We want to provide you with an update from this week and share a memo (DM PARENT memo March 20.pdf) from the Deputy Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development, Mr. George Daley.   [Click here for Arabic: Memo to Parents and Guardians (March 20 2020)-Arabic.pdf].

As you would be aware the Premier declared a state of emergency in our province on Thursday afternoon and stated that schools will be closed until further notice, with a reassessment the first week of April.  We know that with the announcement there  will be questions about the continuation of learning for our 23 000 students, questions about exams, report cards, and graduation.  Please know that in the coming weeks our School District team will be working collaboratively with school leaders and the province to pursue learning options and answers to your questions.  As Mr. Daley’s memo states you should not expect learning options and materials until April at the earliest.  The Department is developing some physical and mental health resources for family and these will be shared with you next week.   

A reminder of the Q and A document on the ASD-S website as well as information on how to talk to your child about COVID – 19 and the current situation.

We continue to ask that no one be inside our schools – if you need to pick up medications that are in the school, please contact your Principal who can make those arrangements.  The custodians worked for four days this week to do a deep cleaning of each of our schools – with special attention to surfaces like counters, desks, door knobs, and washrooms.   Staff in our offices and in early childhood have been identified to provide essential services as well.

It is important to continue reminding  children/teens about the importance of good handwashing (20 seconds), and etiquette for sneezing and coughing.  It is so important that we all do our part to “flatten the curve” and slow the spread of the virus.    

Please continue to watch for updates on our School Connects messaging system, our ASD-S website, Twitter and Facebook.

Thank you for your on-going cooperation and understanding at this time.   We recognize that this is a challenging time for everyone.

Zoë Watson, Superintendent​