Hello Everyone,

James Strath Public School is proud to be participating in this year's Terry Fox School Run. Our run will be held on Wednesday, September 29th. On the day, students can show their support by wearing JSPS school colours, purple, white or grey. 

We would love to start our fundraising now and show everyone how we can "try like Terry!". If you, your friends, or your family members would like to donate, we encourage you to use and share our school's online donation site to do so. 

The link is  http://www.terryfox.ca/JamesStrathPSPeterborough 

JSPS will also be raising money this year by selling Treats for Terry. On the day of our run, Wednesday September 29th, students can bring in $1 to purchase one bag of chips. All proceeds will get added to our school's fundraising total. 

Together we can all make a difference, and we thank you in advance for supporting this year's Terry Fox Run. #terryfoxschoolruns #tryliketerry @terryfoxfoundation

August 3, 2021

To All KPR Families,

Happy Summer! I hope you are feeling rejuvenated by the sunshine. It has been wonderful to get outside and to visit with friends and family.

This update provides the latest news on the return to school plan, announced today by Education Minister Stephen Lecce. The Minister said schools will be open again for in-person learning, starting September 7. We look forward to seeing staff and students! 

The provincial memo shared with all school boards today indicated:  

• Students will return to in-person learning daily for the full school day. 
  
  
• Remote learning will remain an option for families who wish it.

• Students in Grades 1-12 and staff will be required to wear masks while indoors and on school buses, while those in Kindergarten will be encouraged to wear masks.

• Masks will not be required outdoors, and children will not be required to stay in their cohorts when outside.

• Extra-curricular and inter-school sport activities will be permitted with some modifications; for example, high-contact sports such as basketball will take place outdoors.

• Secondary students will continue to take a maximum of two subjects at a time.

• While vaccination will not be mandatory for staff or students, immunization will still be encouraged. Local vaccination clinics will continue to run. 

• Students and staff will still be required to self-monitor daily for symptoms of illness and stay home if unwell.

• Enhanced cleaning and handwashing will remain in effect.  

• School arrival and departure times will continue to be planned for maximum distancing. 

• School boards will continue to work with local health units to monitor and respond quickly to concerns. 

Learn more about the province’s return to school plan by reading: COVID-19: Health, safety and operational guidance for schools (2001-2022).

We still believe in-person learning is best for students, as reflected in the increase in mental health issues reported during the pandemic. We also recognize that, for a number of reasons, some families prefer to have their children learn online. Families who are interested in online education will be able to confirm their choice of online learning beginning next week. Watch for more information. 

If you haven’t already done so, we encourage you to take advantage of the many vaccine clinics for ages 12 and up. For dates and locations, please visit the website of your health unit.   

This update also has information on steps taken by KPR to ensure classrooms are properly ventilated.  

 Continue to enjoy the sunshine. See you in September! 

 Sincerely, 

Rita Russo
Director of Education 

KPR NEWS 

Ventilation

Student and staff well-being is our highest priority. KPR has been improving ventilation in schools over the past year as follows:  

• Most KPR schools have centrally controlled air refresh systems, monitored and maintained in top condition by qualified staff. At these schools, we installed higher grade air filters (MERV 13). The systems also have alarms so that we can identify and fix problems immediately.  
• We upgraded the minimum amount of fresh air in our air exchange systems from 20% to at least 35%.  
• We placed over 400 stand-alone HEPA (high efficiency particulate air)filter units in classrooms that were not serviced by a mechanical HVAC system.  
• Air inside our schools is totally exchanged 1-2 hours before students and staff arrive each day. 
• We hired an independent HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) consultant to review our plans and ensure we are taking the best possible steps for the next 5 years. 
• KPR is continuing to apply $10.75 million in federal and provincial funds for COVID-related improvements over the rest of this year. They include replacement of older HVAC systems at 10 elementary and secondary schools, as well as installation of five new portables and 206 hands-free bottle filling stations. We also have upgraded the HVAC systems in 40 portables. 
• All new schools being built meet or exceed health and safety standards.  

