October 29th, 2021
Dear St. Louis Community,
We hope that you continue to be well and that you are enjoying some of the beauty that the fall season affords us. We are pleased that, for the moment, cases seem to be slowing provincially and in the region, and in general, currently we are seeing fewer cases in our schools. This letter brings a few important updates of which we would like you to be aware as they are important to your understanding as to how things are unfolding and precautions we wish to continue to enforce, so that we may continue on a safe, healthy and positive path as a community.
Screening
As we have shared before, please know that one of the most important things you do each and every day is to complete the screening tool before you as a staff member or student (or parent of a student) arrive at school. Any individual who fails the screener or who is symptomatic in any way should not be reporting to school. That is part of our collective responsibility to one another.
https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/
Vaccination
We continue to encourage all who are able to get a Covid vaccine. To assist with this the Region Public Health Vaccination Bus will be at St. Louis Main Campus on Tuesday November 2, from 10:00-1:00. Alternatively, the vaccine is available through many local pharmacies and Public Health.
The Board has started conversations with Waterloo Region Public Health about vaccination for 5-11 year olds but at this point, things are still in the planning and approval stage. As updates become available and we have specifics to share, we will be in touch as promptly as possible.
Potential Travel
A reminder that there could be a requirement to quarantine for people who travel depending on the location of travel and whether a person is vaccinated or not. The federal policy and requirements are found on the following webpage. https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid/travel-restrictions/isolation
Please review our full Operational Guidelines to ensure you understand how we are continuing to ensure a safe and happy school experience for all.
Inclement Weather Protocol
Every year, at this time, we like to share some reminders about protocols for snow days. As you know, there are sometimes days in the winter when we have to cancel bussing due to the weather and unsafe driving conditions for school buses. In the past, if roads were still passable, the Board would leave schools open.
This year, as was the case last year, that is not possible due to our Covid cohort- related restrictions. In consultation with the public board, with whom the Board shares bussing, when busses are cancelled, schools will close and it will be a remote learning day. Your teacher will communicate with you, in advance, so you know where to look for school work for the day and protocols on such days. In broad terms, the teachers will post work and students will work on their own timing in their home. It will allow all students to access some learning, and we will be continuing to keep one and all safe. We realize it may not be a perfect solution and learning day, but bus snow days rarely were. We apologize in advance for any inconvenience and hope that we are not in this situation too often.
Term 2 and Term 3 registration
Term 2 launches November 1st to resume in-person learning for secondary school credit classes. This term, some morning and afternoon teacher-led courses will remain in the D2L format and others will welcome students back to return to in-person format. Registration for Term 2 closes Wednesday. Visit https://stlouis.wcdsb.ca/programsandcourses/ssc/guidance-services/ to get started. Term 3 registration begins now for classes beginning January 3rd.
Skills Training and School-to-Work
Register online now for in-person, hands-on training for Culinary Arts, Hairstyling / Barbering, and Personal Support Worker. St. Louis Skills Training courses are 6 months in-class, with 2 months co-op placement and the next cohort of classes begin in January or February 2022. Please share with others to register early to save their spot and avoid disappointment.
We are grateful for our St. Louis school community’s support, cooperation and partnership, as we continue to navigate this unique year. Be well, Be Safe.
Sincerely,
Lisa Mackay, St. Louis Principal
