April 8, 2021
IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING THE RETURN TO DAILY, IN-PERSON LEARNING FOR HIGH SCHOOL CLASSES
April 12th is just around the
corner. This much-anticipated return to daily full-time, in-person learning for
schools that are reverting from a blended-learning model is seen as an integral
step in the provincial recovery plan. We are excited to have students back to
class full-time and to have those essential face-to-face connections once
again.
Please note, for schools in the Yellow phase, blended learning with “half the class” will end, effective April 12th. Teachers may choose
to continue to post activities, assignments, etc. online through Teams, however
the expectation is that students return to daily, in-person attendance. For schools currently in the Red phase, blending learning or online learning will remain in place.
Below we are including important information to
help students and families understand the changes that will be in effect as of April 12th. This summary of information is specific to the Yellow phase and
pertains to high school classes, students, and staff who are
currently using a blended learning model. These directives are not applicable
to those who are not in a blended learning model or the K-8 grades in a K-12 or
6-12 high school setting.
We currently have 2 schools, Saint Mary's Academy and John Caldwell School who are in the Red Alert phase. Blended or online learning will continue in these schools, masks are required at all times, extra-curricular, sports, singing and wind instruments are not permitted and active screening will remain in place.
Full details of the directives for the Yellow, Orange and Red Alert phases as of April 12th can be found here: High-schools-full-time.pdf
(gnb.ca)
Please take the time to read through this document fully. Below is a summary of the Yellow phase directives, which the majority of ASD-W schools will be following.
School Hours
No changes. School hours remain the same as
they currently are.
BYOD (Bring Your Own Device)
Students should bring their own devices to
support their in-class learning. Teachers may continue to use the new
platforms and tools so that in the event of school closure due to an outbreak,
classes will be offered online for all students.
Masks
Masks are to be worn at all times except when
eating or while engaged in sports activities during physical education class.
Social Distancing
The 2-meter and 1-meter physical distancing
requirements will not be mandatory for the applicable schools (switching from
blended learning to full-time in-class learning). They are encouraged when
space and operations allow. So, cafeterias can return to being operational,
however, we encourage additional spaces for eating.
Cafeterias
Alternative rooms will be made available to
students to reduce the number of students in the cafeteria whenever
possible. For example, schools will encourage students to eat outside or
in other rooms (empty classrooms) when possible.
Transportation
Masks are to be worn at all times by all
students while on the bus, and a seating plan will be followed. Minor changes
have been made to school bus routes and schedules for students at some
schools. For those families who are impacted by these changes, your school
will send a website link for you to check the bus timing for drop-off and
pick-up.
Seating Plans
Teachers will have a consistent seating plan
for each class and drivers will have a seating plan for each of their bus runs.
Extra-curricular, Sports and Music
These are permitted while continuing to follow
the school’s operational plan. Wind instruments and singing are permitted with
additional distancing.
Medically Vulnerable Students
Students who are currently following a “home
learning plan” due to a documented medical vulnerability will continue to
follow the plan unless released from medical attention and allowed to attend
school full-time.
Graduation
Graduations will be planned according to Yellow
level directives, with a backup plan if we change to the Orange or Red Alert
level. Proms, Safe Grad, and Grad Banquets remain as events that are too
difficult to plan for under the current conditions and not plausible for this
year. If anything should change, we will let you know.
Positive Case Confirmed
If
there is a positive case, the school will be closed to everyone for 3 days to
allow for testing and cleaning. Students 16 years and over will be offered the
chance to receive their COVID-19 vaccination.
Thank you for sticking with us throughout this
journey. We sincerely look forward to seeing everyone’s (masked) faces and
getting back to a sense of regularity again.
David McTimoney,
Superintendent of Schools, Anglophone West
School District