As a result, all classrooms in KPR will be serviced by a stand-alone HEPA unit or mechanical HVAC system, and all schools will have hands-free water bottle filling stations, by the end of 2021. 

Youth Vaccinations  

Health officials continue to encourage everyone 12 and older to get vaccinated to defend against COVID. Local health units are continuing to hold immunization clinics for ages 12-17 and adults; see our KPR Youth Vaccination information page more information. You may also visit the Covid-19 Vaccines for Youth for additional information.

August 9, 2021

To All KPR Families,

This update focuses on two important matters: the opportunity for families interested in online learning to confirm their choice, and further details on the provincial return to school plan.

After we updated families and staff last week on the provincial COVID safety plan for the 2021-22 school year, the provincial government announced two new points:

• as part of an additional $25 million in funding province-wide, stand-alone HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter units will be placed in all Kindergarten classrooms, whether or not they are already served by a mechanical ventilation system
• students will be able to participate in sports indoors as well as outdoors.

These steps will be in addition to those announced last week:

• Students will return to in-person learning daily for the full school day. 
• Remote learning will remain an option for families who wish it.
• Students in Grades 1-12 and staff will be required to wear masks while indoors and on school buses, while those in Kindergarten will be encouraged to wear masks.
• Masks will not be required outdoors, and children will not be required to stay in their cohorts when outside.
• Extra-curricular and inter-school sport activities will be permitted with some modifications.
• Secondary students will continue to take a maximum of two subjects at a time.
• While vaccination will not be mandatory for staff or students, immunization will still be encouraged. Local vaccination clinics will continue to run.  
• Students and staff will still be required to self-monitor daily for symptoms of illness and stay home if unwell. 
• Enhanced cleaning and handwashing will remain in effect.  
• School arrival and departure times will continue to be planned for maximum distancing. 
• Music, field trips, assemblies, nutrition programs and cafeteria use will resume, with some modifications and in consultation with local public health partners.
• School boards will continue to work with local health units to monitor and respond quickly to concerns. 

Learn more about the province’s return to school plan by reading COVID-19: Health, safety and operational guidance for schools (2001-2022).

Provincial and local health authorities also continue to urge all Ontarians ages 12 and up to obtain their two vaccinations as soon as possible, as the best protection against COVID-19. The Education Minister also told the media that there were no plans at this time to make COVID-19 immunization mandatory for students or education staff.

Virtual Learning for 2021-22 School Year

While we continue to focus on face-to-face learning as the ideal learning model for students, we also will continue to offer virtual school this year. Families interested in online education must confirm their registration for virtual learning for their children or teens by Friday, August 20 at noon. An opt-in portal for parents and guardians to complete only if they wish their children to learn online is now open at http://optout.kprdsb.ca/ .

Please note: if you indicated initial interest in online learning in the spring, but now wish to return to in-person learning, you do not need to take any steps. Students will automatically be re-registered in their last school attended prior to virtual learning. Only those interested in virtual learning need to complete the form here.

Those interested in virtual learning must complete the form here even if they indicated initial interest in the spring.

Secondary quadmesters will start September 7, November 11, February 1 and April 21, for all high schools. Secondary students will be able to enter or exit full-time virtual learning in September 2021 and February 2022.

Elementary students will be able to enter or exit full-time virtual learning at the following designated times in the school year: beginning of September, Fall Progress Report (mid-November), Term 1 Final Report (early February), and spring 2022.

School Offices

School offices are closed for summer and will reopen August 25. Families new to KPR can still register online at School Registration (kprschools.ca) . For student transcripts, please call 705-742-9773 or toll-free 1-877-741-4577, ext. 3444.

Finally, we wish to reassure families and staff that all classrooms and learning spaces in KPR schools will be served by efficient, school-wide air exchange systems or portable HEPA units. In schools where ventilation work is continuing this fall, portable HEPA units will be used until the work is completed. Last week’s message to you has further details on ventilation; it is available here.

