Families of Hubbard Avenue Elementary School,
I have confirmed that the classroom environment at Hubbard is now warm and
safe. With this, we are prepared to move back to “in-person” learning on
Monday, February 22. There are some important points to note with this
decision:
- The heating pipes, although mostly repaired, remain a
concern that we will need to monitor carefully. The concern is that
they may fail again. The repairs have been done with some patch-work
and replacement of some piping in an easily accessible area. The
system is repaired enough that will allow the heat to flow and the air
quality in the classroom setting is safe.
- The gymnasium will be closed for the week. This
is for precautionary reasons. Physical Education classes will
continue, but just in a different location.
- Knowing that the heating system could fail again at any
point, it is important for staff and families to have a back-up plan if we
need to move to remote learning on short notice.
- The heating system
could fail early in the morning which would result in school being
canceled for the day and a subsequent shift to remote learning the next
day.
- The heating system
could fail during the day which might result in students being sent home
early and shifting to remote learning the next day.
- The heating system
could fail in the evening which would require communication from the
principal or me and shifting to remote learning the next day.
- Officials from the Department of Education and Early
Childhood Development (EECD) and the Department of Transportation and
Infrastructure (DTI) have been working with us tirelessly on this
emergency situation. Collectively, we have been exploring options
for a long-term fix that may or may not involve a temporary partial or
full relocation of students to another building for their learning.
A variety of options are being explored and I hope to have more information
to share later next week on the next steps.
This message now confirms the plans for next week, taking us to March
Break. We will use the school as long as we are able and revert to remote
learning only if required. Please remember that the switch to remote learning
could be communicated at any time.
The safety and comfort of students and staff remain the priority.
Efforts of Hubbard staff to ensure continued learning in this unique
circumstance have not gone unnoticed and are appreciated. Commitments by
students and their families are also recognized during this unusual time.
I look forward to sharing more information with you towards the end of next
week. Have a nice weekend.
Sincerely and with thanks for your patience,
David McTimoney, Superintendent