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April 2023 Newsletter
Hello families,
Please see the newsletter below for April news
and upcoming events
2022 MES School ClothingMcAdam Elementary School Clothing is now available on School Cash Online.
Thank you for showing your school spirit and helping to support our school!
Order dealine is Thursday, October 27, 2022.
No School - Friday September 30th, 2022
September 23, 2022
Good Afternoon Anglophone West School District Families,
Yesterday, the provincial government declared September 30 a provincial
holiday in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The
day honours the lost children and survivors of the residential school system,
their families and communities.
Schools and provincial offices will be closed, and there will be no school
for students or staff on this day. Please find the province’s press
release with more information here.
Sincerely,
David McTimoney, Superintendent, Anglophone West School District
Milk Program 2022-23
We are excited to announce that once again Lakeland Resource Center (with the help of local businesses/organizations) will be providing 1 FREE milk for each student daily. This program will start in October and run until the end of the school year. An order form for free milk will be sent home each month. If your child would like an additional milk each day you can pay through School Cash Online or send milk money in.
No School - Monday, September 19, 2022September 13, 2022
Good Afternoon Anglophone West School District Families,
Earlier this afternoon, the Government of New Brunswick announced that the
province would be observing the National Day of Mourning on September 19 for
the passing of the Queen.
Schools and provincial offices will be closed for the day. This means there
will be no school for students. Please find the province’s press
release with more information here.
Sincerely,
David McTimoney, Superintendent, ASD-W Welcome Back Letter 2022-23August 30,
2022
Hello
Anglophone West School District Families,
I hope you all
had a restful and safe summer. We are excited to welcome our students back to
school next week for the 2022/2023 school year! Our teaching staff are back to
work, preparing for a positive, safe, meaningful year ahead.
As always, our
students' and staff's health and safety remain our priority. We will continue
communicating and working with the Department of Education and Early Childhood
Development (EECD) and the Department of Public Health to monitor Covid-19 and
other communicable diseases and adjust our practices as required.
Your efforts
to continue with proactive health measures will also make a big difference. Please encourage your children to keep up with frequent
hand washing and sanitizing, use proper cough/sneeze etiquette, and
monitor for symptoms of illness. Please also remember to keep your children
home when they are sick. According to Public Health, children should stay home
until they have been fever-free for 24 hours and symptom-free for 48 hours
without medication. If your child has symptoms of Covid-19, we encourage you to
get them tested. If they have tested positive after becoming symptomatic,
please follow Public Health's advice available online.
If you have
further questions about COVID, we encourage you to visit the following
Government of New Brunswick sites:
Protecting Yourself and
Others
Testing for COVID-19
COVID-19 Symptom
Checker
Although there
is no mask mandate in our province, and masks are not required in our schools,
some students and staff will choose to wear masks based on their level of risk
or concern. While families may have different perspectives regarding Covid-19
safety, we ask that everyone be patient, kind, and respectful. We will continue
to support our schools so they remain welcoming, supportive environments for
everyone.
Please also be
reminded that some of our schools are staggering student entry next week. These
schools will be communicating with you to ensure you know which days your
children will be attending during the week of September 6-9. If you are not
contacted with specific instructions, the first day of class will be Tuesday,
September 6.
We would also
like to remind you of the new ASD-W district website, which can be found here: asdw.nbed.ca.
Please take some time to browse the
new site and familiarize yourself with new ways to find information. The site
is divided into three main sections, found across the top of the page: New Students, Current Students, and
About ASD-W. The New Students section is for those looking to
find information on getting a child started in ASD-W, and the Current Students
section is for those with children already in the system, like yourselves. The
About ASD-W section contains information about the district governance,
policies, schools and facilities and employment opportunities. Updates will be
shared through the News channel, and all events will be posted in the Calendar. Alerts regarding weather, busing and buildings can be accessed by clicking the
yellow Alert button found at the top right of the site. There is also a new
feature called Switch
sites, which will enable you to move from the district website
to your child's school website with just a click.
