August 27th, 2021

If you haven’t already done so, please check the post from August 24th. “Health and Safety Updates for September 2021” In this post, you will find information on return to school, student wellbeing, transportation, and health and safety.  This post contains links to FAQ’s that will answer many of your questions about what the start of school will look like.  

I know that your student’s health and safety and wellbeing are paramount in you sending your student back to school.  The WRDSB has founded its plan in the public health principles of the ROWPH and Ontario Health, and the Ministry of Education.  

STAGGERED START FOR SECONDARY STUDENTS:

Secondary students will be returning to in-person learning in a staggered format with the exception of students in the ACE, Bridges and ESL/ELD Programs. Students in these programs will begin attending full-time on September 7.

Grade 9 and 10 students only will attend on Tuesday, September 7. Grade 11 and 12 students only will attend on Wednesday, September 8. All students will attend together from Thursday, September 9 onwards.

Tuesday,  September 8	Wednesday,  September 8	Thursday,  September 9
Grade 9 and 10 students	Grade 11 and 12 students	All Secondary students

 

We will be following a Modified Semester Model with 2 classes daily, flipping every other week.  Calendars will be sent home during the first week.

Learning Block 1:	8:05 – 10:35	Course A / C alternating weekly
LUNCH:	10:35 – 11:15
Learning Block 2:	11:15 – 1:45	Course B / D alternating weekly

Students participating in Alternative Education Programs in Cambridge or Waterloo will be contacted by educators from their respective programs regarding the first day of in-person attendance.

As a community, we all have a collective responsibility to ensure that we respect the requirements of a healthy learning environment. We are excited about you returning to school and we are working hard to ensure we all remain healthy and ready to learn! We ask for your support in the following areas:

Assessing your health DAILY:

• Like last year you will continue to use the Student Daily Self Screening Tool each day prior to coming to school.  Ontario School Screener
• If you are sick, experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or respiratory illness you are not to attend to school;
• If you start to experience symptoms while at school you are to report this to your teacher immediately.
• Find the Ontario School Screener quickly using the buttons on our school’s website
• Follow the directions on the signage and of staff (teaching, support, admin., etc.);
• Wear your mask at all times in the building and on the school bus;
• Wash your hands and/or use hand sanitizer frequently throughout the day; the science indicates the importance of hand hygiene and distancing as significant preventative measures
• Bring your lunch, snacks, and other required items with you when you arrive at school.  The cafeteria will not be open at this time.  JHSS uses a  Litterless Lunch Model–whatever you bring to school, you take back home with you. Nutrition for Learning will be providing individual pre-packaged items… stay tuned 
• LUNCH: you may eat your lunch in your first-period classroom OR you may go outside and off school property when you are dismissed using the designated exit for your classroom. When outside, continue to physically distance yourself from others, avoid congregating, and be respectful of our community. There will be limited entry to the school during the 40 minute nutrition break. When you re-enter your designated door, you must be masked and sanitize your hands. If you choose to remain in school, you will remain in your period 1 classroom until it is time to move to period 2. 
• Bring to school what you will need for the day.  We are not assigning lockers at this time.  You will not have access to lockers so your personal belongings are with you at all times.  Keep them safe.
• Dressing in layers of clothing so you can be comfortable in the environment that is set based on requirements for air circulation.  For example, bring a sweatshirt or sweater that you can take on and off.  
• Wear your phys-ed clothes to and from school (if applicable) as changerooms will not be accessible for school start-up. We are working toward access in the first few weeks. Bring a water bottle, sunscreen/hat, and weather-appropriate attire.
• Extra-curricular sports will not begin until the Safety Guidelines have been released by the WRDSB
• If you arrive late you will need to enter through the main entrance and be directed by staff as to your next steps.
• Students are encouraged to schedule appointments outside of the school day.  Parents please call in or email the main office ahead of time and the student will sign out in the main office.  
• There is a revised Code of Conduct to reflect Covid-19 health precautions on our website.  Please ensure that you have read it.    

PARENTS/GUARDIANS/CAREGIVERS WE NEED YOUR HELP AS WELL:

• Please assess your child’s health daily before sending them to school. If children are sick, experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or respiratory illness they will not be permitted to enter the school.
• You will receive your student’s Data Verification Form (DVF) in the mail.  Please check for this important documentation
• Please look thoroughly through the DVF and update.  We need up-to-date emergency contact information for people who are able to pick up a student during the day if they were to become ill at school.  Please ensure that you have provided your email address and cell phone numbers.  Don’t forget to sign it. 
• Please encourage your student to arrive on time with all their materials, as access to the school will be limited to essential visitors only. 
• Visitors will be allowed only under special circumstances or by appointment only.
• School Appointments will most likely continue to be conducted virtually or on the telephone at this time.  

We are excited to welcome back our HAWKS 

and work together to ensure we keep our students and community healthy

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