I trust all students and staff are ready for a break. Academic years in Canada do not break up into equal portions between holidays and, of all the portions, the one that stretches from September to the winter holiday is the longest. To put it into perspective, our school year consists of 20 cycles of 8 days, Day 1 to Day 8. Shortly after returning from the winter break, we complete the tenth cycle. In other words, students are in class for nearly half a year before a significant holiday. This makes the mid-term break that begins tomorrow all the more important. Students (and teachers!) need time to re-group and change up their daily routines. Time away from School is healthy both mentally and physically, and it is the aspect of physical health that I want to highlight in my message today. The onset of seasonal viral infections such as the common cold or influenza (flu) is something we must anticipate and take steps to ensure preventative measures are in place to reduce transmission. Living in close quarters as we do in a school setting, a cold or flu is easy shared with others. Normally, this is the time of year when we would post fresh signs around campus urging frequent hand sanitization and reminding of appropriate sneeze etiquette. Even with prevention efforts, we expect to receive more calls and emails excusing students’ absence due to illness as the season for viral infections rolls around. Pandemic health and safety measures mean these signs have already been in place long before any possible seasonal infection could begin. Beyond the signs, masks, physical spacing, and easy access to hand sanitizing stations, the pandemic has been correlated with lower rates of absenteeism for both staff and students. In fact, attendance through the early months of 2021 was stronger than one year previous. In 2021-2022, with greater community interaction, a return to after-school activities for many students, and to busy lives, the common cold and flu is reminding us that seasonal viruses are still here. With this in mind, and the importance of not adding pressure to an already fragile healthcare system, I urge everyone in our community to step up our game when it comes to: 1) reflecting upon the questions asked in the daily health check, 2) staying home when symptoms present, 3) sanitizing hands more often, and 4) avoiding crowded situations. Further positive actions include getting a flu shot which is as easy as going to a local pharmacy. Now, more than ever, let’s recommit to keeping the campus virus-free, the community healthy, and students in class.
Senior School Student Dining Returns to Self-Serve As we slowly return to regular routines, the Senior School students will shift from being served lunch to having the option of a self-serve model. This will begin immediately following the mid-term break on Monday, November 16. See updated COVID-19 CHS Health and Safety Guidelines for more information on this update. Vaccines for Children Ages 5 to 11 Are Coming Soon Health Canada is reviewing the clinical trial data from Pfizer for the use of the vaccine for children age 5 to 11. The vaccine is not yet available for this age group; however, parents/guardians can register their child now to get ready. Registering online, according to the website, takes 2-minutes. For information on vaccination clinics, how to prepare and what to bring, please visit the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 vaccination and immunization website. Financial Assistance for CHS Families Current families whose financial circumstances have changed recently can apply for financial assistance. Applications, through Apple Financial Services, for the 2022-2023 school year are due December 1, 2021. The application fee will be waived for current Crofton House families. If you have any questions, please contact Karen Choi, Director, Finance. Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS) Visiting Committee As described in the Head of School Message in the October 29 ECalls, we will soon welcome members from other independent schools across Canada who will virtually meet with members of all constituent groups to assess the School’s adherence to CAIS standards. This review will take place between Sunday, November 21 to Wednesday, November 24. We have now received the list of individuals who will make up this committee. Additional members to be confirmed.
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Courage, Creativity, Citizenship
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