Enjoy the rest of your summer!

Sincerely,

Rita Russo
Director of Education

Tuesday, August 17, 2021

To All KPR Families,

As you may have heard, the provincial government today made an important announcement about COVID-19 safety requirements for education workers.

We are awaiting further information from the Ministry of Education as to how school boards must implement the new requirements. Highlights of today’s announcement by Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore include: 

• the province continues to urge voluntary immunization as the best choice for protecting against the spread of COVID-19
• the Ministry of Education will be introducing a vaccination disclosure policy for all employees of school boards, private schools and licensed child care settings for 2021-22
• employees who decline to be vaccinated will be required to complete regular rapid tests for COVID; this will begin with a minimum of once a week, with the frequency of testing increasing according to the level of risk in the community
• effective August 18, all children turning 12 years old before the end of 2021 are eligible for vaccination against COVID
• school boards will work with the province and local public health units to run voluntary vaccination clinics in or near schools to make voluntary vaccination more accessible for eligible students, their families and education staff.

We continue to work closely with the four health units within our area as we finalize our Return to School plan and prepare for the upcoming school year. We will continue to share further information with staff and families as we move forward.

Sincerely,

Rita Russo
Director of Education

Thursday, August 19, 2021

To All KPR Families,

It’s hard to believe we’re approaching the end of summer! With thoughts of the return to school at the top of families’ and staff members’ minds, we are pleased to share the attached Return to School Plan with you.  The plan is also available from the homepage of the KPR website: www.kprschools.ca  

The plan provides further details outlining how KPR will be putting new provincial requirements into operation when classes resume September 7. It is aligned with province-wide Ministry of Education and public health officials’ directives, which we have been sharing with you through the summer. Moving forward, we also will continue to work collaboratively with our four local health units. Should there be a confirmed case of COVID in a school, the health unit will oversee case and contact management. They will determine the specific steps that students or staff need to take, such as testing, self-isolation or self-monitoring for symptoms. 

Following are some highlights of the plan.

The School Day

• Students will return to in-person learning daily, beginning September 7, for the full school day.  
• Secondary students will continue to take a maximum of two subjects at a time.
• Music, field trips, assemblies, nutrition programs and cafeteria use will resume, with health and safety protocols such as masking, physical distancing and capacity limits.
• Extra-curricular and inter-school sports activities will be permitted indoors and outdoors with health and safety protocols in place.  
• Remote learning will remain an option for families who wish it. Families interested in online education must confirm their registration for virtual learning for their children or teens by Friday, August 20 at noon. As previously communicated, an opt-in portal for parents and guardians to complete only if they wish their children to learn online is open at http://optout.kprdsb.ca/ . Please note that, even if you expressed interest in online learning previously, you still must confirm it now at http://optout.kprdsb.ca/ . Students returning to in-person classes do not need to take any steps; they will be re-registered automatically in the home school they last attended in person.

Health and Safety Measures

• Students in Grades 1-12 and staff will be required to wear masks while indoors and on school buses, while those in Kindergarten will be strongly encouraged to wear masks. 
• Masks will not be required outdoors, and children will not be required to stay in their cohorts when outside. 
• Stand-alone HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter units will be placed in all Kindergarten classrooms, whether or not they are already serviced by a mechanical ventilation system. In addition, all KPR classrooms and learning spaces will be serviced by mechanical ventilation systems or HEPA filters.
• School arrival and departure times will continue to be planned for maximum distancing. 
• Enhanced cleaning and hand hygiene practices will remain in effect.

Vaccinations, Self-screening and COVID Contact Management

• Students and staff will still be required to self-monitor daily for symptoms of illness and stay home if unwell. 

• Voluntary vaccination clinics in or near schools this fall will make vaccines even more convenient and accessible for eligible students, their families, educators and school staff.
• Individuals who are fully vaccinated may not be required to isolate after a COVID exposure, provided they have no symptoms.
• Local public health units will determine the isolation and testing requirements for all COVID exposures in schools, through contact and case management. Schools will work collaboratively with local health units to communicate all required information to staff and families.
• As always, we will inform staff and families of confirmed cases in their school as soon as possible, in cooperation with public health.

