COVID-19 Newsletter #4 (Back-to-School Edition)

Welcome to the fourth edition of our COVID-19 newsletter, where you will find information regarding the latest Ministry of Education directives and Public Health guidelines, as well as answers to some of the most frequently asked questions from parents and students.

Please click here to view PDF Version of EMSB COVID-19 Newsletter No:4

The EMSB will continue to implement COVID-19 Ministry protocols for the 2020-2021 school year.

• For more information on the Ministry of Education Back-to-School Plan, click here.
• You have questions, we have answers! We invite you to have a look at our COVID-19/back-to-school FAQ, which is regularly updated. It currently features over 75 questions and answers.
• For information on the Back-to-School Plan featured in previous newsletters, click here.
• Should you have additional questions, please contact us.

EMSB Launches its Virtual School

On Tuesday, September 8^th the EMSB will launch its Virtual School, available for students from preschool to secondary V who qualify for online learning due to COVID-19.

Presently there are 400 students enrolled. This accounts for nearly one percent of the EMSB’s total student population. The Virtual School will be led by two Administrators, Jessica Monti, presently the Vice-Principal at East Hill, and Francesca Magliocco, presently the Vice-Principal at Vincent Massey Collegiate. In addition to a teaching staff, there will be a team of professionals and special needs consultants to support students.

• Click here to read more.

Berline Bus Drivers Needed Student Transportation

As per the EMSB Transportation Policy, services must be provided to students who are eligible for transportation. However, amid the COVID-19 situation, the EMSB has had to modify the functioning of its transportation organization in order to ensure that Government Health and Safety measures are being met; specifically restricting the number of students that are inside each vehicle. In turn, this has limited our ability to provide services to families who require bussing.

Although we continue to do our very best in these exceptional times, we are now faced with the challenge of a shortage of bus drivers. Therefore, we are asking that if you, or someone you know, are interested in a job opportunity, please visit the link for the list of qualifications and information on how to apply (click here).

We welcome all applicants and thank you in advance for your interest.

Declaration of Obligation to Perform Daily Health Assessment of Children

Given the exceptional circumstances in which we are living, we must collectively do our part to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission in our schools and centers. As such, Public Health authorities ask that parents monitor their children's symptoms each morning before they leave for school. In order to ensure a safe learning environment for all, your commitment to evaluate your child’s health on a daily basis is important.

You should have already received the “Declaration of Obligation to Perform Daily Health Assessment of your Child” form. 

• You can also click here to complete the form.

Is your child showing Symptoms on this list?

• One (1) of the following:
  

  Fever: 38.1 ° C (100.4 ° F) and above (oral)
  Loss of smell, without nasal congestion
  Cough (new or worse) without cause, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing

OR

• Two (2) of the following symptoms:
  

  Sore throat
  Congestion / runny nose
  Intense fatigue
  Significant loss of appetite
  Generalized muscle pain
  Vomiting Diarrhea Abdominal pain

If you have answered yes to the question above, your child must remain at home. Also contact the COVID-19 line: 514-644-4545 and your school to report the absence.

COVID-19 Symptoms Assessment Tool

Twice a week parents will receive via e-mail an easy-to-use assessment tool in order to assist in determining whether a child has symptoms that require him/her to remain at home.

We ask that parents continue to practice proper hygiene and discuss safety measures with their children, such as social distancing while in school and how and when to wear a mask. Although government directives state that face coverings are mandatory for students as of grade 5, we continue to encourage all students to wear a face covering. Kindly ensure that your child is equipped with two clean face coverings per day in a protective case. 

• Click here to read The ABC’s of wearing a face covering at school

If your child has symptoms and must remain at home for a limited amount of time, the school is not required to provide online instruction; however, the school will provide academic work and learning material so that your child can continue to learn at home and not fall behind in his/her studies.

Click below for additional information;

• Children and COVID-19 procedure to follow in educational institutions

Continue to protect yourself and others from the spread of COVID-19 by avoiding large gatherings and crowded places! 

It is a collective responsibility.