Dear, John MacNeil Families.

While the majority of school staff have been visiting the school, busily preparing over the past two weeks, tomorrow is our official kick-off of the 2020-21 school year!  Needless to say, I am very excited to bring staff together (safely) as we put the finishing touches on our return to school plan.

As part of our preparation for the reopening of school, I am pleased to share Update #3:

Teacher Contact

A reminder that classroom teachers will be contacting all families before the first day of school (Sept 8) to introduce themselves and provide details for student arrival on that first day. See Update #2 at https://jmc.hrce.ca for more details.

Crowds

Keeping in mind that the first day of school is different from a random Tuesday in November, I ask that all families do their best to not linger on the school grounds before or after morning arrival and afternoon dismissal.  Keeping Public Health guidelines in mind, we are trying to avoid large crowds from forming on the playground.  Like so many other changes, this is new to all of us, and I appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding.  Once school routines have been established we will review all new plans and update as needed.

Masks
As per Public Health guidelines, masks are mandatory for all students in Grades 4 and 5 when inside the building, and for all students (PP-5) riding the school bus.
Students (in grades 4&5) must wear their masks (including in hallways and other common areas inside the school) when they are unable to physically distance by 2 meters.
Masks can be removed when students are eating and drinking.  Masks are not required during outdoor activities.

Here is a video link that you can watch with your children before the first day of school: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/video/covid-19-wear-non-...

Technology

Devices will be cleaned between use. Technology will be used to support teaching and learning in all subject areas. This will help students be better prepared to continue to use technology should there be a need to transition to at-home learning. Appropriate schedules will be developed in schools to make use of shared technology, with appropriate cleaning protocols in place.

Specialist Classes

As per the NS Return to School plan, Specialist teachers will be visiting classrooms as much as possible to avoid unnecessary student movement though the building.  Specifically, Physical Education classes will happen outdoors (weather permitting) and Music classes will take place in homeroom classrooms.

The first day of school is fast approaching and the amount of new information can be daunting. If you have any questions or are unsure about anything you see or hear online, please contact me directly at ndaigle@hrce.ca or 902-464-2488.  Thank you again for your patience and understanding as we work to finalize plans for re-opening.

Neil Daigle, Principal