NEWS
April Mental Health and Wellness Snapshot
April 13, 2021
The Saanich School District remains committed to wellness and the promotion of positive health in our schools and communities. These monthly snapshots are an invitation to learn together as we foster and promote positive health in our own lives, and the lives of those around us.
Please follow the link to access our April Snapshot focused on Substance Use.
Budget Consultation 2021/22
April 9, 2021
The Board of Education of the Saanich School District invites you to participate in and contribute to the formation of our budget for 2021/22. Public participation in this process is important for the Board's adoption of a budget that reflects the values, beliefs and priorities of the community.
The Board of Education is seeking your input through the completion of a survey and participation in a virtual Community Budget Meeting on April 15th at 7 pm. The survey will be the primary tool for gathering feedback and closes on April 22, 2021 (end of the day). The attached background document provides information on the Saanich School District and the 2021/22 budget context and facilitates the completion of the survey by those who are unable to attend the virtual meeting.
The survey is available on our website at https://www.sd63.bc.ca/202122-budget-consultation-survey
To participate in the virtual Community Budget Meeting beginning at 7 pm on April 15th, please contact Leigh Glancie at lglancie@saanichschools.ca to be included in the meeting invitation.
We look forward to your participation in this important process.
Host Families Wanted
April 8, 2021
Saanich International Student Program is actively looking for new Host Families for the international students joining us this September. Make lifelong friendships, receive a generous allowance to offset expenses and share the beauty of your home and community. Find more information here or simply apply now!
A Message from the Superintendent – Mask Protocols
March 30, 2021
Dear Parents / Guardians,
Yesterday, Dr. Bonnie Henry (PHO) amended the provincial health order for COVID-19 protocols. The changes were in response to provincial COVID-19 case counts and the importance of breaking the chain of COVID-19 transmission, especially in areas that are seeing significant spikes in numbers. And while we have been fortunate to date here in Saanich to have very limited COVID-19 exposures, all school districts throughout the province will be updating their district Safety Plans. Within these amendments are changes to the mask protocols for the K-12 education system.
Updated Non-medical Mask Protocols
All K-12 schools in B.C. will now be required to implement the following mask protocols:
All staff and students (Grade 4-12) will be required to wear masks in schools both within and outside of their learning group, except when:
- Sitting in (or standing at) their seat or desk/workstation in a classroom learning space;
- There is a barrier in place;
- Eating and drinking;
- Outdoors.
All staff and students (Grade 4-12) are required to wear masks on school buses. Students in Kindergarten to Grade 3 are recommended to wear masks within the guidelines above; however, this remains a personal choice of the parent/student. Additional masks for students in Gr 4&5 are being provided to our elementary schools this week.
Exceptions to the mask order will be made for students and staff members who cannot tolerate a mask for medical reasons.
When the new BCCDC and Ministry of Education guidelines are published we will be updating our district Safety Plan on our website. Thank you for your support and cooperation as we continue to make adjustments to our safety protocols. As always, your patience and understanding are appreciated.
Respectfully,
Dave Eberwein
Superintendent & CEO, Saanich Schools
A Message from the Superintendent - Island Health Communication
March 29, 2021
Dear Parents / Guardians,
I was contacted late last night by the Vancouver Island COVID-19 Rapid Response Team about a letter they had crafted with Island Health for distribution to all parents and guardians on the island.
The purpose of the attached letter is to remind parents and guardians of the importance of remaining vigilant in reducing possible exposures to COVID-19 and as well as doing daily health checks of your children before sending them to school. You can use the COVID-19 Health Check App to determine if you or your child should stay home and be tested for the virus. If your child is not feeling well please keep them at home and call 811 to speak with a health professional. If necessary, COVID-19 testing appointments can be made by calling 1-844-901-8442 (8:30 am – 8:00 pm).
Thank you for your continuing efforts at helping to keep our community safe.
Respectfully,
Dave Eberwein