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Dear Parents and Guardians,
I wanted to take a moment to connect with you all. In these unprecedented times, we are working hard as a school to find a way to support you and your children while you are at home. I am incredibly proud of how quickly and professionally the John Muir team has reacted in this time of crisis. They have been creating learning activities and opportunities for our students as well as assessing how to best meet everyone’s needs all while working from home. A couple of weeks ago we had never had a meeting ‘on-line’ and now we do it all the time. This has been a steep learning curve for all of us, and for you as well, I am sure.
You can look forward to the learning plans starting between now and next week. Not all teachers will be starting at exactly the same time but everyone will be ready fairly soon.
Please refer to our school or district website regarding any information about COVID 19 protocols.
I wish everyone patience and kindness in this crazy time. Please see letter from our district counsellors.
Thank you,
Merci, Hych’ka, Kleco Kleco
Gilakas’la, Marsee
Cory Meausette
Principal,John Muir Elementary
A message from your District Elementary Counselling Team: April 3, 2020
Dear Parents, Guardians and Students,
Please know that we are thinking of you at this very unusual, challenging time and are working hard to identify strategies for support and effective platforms for continued communication with you and your kids. We are here to help.
We realize that many of you are facing numerous challenges due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. In addition to having your routines disrupted, possible confinement to your homes and the ongoing uncertainty about the immediate future, resulting in questions regarding your child’s social, academic and emotional health. There are also many families dealing with health issues and financial worries. This can all create significant emotional distress for you and your kids.
As these ever-changing days can give rise to a variety of emotions, we would encourage you to limit your child’s exposure to the news and to develop simple (and fun) routines for everyone. This can help kids to feel a sense of safety, stability and comfort.
Here are some links with some helpful suggestions. Of course, each of your home situations are unique so please adapt and create a new “normal” that fits best for you and your families.
http://www.bcchildrens.ca/about/news-stories/stories/talking-to-children-about-covid-19-2
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/education/administration/kindergarten-to-grade-12/safe-caring-orderly/mental-well-being-information-resources.pdf
We will also be posting a list of community resources throughout next week.
In the interim, please email your school counselor, classroom teacher or principal if you have any questions, are interested in additional resources or would like to connect. We are in this together and miss seeing your kids!
We appreciate your patience as we work as quickly as possible in getting back to you.
Thank you,
Charmaine Campbell (John Muir School Counsellor) chcampbell@sd62.bc.ca
Dear Families,
I would like to start by thanking you for your patience and calm during this unprecedented global health crisis. We are thinking of those who are self-isolating and applaud everyone for being mindful of social distancing as this situation around COVID-19 continues to evolve. This is new territory for all of us and we appreciate your support as we continually assess the implications for our learning community.
Following the provincial government announcement that all schools in British Columbia will suspend in-class instruction until further notice, we are working on plans for the continuation of services and programming and exploring alternative methods to provide instruction as much as possible.
We understand that families have many questions and we are committed to helping you find the answers. In the meantime, we have compiled some resources for you to hopefully ease the anxiety you and your children may be feeling in these uncertain times.
First and foremost, your children are top of mind. We encourage you to talk with them about the current situation. Here are some websites that we hope are helpful.
- KIDS and COVID-19 QA: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/coronavirus-(novel)#For–schools–and–childcare
- CBC Kids along with the Provincial Health Office produced a kid-centric Q and A video about COVID-19:https://www.cbc.ca/kidsnews/post/watch-coronavirus-facts-versus-fiction
The provincial government has produced an online self-assessment tool as well as a new website that is meant to be a hub with up-to-date non-clinical information on COVID-19.
British Columbians can also use the new provincial phone service by calling 1-888-COVID19, available seven days a week from 7:30AM to 8PM, with information available in over 110 languages.
The Ministries of Health and Education provide updates daily on the provincial government website. You can access them here.
We want to remind you that when we return from Spring Break schools will be closed to in-school instruction and we ask that you not enter them at that time. As we continue to work with the Ministry of Education on how we will support our students and staff while shifting the way we deliver education, we ask for your patience. It will not happen overnight, we won’t have plans ready to share on the first day back, but we will have answers soon.
We understand the importance of communication and will be providing families updates via email, social media and our District website, www.sd62.bc.ca.
Finally, we ask that families take all necessary precautions to stay healthy.
Given that the Provincial Health Officer has advised against taking children to playgrounds, we are asking parents to adhere to this directive and not use school district playgrounds at this time. Going for a walk with your family is a great way to get fresh air and stay active.
While we are physically distancing ourselves, we must continue to support each other. Whether it is a phone call, email or text message, please check in on one another.
Wishing you good health,
Scott Stinson, Superintendent of Schools
Our Strong Start hours are:
STRONG START IS CLOSED UNTIL FUTHER NOTICE
Monday, Thursday, and Friday 9:15am – 12:15pm
Tuesday and Wednesday 12:15pm – 3:15pm
For instant updates and information posts, please follow us on social media:
- Facebook: School District #62
- Twitter: @SD62_Sooke
We will also post to the SD62 Website: http://www.sd62.bc.ca/
Thanks for taking the time to look through this,
SD62 Communications Team
Newsletter September 2019
With the outbreak of measles in Vancouver, BC, families may be wondering what steps they can take to protect themselves from measles. Vaccination is the best method of protection. All school-age children and adults born in 1970 or later should have 2 doses of MMR vaccine for full protection. Most people born before 1970 are immune to measles because of past exposure or disease.
Please take some time to check your vaccination records to see if you or your children need additional vaccination. Vaccination is available from physicians, pharmacists (for adults and children over 5 years), and public health units (for children). Call ahead to your healthcare provider to ensure that MMR is available at your appointment.
If you have any questions or would like more information about measles and MMR vaccine, please visit healthlinkbc.ca and immunizebc.ca.
Skate for Food Allergies Fundraiser
2019 BC Youth Chess Championship
Juan de Fuca Skating Club Ice Show