Prospect Lake Elementary School

Wednesday, August 26, 2020

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We are very much looking forward to welcoming students back to school. 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 to be responsive to the circumstances. 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. 

New Kindergarten Entry plans will be emailed to parents and guardians in a separate email on Thursday August 27. 

School Start up: ORIENTATION DAY

• Each student will attend an orientation in the first week on the following schedule:

• **Limited bus service will be provided only upon request for the orientation days.  To request service, please email transportation@saanichschools.ca no later than September 2nd. 

• The purpose of the orientation day for Gr 1-5  is to provide information about class placement and to review health and safety routines with students.

• We ask that parents/guardians please drop off their children no more than 15 minutes early and for health and safety reasons we ask that parents drop off at the check in table by the covered area and not remain on the school grounds.

• Please bring your child to the marked tables to find their cohort grouping. Staff will greet your children at the marked entry areas and escort them to their assigned cohort area. 

• Students do not need to bring supplies, backpacks or snacks during their orientation time on September 10/11. 

• Pick up will be on the Adam Kerr field at the front of the school for the orientation days.  Students will be dismissed with their assigned cohort.  

• If you would like to meet with school staff, please make an appointment through the school office. 

• Playgrounds will be closed before school on these two days in order to support Health and Safety routines.

• Further information regarding support for students impacted by immune suppression will be available to families early next week.

• Full school days and bus service will begin on Monday, September 14.  If needed, please ensure that you have registered for the bus through the Saanich Schools website. 

Structure of the School Day

• There will be no changes to the start or end times of the school day from previous years. The school schedule will be available on the district and/or school website. There will be a staggered entry and exit until further notice.

• Students will remain with their assigned classroom for instructional time. 

• Classes will be connected to create a learning cohort of under 60 students/staff. 

• Recess and lunch breaks will be staggered to allow for greater distancing between cohorts. Outdoor areas will be divided so that cohorts have separate spaces to enjoy their breaks.  

• If students 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 share school specific Health and Safety routines and schedules with families early next week in the areas of: 

• Hand washing and hand sanitizing

• Washroom use

• Hallway movement directions and routines

• Entering and exiting doors and/or staggered times

• More information regarding daily health checks and other health and safety measures will be shared with families early next week

Action Items for Parents

• Review the above routines with your student

• Notify the school by Friday, August 28th 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 by September 2nd. 

We understand that the COVID pandemic has been extremely stressful for families and that there may be 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, growing and having some fun along the way.

Sincerely,

Ms. Ko and Ms. Lail