FAQs – What You Need To Know
Knowing what to expect as we move through the protocols required to keep your children safe has prompted us to create a FAQ section with particular information on our COVID-19 response.
Will the school be offering online learning in September?
During the spring closure, we transitioned to a virtual format for lessons that allowed our students to continue their learning and to stay connected to their school community through our online program, Clover Connect. Our incredible teachers facilitated a mix of live and pre-recorded lessons for their classes (see below for a small selection of recorded video lessons). Our reopening plans cover many scenarios, including the possibility of some at-home learning options. With what we have learned, we are confident we can deliver a robust home-learning program, if necessary. We are prepared for all of these scenarios, and will be able to quickly and safely transition to a hybrid model in the case of a possible future closure.
Prepositions
Reading poetry with Mrs. Carter
Homemade Sand Paper Numbers
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Is the school currently open?
We are currently closed, but are busy planning our reopening for September 8, 2020, in line with directives from the provincial and federal governments as well as public health guidelines.
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Will you be offering a summer camp program?
Unfortunately, due to various factors, our summer camps have been cancelled for 2020. We are focusing our efforts on keeping our community safe and healthy for the reopening of our campuses in September.
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Will the school be offering in-person learning in September?
Yes, our plans include an in-person/in-class learning scenario. All of our plans for September are based on prioritizing the health and safety of our students and staff. We are constantly monitoring and evaluating the situation, and will provide regular updates as we receive additional information.
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Can I still apply for the 2020-2021 School Year?
Absolutely! We welcome you to reach out to our admissions team or book a virtual tour to learn more about our programs. Please note that spaces are limited and we are offering acceptances on a first come, first served basis.
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Can I book a tour?
Of course! While our school may be physically closed to visitors, we are currently hosting virtual tours where you would be meeting with one of our administrators. Please visit our page to learn more and to schedule a virtual tour. Our admissions team is excited to meet you!
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What will a school day look like in the return to "new normal"?
Our goal is to create a warm, welcoming, and positive environment that will be as normal as possible for our students, while following the guidelines set out by public health officials, that will ensure the health and safety of our entire school community, including enhanced cleaning protocols. As this is a continuously evolving situation, guidelines and procedures will continue to be updated as we get new information and all of our families will be kept up to date on what protocols will be at school. Please refer to our COVID-19 Health & Safety Procedures Guidance Sheet for more details.
There will be an information session for all of our 2020/2021-enrolled families closer to the first day of school that will outline more details of what school will look like once we have more clarity.
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How can I prepare my child for the return to school?
First and foremost, be positive about heading back to school. Try and bring it up in conversation casually, and allow them to tell you how they are feeling. Let them know how excited we are to welcome them back, and that we are very carefully preparing their classrooms so they will feel safe and comfortable.
Start establishing routines over the summer months and encouraging independence, especially for our younger students, to allay separation anxiety. Start that conversation with your child soon, before September creeps up on you!
Helpful Resources for Back-To-School Transitions
- Nine Tips For Preparing Children to Return to School – University of Calgary
- How Teachers Can Help Students Transition Back to School – Teacher Magazine – Australia
- Helping Your Kids Adjust to Going Back to School After Lockdown – Morneau Shepell article
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How do I talk to my child about COVID-19?
Let them lead the conversation, and welcome their questions. Take cues from your child, and try not to prompt them. Be calm and reassuring when talking to your child, but be honest with them too. Use age-appropriate language, and encourage them to share how they are feeling.
Helpful Resources for Talking to Your Child About COVID-19
- Coronavirus (COVID-19): How to Talk to Your Child – KidsHealth
- How to talk to children about the coronavirus – Harvard Health Publishing
- Talking to Kids About the Coronavirus Crisis – Child Mind Institute
- CNN/Sesame Street Coronavirus Town Hall (Watch) – CNN
- COVID-19 Fact Sheet: Talking to Children About the Pandemic – Ontario Ministry of Health
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What health and safety measures are being implemented by the school to ensure the safety of students and staff for when in-person learning resumes?
In accordance with public health guidelines, we are implementing enhanced health and safety measures including screening, frequent handwashing, physical distancing, sanitization, and staff training. Please refer to our COVID-19 Health & Safety Procedures Guidance Sheet for more details.
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Will there be a policy regarding families returning to school after travel?
We will follow the provincial and/or federal guidelines, which currently require that all persons entering Canada—whether by air, land, or sea —to isolate for 14 days if they have symptoms of COVID-19, or to quarantine themselves for 14 days if they are asymptomatic to limit the spread of COVID-19. This includes travel from the USA.
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What are the school's plans should another closure be mandated?
We are ready for many scenarios, including a move to remote learning with our home-learning program, Clover Connect, should that be necessary. We are taking what we have learned during our first shutdown and working on building a more robust and comprehensive program, including home-learning materials that would be shared with our families, if needed.