We look forward to seeing everyone back in September!

Sincerely,

Rita Russo
Director of Education

Friday, September 3, 2021

To All KPR Families,

We’re almost there! School starts this Tuesday, September 7. We are excited to be able to gather in person with most students and staff once again! We also look forward to working with students and families who chose virtual learning for September.

This week’s update includes new resources flowing from the Return to School Plan we shared August 19.

I would like to share a personal video message with everyone. Please take a minute to watch this back-to-school video. We approach the coming year with hope and optimism, while ensuring that we follow all required COVID-19 protocols in our gradual return to the many activities that enrich school life.

The first day of school is one of the most exciting days of the year for many staff, students and families. To celebrate, we welcome you to share first day pictures, using #kprfirstday on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram. We can hardly wait to see your posts!

Attached are several posters about our COVID protocols, based on provincial guidelines. We hope you will find these useful for self-screening and preparing for school each day.

The Minister of Education has asked us to share a message with families today as well. Please click here to read it.

Enjoy the long weekend and see you next week!

Sincerely,

Rita Russo
Director of Education

Updated School Screening Tool
The provincial government has updated the school screening tool. It now includes shortened COVID symptom lists that are specific to students versus employees and visitors; a reduced timeline for isolation in case of possible COVID exposure (10 days instead of 14); and guidance for individuals who are fully vaccinated. The screening tool is available online at https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/

If your child is ill, please keep them at home. If your child has any of the symptoms listed in the screening tool, please follow the directions provided about isolation and testing. The attached posters include a screening tool summary with the new symptom lists and our illness protocol. They also outline how we will communicate with families about COVID cases in schools.

Please be sure to complete the screening every day for every child in your family.

Vaccination
As part of the province-wide COVID-19 vaccination campaign, health units are coordinating voluntary walk-in clinics at select KPR schools during September and October. Appointments will not be required. See details here. We also will send details on nearby clinics via School Messenger to local school communities. All vaccination clinics will take place toward the end of the school day and into the evening. Students, staff, families and local community members are able to attend the clinics.

While the province has not made vaccination mandatory for students or staff, it does require staff to disclose their vaccination status to their employer. Staff who decline vaccination must complete rapid tests at least once a week, and more often if needed.

Ventilation
All KPR classrooms and learning spaces will be serviced by portable HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter units or mechanical HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) air exchange systems. In addition, all Kindergarten, Learning and Life Skills and music classrooms, as well as childcare spaces will have portable HEPA units. 

More information about ventilation in schools is available on our website. You can access it here.

COVID Protocols
We continue to receive provincial guidance about COVID protocols and to work collaboratively with our four local public health units. KPR is taking a gradual, cautious approach to resuming school activities during September, to ensure health and safety while we monitor the local public health situation.

Please note the following: 

• Grades 1-12 students and all staff must wear masks indoors and on school buses; Kindergarten students are strongly encouraged to wear masks. Please send students with an extra mask in case one gets dirty.
• Music, field trips, nutrition programs, cafeteria use, clubs, extra-curricular activities and inter-school sports may resume gradually, with safety protocols including masking, distancing and capacity limits.
• There will be no indoor assemblies at this time. Outdoor gatherings can take place, with health and safety protocols in place.
• Volunteers and regular visitors are not permitted at this time while we work through the new vaccination disclosure guidelines. Scheduled parent meetings and orientations with staff may continue.
• Enhanced cleaning procedures remain in effect
• Hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette are very important! Please see attached resources for reminders to share with students.
• Students do not have to remain in their class cohorts while outside and do not have to wear masks outdoors. Students will be permitted to use playgrounds and outdoor equipment; hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette will be emphasized.
• Students can share learning materials in the classroom; students will be reminded to wash or sanitize their hands when using shared items.
• There will be no high-contact sports played indoors at this time (for example, basketball, football, hockey, lacrosse, rugby, soccer, wrestling), but these activities may continue outdoors.
• Should there be a confirmed case of COVID, the health unit will oversee all case and contact management, and identify steps students and staff must take, such as testing, self-isolation or self-monitoring; families and staff will be informed of confirmed cases, as soon as possible.
• If exposed to COVID, fully vaccinated individuals may not be required to isolate, provided they have no symptoms; local health units will make these decisions in each case, and communicate with those directly affected.

