May 29, 2020

Dear Parents/Caregivers,

We would love to see your child in school before the end of June. As communicated by the province, June will be a time of transitioning from Learning at Home to a very limited school reopening. The reopening of our schools in June will not be a return to in-class learning, and there will be no new instruction for students who attend school.
The primary purpose of reopening our schools is to reconnect with our students, focus on student assessment, and transition into the next school year. It’s also an opportunity for closure, to say our thank yous and goodbyes.

Beginning on Monday, June 8, students will be invited back to school by their teacher (by appointment only). Each student will have the opportunity to connect with their teacher at least once in June. Some of these opportunities may involve small groups of students. Attendance at school is by invitation only and during scheduled times to ensure proper social distancing measures are taken for students and staff. Please do not send your child to school without a scheduled appointment. Your child’s school will communicate their plans and schedule next week. Although we encourage students to take this opportunity to reconnect in-school, student attendance is optional and at the discretion of parents. Bus transportation is not available to transport students to/from our schools during this time.

The safety of students, teachers, school staff and families remains paramount, which is why we continue to rely on the advice provided by public health officials. We will be following all public health orders, including encouraging frequent handwashing, cough/sneeze etiquette and strict social distancing. We will not be providing personal protective equipment (PPE) to staff, students, or visitors. The use of masks for students is at the discretion of parents, and not a requirement to enter our facilities. Please do not send your child to school if they are ill or symptomatic. We appreciate your help in keeping our students and staff safe.

Learning at Home will continue as scheduled, delivered remotely using digital media and print materials, but will be reducing by 50% as we enter this reopening period. As noted in previous correspondence, no new work for Learning at Home will be sent home after June 12. Students have until June 19 to submit work/assignments back to their teacher. Beginning this June and moving forward, student report cards will be accessible only through Parent Portal. Parents who have not yet set up their Parent Portal accounts will receive an email next week with instructions to set up your account.

I wish to express my deepest thanks for all that you have done in support of Learning at Home over the last nine weeks. These are indeed unprecedented times, and we have each had to make significant life adjustments to benefit the health of all. Although there have been very real challenges, we have been so encouraged by the
commitment of parents/caregivers to ensure student learning continues at home. Your efforts have made a difference and are much appreciated. We look forward to seeing our students again, if only for a short time before the summer break. If you have any questions regarding the upcoming reopening, please contact your child’s school.

With Gratitude,

Randy Dueck, Superintendent-CEO
Hanover School Division

in: General