https://www.sd62.bc.ca/news-events/news/input-needed-equity-survey-0

Host Families Wanted April 2021

French Immersion Survey: The Ministry is seeking to better understand the various factors which have led to an increase in demand for French Immersion programs across the province.

Demand for French Immersion Programs in B.C. (gov.bc.ca)

Our apologies there is no Strong Start Tuesday April 27th 2021

Non Instructional Day

**EARLY DISMISSAL TIME OF 11:38 AM**

April 15th is an early dismissal day (11:38 am) and also parent-teacher conference day.  You must request an appointment to meet with a teacher before April 15th.  All conferences will be held virtually.

March 31, 2021

Dear Parents/Guardians,

During an announcement this past Monday by Dr. Bonnie Henry, new health and safety guidelines and regulations for schools were released. This update to the health and safety measures is being introduced as an extra layer of protection in response to recent increases in COVID-19 cases across the province, including Vancouver Island. Read the full release here. A summary of the changes is provided below.  We are currently updating our School Safety Plans and these updates will be available on our District Website.

Masks

Masks must now be worn at all times while indoors at school by:

• Students in Grades 4-12
• All staff
• Adult volunteers and visitors

This requirement includes while seated/standing at desks or work stations.

Please remember to send a reusable mask with your child to school each day.

Exceptions

Masks are required to be worn unless:

• A person is unable to wear a mask because they do not tolerate it (for health or behavioural reasons);
• A person is unable to put on or remove a mask without the assistance of another person;
• The mask is removed temporarily for the purposes of identifying the person wearing it;
• The mask is removed temporarily to engage in an educational activity that cannot be performed while wearing a mask (e.g. actively playing a wind instrument, high-intensity physical activity, etc.);
• A person is eating or drinking;
• A person is behind a barrier;
• A person is communicating to another person who has a disability or diverse ability (including but not limited to a hearing impairment), where visual cues, facial expressions and/or lip reading/movements are important.

On the school bus

Staff, adult volunteers and all Grades 4-12 students are required to wear a mask on the school bus.

Exceptions

The recommendation above should not apply as follows:

• To a person who is unable to wear a mask because they do not tolerate it (for health or behavioural reasons);
• To a person unable to put on or remove a mask without the assistance of another person;
• If the mask is removed temporarily for the purposes of identifying the person wearing it; or
• While eating or drinking.

Kindergarten to Grade 3 students

Primary students are encouraged to wear a mask at school and on buses, but are not required to do so.

Please remember to send a reusable mask with your child to school each day.

Implementing this new requirement

For some of our schools, mostly elementary schools, where students are not used to wearing masks indoors, staff will spend the next few days helping students to adjust to this change. Please have a conversation about these new guidelines with your children.

Places masks are not required

Students will be able to remove their masks while outside, including at recess, lunchtime and while learning outside. As the weather improves, teachers will continue to look for opportunities to move their classes outside.

Teachers will go through these updates and changes with your children and we encourage you to do the same at home.

Families and students can find up-to-date information about K-12 schools at: https://www.gov.bc.ca/safeschools

Thank you again for helping us adapt to these changes.

Sincerely,

Scott Stinson

The Grade 5 Parent Virtual Info Evening for Spencer Middle School will take place on Tuesday, April 6th at 6:30 PM.

There is no school on Friday, April 2 and Monday, April 5 due to the Easter long weekend.

The drop off/pick up lane has been cleared and we will be able to use it this afternoon.

However, there is still a lot of accumulated snow.

Thanks for being safe and patient.

The Millstream Team