If you have not yet done so, we encourage you to review our Return to School Plan .

Free Mental Health Parent Conference
All KPR parents, caregivers and staff are invited to join us online at our free, 20^th Annual Virtual Parent Conference:

Saturday, October 16
9 a.m.-11 a.m.
Featuring Dr. David Templeman
You’ve Got This! Mental Health After COVID: Getting Back to Normal

While the event is free of charge, registration is required. Please register here.

Registrants will receive a link to the virtual presentation, and benefit from practical advice on supporting your child's or teen's mental health from Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist Dr. David Templeman. He is an engaging speaker and author of A Teenager's Guide to Life: The Secret to Living Life and Being Happy.

This year’s event also marks the Parent Conference’s 20^th anniversary. As we “Celebrate 20 Years of Learning!”, we have a special surprise for KPR registrants. Attendees who provide their contact information also will be eligible to win one of five copies of Dr. Templeman’s book.

We offer sincere thanks to the Parent Involvement Committee for their invaluable input and support of the conference each year.

Friday, September 10, 2021

To All KPR Families,

It is wonderful to be reunited with students and staff, as we share in the excitement of a new school year!  We love the energy and enthusiasm in our school buildings and virtual classrooms!

Students and staff have been settling into the back-to-school routine. Thank you to all families for your patience and support during what has been an incredibly busy transition for everyone. Schools and staff have implemented many changes in response to COVID-19, and they have done their best to help students experience a sense of normalcy while continuing to follow COVID protocols.

I also offer sincere appreciation to students, parents and caregivers, who have had to navigate through almost three years of unprecedented changes and challenges.  To all families new to the KPR family, I offer a heartfelt welcome, and to those who are returning, welcome back!

This update provides further information for families as we embark on a new school year. I continue to wish everyone a healthy, successful school year!

Sincerely,

Rita Russo
Director of Education

KPR NEWS

Vaccination Clinics

Walk-in vaccination clinics for students, families and community members have begun and are continuing across KPR. Clinics are coordinated by local public health units. No appointments are needed. If not yet fully vaccinated, we encourage all eligible students, staff and families to take advantage of the clinics. We have shared details on nearby clinics via School Messenger with local school communities. For clinic dates and times, please visit here.

Daily Screening

It is very important that families complete screening every day, for every child in the family.

The provincial government has updated the school screening tool. It now includes shortened COVID symptom lists that are specific to students versus employees and visitors; a reduced timeline for isolation in case of possible COVID exposure (10 days instead of 14); and guidance for individuals who are fully vaccinated. The screening tool is available online at https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/

If your child is ill, please keep them at home. If your child has any of the symptoms listed in the screening tool, please follow the directions provided about isolation and testing.

Daily Protocols

We also remind everyone of the following protocols in place:

• Grades 1-12 students and all staff must wear masks indoors and on school buses; Kindergarten students are strongly encouraged to wear masks. Please send students to school with an extra mask in case one gets dirty.
• Frequent handwashing or hand sanitizer use, respiratory etiquette and enhanced cleaning are emphasized at every school.
• At this time, no assemblies or high-contact sports are being held indoors. Outdoor gatherings can take place, with health and safety protocols.
• Because of the increased traffic flow during student pick-up and drop-off times, and the increased difficulty in maintaining physical distancing, we are asking family members to wear masks while on school property at these times.

