March 30 – April 3
Dear Parents,
Please know that in these unprecedented times, we are thinking about all of our SMS families and wishing we could be back with our fabulous students tomorrow. Our school is a community, and it is unsettling for our students, teachers, CEAs, custodians, bus drivers and office staff not to be returning together after Spring Break. Our staff are working hard to determine how we can best support our students. Nothing can replace the caring learning environment that we are proud of, but we will do our best in these uncertain times. I know there are more questions than answers right now. I will try to answer a few of the questions. A detailed letter from SD 83 will be emailed to all parents/guardians on Monday.
The goal of our CORE teachers this week is to connect with each family by telephone. As we are familiarizing ourselves with a new on-line system, this phone call will not come from the SMS telephone number; it will be generated through teachers’ computers. The goal of the phone call is to reconnect with students and families and to determine how we can best support continued learning. We know this will look different for each family. We are worried about the students who rely on our breakfast and lunch programs. We will be checking in to determine how many families are in need of continued support (we don’t know what that will look like yet). Included in the phone call will be a chance for you to let us know if you are an essential service worker. The district will collate the needs and put a district plan in place to help with day care where needed for our essential service workers.
We will be putting plans in place for students who need access to their belongings. Priority will be given for items such as orthotics or retainers that may have been left in lockers. Please be patient as we put together a plan that allows for physical distancing and safety for staff and students.
Please do not leave messages on the school telephone. If you need to be in contact with the office, please email Mr. Matheson, Ms. Major or me. We look forward to the time when we are back in session at SMS. Please take care of yourselves and each other.
wwoodhur@sd83.bc.ca
cmatheson@sd83.bc.ca
smajor@sd83.bc.ca