Dear ASD-S Families,
I hope you all had a restful and safe summer. Facilities
and custodial staff have been busy since the end of June preparing our
buildings for the new school year, and teachers returned this week to finish getting
ready for the exciting year ahead.
Students will start school next week on a staggered entry
by grade. More information will come from your child’s school, or you can review
the district calendar here.
Our Transportation Team has finalized busing information
and we encourage you to confirm your child’s stops and times on BusPlanner. By signing up for BusPlanner, you will be
notified of busing updates such as delays, cancellations, and route changes.
Information on signing up can be found here.
Over the last few years, our students have experienced
disruptions to their routine and learning as a result of the pandemic. We are
optimistic that this year will feel more like normal for staff and students and
we are looking forward to a positive year ahead.
Although
the province no longer has mandated COVID protocols, we know families and staff
are mindful about keeping our schools safe and healthy spaces. Many healthy
habits that we have been reminded of throughout the pandemic, such as washing
and sanitizing our hands, staying home when sick, and coughing into our elbows,
are still encouraged to prevent many kinds of illness, including stomach bugs,
colds, and the flu.
Although
no longer required, some students and staff will choose to wear a mask based on
their level of risk or concern. We will continue to support our schools, so
they remain a welcoming, supportive, and respectful environment for everyone.
Some
good reminders for all of us:
· Having
good attendance is important, however if your child is sick, they should stay
home. According to Public Health, with any communicable diseases, stay home
until you have been fever-free for 24 hours with no diarrhea or vomiting for 48
hours without medication.
· If you
or your child have symptoms of COVID or have tested positive, we encourage you
to follow Public Health’s advice available online.
· Everyone
six-months-old and above is now able to get vaccinated. More information on the
vaccine, and how to book an appointment, is available online.
If
you have further questions about COVID, please visit the following gnb sites:
As the school year gets underway, we encourage you to find
ways to be active in your school community. There are often a variety of
volunteer opportunities to suit different interests and availability. You may
also consider joining your school’s Parent School Support Committee (PSSC). It
is a great way to participate in your child’s school, network, and find
personal growth and professional development opportunities. Reach out to your
child’s principal for more information on these opportunities.
All
the best for the coming year and thank you for all you do to help keep our
schools welcoming, supportive places for our students to learn. We look forward
to seeing everyone in person soon.
Sincerely,
Zoë
Watson
Superintendent,
ASD-S