The Minister of Education recently announced students in York Region will return to in-person learning on February 16, 2021 (following the Family Day long weekend). The staff of St. Joseph looks forward to welcoming our students back to school.
The Board continues to share information regarding the resumption of in-person learning with all York Catholic families and students. Kindly take a moment to review these important notes.
Learning Modalities
The return to in-person learning means we will resume with the hybrid learning model. Although in-person learning can continue, some parents may wish for their children to continue learning from home. If this is the case, or you would like to request a change in learning modality (i.e., remote to in-person), kindly contact johnpaul.gigliozzi@ycdsb.ca to share your request. In your communication, please include your child’s name, their grade, their teacher and modality request. For more information, please review this infographic for switching modalities. We will do the best we can to accommodate requests where possible.
Masking
Masks will be required for all students in Grades 1-8. Students in FDK are recommended to wear their masks. Masks are now required outdoors during recess, as well as in all common areas, in addition to in the classroom. Students in Grades 1-8 will wear a mask any time they are on school grounds. Students are required to bring four (4) masks to school each day so that clean, dry masks can be reapplied after being outdoors for recess, etc. A paper or cloth bag for students to store soiled masks in is recommended. Staff will support students with appropriate donning and doffing techniques.
Transportation
Transportation will resume as it was before the Christmas Break. Please check schoolbuscity.com for bussing information. Students from Grades 1 to 8 must wear a mask at all times on the bus. Parents are asked to ensure that students are wearing their masks while waiting for the bus at their stop.
Pick Up and Drop Off
Morning entry and end of day dismissal tend to be busier times on school grounds. Students and parents are strongly discouraged from congregating on school property before and after school. If parents must come onto school grounds, the expectation is that parents wear a mask and social distance from others at all times.
Hygiene and Good Health Practices
All good hygiene and health and safety practices (i.e., hand washing, donning/doffing masks) that were practiced and in routine before the break will continue upon resumption of in-person learning. Primary teachers will review the appropriate donning and doffing of masks for our primary students in accordance with new guidelines.
Visitors
As in prior to the break, all visitors must make an appointment if they need to access office staff. Students are to remain at school for the day and leaving for lunch or appointments is not encouraged. A reminder that students are to bring what they need for the day (including lunches, snacks, and drinks) when they come to school in the morning. Dropping off lunches is not permitted.
Please rest assured that our staff continues to practice important safety measures with our students. The safety and well-being of our students, staff, and community are of utmost importance to us. Thank you for working with us to help keep our school community safe.