Dear Families,
We’re connecting today to kindly remind you about SD62 COVID-19 protocols, update you on the new provincial restrictions and finally, to say thank you.
As you know, COVID-19 does not discriminate. We are fortunate that public health data shows, compared to the general community, the virus is not transmitted easily among youth in K-12 school settings. We are a team and so far, we are doing a great job as parents, students and staff at keeping our schools healthy and safe.
We are urging parents to continue to:
- Wear a mask when dropping off or picking up your child on school property, even if outside.
- Practice social distancing when on school property. Please do not gather in groups while you wait for your child to enter or exit the school.
- Assess your child each day for symptoms using the Daily Health Checklist.
- Refrain from sending your child to school when they are sick.
- Remind your middle or secondary school-aged child to wear their mask at all times when outside of their learning group/cohort, including school bus transportation.
- Drop children off at school as close to the start time as possible to avoid gathering in groups outside.
Find out more about what we are doing to make our schools safe in our COVID-19 Health and Safety Information for Parents/Guardians.
While there are no changes for BC school settings, new restrictions enacted by Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry for the period of November 19 – December 7, include:
- No social gatherings of any size with anyone other than your household or core bubble.
- High risk indoor group physical activities like spin, hot yoga, etc., are suspended.
- Travel to, from and between communities for athletic activities like games, competitions, training and practice is prohibited under this order.
- Masks are required in all indoor public settings (schools are not included in this category) and retail stores.
- All non-essential travel should be avoided.
Learn more by visiting the PHO’s Province-wide Restrictions page.
Finally, we want to thank you for doing all you can at home to keep your child safe. The safety precautions you practice with your family shows in our schools. Thank you for following not only the provincial guidelines, but also the SD62 safety protocols.
Teachers, custodians, bus drivers and all staff in SD62 are working very hard to provide safe and healthy spaces for students and we appreciate the effort and dedication from SD62 families as well.
Continue to be well and safe and please reach out if you need our support.
Sincerely,
Scott Stinson
Superintendent of Schools
Sooke School District