PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE
We are happy to report that the students are continuing to do a wonderful job at following the safety regulations and procedures.
There have been cases of Covid-19 at some of our WQSB schools, but to date we have not had any. If we do have a case at Greater Gatineau we will follow the procedure put in place by Public Health.
If there is a student who tests positive for Covid-19, the class will be quarantined at home for 14 days. Teachers will provide online learning at home during this time. The students of the class will receive a phone call explaining the situation, followed by a letter from Public Health with any further details. If the student takes the bus, then the students who sit near them will be quarantined as well, and work will be provided by the homeroom and French teacher to be completed at home. If the student is in Daycare, then some of the students who sit near the child would be quarantined as well, with work being provided for them at home.
A letter will also go home to the rest of the school, letting you know that there has been a case at the school. School will resume for all other classes, except the one where a student tested positive.
If a staff member tests positive for Covid-19, they will be required to quarantine for 14 days, and they will be replaced by a supply teacher. The class would not be quarantined, as staff members are wearing their PPE and respecting Public Health Guidelines.
These are the protocols that are currently in place with Public Health. If they change any of their protocols, we will advise you at that time.
NEW WEBSITE
Please take time to visit our new website: http://greatergatineau.westernquebec.qc.ca/ We are updating our website regularly, and all messages that are sent by REMIND can also be found on the website, under the Principal’s Message.
INDOOR SHOES AND BACKPACKS
Students are now asked to bring a pair of indoor shoes to leave at school. They may also start bringing their backpacks, as extra clothes will be needed with the colder weather.
Teachers have reviewed the safety protocols of using the lockers with students, which we would like for parents to reinforce at home. Students must only touch their locker, and must place their belongings and take their indoor shoes quickly. Class groups are separated by 2m, as per Public Health Regulations.
Students should not bring any toys. Electronics, etc. to school. The only items in their backpack should be their lunch bag, water bottle, and clothing (extra sweater, hat, mitts, etc.)
BREAKFAST PROGRAM
Our breakfast program is running well, thanks to our grant from the Breakfast Club of Canada. We are accepting cash donations to go towards the program if you are interested.
Please send donations in an envelope marked “Breakfast Club”.
Our milk program from the School Board started this month.
PROGRESS REPORTS
Progress reports will be posted on the Parent Portal on October 15th (portailparents.ca). You will see how your child has been doing in the first part of the year. Please see separate attachment for instructions for the Parent Portal.
HALLOWEEN DAY
Students are invited to wear their costume to school on Friday, October 30th. For safety reasons, and due to Covid-19 regulations, students must leave masks, weapons, and props (anything that they hold in their hands) at home.
We will have an outdoor parade and some fun Halloween activities in the class.
In the weeks following Halloween, please save the candy and treats for at home. Continue to send healthy options for lunch and snack time.
MONTHLY ASSEMBLY
Our next assembly will be on Wednesday, October 28th, 2020, where we will give awards to students who have shown the chosen virtue throughout the month. October is RESPONSIBILITY month. We hope to see students showing us how responsible they are. You can show this by doing what you say you are going to do, taking care of yourself and your belongings, and being reliable.
GOVERNING BOARD
The Governing Board elections were held in September. We would like to welcome our returning parent members: Bronia Sussmann, Yan Racette, and Carl Coutlee and our new elected members: Isabelle Lefrancois, Marilyne Lavoie and Isabelle Richard.
Isabelle Richard is the Chair of Our Governing Board, and Carl Coutlee is our Parent Représentative at the School Board.
The next governing board meeting will be on December 1st at 6:30 p.m.
PD DAYS OCTOBER 15 and 16
Our next PD days are Thursday October 15 and Friday October 16.
HOME AND SCHOOL
The next Home and School meeting will be on Tuesday October 20th at 6:30 p.m.
WASHROOM RENOVATIONS
Our new washrooms will be ready for use between October 23rd and October 30th.
TRIBES AT HOME
When sitting around the table for dinner, families can play “That’s Me!” to learn about everyone’s day.
Taking turns, each person says one thing about their day. If anyone else had the same thing happen in their day, they raise their hands and say, “That’s Me!” This can promote further discussion on replies.
Sample statements that parents can use:
“I read something interesting today.”
“I learned something new today”
“Someone told me something today that made me laugh.
“Someone gave me/I gave someone a compliment today”.
IMPORTANT UPDATES
Please don’t forget to sign up for the FREE remind app for school and daycare. It is our main form of communication on a school-wide basis, so it is essential that you sign up for the app.
Download the app or check out our website and follow the details on how to sign up.
Valerie Link Erick Tremblay
Principal Vice-Principal