Finally, our
Facilities and Transportation Teams have been working all summer to prepare our
buildings and buses for September. Our bus routes have been finalized and are
available on our website here.
Throughout the
year, Jennifer Read, our Director of Communications, and I will continue
communicating important district updates and information by email, phone, text
and on our website. Please ensure your contact information is up-to-date with
your school.
I would like
to wish you all the best for the coming year and thank you for all you do to
help keep our schools welcoming, supportive places for our students to learn. I
encourage all of our students to jump into the new year with confidence and
make it one of the best years yet! We look forward to seeing everyone in person
soon.
Sincerely,
David
McTimoney, Superintendent, ASD-W MES Mabel's Labels Fundraiser
Our MES Mabel's Labels Fundraiser is now activated. This will be an ongoing fundraiser. We have started it now so that you can order your labels and have all your child's items labeled for the next school year. As always, thank you very much for supporting McAdam Elementary!
Click on the link below to start shopping through our Mabel's Labels fundraiser.
School Supplies Fee 2022-23
McAdam Elementary is collecting a fee of $45 per student to cover the cost of school supplies needed by each child for the 2022-2023 school year. The school will purchase all school supplies saving you time and money.
Your child will only need to bring their own personal items: a backpack, lunch box, water bottle, and indoor shoes.
Online payments are preferred. School Cash Online will be available for online payments starting August 1, 2022.
Thank you.
May 2022 Newsletter
Hello Families,
Please see the newsletter below for May news
and upcoming events
Covid-19 Measures Lifted - Next Steps as of March 14, 2022March
4, 2022
Dear ASD-W Families,
Last week the province announced that all
remaining COVID-19 measures would be lifted on Monday, March 14, with some
exceptions in vulnerable areas. This means that there will be some significant
changes for our schools:
- Masks will no longer be required, at any time, in our schools
or buses.
- Effective immediately, proof of vaccination will no longer be
required for students to participate in extracurricular and sports
activities. Students wishing to join clubs, committees, and other
activities may do so regardless of immunization status. Also,
spectators are now permitted to attend all applicable extracurricular
activities without proof of vaccination. Please note: sports
teams currently in mid-season will continue to follow the vaccination
protocol, and no new unvaccinated players will be permitted to join at
this time.
- At this time, proof of vaccination will remain a requirement
for all public servants (including those in education) as well as
volunteers in our schools.
- After today, March 4, families will no longer need to inform
the school if their child tests positive for COVID-19, and we will no
longer be updating the COVID-19 Dashboard. However, as with missed time
for any reason, families will still be responsible for informing the
school of their child’s absences.
- Isolation rules are no longer in place. As always, if your
child is feeling unwell and displaying illness, cold, or flu-like
symptoms, you are advised to keep them home until they are feeling better.
It is important to note that while students and staff will no
longer be required to wear a mask in school, some will still choose to do so.
This will be a personal choice. We understand that our families will have
different perspectives on COVID-19 safety measures. While some families are
relieved to see the protocols ending, there are families, students, and staff
who will experience anxiety as restrictions and safety measures are lessened.
Everyone has experienced this pandemic differently, and we ask that everyone be
treated with respect and kindness.
While formal safety measures will be lifted, it is important to
encourage your children to continue frequent hand washing/sanitizing, proper
cough/sneeze etiquette, and monitoring for symptoms of illness. If your child
or any of our staff is more comfortable wearing a mask, they are welcome to do
so. Hand sanitizer will continue to be available in schools.
We are again permitted to hold extracurricular events such as
dances and end-of-year activities. There is much planning and organizing in the
lead-up to these events, and schools will have to assess what is feasible and
what resources they have available. Schools will be in touch with their
families in the coming months with plans for the end of school year activities.
We understand that each family’s readiness and comfort level may
be a little different at this time. However, we hope that our students will
feel optimistic upon returning to school after the March Break. We thank
staff, students, and families for their cooperation during this time of the
global pandemic.
