Good Afternoon Eardley Community,

I hope this email finds you and your loved ones well. Please see below for an update.

• Day of Luck Spirit Day
  • In true Eardley fashion we could not let a spirit day pass us by without celebrating in style.  Please find attached a memo detailing our upcoming Spirit Day; I can’t wait to see our school decked out in green & gold!
• School Fees
  • A friendly reminder that payment for school fees is now taking place. Please find attached the memo detailing your fees and payment options.
• Symmes Course selection
  • Grade 6 parents/guardians, please find attached the electronic version of the Symmes Course Selection for the 2021-2022 school year. A hard copy has been sent home with your child. We are asking that the form be returned by March, 19^th at the latest. Please hand the course selection form into your child’s homeroom teacher. We will then transfer your course selections to Symmes.
• Grad Photos
  • I am pleased to announce that we are working with Lifetouch to have official graduation photos taken at school this year.  Should our current orange zone designation remain, we should be able to host Lifetouch to take graduation photos of our grade 6 cohort.  We will be following all Public Health protocols, please stay tuned for confirmation and details regarding our grad photos.
• Transportation
  • Bus route #201 has experienced AM pick-up hick-ups since returning from the March Break. Please note that our Transportation Department is working with our bus drivers to iron out any difficulties. We are hopeful these challenges will be fixed tomorrow morning. 
  • If there are any further concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Stephanie Lelievre who oversees transportation here at the school.
• Re-registration 2021-2022
  • We have not started the process for re-registration.  Kim Teske is working with our School Organization Department and will be sending out detailed information regarding re-registration for 2021-2022 within the weeks to come.

As always, I am available to discuss further should you have any questions, comments or concerns.

Enjoy this beautiful afternoon and the sun,

Samantha Halpin

Principal

Good Afternoon Eardley Community,

I hope this email finds you well and enjoying the first signs of Spring. Please see below for an update.

• Connexions Webinars
  • Please find attached six posters to free webinars put on by Connexions. Some great opportunities for parents/guardians and children.
• Family Teacher Meetings
  • Please find attached the detailed letter informing you of our upcoming Family-Teacher Meetings.
  • Our  second round of Family-Teacher Meetings is upon us. The meetings will be taking place during the evening of March 18th from 3:00pm – 7:00pm and during the day of March 19th from 8:00am – 12:00pm (if necessary). The family-teacher meetings will be virtual in nature and set-up through Microsoft Teams (same process as the meetings in November).
  • This round of Family-Teacher Meetings is primarily for students who are having challenges either academically, behaviourally or in both areas. We encourage all parent(s)/guardian(s) who have been contacted to attend the meeting, as it is extremely important to your child’s success for the remainder of the year.
  • We are using Sign-Up Genius to book our virtual meetings. Within the next few days, if your child’s teacher is requesting a progress meeting, you will receive an email with a link to sign up for your child’s family-teacher meeting. If you are not contacted, yet would like to meet with your child’s teacher, please send an email directly to the teacher you are requesting a meeting with and they will coordinate/share the sign-up link.

Have a wonderful evening and enjoy the warm weather.

Samantha Halpin

Principal

Good Afternoon Eardley Community,

I hope this email finds you well and enjoying the sun.  Please see below for an update.

• Bus Transportation
  • The following bus routes will now be ten minutes earlier than their originally scheduled times – Route 17, Route 95, Route 201. This will take effect tomorrow.
  • Our Transportation Department has been working vigorously with the school, Ville de Gatineau and the Gatineau Police to help create a safer drop-off and pick-up due to all of the necessary changes this year with Covid-19 and Public Health protocols.
  • If your specific route changed (assigned bus, pick-up/drop-off destination) you were directly contacted by the Transportation Department over the March Break via email.
  • Any parent/guardian who contacted the school earlier today should have been contacted by Judy Cadieux-Fortin from our Transportation Department at the School Board to discuss your questions and/or concerns regarding transportation this morning.
• Covid-19
  • Further to yesterday’s email, please find attached an excellent infographic produced by Public Health with all of the updated protocol.
• Home & School Fundraisers
  • Please find attached the Plantables flyer and info letter for a unique fundraiser our Home & School association is putting on from March 8^th – 26^th.  Please support our Home & School association by checking it out, every bit counts!
  • Please also find attached our Raise the Roof announcement – we have a great project in the works!
• WQSB Online Learning Expectations for Students and Parent(s)/Guardian(s)
  • Please find attached a document from the Western Quebec School Board detailing our online learning expectations.

