Monday, October 5 marks World’s Teacher Day! I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the teachers and support staff at Coventry Hills School. This September has been like no other. Despite this and all the changes that have come our way, we have come together as a strong, caring community. The teachers have put in endless hours preparing the physical environment and rethinking how to best teach under our new conditions. Although, not ideal as the teachers are missing being able to bring the students closer and having more cooperative learning experiences to support the students as they engage in their work, the teachers are doing an excellent job bringing learning alive.
"In this crisis, teachers have shown, as they have done so often, great leadership and innovation in ensuring that #LearningNeverStops, that no learner is left behind. Around the world, they have worked individually and collectively to find solutions and create new learning environments for their students to allow education to continue. Their role advising on school reopening plans and supporting students with the return to school is just as important.” ~ UNESCO Joint Statement.
Teachers have been flexible, supportive and creative to find the solutions that make Coventry Hills School a great place for learning.
This past we week we acknowledged Orange Shirt Day as September 30 was declared Orange Shirt day in recognition of the harm the residential school system did to children’s sense of self-esteem and well-being, as an affirmation of our commitment to ensure everyone around us matters. Teachers read age appropriate stories and readings to the classes as a way to acknowledge the important history of Canada and ensuring that it is important to matter and to the importance of diversity within our culture. Ask your child about their classroom events.
First School Council/CHEF’s Meeting of the Year
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we will be hosting our Coventry Hills Council and CHEFS's AGM Meeting virtually throughout the year using a Microsoft Teams Application. We will be sending out a School Messenger containing the agenda and the link. Click on the link and it will take you directly to our virtual meeting. We look forward to connecting and collaborating with School Council/CHEFS in supporting our students. In addition, Ms. Dalton will be presenting information about the school’s fall operations and sharing information regarding teaching and learning. All parents are welcomed to attend this virtual session. More information from School Council/CHEFS will follow.
Google Classrooms
Google Classrooms are up and running! For students attending in-person, the Google Classroom is meant for teachers to be able to share blog information about classroom events. Teachers will be posting twice a week (Monday/Tuesday, Thursday/Friday) events that are happening. We are using the Google Classroom as a blog space this year to help both parents and students to be familiar with the platform so that it is seamless for students who are absent from school due to extended illness (3 days or more), self-isolation or COVID quarantine to access learning while they are absent. For those students who miss many days of school, they will have the opportunity to complete assignments and be connected to the classroom upon their return. Completing assignments is only meant for students who are away for extended periods of time and not for those who have just missed a day or two of school. If a child is too sick to complete assignments, teachers will support them upon their return to school. Thank you for partnering with us in your child’s education. Teachers have been communicating information regarding their Google Classrooms with families via email and our conferences. If you have any questions, connect directly with your child’s teacher.
Updates and Events
Thank you to all the families who returned their child’s school opening package information. All blue sheets are to be returned to school.
This Friday is a non-instructional day so there is no school for students. Teachers will be working on our School Development Plan for 2020-21.
Sincerely,
Benita Dalton
Principal
