a period of time due to COVID-19.
COVID-19 Daily Active Screening Tool
All students must continue to perform a daily self-assessment for symptoms of COVID-19. It is still critical that students do not come to school or go on a school bus if they have any of the COVID-19 symptoms. We appreciate that our families are diligently following this process. Please see the list of symptoms and a screening tool released by The Government of Ontario.
We highly recommend that you book mark and use the link below to guide your decision making.
Grade 7 Immunization Clinics
Dress Purple Day
School Photos coming soon!
Outside Play
DRESS FOR THE WEATHER
Classes continue to go outside for learning most days. All Physical Education classes are outdoors and classes try to spend some extra learning time outside. Students should come prepared for outside time each day. As the weather gets chilly, it will be important for them to have hats/mitts and warm coats. Please let the school know if you require assistance with winter clothing.
IMPORTANT: Rainy Days
Before school and at recess, unless it is raining hard or there is lightning and thunder, students will be outside. Raincoats with hoods and splash pants are highly recommended. Before school, we stay outside because it is very important to follow our staggered entry plan to keep class cohorts separated and ensure hand washing upon entry into the school. At recess, we hope to get children outside because indoor recess options for most classes require students to stay in their desk area with limited indoor recess activity options due to COVID safety protocols.
We have appreciated everyone's assistance as we implement these new safety practices. We are all in this together!
Loyalist Township Public Transportation Survey
Bath PS School Advisory Council (SAC)
Co-Chairs: Tracy MacVicar/Cheryl Livingston
Secretary: OPEN
Treasurer: Shawna Greyling
Community Rep: Elaine Donaldson
Members at Large: Jacqueline Cote (OPEN)
We are still waiting for a few key roles to be filled within parent council. If you are interested, please reach out to Shawna Greyling – shawna.greyling@gmail.com to discuss a role you may be willing to fill. Everyone is welcome at the meetings and we encourage you to come out to lend your voice and your support to this dynamic group of Council Executives. Our next virtual meeting will be on Monday, November 16th at 6:30pm. If you are interested in receiving the meeting link please email the school.
Indigo SAC Fundraiser
5% from purchases and 15% from any gift card purchases goes back to the school! Have a sibling or parent that is hard to shop for? Get them a book! Please help support our school.
School Spirit Wear
Coming Up
Oct 30: Halloween Spirit Day Orange/Black day (costumes optional)
Nov. Indigenous Education Month
Nov. 11 Virtual Remembrance Day Assembly
Nov 16-20: Bullying Prevention Week
Nov 16 SAC meeting 6:30
Nov 20 Progress Reports go Home