Please do not hesitate to contact me further should you have any questions or concerns.

All the best,

Samantha Halpin

Principal

Good Morning Eardley Community,

I hope this email finds you enjoying the sun and staying warm on this last day of March Break. We are looking forward to welcoming back our students tomorrow in true Eardley fashion! I apologize for sending a communication over the weekend; however, we have had an update provided to us from Public Health about protocol to follow if and when a student or staff member exhibits Covid-19 symptoms. Please read the important information attached and below carefully, as our process has changed.

Covid-19 Protocol Update

• What’s new?Headache has been confirmed as a symptom for scenario #2 and will now show up on the Quebec Self-Assessment Tool. Siblings will now be isolated and sent home, even if they present with no symptoms. While awaiting a test result, all people living under the same roof as your child will be required to remain in isolation until the test result is received.  Following the receipt of the test result, Public Health will provide further instructions for all people living under the same roof (even if they show no symptoms). If your child has one symptom from scenario #1 or two symptoms from scenario #2 and you decide not to get your child tested for COVID-19, your child must be isolated for 10 days from the onset of symptoms AND continue until symptoms have improved. During this time, your child must not go to school (or daycare). If you do not seek testing, all people living under the same roof (even if they have no symptoms) will be required to quarantine for at least 14 days from when the child’s symptoms first appeared. They must monitor for their own symptoms during this time.

Reminder of the Symptoms Within Scenario #1 & Scenario #2 –

Scenario #1:

Does your child have ANY of the following symptoms? (If a child presents with ONE symptom below, immediately isolated; parent/guardian calls Public Health and are directed to get a test. If you do not want to get your child tested, you can isolate for 10 days).

• Fever (oral temperature 38.1°C (100.6°F) or higher)
• Sudden loss of sense of smell (anosmia) without nasal congestion, with or without loss of taste
• Recent cough or worsening of a chronic cough
• Shortness of breath
• Trouble breathing
• Sore throat
• Runny nose or congestion (of unknown cause)

Scenario #2:

Does your child have any 2 of the following symptoms? (If a child presents with TWO symptoms below, immediately isolated; parent/guardian calls Public Health and are directed to get a test. If you do not want to get your child tested, you can isolate for 10 days).

• Stomach ache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Major fatigue
• Significant loss of appetite
• Generalized muscle pain (not related to physical exertion)
• Headache

If a child presents with one symptom from scenario two, your child will still be isolated and you will be called for pick-up. The protocol following this isolation and pick-up is a 24 hour observation period. This is to ensure that the symptom disappears and that there is no onset of additional symptoms. The parent/guardian will also be instructed to contact Public Health (1-877-644-4545).

The Attestation for Return must be handed in to both Stephanie Lelievre and Samantha Halpin. Proof of a negative Covid-19 Test or communication of the 10 day isolation period must occur before the child’s return to school.   The proof and Attestation can be emailed to Stephanie Lelievre and Samantha Halpin (sLelievre@wqsb.qc.ca & shalpin@wqsb.qc.ca)

*Regardless if a child presents with ANY single symptom, they are isolated and sent home and the parent/guardian is directed to call Public Health (1-877-644-4545). A child should not be coming to school sick.*

The Quebec Covid-19 Self-Assessment Tool is an excellent resource – https://covid19.quebec.ca/surveys/cdd2/introduction?language=en-ca

The above information and protocol is the same for any adult or staff member.

Previously Indicated Medical Conditions

• As we have been practicing, if your child has a pre-existing medical condition that has been diagnosed by a medical professional which causes Covid like symptoms, we will use this information during our assessment. *Please ensure this has been communicated to Samantha Halpin, Stephanie Lelievre and your child’s homeroom teacher*
  • I.e. the child has chronic migraines and has frequent headaches.
  • I.e. the child has been diagnosed with anxiety and frequently presents with nausea, an upset stomach and a headache.
• The school will call home and discuss the symptoms that are presented in the context of the pre-existing condition and take the appropriate actions.