Should there be confirmed cases of COVID in schools, the health unit will oversee case and contact management, and identify steps students and staff must take, such as testing, self-isolation or self-monitoring. If exposed to COVID, fully vaccinated individuals may not have to isolate if they have no symptoms; local health units will make these decisions in each case, and communicate with those directly affected. All families and staff will be informed of confirmed cases, as soon as possible. If you have not yet done so, we encourage you to review our Return to School Plan .

Friday, September 24, 2021

To All KPR Families,

In my travels to schools across KPR during the first three weeks of classes, I have been impressed by the high levels of learning already achieved and the many caring acts displayed by students and staff alike. Nothing brings me more joy than experiencing the positive energy and sheer fun that students and staff bring to learning every day.

It also was great to see many KPR schools participating in the Student Vote program leading up to the federal election. The parallel voting program has students researching parties’ platforms and, based on what they discover, voting for the party of their choice. This is one of many meaningful ways our schools teach civic engagement and citizenship!

I have also seen many classes preparing posters and artwork for Afghan refugees coming to our area. I am proud of the warm welcome staff and students of all ages have been extending to new Canadians, many of whom have fled difficult circumstances that are unimaginable to most of us.

School bus driver shortages continue to be a problem in many areas of Ontario, and are directly affecting local routes. Student Transportation Services of Central Ontario (STSCO), the consortium that oversees student busing in our area, continues to work closely with school bus companies to address this matter. We are pleased that the number of routes delayed or cancelled is being gradually reduced, and we hope to have all students who qualify for busing accommodated as soon as possible.

We recognize and regret the inconvenience and disruption caused to families by delays or cancellations of a number of routes, due to difficulty in filling bus driver positions. The reality is that local bus operators rarely are able to have extra drivers available on short notice to support driver absences. We are hopeful that busing routes will continue to be stabilized and supported, and we know STSCO is working closely with operators toward that goal.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Schools are continuing to prepare students in age-appropriate ways for meaningful, respectful recognition of Canada’s first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, coming this Thursday, September 30.

We are inviting students and staff to wear orange on September 30. More importantly, however, KPR schools will use this solemn day to teach about the harm caused by the residential school system, to honour residential school survivors and their families, and to remember the children who never returned home. Teachers also will focus on tangible steps everyone can take to support the journey of healing and reconciliation.

Most importantly, the learning about this day will continue throughout the school year. We have provided age-appropriate resources for staff to further their students’ understanding of this important issue, and to support those affected by its tragic legacy. At all times during the school year, our actions will focus on what it truly means when Every Child Matters.

I also want to let families know that the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation has worked with Indigenous communities and many partners to produce a unique, one-hour, commercial-free primetime broadcast on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The special will broadcast and stream live starting at 8 p.m. on Thursday, September 30 on APTN, CBC, CBC Gem, and the French-language ICI TÉLÉ and ICI.TOU.TV. I hope you are able to join us in watching this important broadcast, and in learning more about reconciliation. 

Graduation Ceremonies

We know many students and families are anxious for news on fall commencement ceremonies for our recently graduated Grade 12 students.

Due to continuing public health directives and physical distancing requirements, we are sharing that the upcoming fall Grade 12 events will be celebrated virtually.

We understand and appreciate that this is disappointing news, and not the environment we were hoping for this past June when we postponed these events.

Schools will be working on plans to provide opportunities for students to attend school on a scheduled basis for pictures, awards or certificates, and greetings with school staff. You will be contacted directly by your home school with details.

Volunteers

We also appreciate the constant, irreplaceable support of thousands of volunteers throughout KPR. Many are eager to return to schools to work with students once again.

We hope to welcome volunteers back into our schools very soon. After developing and implementing procedures for staff to meet provincial mandates for disclosing their vaccine status, we are working on finalizing protocols for volunteers. In the meantime, school councils have been continuing their invaluable work, meeting remotely to plan for the school year with staff.  

Thank you to all volunteers, and to families for supporting your children’s learning!

Sincerely,

Rita Russo
Director of Education