Good Afternoon Eardley Community,

I have been receiving questions on protocol and follow-up if and when a child presents as sick at school (i.e. only exhibiting one symptom from scenario #2). I will do my best to clarify below and apologize for any confusion:

• 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).
• This clarification has been added to our updated Attestation for Return. Please see attached.
• Our team does their absolute best to assess the child when they present themselves.  However, this is not an exact science and the school is following the prescribed Public Health guidelines.
• I understand and sympathize with any frustration; however, in the era of Covid-19 the school will not be taking any chances.
• If your child is sent home and it is discovered that they were not truthful when presenting their symptoms to our assessment team, I ask that you have a follow-up conversation about the protocol in place and the importance of being truthful. The school team will echo this importance upon the child’s return.

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

Thank you and stay safe,

Samantha Halpin

Principal

Good Morning Eardley Community,

I hope this email finds you enjoying the sun and staying warm.  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 Update on Protocol:
  • Please see the attached updated documents on our new protocol for Covid-19 symptoms.
  • What’s new?
    • No longer a 24 hour observation period.  Symptoms are broken up into two categories.  Rapid testing is in place.  If a student presents with ONE symptom from the first category, they are directed to get a test. The student cannot return to school unless they prove a negative test OR isolate for the prescribed 10 days. If a student presents with TWO symptoms from the second category, they are directed to get a test. The student cannot return to school unless they prove a negative test OR isolate for the prescribed 10 days.
    • The sibling or siblings are now recommended to go home as well when a student is placed in isolation for exhibiting symptoms.

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)
• Headaches

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.

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

Please enjoy this sunny day and stay safe.

Samantha Halpin

Good Afternoon Eardley Community,

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

• Recalled Hand Sanitizer
  • Please see the attached memo from George Singfield, our Secretary General detailing a recalled hand sanitizer.
  • Please note that there is no cause for alarm and this product has been pulled from schools and replaced.
• Cold Weather
  • Winter has officially arrived!  Please remember to send your children with extra clothing to ensure they are warm and comfortable outside.  Our cut-off for outdoor recesses and lunch is -25 with the wind chill.
• Spirit Day – February 12^th, 2021
  • Please see the attached memo detailing our upcoming spirit day surrounding the theme of kindness! We look forward to sharing some epic photos of our Kindness Ninjas!

Happy Friday.  Please enjoy the weekend ahead and stay warm.

Samantha Halpin

Principal

Good Afternoon Eardley Community,

I hope this finds you warm, well and enjoying the snow! A short update for you this afternoon as we head into the weekend.  Please see below.

• Term 1 Report Cards
  • Report Cards for K5-Cycle 3.2 will be available on the parent/guardian portal as of today at 3:00pm.
  • Our report cards for four-year-old Kindergarten will be provided as a paper copy. They will be sent home with your child this afternoon.  If you would like to receive a PDF, please email Stephanie Lelievre and she will send you a virtual copy.
  • Please find attached the parent/guardian portal guide for access.  If you need help gaining access, please contact Stephanie Lelievre @ sLelievre@wqsb.qc.ca
  • A reminder that since we only have two reporting terms this year, our next Family-Teacher Meetings are scheduled for March 18^th, 2021. This will serve as another opportunity for a progress check-in between Term 1 and Term 2; similar to our November meetings. More information to come closer to the date.
• Valentine’s Day
  • Unfortunately due to the strict recommendation from Public Health, students will not be able to bring individual valentines to school this year.
  • Please don’t worry – our school spirit committee is organizing a fun spirit day in lieu of the news above.  Please stay tuned for our love filled spirit day where our students will be able to share their appreciations for not only their classmates and friends but the staff as well!

Happy Friday!  Here’s wishing you and your families a wonderful weekend ahead.

Stay safe and stay warm,

Samantha Halpin

Principal

Good Afternoon Eardley Community,

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

• Virtual Lost & Found
  • Please see attached regarding our new process for our Lost & Found.  We hope this helps to identify some lost items!
• Term 1 Report Cards
  • All report cards will be available as of January 22^nd at 3:00pm.
  • Our report cards for four-year-old Kindergarten will be a paper copy sent home via “kiddie mail”.  If you would like to receive a PDF, please email Stephanie Lelievre and she will send you a virtual copy.
  • Report cards for K5-Cycle 3.2 will be available on the parent/guardian portal as of January 22^nd at 3:00pm.
  • Please find attached the parent/guardian portal guide for access.  If you need help gaining access please contact Stephanie Lelievre @ sLelievre@wqsb.qc.ca
  • A reminder that since we only have two reporting terms this year, our next Family-Teacher Meetings are scheduled for March 18^th, 2021. This will serve as another opportunity for a progress check-in between Term 1 and Term 2; similar to our November meetings. More information to come closer to the date.

Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns.

Stay warm,

Samantha Halpin

Principal

Below please find several workshops available for all families.

