Hi everyone,
I am happy to say that we have completed our safety inspection, and that classrooms have been set up to allow for physical distancing. As a result, staff are able to come in starting Friday, August 28. Please note the timetable is not set as of today, and is therefore subject to change (we have approximately 230 students who have opted for online). The exterior doors will continue to be locked, so you will need to call ahead to let us know you are coming so we can let you in.
As you may already be aware, the start time for all secondary schools (except the 7-12 schools) has been moved to 10AM. If any of you are doing the math, then you know that our end time is changing dramatically as well, due in part to the 90 minute lunch that is listed in the current model. The length of lunch time is based on our longest bus route, and as such may shorten dependent on our busing (I don’t have that information yet). I want to be transparent in that the worst case scenario will be an end to work day at 4:30 PM. I know many of you need to arrange child care so I wanted to let you know as quickly as possible.
A Safe and Healthy Workplace
Given that it is now going on 6 months since our school has been open/active, I recognize that individuals may have a variety of responses to returning to our shared work space. It is therefore extremely important that all staff review and follow the health and safety protocols that will be put in place. These protocols provide layers of protection which work in conjunction with one another to reduce transmission of Covid 19 and keep us all healthy.
1. Self Assessment – All staff members must monitor their health and take responsibility for completing the covid 19 self-assessment each day. If you are experiencing any symptoms or have been in contact with anyone who has been diagnosed with Covid 19, you should inform your admin team and should not come into the workplace. https://covid-19.ontario.ca/self-assessment/
2. Physical Distancing – when moving through the building and working, wherever possible please endeavour to maintain a physical distance of 2m.
3. Masks – All staff will be provided Level 1 medical masks that must be worn in the workplace at all times when physical distancing (2m) cannot be maintained. Cloth face coverings are not an acceptable substitute.
4. Hand Hygiene – Wash/Sanitize your hands often throughout the day and specifically before or after use of any common equipment such as photocopiers.
5. Use the washroom that is closest to your classroom/office. Wash your hands and use a paper towel to open the door when exiting.
6. Interior doors will be propped open throughout the school each day to limit contact on door handles.
7. All exterior doors will be locked at all times, except at the start of day. Staff who wish to arrive to school early will do so through the exterior doors west of “the street” entrance (these doors will be open early and only for staff). All visitors will be by appointment only and will need to report to reception to fill out a contact tracing form.
8. Staff rooms/Kitchen areas will be restricted in terms of the numbers of people who are able to gather – signage will be posted.
9. Wherever possible please stay in your own department area.
10. We will likely not be able to meet as an entire staff as we are over 50 in number. We will continue to use an online platform for our PD, although staff will need to be in the building, logging in from their classrooms for all PA days and staff meetings.
Recording of persons in the building.
Each time you enter the building, either before or after September 8, you will be required to check in with Amy in attendance. Amy will record you as present in the building and you will be provided with two masks per day when you check in.
Thanks so much for all that you do. I look forward to seeing you again soon!!
Sincerely,
