Dear Parents and Guardians:
Bayside is very much looking forward to welcoming all students back to school; both new and returning. This is an unprecedented situation and school will look different for students. The purpose of this communication is to provide families with as much information as possible about our planning process. Please understand that this information may need to change and adjust as we move through a new process. We are committed to ensuring that you have timely information about any changes that may need to be made.
We request that you read the information below very carefully as it is critical to ensure a safe and organized September for all.
School Start up:
Each student will attend an orientation in the first week on the following schedule:
Grade 6: Thursday, September 10--- 9:30-11 am
Grade 7: Thursday, September 10----1:15-2:45 pm
Grade 8: Friday, September 11---9:30-11 am
Limited bus service will be provided only upon request for the orientation day. To request service, please email transportation@saanichschools.ca
The purpose of the orientation day is to provide information about class placement and to review health and safety routines
We ask that parents/guardians please drop off their children no more than 15 minutes early and remain off the school grounds for health and safety reasons. Please make an appointment through the school office to meet with school staff if necessary
Please send your student to school wearing a mask (if this is not possible masks will be provided)
Please do not send your child to school with their school supplies on that first day
Full school days and bus service will begin on Monday, September 14. Please ensure that you have registered for the bus through the Saanich Schools website
Structure of the School Day
The beginning and end of the school day may be staggered for some students/classes but will be very similar to the schedule in previous years. The school schedule will be available on the school website by Tuesday, September 1.
Students will spend the bulk of their day with their homeroom class of no more than 30 students
Students will have break time with a partner class (maintaining cohorts of under 60 students). Breaks will be divided so that cohorts have separate spaces to enjoy their breaks
Students will continue to participate in elective classes (including band) and physical education. If they are taught by a staff member outside of their cohort, PPE and/or physical distancing will be used
Health and Safety Routines
Administrative staff will develop routines and schedules in the following areas:
Hand washing and hand sanitizing as students enter outside classroom doors
Hallway movement directions and routines
Entering into different classroom doors and/or staggered times
Requiring masks in hallways/common areas/buses and anywhere where students are not in their cohort. Students will be provided with two reusable masks at the beginning of the school year
More information regarding daily health checks and other health and safety measures will be shared with families early next week
Students will be provided with wristbands that will identify their cohort for the first two weeks. This will allow to clarify cohort grouping; which is an added layer of organization and will help in support of physical distancing.
Action Items for Parents
Review the above routines with your student
Bayside is offering grade 6 student tours on a pre-arranged basis on Friday September 4th. Space will be limited. Please contact the school office if you choose to take advantage of this opportunity.
Notify the school by Friday, August 28 if you have an alternative plan for your student (i.e Distributed Learning)
If you require bus service for the orientation day (September 10/11) please contact transportation@saanichschools.ca
We understand that the COVID pandemic has been extremely stressful for families and that there is significant apprehension regarding the start of school. We are committed to working alongside families and students to make this experience as positive and rewarding as possible. As always, we look forward to having students back at school learning and growing and having some fun along the way.
Sincerely
Bayside Administration