I wish everyone a safe and restful week!
Sincerely,
David McTimoney, Superintendent, ASD-W February 2022 Newsletter
Hello Parents and Guardians,
Please see the newsletter below for February news and upcoming events
Letter to ASD-W families - Jan 7, 2022January 7, 2022
Dear ASD-W Families,
Last week the Province announced that there will be no classes on Monday,
January 10 and that students will move to at-home learning from Tuesday,
January 11, until at least Friday, January 21. Depending on the status of
Covid-19 in the province, at-home learning may be extended. The situation will
be re-evaluated during the week of January 17.
At-Home Learning
Our staff are working very hard to prepare meaningful learning opportunities
for your children as we make this move back to learning from home. Please watch
for information on learning plans and expectations from your child's school or
teacher. Some students with exceptional needs will be permitted to attend
school in person during this time. Schools will reach out directly to families
of these students with more information.
Grades K-5:
Learning packages will be distributed starting Monday. More information will
come from your child's school. Learning packages will provide meaningful work
to support the continuation of classroom learning and specific learning
outcomes. Resources will be primarily paper-based. However, some online opportunities
may be offered. We understand the challenges with child-care faced by families
and that the ability to connect online will vary amongst students.
Grades 6-12:
Schools will provide an opportunity for students to pick up books and learning
materials starting Monday. More information will come from your child's school.
Learning will be primarily online through Microsoft TEAMS, with additional
meaningful learning provided through independent homework, projects, readings,
virtual group work, etc.
Middle schools will provide loaner devices wherever possible. However,
devices are limited. For middle school students where online learning does not
occur, other options for learning will be made available.
Teachers will be continuing classroom concepts and specific learning
outcomes. Assessment will continue, and attendance will be taken. Students are
required to engage in learning and keep up with new materials and assignments
that are introduced during this time. If this is a struggle, please communicate
with your teacher.
Public Health Updates
The Province has moved schools to at-home learning due to the rapid spread
of the Omicron variant of Covid-19. As such, Public Health has made fundamental
shifts in its approach to testing, isolation, and contact tracing. You can find
the most updated Covid-19 news and guidelines here.
Communicating a case
It is now up to the family of the student who tests positive to notify
close contacts, including the school. A general notification for new
positive cases in our district will be shared with our school community daily
or as needed. More details on how this will occur will be communicated next
week.
Isolating
Students who test positive will still be expected to isolate, along with
their close household contacts. However, the isolation period has been
shortened to 5 or 10 days, depending on vaccination status. Students identified
as close community contacts (or non-household contacts) are expected to monitor
for symptoms. They are not required to isolate or complete daily rapid testing
to attend school. Full details on isolating can be found here.
Testing
If one or more symptom develops, students are expected to stay home and
register online for a rapid test (POCT) or a PCR test depending on their
individual risk factors. Those who qualify for rapid POCT will be provided with
a date, time, and location to obtain their test kits. Only people registered
for a rapid POCT kit will be provided with tests. Schools will no longer be
receiving rapid tests kits from the Province for distribution. Full details on
how to get tested can be found here.
We know these are challenging times, and we thank you for your understanding
as we work to respond to the changing pandemic. We look forward to welcoming
all children back into our schools when it is safe in our province to do so.
Sincerely,
David McTimoney, Superintendent, ASD-W Letter to ASD-W families - Dec 31, 2021Good afternoon
Families of ASD-W,
With the continued
rapid spread of Omicron COVID-19 cases across the province, there has been a
need to adjust plans for the return to school following the holidays, as
announced by the province earlier today. This shift is made with the
hopes of minimizing the risk of transmission of the virus and protecting our
communities & the health care system in our province.
Specific to the
education system, please note the following:
- Students
will return to a distance learning scenario on Tuesday, January 11.
This will remain in place until at least Friday, January 21. This
decision will be re-evaluated during the week of January 17.
