Dear Cordova Bay Families,
As we step into a new pace, a new perspective and new priorities, I thank you for your continued focus on keeping our community strong. Through your ongoing connections with your child's learning team at Cordova Bay, you have done the most important work to date, which is to reassure your child(ren) that we are here for them. You have helped create a sense of normal at a time when children need it most. My most sincere gratitude for your positive messages to staff, as they reach out to make those very important connections with your children.
Ms. Meausette and I, during our check-ins via Microsoft Teams with staff, have noted that there is one clear message from our Cordova Bay team - We miss our 400 students tremendously! We are buoyed by the messages from students and parents. What we are most proud of though is how our students are committed to doing their part too - staying home and making the effort to physically distance is a crucial way to contribute to safety for our whole community. For staff at Cordova Bay, we are also so excited to see our kiddos engaged in community-building activities, such as the two that I have listed below:
Hearts for Solidarity and to Support for Healthcare Workers An event where households make hearts and post in their home windows to show their support.
Victoria Area Physical Distancing Easter Egg Hunt An event where households, businesses and organizations are invited to “hunt” for Easter eggs while practicing social distancing. People can participate by decorating eggs — as simple or elaborate as they would like to make them — and placing them in windows. Then, families can go for walks in their neighborhoods over the Easter weekend and tally how many eggs they see along the way.
We encourage our students to take time to participate in these community events, and share pics and stories with their teacher, Principal and Vice Principal. This is a great way to keep our wonderful sense of community strong and alive.
Heron High Five - This fun activity will be after the Easter long weekend and will no doubt get your child's creative juices flowing!
Staff is working hard to translate our teaching expertise into meaningful connections and weekly learning opportunities for your child(ren) at home. We are working to ensure that we provide approximately 5 hours per week, as mandated by the Ministry. As mentioned by Superintendent Eberwein, this is not meant to be a continuation of traditional programs or even distance learning, but is "remote emergency learning" and is brand new to everyone. We will have bumps in the road. For those families who desire more and are able to engage in extra, we will be able to direct you to optional learning opportunities. Please trust that we acknowledge, given the unique realities of each family, that all learning opportunities may not be completed. Families are encouraged and supported to do what they can, when they can. Family and emotional needs first!
When families just can't get to the learning opportunities provided, we encourage the following family-based activities: reading together, playing board games involving language and math skills, playing outside, getting out in nature, cooking/building together, sharing fun family stories, keeping gratitude journals/activities, etc.
You can expect contact from your child’s teacher weekly and more. There will be variation from class to class and week to week. It will take time to try new things, consider how it is working and make adjustments going forward. Please keep in mind that the delivery of learning at home opportunities will vary from class to class.
How can we help?
- Connecting with the school team via phone – Please contact the school board office at 250 652 7300 and they will ensure that the appropriate staff member returns your call
- Student Devices - If you need a device or help to secure internet for home, contact your child’s teacher, Mrs Heron mheron@saanichschools.ca or Ms Meausette mmeausette@saanichschools.ca
- Telus info for internet access for families in need:
https://www.telus.com/en/about/company-overview/community-investment/how-we-give/cause-campaigns/internet-for-good
https://www.telus.com/en/about/news-and-events/media-releases/telus-waives-internet-fees-for-low-income-families
- Food for Families – Contact Mrs Heron or Ms Meausette for more information
- Sign up for Forum posts - this is a good way to receive updates and tips from our community. Visit the Cordova Bay website (Parent and Subscriptions). Ensure you are reading and responding to email and other communications, so teachers know they are reaching you.
- Medication and other essential items: Let us know if there are any essential items currently stored at the school that you would like to obtain. The district Joint Health and Safety Committee is working closely with school JHSC teams to establish best practices for getting these items to families, while respecting directives from our Provincial Health Officers. Contact your child’s teacher, Mrs Heron mheron@saanichschools.ca or Ms Meausette mmeausette@saanichschools.ca for access information.
- Cordova Bay Learning Services Team – As teachers plan for learning (to commence any time before mid-April, as per ministry guidelines for the continuity of learning) members of our learning services team are reaching out to families of students who require more specialized and unique supports. Please reach out to us, as we establish these plans, if you have any suggestions, questions, concerns, etc.
- Provide Feedback – Your feedback is important. Please connect with us, as we grow and learn together, as your input is sure to help everyone
The Cordova Bay School community is an amazing place to learn and work, and we are certain it will continue to be so during these new times. Slow and steady!
Please contact me or your child’s teacher if you have any questions.
Virtual hugs,
Mrs ML Heron, Ms Meausette and The Cordova Bay School Team