Please note that this change has come into effect for all schools across the province of Quebec and this is a direct instruction from Public Health. The school or school board does not have any flexibility or leeway in the above protocols. As always, we will assess the student and the situation at hand; however, our main priority is the safety and security of our staff and students.

I know this is daunting and overwhelming at times, I am here to support in any way that I can. Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions or concerns.  

Please enjoy this sunny day and stay safe.

Samantha Halpin

Principal

Good Morning Eardley Community,

This email is to inform you that Public Health has identified a positive Covid-19 case within our community. A bus driver for Eardley Elementary has tested positive.  Please note that the confidentiality of our community member is of the utmost importance and no further information will be released.

I understand that this brings forward concern; however, I want to assure you that all protocols have been followed to ensure the safety of our staff, students and community members.  As deemed by Public Health during their investigation, no further isolations or quarantines are needed. Please see the attached letter for further information and context.

I am available to discuss should you have any further questions or concerns.

Thank you,

Samantha Halpin

Principal

Good Morning Eardley Community,

I hope this email finds you safe, warm and enjoying the sun!  I have a short update for you this morning, please see below.

• March Break
  • Please find attached our Eardley 2020-2021 Calendar. 
  • Please note that our March Break is scheduled to take place during the week of March 1-5, 2021.
  • There will be emergency daycares open to essential service workers at the following Western Quebec Locations:
    • Lord Aylmer Elementary, Greater Gatineau Elementary, Wakefield Elementary and McDowell Elementary.
    • Registration is open as of February 19^th, 2021
    • You can register by following the link –  https://www.quebec.ca/en/family-and-support-for-individuals/emergency-daycare-services/
    • All necessary information regarding emergency daycare services can be found at the link above.
• Eardley Spirit Day – February 26^th, 2021
  • In true Eardley fashion, we will be sending our students off in style for your at home March Break vacation.
    • Not being able to travel got you down? Wishing you could wear your best vacation shirts and shorts? Longing to feel the sun on your face? LOOK NO FURTHER…
    • Eardley Elementary will be transforming into a tropical destination on February 26^th, 2021. Bust out your best vacation gear and get ready to Luau.
    • Please find attached our memo describing the fun activities we have planned.
• Staff Appreciation Week
  • Check out our Facebook page to see all the wonderful appreciation gifts handed out to our hard working staff.  A HUGE shout out to our Home & School association for organizing and coordinating with the school to show our community’s appreciation!

Wishing you all the best on this sunny Thursday,

Samantha Halpin

Principal

Good Afternoon Eardley Community,

I hope this email finds you well.  I have a short update for you this afternoon, please see below.

• Fire Drill
  • Please find attached a memo detailing a false alarm fire drill that happened today during noon hour.  Please note that all students and staff are safe.
• K4 Lottery
  • Please note that Eardley will be going ahead with a four-year-old Kindergarten lottery.  We have received more than 17 applications and therefore, we will be conducting a lottery on site here at the school.
  • The lottery will take place tomorrow, February 17^th. Each child registered has been assigned a random number. All numbers will be placed within a covered container and numbers will be drawn one at a time.  The four-year-old Kindergarten has 17 spots and each drawn number up to 17 will secure a spot within our program for the 2021-2022 school year. We will draw an additional five numbers to be added to our wait list in the event that a secured spot will no longer be attending.
  • Who will be conducting the lottery?
    • Myself, Samantha Halpin; our school secretary, Kim Teske; and our Governing Board Chair Tanya McCormick.
  • When will I find out my standing?
    • Kim Teske will send each individual family an email with the results of our lottery by Friday, February 19^th.
• Staff Appreciation Week
  • We have been working hard appreciating our wonderful Eardley Staff!  With the help of our incredible Home & School we have been focusing on our staff’s mind, body and soul!  Each day they are being treated to a locally sourced and sustainable token of appreciation.  Please help me in thanking our incredible staff for all of their hard work and dedication.