- Some
students who are deemed to be vulnerable or at risk or have exceptional
learning needs will be invited to attend school in person. These
details will be finalized as we approach a return from the holidays.
- The
interim measures for extra-curricular sports and activities remain in
place. There are no extra-curricular activities for those aged 12
and under and there are only “skills and drills” and single team/group
practice for those over the age of 12 and fully vaccinated.
Specific to the school
system, we expect to learn more about positive case communications and rapid
testing expectations as the holidays draw to a close. You are encouraged
to save at least two rapid tests for the days that precede a return to school
in person. We will communicate with you again as will your school
administration/teachers.
I offer my wishes for
a wonderful New Year’s Eve and a safe & healthy 2022!
Sincerely,
David McTimoney,
Superintendent
Superintendent's MessageDecember 13, 2021
Dear ASD-W Families,
This afternoon, the Province of New Brunswick
announced new restrictions and safety guidelines affecting schools across the
province. As of midnight tonight, all youth sports for children under 12 years
old are suspended until further notice, including all community use of schools
for youth sports. The Province will provide an update on when these programs
can continue again. All youth sports for ages 12 and over will be reduced to
team practices/skills and drills only, with safety precautions documented and
in place. All upcoming games and tournaments are suspended until further notice
from the Province. For sports that fall outside the jurisdiction of the
school system, please watch for official messaging from
that organization.
Additionally, the Province of New Brunswick
announced that classes for students in Kindergarten to grade 6 will be
dismissed for the holiday break at the end of the day this Friday, December 17,
instead of midday on Thursday, December 23. This decision was made to help slow
the transmission of the virus to students who have not yet had the opportunity
to be fully vaccinated (ages 5-11) and curb the spread to more vulnerable
members of the community. There is no expectation for learning for these grades
until school resumes on Monday, January 10, 2022. All staff will continue to
report to school next week to prepare for January.
As previously planned, students in grades 7-12
will continue to attend school until midday on Thursday, December 23.
Please also be
reminded that, as per the new Public Health order, students in Kindergarten to
grade 8 in any Health Zone 3 school with a confirmed Covid-19 case in the past
14 days will begin a daily rapid testing program immediately. In all other
schools with grades Kindergarten to 8, daily testing is encouraged but not
mandatory.
Thank you for your continued cooperation and
support as we navigate the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
Sincerely,
David McTimoney
Superintendent, ASD-W December Newsletter
Hello Parents and Guardians
Please see the newsletter below for December news and upcoming events
Friday Coffee Morning
The MES Home & School is doing a morning coffee fundraiser this Friday,September 17th (7:30-8:30). They will be selling coffee and hot chocolate from Railside Cafe. It will be set up on the corner by the RCMP station. it is by donation. All proceeds go to the breakfast program. We hope to see you bright and early Friday morning. WE ALL NEED A MORNING PICK ME UP...
ESPECIALLY ON FRIDAY!!!
September 2021 Newsletter
Hello Parents and Guardians
Please see the newsletter below for September news
and upcoming events
School Supplies Fee - $45
McAdam Elementary is collecting a fee of $45 per student to cover the cost of school supplies needed by each child for the 2021-2022 school year. The school will purchase all school supplies saving you time and money.
Your child will only need to bring their own personal items: a backpack, lunch box, water bottle, masks and indoor shoes.
We encourage you to pay before the end of this school year so we will have the money to buy supplies over the summer. Online payments are preferred.
MES Popcorn Seasoning Fundraiser
Our Popcorn Seasoning Fundraiser is under way! MES students are selling Barbours Pop N Top Popcorn Seasoning in 6 delicious flavours.
Flavors include: Dill Pickle, Ketchup, Barbeque, Salt & Vinegar, Sour Cream & Chives, and White Cheddar
Order forms along with all payments must be submitted to the school by Friday, May 14th.
Orders can also be submitted though School Cash Online. If you order online you must still send the order form back to the school.
Prizes for the top 2 sellers!!
Thank you for supporting our school!
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