Good Morning Eardley Community,

I hope this email finds you well. We are officially one week down after the Winter Break and doing very well adjusting to school life and new protocols. Please see below for updated information –

• Four-Year-Old Registration
  • Please see an updated memo regarding the K4 registration process.  We have refined our information to hopefully provide additional clarity to our process. We apologize for any confusion or misunderstanding.
• Inclement Weather Protocol
  • Please find attached our Inclement Weather Policy.
  • A few friendly reminders –
    • Please stay in your car and pull all the way through to the end of the bus lane, a staff member will be waiting to greet your car and child/ren.
    • Please remain single file – do not try to pass other vehicles
    • At no time is our staff parking lot available for drop off & pick up
• AM Drop Off
  • A friendly reminder that our drop-off cut-off is 8:15am in the morning. This is due to availability of staff, attendance and ensuring we are keeping track of who is entering the building.
  • We understand that some mornings do not go as planned; therefore, if you are going to be late due to extenuating circumstances please do not worry.  Just call Stephanie Lelievre at the front office to inform her. Of course, this is for unforeseen circumstances, not daily late arrivals.
• Personal Items from Home
  • Another reminder that personal items not necessary for the school day such as recess equipment, toys, electronics etc. should not be sent to school with your child. 
  • This is a direct recommendation from Public Health.

Please know that we are following the guidelines sent from Public Health and the Ministry of Education to ensure the safety and security of our staff and students. I am available to discuss further should you have any questions or concerns.

Please take care, enjoy the weekend and the expected snow.

Samantha Halpin

Principal

Good Afternoon Eardley Community,

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

• Return to School
  • Just a quick update to let you know that your children are settling in well after the Winter Break. We are taking the time to help them understand the new protocol and safety measures in place. I want to commend our students for their resilience and ability to adapt during these trying times. I also want to thank you – the parents and guardians for helping your children prepare for the return to school! As a school, we will continue to operate with compassion, kindness and positivity in the wake of these uncertain times.
• Infographic
  • Please find attached an infographic on the use of masks for elementary students.  It is only available in French at this time.
• Four and Five-Year-Old Kindergarten Registration
  • Please find attached important information regarding our registration process for the 2021-2022 school year.
  • Please note that the community will be informed of the exact registration dates closer to February. An additional communication will be sent.
• Governing Board
  • Please find attached the last meetings minutes.
  • Our Governing Board meets virtually tomorrow at 6:30pm. If you would like to attend as a visitor, please email Samantha Halpin @ shalpin@wqsb.qc.ca with your intent and a link will be shared.

As always, I am available to answer any questions or concerns. Please do not hesitate to contact me.

All the best,

Samantha Halpin

Principal

Good Afternoon Eardley Community,

I have a short update today (and some changes) based upon the Press Conference held at 11:00am by Minister Roberge.  Please see below –

• Report Card deadline has been extended to February 5^th, 2021.
  • The weighting of each term is being adjusted – no longer 50% for Term 1 & 50% for Term 2.
  • Term 1 will be worth less than Term 2 – the exact percentage weighting is not known at this time.
  • All Ministry exams have been cancelled – therefore, no grade 6 exit exams in ELA, Math, and French.
  • How will this impact Eardley?
    • Target will still be to release Term 1 report cards on January 22^nd, 2021 – however, if this changes I will update our community ASAP.
• Face coverings & masks
  • The school will not be providing masks/face coverings for students on a daily basis.  Unless of course, a student forgets.
  • Procedural masks are not mandated – only face coverings.  Therefore, as long as the student’s nose and mouth are covered, this will suffice.
  • Masks/face coverings are not mandatory outside.
  • They are mandatory for Grade 1-4 in all common areas – hallways, washrooms, lobby and busses.
  • They are mandatory for Grade 5 & 6 students inside the classroom as well – NOT outside. We are still awaiting clarification on physical education.
    • We will be taking the time next week to educate our students on the proper wearing and use of masks/face coverings.
    • We will also take the time to explain the reasoning behind it and how it falls in line with Public Health directives.
    • If a student forgets to wear their mask/face covering, the school will not immediately go into disciplinary mode.  We know that this will be an adjustment and we will work with our students to understand the new directive.
    • If a student is insubordinate and refuses to wear a mask/face covering – we will approach with our Code of Conduct and administration will involve the parent/guardian for a further discussion and/or consequence.

Please note that the safety and security of our staff and students is at the forefront as we return after the Winter Break. We will continue to follow all Public Health and Ministry directives to minimize risk and exposure to Covid-19.  

I am available to answer any questions or concerns.  We look forward to welcoming your chil(ren) with smiling faces on Monday.

Please stay safe and enjoy the weekend ahead.

Samantha Halpin

Principal

Good Afternoon Eardley Community,

I hope this email finds you well.  We have received more information from the Ministry of Education.  Please see the attached letter prepared by myself, detailing the updated information.  Additionally, please see the attached letter from George Singfield, our Secretary General.

As always, I am available to answer any questions or concerns. Please allow for a grace period in my response time, as I am fielding many questions currently; I will do my best to respond within 24 hours.

Please take care,

Samantha Halpin

Principal