Wishing everyone an excellent end to their day.  Please stay and drive safe.

Samantha Halpin

Principal

Good Afternoon Eardley Community,

I hope this email finds you and your loved ones well. I am emailing about a virtual event being held on Thursday afternoon that covers the topic of youth and mental health. This is a free webinar event geared towards parent(s)/guardian(s) and offers useful tips and strategies when dealing with mental health in youth. Please find all of the necessary information below.

Exhale – The Kids are Alright

Conversations at the Royal presented by TD

Thursday, February 18 from 12:00pm-1:00pm​

Virtual Event Link:  https://royal-ottawa.brand.live/c/-february-conversations-at-the-royal-presented-by-td 

Youth Psychiatrist Dr. Gail Beck will share her tips for staying well and combatting stressful situations.  Her advice will be helpful for both youth and parents navigating the pandemic and life in general.

Do it For Daron (DIFD) founder, Stephanie Richardson, will also share her personal story and encourage parents to talk openly about mental illness and the importance of asking for help when needed.

La docteure en psychiatrie des jeunes du Royal, Dre Gail Beck, partagera ses conseils pour rester en bonne santé et composer avec les situations stressantes. Ses conseils seront utiles tant pour les jeunes que pour les parents qui doivent faire face à la pandémie et à la vie en général. Stephanie Richardson, fondatrice de l’organisation Do it For Daon (DIFD), partagera également son histoire personnelle et encouragera les parents à parler ouvertement de la maladie mentale et de l’importance de demander de l’aider en cas de besoin.

Veuillez noter que cette événement est seulement disponible en anglais.

Have a great start to your week,

Samantha Halpin

Principal

Eardley Elementary

Good Afternoon Eardley Community,

I hope this email finds you and your loved ones well. I have a short update for you this afternoon, please see below.

• Term Weightings
  • Please see the attached letter from our Secretary General, George Singfield detailing the term weightings for the 2020-2021 school year.
  • Term 1 will be worth 35% of the school year.
  • Term 2 will be worth 65% of the school year.
  • Please note that there will be no mandated Ministry or School Board exams this year for any cycle level.
  • Eardley will continue to assess student progress using a variety of methods as indicated within our Standards and Procedures documents shared at the beginning of the year:
    • Tests
    • Quizzes
    • Class work
    • Assigned Projects
    • Application & Situational Problems
    • Presentations
    • Learning Evaluation Situations
    • Etc.
• Spirit Day
  • Don’t forget that Eardley has a spirit day tomorrow.  We encourage our staff and students to dress all in black! Please see the attached memo.
• Valentines
  • A reminder that under recommendation from Public Health we will not be circulating or distributing valentines this year.

We look forward to sharing tomorrow’s fun on our Facebook Page, stay tuned for some awesome pictures!

As always, I am available to discuss should you have any questions or concerns.

Please stay warm and stay safe,

Samantha Halpin

Principal

Good Afternoon Eardley Community,

I hope this email finds everyone safe and well. I have a few items for an update, please see below.

• School Fees
  • School fee payments will be accepted as of Monday, February 8^th.
  • Please see the School Fee – Payment Options memo that has all the necessary information.
• School Calendar
  • I have received many questions regarding our upcoming PD Days on Monday and Tuesday. Please find attached the Eardley 2020-2021 Calendar that details all holidays and upcoming PD Days.
  • February 8^th and 9^th are PD Days, there is no school.
• Governing Board
  • Our next scheduled Governing Board is this upcoming Wednesday, February 10^th at 6:30pm.  If you would like to attend as a visitor please email Samantha Halpin directly to receive the virtual link.
  • Please find attached January’s minutes.
• Staff Appreciation Week
  • Staff Appreciation Week is from February 15^th – 19^th. Stay tuned for how our Home & School committee is showing appreciation and celebrating the hard work of our staff!
• Spirit Day
  • Don’t forget our February spirit day is coming up next Friday.
  • Please see the attached memo detailing our fun events. Can’t wait to see all of our kindness ninjas!

Please enjoy your weekend ahead and stay safe.

Samantha Halpin

Principal